Running multiple programs

[dynax]

Hi All, i did a search but only found 1 topic on running programs in RM, does anyone know if it is now possible to run 2 or more programs at the same time, i can't check myself until my new layout build starts in a week or 2, but what i have in mind, is to have a reverse loop on my raised area, connected to another reverse loop on the lower lever this however is only possible by traversing onto main lines, so what i would want to do is, set this up as program, with another on a seperate loop, then i can do some manual control of other locos, that may occupy the same track but in different locations on the layout, i will be using the elite with RM, TIA,

[96RAF]

It has been covered before and the verdict was it isn't possible.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/running-more-than-one-program-in-rm/#post-215349

You can merge two programs using the chain command but not run two in parallel, even though the track areas are remote from each other with no chance of a collision.

[RDS]

@dynax

I faced a similar issue a while back but after trying the Chain command, I opted to have 3 separate programs.  

The first program in your case would be for one loop.  The next program would be for the second loop and finally the third program would be a combination of both.  Although the Chain command does work, I found it too difficult to get the timings right.

[96RAF]

But you still cant run them concurrently without merging the actions into one program, only serially.

[St1ngr4y]

But you still cant run them concurrently without merging the actions into one program, only serially.

That's what the chain commands do, Rob. In RDS's example, the third program could consist of simply 2 chain commands. One thing to be aware of, however. RM seems to start the clock running BEFORE it has finished the merging of the two chained programs, which may take 6 or 7 seconds depending on the sizes of the two programs. So, during this time nothing seems to happen. Then RM tries to catch up with the clock by executing lots of commands very rapidly for the next few seconds. A way around this is to place an extra command, say, 10 seconds before the first chain command e.g....

 

0.00 Command Message "Please wait...",10

10.00 Command Chain "Program One"

15.00 Command Chain "Program Two"

 

Ray

[RDS]

Actually, in my example the third program would be a complete copy of Program 1 and Program 2 with timings amended to suit, rather than one which contained the chain commands.

[dynax]

Cheers everyone for the replies, i did another search just using the word " program " in the search box, quite a few postings turned up, but some were quite dated, i have an idea of which way to go now, when i get to that stage, just one other thing, when running a program, would using the elite whilst the program is running would that cause any problems, thanks,

[96RAF]

I have done that dynax long time ago so memory is a tad vague but I think using the Elite interrupted the program flow, although the idea of a RM was to run stuff automatically on the mainline whilst you say shunted the yard, so I could be totally wrong.

[RDS]

@dynax

I regularly use the Elite, whilst RailMaster is running a program, without any problem.