Traincontroller 30: Extended Accessories – Counter

In the previous video’s we had a look at counters. They have the size of one icon, which can sometimes be a bit too tiny to clearly read. There’s a larger, a 4×4, /Nixie Tube’ counter on the switchboard. This is made using Extended Accessories.

These’ EA’s are very versatile and powerful tools. We can use them for nice graphics or for very versatile multi aspect signals or displays, and complex switching arrays.

When we couple a ‘switch’ connection to the EA, it functions as a combined multi state switch and multi state Flagman, sort of a ‘Super Flagman’, that can raise different colors of flags and start different Operations lists based on it’s several stats.

In this video we’ll have a first look at how to define an Extended Accessory and how to build the Nixie Tube ‘counter’ with it, which is actually not a counter, but a 4 state Flagman.

On my layout this is an otherwise completely useless acivity … it’s just for fun. 🙂  When you have larger, hidden yards, a train counter could have its use though.

Scrolling down to below the video brings you to a shorthand ‘cook book’ description on how to create an Extended Accessory.

 

 

How to create an extended accessory:

Menu Tools > Accessory > Extended Accessory > Manage > New

Select the new EA and click Properties

Give it a name and if wanted an icon in the General tab.

In the Controls tab, select the icon size (28×28) at the top an set the zoom factor to 4

Select the needed W and H dimensions, the number of grid blocks.

Select the Switch element at the top and place the button on the EA.

Click the Select tool and drag the Button to the dimensions wanted.

Now click Edit and paste the needed graphics, or make your own artwork in the editor.

Do the same for the other state(s) of the switch.

Click the button and at the top select the Properties icon.

In the General tab, give the button a name. If you need more states, they can be added here.

In the Operatrions tab select Switch Command and Add it.

When done, click OK and then Close the EA manager window.

Place the EA on the Switchboard.

Double click it to get into the Properties.

In the General tab give it a name.

In the Connection tab select Without Connection, or connect to an address on your Command Station.

In the EA click the Switch you want to edit and at the top right click Properties.

In the Operations tab, select the Operations you need, for every state.

In the Trigger tab add the trigger logic, this makes it work like a multi status Flagman.

Done!

..