CATrain: PROGRAM IDENTITY MAP
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Program Name: CATrain
Program Release: 1.65
Date of the Release: October 2000
Executable file: CATRAIN.EXE
Development: Joël Bouchat
Address: 69 rue de Paris F-91400 ORSAY France
E.Mail: joel.bouchat@usa.net
WEB site: http://www.multimania.com/catrain

What's new in CATrain 1.65 compared to the 1.60 version?

Thanks to the remarks and anomaly reports received from the users,   
several bugs have been fixed. These bugs essentially concerned the   
traffic management.  
A very bothersome bug, which prevented the loading of the DLL on some machines  
where 16 bit DLLs and 32 bit DLLs are coexisting, has also been fixed.  
Following your remarks, some functions have also been added or modified.  
   
Thanks again for your help.  
  
Some new features in CATrain 1.65:  
---------------------------------  
- Importing background drawings through the Clipboard:
The method for setting up a background scenary was not easy, and it has often been
criticized. Therefore, in addition to the "old" method, another way for installing 
a specific background is now implemented. The user can directly import a  "bitmap" 
picture, copied into the clipboard by another application (e.g. "Paint").   
This function is accessible through the menu:  
             "Display->BAckground->Clipboard BMP"  
The picture is immediately drawn on CATrain window.
When the layout is saved to the disk, the user is asked: "Do you want to save the 
new background ?". If the answer is "Yes", the new background is saved in a "xxx.bmp" 
file on the disk, associated to the layout "xxx.tci" file as a specific background.
This method is easier and more comprehensive than creating a dedicated "xxx.bmp file and 
selecting it.  
Moreover, the former limitation to 256 colors for the bitmap format has been cancelled.
  
- Exporting of the complete layout drawing to the Clipboard:   
The content of CATrain layout window is copied to the clipboard as a "bitmap", 
in order to be transferred to another application (e.g. "Paint").   
This is useful for creating your own specific background, using the track positioning 
as a starting point. The bitmap format and the number of colors are defined by the 
default Window© screen mode.
  
- Semi-automatic traffic:
The completely automatic traffic mode is replaced by a semi-automatic mode.
No fundamental change however.  
Previously, in automatic traffic mode, a train stopped at a red signal, started as soon 
as the track was free. The signal was automatically set to green.  
This is always true, except when the signal has been voluntarily set to red by   
the user himself. (for example by clicking 1 time on a green signal or 2 times   
on an already red signal).  
In this case, the train remains stopped behind this signal until the user sets the signal
to green again. This way, we can achieve a better control of the train movements, even in
automatic mode.  
For those who dislike this feature, it can be deactivated by inserting the line:  
"SEMIAUTO = 0" in the chapter [PARAMETERS] of the catrain.ini " file ".  
(undocumented).  
  
- New "Device Controller" Modules:
As far as the hardware is concerned, the "Device Controller" has been updated.
Each previous Controller could only control 4 devices, which can be twin spool devices. 
The new Controller can be programmed by the user for controlling 8 simple devices
rather than 4 dual ones. This may be useful for lowering the number of modules needed
when driving LED signals, simple electromagnetic relays, and so on.  
Every Device Controller programmed for operating in this mode, is seen as 2 modules
with consecutive addresses, responding to 8 device addresses instead of 4.   
For setting the modules in this new mode, a new version of the initialization and test
software is provided in the "CATrain" pack.   
The name of this software is "pwmde3e.exe" with its documentation file "pwmde3e.pdf".  
  
Functionalities introduced with the 1.6 version:
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- Editing an existing itinerary:
This functions allows modifying an existing itinerary without needing to create 
a new capture. 
Editing is performed in text mode.
The Itinerary can be examined and slightly modified by the user using classical 
text editing features. 
You can add or modify pause delays, add extra event synchronization and so on.
This is practical and the syntax is rather explicit.

- Reversing the train motion on an itinerary:
You can now create itineraries with automatic train reversion, on side tracks or
on track section terminated with a signal.
Small examples of such itineraries are given in the file "arfb.tci". In this file,
you will see two "synchronized" itineraries: "flip-flop 1" and "flip-flop 2". The
train departure is synchronized on the arrival of another train. Such a traffic is 
a bit difficult to start, you must be careful not starting both trains together,
afterwards, everything goes well.
"cortina.tci" is another example where automatic train reversion has been (over)used.
The layout is crowded with 7 trains. There are many contentions, but the traffic
is funny. This layout has been practically achieved in "Z" scale, controlled by
the "Block Modules". Therefore, you can consider it as a good example for cutting a
layout in blocks and addressing the blocks.

- Complete Polarity Management.
Fixing the rail polarity is mandatory when using the "Block Modules". Every rail section
and every turnout must have its polarity and its block address ABSOLUTELY defined.
There are now features available for fixing a default polarity scheme. 
When editing the polarity scheme, you can modify the polarity clicking on the concerned 
switch or rail section.
If this is not properly done, the DLL will try to address some non-existing blocks and
CATrain may not correctly work. Same remark is also valid for the "Device Control". 
Every turnout or signal must has a correct address. If you do not want to give an 
address, give the value "255". This is a dummy address ignored by the DLL.

- Synchronizing trains in Manual Traffic.
Even when the train are manually controlled, it is possible to force the synchronization
between the model and the real layout. This may help when you control a train using the 
"block" method. This way, you are always sure that the control voltage is applied to the 
block(s) on which the train is located.

- New testing software:
A new version of the Module initialization and testing software is available. 
"pwmde2e.exxe" can cope with several modules together. It can also display the protocol
error when the link is not reliable or your computer is too slow and some information
is lost.

- New Modules:
An new "Train Detector" Module is introduced. 
This is an auxiliary module. It can be used to achieve a better synchronization between 
the trains and the models. It detects the passage of the trains. Its presence is not 
absolutely required, because a PWM module is already capable of detecting the train 
presence, but it does not know exactly where is the train on the block. The "Detector" 
module is more precise. It can detect a loco by using a mechanical contact or, it can
be coupled with a "current sensing" device which detects the locomotive electrical 
power consumption.
The "Train Detector" and the "Current Sensing" module schematic are given into the 
"module_e.pdf" document.


Hereafter, you will find the usual overview.

CATrain OVERVIEW
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CATrain is a tool for designing, simulating and controlling Model Railways.
The "Design" mode allows for the drawing of very simplified schematics of the
railroad layout on the P.C. screen, including devices like turnouts, signals and
level crossing.
The user can define the characteristics of every device and rail section, using the
"Edit" mode.
The "Running" mode permits the checking of the layout by simultaneously running
several train models on it.
The trains which have been installed on the railway are animated on the screen and
the User can observe the traffic simultaneously with the turnout and signal operation.
This is useful to define a good layout topology and to optimize the signal positioning.
When the PC is connected to a dedicated Controller, CATrain can control a real model
railway.
The trains can either circulate under the "manual" control of the User or
automatically, following user defined itineraries.
In Automatic mode, CATrain controls the journey, the schedule and the track contention
for every train.
As far as the motion of the trains is concerned, CATrain simulates gradual
acceleration and deceleration for a more realistic effect.
In Automatic mode, The Digitally Controlled trains follow their itinerary while the
computer sets the turnouts and the signals as required.
The feed-back information provided by the train presence detectors ensures a good
synchronization between the model and the real life version.
Both the devices (turnouts, signals, ...) and the locomotives are under computer
control, when they are fitted with a digital remote control.
CATrain chooses the electrical power applied to the locomotive engine, according to
a "motion profile curve" specific to each locomotive.
It also takes into account the slope incidence in order to raise or lower the
electrical power.

INSTALLATION
------------
The easiest way to proceed when installing the CATrain software is to run the provided
"SETUP" procedure.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
---------------------
To use CATrain you need an Personal Computer with at least a PENTIUM(c) 75 CPU with
8 Mega Bytes of RAM, a hard disk, a 256 colors VGA board and a mouse.
CATrain runs on Microsoft Windows(c) 3.1, 95, 98 or NT.
If you can accept some "jerky" graphics, CATrain will even run on an old 486 DX2 66!
To Control a "real" railway, you need a dedicated interface and a digitally controlled
railway.
CATrain can be interfaced to the Marklin(c) Digital and compatible hardware, or to
the Control Modules described in the "modul_e.pdf" document.

LICENSE AGREEMENT
-----------------
CATrain has been designed and developed by Joël Bouchat who holds all ownership
rights to CATrain and the associated documentation. CATrain software may be
copied and distributed royalty-free subject to the following conditions:

- CATrain software is not to be modified or altered in any way if copied or
  distributed. No commercial use or distribution of CATrain is allowed.
- CATrain software package must be kept as a whole including all executable files, 
  dll files, help files, related documentation and copyright notice.
- CATrain software must be copied or distributed without any modification or
  alteration.

The express written permission must be granted by Joel Bouchat prior to any other
variations on the use and distribution of this software.
The CATrain software is provided on an "as is" basis without any warranty.
Under no circumstances will Joel Bouchat be liable for damages arising from the use
of CATrain.

