An Inexpensive Tablet as a Programmer for RailPro

[William Brillinger]

Hi Everyone,

I've assembled an inexpensive programmer for RailPro using a cheap windows 10 tablet. This may be an attractive option for those without a PC wishing to access all the features of their RailPro system currently...

The tablet I chose is the Vulcan Journey VTA0703.



It is a 7 inch windows 10 tablet that's not good for much. It's touch screen is nearly unusable for me, and it's by no means a fast machine at all.  Even so, with the addition of an inexpensive bluetooth keyboard and mouse set, and tablet mode turned off, it is quite capable of running the RPA and RP Simulator tools. It works directly plugged into the HC and also with the CI-1.

The Tablet sells for $67.17 US on Amazon including shipping.
The Keyboard set sells on eBay for $26.77 US, also including shipping.

NOTES:
I had to install the RPA and RP Sim software twice before it worked with the CI-1

There is a bug in the Simulator software where if you move the window it becomes inoperable and you must restart the Simulator. I'm not sure if this is a Windows 10 thing or because of the resolution of the tablet screen. I will inform Tim of the issue.

[G8B4Life]

Not a bad idea there Bill. Even for those of us with PC's it would make a handy thing to take with you to shows etc.

NOTES:
I had to install the RPA and RP Sim software twice before it worked with the CI-1

There is a bug in the Simulator software where if you move the window it becomes inoperable and you must restart the Simulator. I'm not sure if this is a Windows 10 thing or because of the resolution of the tablet screen. I will inform Tim of the issue.

I imagine this is likely a combination Win10 & Tablet hardware issue. Does moving the HC Sim window on your normal Win10 PC cause the same lock up?

Also, just keeping things in the back of my mind, what USB ports does it have? USB 2 or 3?

- Tim

[William Brillinger]

Does moving the HC Sim window on your normal Win10 PC cause the same lock up?

I don't have another Win10 PC to test with. Perhaps somebody else knows.

what USB ports does it have? USB 2 or 3?

It's got one Micro USB 2 port.

Here's the rest of the specs:
[ from http://vulcanelectronics.com/vulcan-journey-7-inch-tablet ]

Performance

• 1.3GHz Quad Core Intelฎ Atom™ Processor
   (Turbo Boost up to 1.83GHz)
• 1GB of DDR Memory

Display

• 7” HD LCD Display
• 1024x600 Resolution
• Capacitive with Multi-Touch

Storage

• 16GB eMMC Storage (formatted capacity will be less)
• 1x Micro SDฎ Card Slot (Expandable up to 64GB)

Inputs and Output

• Micro USB Port
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• Microphone

Wireless Connectivity

• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0

Features

• Windows 10
• G Sensors
• 2500mAh Battery (5-6 Hours)

[nodcc4me]

I like that idea.  An inexpensive and very portable solution. Bill, are you saying that the sim doesn't work well with the touch screen or is it just everything else that gives you problems with it?

Moving the simulator screen on my Win10 PC does not cause it to lock up. However, when attempting to exit the Info screen, the Exit button does not work. I have to hit the Power button, then go to the Locomotive screen and back to the loco I was working with. That is the only bug I have found.

[William Brillinger]

The RP software does not work with the touch interface at all.
It only works with the keyboard and mouse.

Moving the RP Sim window causes it to change shape and it cannot be changed back.

[nodcc4me]

Got it! Thanks.

[William Brillinger]

If anybody is interested, I am selling this Tablet Programmer Rig.

I purchased it originally to see if it would work, with the secondary intention of renting it out as a programmer for anyone who needed it for a few days at a time. Unfortunately it's not quite simple enough for that purpose, so I've decided to sell it.

It's totally pre-configured for use with the CI-1 and is ready to go.
It includes the Tablet, Keyboard and Mouse, a Tablet Cover, and the CI-1.
I'm asking $140 US including shipping in the USA.
If you don't need the CI-1, then the price is $110 US.

If anyone is interested, please contact me at billy@pdc.ca

If anyone in Canada is interested, contact me for a price including shipping and Taxes in Canada.