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From: john p. <pl...@us...> - 2009-06-30 22:41:58
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Update of /cvsroot/jmri/help/en/html/doc/Technical In directory fdv4jf1.ch3.sourceforge.com:/tmp/cvs-serv1920/help/en/html/doc/Technical Modified Files: index.shtml Log Message: Updated main page teaser to include info from #howto and #moreinfo, moved the rest of those sections to the technical homepage, added Jim Betz's overview to FAQ Index: index.shtml =================================================================== RCS file: /cvsroot/jmri/help/en/html/doc/Technical/index.shtml,v retrieving revision 1.8 retrieving revision 1.9 diff -C2 -d -r1.8 -r1.9 *** index.shtml 27 Jan 2009 05:20:09 -0000 1.8 --- index.shtml 30 Jun 2009 22:39:35 -0000 1.9 *************** *** 43,46 **** --- 43,124 ---- this section of the web site will help you get started. + <a id="moreinfo"> + <h2>Technical background info on the JMRI project</h2></a> + <p>JMRI is intended as a + jumping-off point for hobbyists who want to control their + layouts from a computer without having to create an entire + system from scratch.</p> + + <p> To do this, we've split the problem into two parts with an + interface in-between: + <ul> + <li>"Above" the interface are the cool tools that people want. + We provide programmers for DCC decoders, + layout controls, automation tools, etc. + People are continuously contributing better + and better tools that still will work on lots of type of + computers, with lots of types of layouts. + <li>"Below" the interface lies code that connects to specific + layout hardware. We connected to a + <a href="hardware">full range of systems</a>: + C/MRI, Digitrax, EasyDCC, Lenz, NCE, etc. + We are certainly + interested in connecting to other systems. + </ul></p> + + <p> The long-term strategy is to: + <ul> + <li>Create a set of publicly available common interfaces for + model railroad control code, suitable for use with any type + of layout, from any type of computer. + <li>Make these useful by providing quality implementations + for as many types of layouts as possible. + <li>Encourage interoperability of layout hardware and software + through the use of common interfaces. + </ul></p> + + <p> In the short term, we've created several programs based on + the JMRI libraries to move the project along and demonstrate + its capabilities. + (<a href="./releasenotes/history.html">Why so many programs?...</a>) + </p> + + <p> The most popular is + <a href="apps/DecoderPro">DecoderPro</a>, + a tool for programming decoders. It simplifies the job + of configuring complicated DCC decoders by providing screens on + which you can select the various options and values you want. + These screens show the exact contents of each specific decoder + type. Both the programming screens and decoder information are + stored in text files, so you can make up new ones as + desired.</p> + + + + <h2>How can you change how JMRI does things?</h2></a> + + There are several different ways to modify JMRI: + <ol> + <li>You can use the JMRI interfaces to write programs for + your own layouts. Making this easy is an important goal. + This can be done via our + <A HREF="help/en/html/tools/scripting/index.shtml">scripting language</a>. + + <li> You can add new Java code to the program or modify the existing + code. Fixing things that annoy you (aka bugs) is an easy place to jump + in and contribute. + + <li>You can write new general-purpose tools. Although this + is a little harder than writing automation for your own + layout, writing tools that other people use can be very + satisfying. + + <li>You can implement the JMRI interfaces for a new system. + Having JMRI work with other systems is an important goal. + Once an implementation for another system works, the + general tools (e.g. symbolic programmer, automations + tools, signaling, etc) can be immediately used. + </ol> + <h2>JMRI project information (For people interested in how the software is being written)</h2> |