XtrkCadReader: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Operation
For model railroaders, the journey from a conceptual track plan to an operational layout is often long and technical. Designing in software like XTrackCAD allows for precise planning, but transferring that design to operational software like JMRI PanelPro used to be a tedious, manual process.
XtrkCadReader is the essential java tool that solves this problem, bridging the gap by automatically converting XTrackCAD design files into operational JMRI layouts. What is XtrkCadReader?
Developed by Giorgio Terdina in 2008 and maintained by the JMRI team, XtrkCadReader is a utility designed specifically to parse .xtc files produced by the XTrackCAD layout design and simulation program.
It takes the track, turnout, and connection information from your design and translates it into a Layout Editor .xml panel file that JMRI PanelPro can read. Key Benefits
Eliminates Redraws: You no longer need to redraw your entire layout inside JMRI.
Accuracy: It imports the precise geometry and connections from your XTrackCAD design, ensuring the operational panel matches your physical trackwork.
Turnout Identification: It supports specific turnout naming, allowing you to modify your XTrackCAD description to include turnoutname nnnnn for easy identification within JMRI. How it Works
Design: Create your layout in XTrackCAD, ensuring all tracks and turnouts are properly connected. Export/Save: Save your design as a .xtc file.
Run XtrkCadReader: Run the tool with your .xtc file as input to generate an .xml file.
Import: Load the resulting .xml file into the JMRI Layout Editor. Important Considerations
Layer Organization: XtrkCadReader considers all tracks as “sidetracks” unless they are placed in a specific XTrackCAD layer named “MAINLINE”.
Scale: The scale of your JMRI panel is computed based on the “room-size” defined in XTrackCAD. Improper room sizing can result in an incorrect layout scale.
Compatibility: The tool supports different versions of XTrackCAD (5.1.1, 5.2) and JMRI. Conclusion
For those looking to streamline their model railroad automation, XtrkCadReader is an indispensable bridge, saving hours of configuration time and ensuring a smooth transition from plan to operation.
You can download the latest version of XtrkCadReader from the GitHub Releases page. If you are currently setting this up, I can:
Explain the difference between mainline vs sidetrack in JMRI
Guide you on how to set up the turnoutname convention in XTrackCAD Help troubleshoot if your imported layout is not lining up
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