So easy

As promised, here's what the RDC is meant for. ... Automated passenger service! Connect some some Unitrack to the Timsaver, and we can go places. However, I can't really do this myself while working, that's what computers are for.

I connected the NCE interface to USB on my workstation and the cab bus. Set the preferences in JMRI. Pull up a JMRI throttle, and ... it just works. All while David is trying out the Timesaver and switching cars. That's how plug-and-play should be. Up and running in less than 5 minutes. Awesome.

Next up was meddling with the stock BackAndForthTimed.py script a little bit, and voila ... there's the RDC making it's rounds under computer control.

Due to mechanical variations, using the timing approach is not working particularly well. E.g. there's a light uphill climb onto the Timesaver module, and it appears the RDC has a preferred direction, so the endpoints for each trip shift a little bit. Eventually it reaches the end of track on one side of the trip.

However, using timing works accurately enough to be feasible with one detected section on the Timesaver. Until then, here's the RDC making an automated roundtrip across my desk.