Download
RailControl can be downloaded on the Download-page.
Installation
The downloaded archive can be extracted everywhere on the computer.
Installing on Windows
On Windows the archive has to be extracted in a subdirectory. For example D:\ is not allowed, D:\ModelRailway\ is OK.
Configuration-File
In the extracted archive there is a template of the configuration file (railcontrol.conf.dist). At first start of RailControl it will be copied to railcontrol.conf. Usually it is not needed to change any settings in the config file.
Starting RailControl
RailControl can be started with a double click on the executable file railcontrol.exe (Windows) respectively railcontrol (other operation systems). To get logging informations from RailControl it is recommended to start RailControl from a console. Also possible is to change the behavior of RailControl with startup arguments.
Shutdown RailControl
RailControl should be terminated by entering q+Enter or Ctrl+C in the RailControl-terminal or by using the top left button in the browser.
Important: If the X in the top right of the RailControl-terminal is used some settings are not stored correctly and problems can apear when starting RailControl again.
Entering q+Enter or Ctrl+C in the terminal or using the terminate-button in the browser multiple times will terminate RailControl early. This should only be used if RailControl does not shutdown cleanly.
Browser
If RailControl already has started one can connect with a recent Browser. RailControl lists the possible links that can be used in the browser. One of these links can be copied into the browser. Links with localhost, 127.0.0.1 and [::1] only work on the device where RailControl is executed. The other links also work on other devices.
Functions and Configuration
After connecting with the browser, the important functions and configurations can be reached in the menu bar at the top:
These are the functions from left to right:
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Terminating RailControl-server, including stopping all trains |
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Turn on/off current on the track |
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Stopping all trains immediately (speed zero) |
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Stopping all trains in automode at the next signal / at end of street |
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Putting all trains into automode |
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Show RailControl in full screen. |
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CV-Programming. Is only displayed when the control and its API support it. |
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On narrow screens the second part of the menu can be made visible. |
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General Settings |
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Configuration of controls |
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Configuration of locomotives |
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Configuration of Multiple Units |
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Configuration of layers |
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Configuration of tracks |
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Configuration of trackgroups |
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Configuration of switches |
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Configuration of signals |
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Configuration of accessories |
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Configuration of feedbacks |
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Configuration of routes |
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Configuration of texts |
Automatic Operation
The automatic operation is described on page Automatic Operation.