TrainCabSim

[Alex_80]

I am working on TrainCabSim project.

TrainCabSim is a freeware modular train cab simulator compatible with all train simulators (that support keyboard or are TrainCabSim communication protocol compatible, for example OpenRails, MsTS, Train Simulator, OpenBVE, BVE, Sbaccheri's Simulatore Treno, etc) and all locomotives (steam locomotives included).

Train cab simulator consists of:

Train cab hardware (TrainCabSim HW or compatible) --- Hardware interface with firmware (TrainCabSim IF or compatible) --- PC software (TrainCabSim SW) --- TrainCabSim communication protocol converter (optional) --- Train simulator

TrainCabSim SW can use unlimited interface cards (TrainCabSim IF).

In order to bidirection communication with TrainCabSim SW works, train simulator or converter between the two must be TrainCabSim communication protocol compatible, otherwise communication will be unidirectional.

It allows the use of additional functions (failures included) not provided by the train simulator to which it is connected.

More info can be found at http://dfrs.altervista.org , http://dfrs.altervista.org/English/Simulators/TrainCabSim/TrainCabSim.htm section.

 

[LexMcLinn]

I'm doing my own attemptions to make a train simulating program as for nowadays. So I sometimes look for information and other projects on the theme.

That's why I've read your post and finded out that links are not active.

Also I could not find any further information on TrainCabSim protocol by googling it. Is it an existing protocol, or your proposed concept?

 

[Alex_80]

TrainCabSim communication protocol is a proprietary protocol of TrainCabSim SW.

TrainCabSim communication protocol specificatitons are not available yet.

TrainCabSim is not available yet.

 

[Alex_80]

TrainCabSim is renamed as ControlSim.

ControlSim is aimed at train simulation, but it can also used for directing train simulation (IECCs, etc) and also for not railway simulation (airplanes, cars, lorries, etc).

ControlSim HW and ControlSim IF construction requires use of a soldering iron for electronics (or a breadboard), various electric and electronic components and a 3D printer.

ControlSim IF uses Raspberry Pi Pico 2 cards (about 5 $ each).

ControlSim IF supports up to 256 Raspberry Pi Pico 2 cards.

ControlSim IF and device on which there is ControlSim SW are connected by USB.

ControlSim SW is compatible with x86 CPU and Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems.

If ControlSim SW is on same device on which there is train simulator, in order to bidirectional communication with ControlSim SW works, train simulator or converter between the two must be ControlSim communication protocol compatible, otherwise communication will be unidirectional.

If ControlSim SW is not on same device on which there is train simulator, use of ControlSim communication protocol is mandatory.

ControlSim SW allows the use of additional functions (failures included) not provided by the train simulator to which it is connected.

ControlSim SW allows the use of further additional functions not provided by the train simulator to which it is connected, if ControlSim communication protocol is used.

ControlSim is not available yet.

 

[Alex_80]

CONFIGURATION

ControlSim SW for each simulator and vehicle/equipment will use a main configuration, at which may will be added further configurations, that can be used for more vehicle/equipment.

ControlSim SW will send and receive manual and automatic messages.

ControlSim SW for each decrement and increment of control position will set outputs and sounds and will send and receive manual and automatic messages, dependent by inputs and outputs, with conditions chosen by user.

ControlSim SW can save configurations into files in any path, for example:

Sim1\Loc1.cfg
Sim1\Loc2.cfg
Sim1\Common.cfg
Sim2\Loc1.cfg
Sim2\Loc2.cfg
Sim2\Common.cfg

ControlSim SW will be available in English and Italian, but user can translate it in any other language.

ControlSim is not available yet.

 

[Alex_80]

- CONTROLSIM HW -

ControlSim HW consists of modules that can be placed in every position, for example, each module can be moved toward left, toward right, further on and further back, in every intermediate position, moreover if you replace a module with another that occupy less space, in remaining space you can place every other module of every dimension, even if it is greater than remaining space.


ControlSim is not available yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Sep 2025 ==

- CONTROLSIM HW -

ControlSim HW modules are, for example, "Loco Brake Lever", "Sand Key", etc.

 

[Alex_80]

To summarize...


ControlSim HW or compatible <---> ControlSim IF or compatible <---> ControlSim SW <---> ControlSim communication protocol software converter (optional) <---> Simulator (optional)


ControlSim HW is like the mechanical and the external electronic part of Densha de Go!! Controller or RailDriver Controller, but ControlSim HW is not limited to train and basic controls, you can create any full cab in real dimension with all controls, also with own modules.

Some modules can be shared between vehicles and even different type of simulators, such as a train toggle switch can be used also for a aircraft toggle switch.


ControlSim IF is like the internal electronic part of Densha de Go!! Controller or RailDriver Controller, but ControlSim IF is external, instead of internal, for more flexibility.


ControlSim SW is like RD Train Fix, but ControlSim SW can also add functions (failures included) not provided by the simulator to which it is connected.


ControlSim is compatible with all simulators, that support keyboard or are ControlSim proprietary communication protocol compatible.

ControlSim is not available yet.