JMRI Hardware Guide: LocoNet Simulator

If JMRI is configured to use a Digitrax LocoNet connection, but the connection isn't available, several aspects of the program will not function. This is because the program needs to interact with the LocoNet during normal operation, and without the expected responses from the LocoNet it will appear basically dead.

The "LocoNet Simulator" was created to make it possible to use JMRI in a disconnected mode. This is useful e.g. if you want to develop a panel while away from your layout.

To use the LocoNet Simulator, select it as your lahyout connection in the preferences, save the preferences, quit and restart the program. You should then be able to access LocoNet items such as Turnouts, Sensors, Signals, etc. Some of the more advanced features, such as the BDL168 programmer, will not fully function, but you should be able to do all the steps to build and edit panels.

When your computer is connected to the LocoNet again, you can change the preferences to the proper connection, e.g. a LocoBuffer-USB, and use the panel you've created.

Hex files

The simulator can also read and playback hex traces of LocoNet activity to see how the program will react to them. Each line in the trace is a single LocoNet packet in hexadecimal characters. You can create one of these by for example turnign on the "show raw data" option in a LocoNet Monitor window, and having the monitor write to a log file. You'll have to edit the resulting file to remove the human readable lines, leaving just the hex raw data.

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