Model Railroading > Controlling DCC throttle from a remote location

Maybe a silly question, but I'll ask anyway. Has anyone controlled a DCC throttle remotely on a layout from an off-site location? I was thinking along the lines of using JMRI with GoToMeeting (or similar program) and taking control of the computer/JMRI remotely. I'm talking about controlling a train in another state. My nephew has a series of network cameras on his layout, so I should be able to view the train. With the network bandwidth available, you can do almost anything remotely, with very little latency.

In theory, this would work. Most DCC systems today allow for some kind of computer interface with DCC system using JMRI. If you are using a Windows OS, the remote desktop could be used to access the computer. This would take some work to get it setup. As far as using GoToMeeting to access the computer, I could not tell you how this could be done. I have not used this program.

Internet lag (latency) is the only draw back to the remote control idea. If you try to stop the train, it may take a second or two to stop (or start). This would be needed to be test to see if this would be a serious issue. (Reason for the conclusion: I've noticed this issue talking to someone in the next room using using Voice over IP. There was about a 3 second difference in the conversation. This could have a similar effect on JMRI.)

As far as documented usage of JMRI remotely, I have not seen any case yet. If anyone know of one, please post the link.


Cass Telles
"Slow-Approach-Slow" - 'Go by way of the B&O'
Railroads of NW Ohio
http://www.trainweb.org/rrnwoh
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Web broadcast from your in-cab camera and you're all set.

Haven't seen a real time in-cab camera though, they've been clunker's with a radio transmitter but no known web interface or a small camera with a memory stick interface (lots of latency). Maybe some of the wireless security cameras could be identified for this.

At the club http://www.gsmrm.org/ the N scale layout was
remotely dispatched from Australia, and we're not in Australia.

Like a real locomotive, you'll want a way for the engine to stop
itself if no throttle comand has been received after x number of
seconds. Also setting a maximum speed seems in order.

Have fun!

Larry

I am going to check out some options. Remote desktop should work, but I'll need to do a little research. Thanks - Mark