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TDisp - CTC dispatcher program suite

TDisp stands for Train Dispatcher, and is, as the name suggests, a software for remotely controlling your MRBus CTC installation. It resembles modern CTC controlling solutions with graphic screen elements, and is operated by clicking those elements with the mouse.

Last update complete:

• bigger symbols
• conformity to standardized command and display structure
• safety function handling (APB sections)
• connectivity to RS232 and USB interface

TDisp includes a program to create the dispatcher's screen, called TDisp-Editor, and some network tools. In fact, TDisp was designed with TCP/IP networkability in mind. This allows the dispatcher to be physically distant from the layout, as the connection between desk and layout MRBus network can be established through LAN or internet.

The following network tools are available:

• Interface program for original MRBus interface
• Interface program for MRBus-CI2 USB interface
• Hub server

The interface programs connect to the physical MRBus-to-computer interfaces via serial port (USB: serial port emulation), and on the other side to the Operator Terminal or hub.

All programs can connect either as server or client. This is useful, if one user is behind a firewall and cannot open an inbound port. In this case, the second user can do this and flip server/client roles.

The Hub server is a special program to allow connection of more than one Operator Terminal and layout. In fact, it distributes incoming packets to all connected programs, but the one the packet came from (prevents loops). This program can only act as server, and programs connecting to it must do so as clients.

Note: This application was designed for use with my APB system, where CTC control points follow a fixed command structure (as described in CTC Command Structure). It does not work with the original MRBus system, unless you modify it.

TDisp Operator Terminal TDisp Editor

The TDisp Operator Terminal

The TDisp Operator Terminal is the CTC panel application.

At startup, it is empty. Open an existing configuration file (see the Editor below) by clicking "File" and "Open". You will be prompted for a background image first, then for a TDisp Territory File.

At the lower right there is a network connection panel, which allows you to connect to the TDisp Interface application.
When the application is successfully connected to a TDisp Interface ("vital network OK"), there will be a flashing light at the lower right of the main panel.

You can directly click onto the drawn elements in the main panel (switches and signals). A single click will send a command to change the current status, whereas a right click will give you a context menu with more options. Alternatively you can use the buttons at the bottom of the application window: select the element in the number boxes and click the desired command button.

Note: This application sends standardized commands as explained in the document CTC Command Structure (pdf).

The TDisp territory editor

The Editor allows you to put together a configuration file.

First of all, you should load a background image. This is done via the "File" menu. When prompted for a TDT file, just click "Cancel".

At the right, there is the menu to make, delete and modify objects. With the x+, x-, ... buttons you can shift the objects around. L+ and L-, available only for track circuits, adjust their length.
At the bottom there is the possibility to edit all of the objects' properties. Selecting one and clicking "Modify" automatically takes you to the correct page and selects the object. Be aware that changes made there will take effect only after clicking write. And if you shift objects around using x+, x-, ... be sure to click read first!

Available objects

Available object are Control Points (CP), Turnouts (TO), Signals (SIG), Direction Indicators (DIR) and Track Circuits (OCC). Signals and turnouts are associated to a CP, but this is merely for internal purposes.

Where to start

You should start with making the CPs. A CP can contain any number of signals and switches. You have to specify the network address of the node, and signal and turnout numbers.

Signals and turnouts must be associated with a CP.

When finished, use "File" and "Save" to save your work.

Opening existing files

When opening existing files, be aware that opening two files after the other will add the new items to the existing ones. This is useful if you want to combine territories. If you want to start from scratch again, close the application and reopen.