Purpose:

A Block comprises a set of one or more track segments. Each block has a block occupancy detection (BOD) machine associated with it. This means that one of the track's power lines runs through a BOD machine. The BOD machine can detect the presence of a locomotive or other rolling stock on any part of the track segments in the block. The state of the BOD , occupied or not occupied, is forwarded to the computer (or other device) for further decision making.

Screen Images:

Every Block with an occupancy sensor is inventoried in this table

This figure shows the specification of a block. The list of track segments comprising the block are listed elsewhere.

Data Description:

Block ID - unique numerical identifier for this Block; up to 6 digits

Block State - preset to 'Unknown'; update from layout if feedback installed

Sensor Address - unique address for this block's Occupancy Detector (BOD) feedback message; up to 5 digits

Reporting Track - Track ID where the BOD is located; drop down list provided

Block Description - text to help you remember where this BOD is; 40 characters

BOD Control Device ID - ID of electronic device where this BOD status messages come from; ; drop down list provided

BOD Machine ID - ID of machine which reports to the Control Device; may be a wire and terminal block or an electronic circuit board.

Current Occupier Type - only Locos supported at this time; calculated from address info

Current Occupier Address - received in BOD feedback message

Current Occupier Direction - predicted by adjacent BOD activity; corrected by Dispatcher

Last Occupier Type - prior value in Current Occupier Type

Last Occupier Address - prior value in Current Occupier Address

Last Occupier Direction - prior value in Current Occupier Direction

Function Descriptions:

Print Block Sensor ID Signage - Square signs contain the Sensor ID suitable for posting on layout
Print Block Sensor Address Signage - Square signs contain the Sensor Address suitable for posting on layout; choose ID or address - yout choice
Block Occupancy Device Valuation - quick look at sunk costs for this asset
Copy a Block - shortcut for adding another similar block

JMRI Automation
Select Output Path - network path to the directory where the next files will be placed
Make JMRI Sensors XML - identifies/synchronizes all of your sensors to JMRI
Make Jython Sensor Reset Script - script to reset your BOD state in JMRI; some devices may be notified by JMRI
Make Jython Last Sensor Script - script containing the last state of the BODs in MRRM to sync with JMRI
Make Sensor Listeners - script to ask JMRI to listen for activity reported from your BOD control device and to send feedback messages to MRRM for synchronization

Toggle All Sensor States - set the state of all BOD in MRRM; does NOT automatically report to JMRI or layout

How to Use:

Once installed, use is automatic. Used by layout automation and panel services.