Post by: superCharles on November 16, 2015, 06:58:40 PM
Post by: KPack on November 16, 2015, 07:33:09 PM
-Kevin
Post by: William Brillinger on November 16, 2015, 08:08:11 PM
Kevins suggestion of using Parallels is a good one. You can download and test the software before purchasing, so at least you can confirm the option.
Also, if parallels does not work, older laptops and PC's that do natively support RailPro are a dime a dozen. It might be possible to pick one up for the railroad room without much expense.
Post by: Alan on November 16, 2015, 09:14:45 PM
Post by: superCharles on November 17, 2015, 11:12:18 AM
Is there a specified minimum system requirement(processor, hard drive, ports?) for the RailPro software listed anywhere? I may have missed it but did not see anywhere. Maybe when the time comes I can list the particulars of the computer that I'm interested in & ask ya'll to advise if adequate.
Thanks for the help. Charles
Post by: William Brillinger on November 17, 2015, 11:39:09 AM
This is all I find:
Quote
Is your software to get pictures, sounds, etc, from the internet compatible with Microsoft Windows?
YES. Our software can run on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 2000.
Is your software to get pictures, sounds, etc, from the internet compatible with Macintosh?
No. We currently do not have Macintosh compatible software. We have some Mac users that use bootcamp or parallels to run our PC software. We know there are some Mac users and at some point we may provide Mac compatible software. Our newest software was written from the ground up to be multiple platform friendly. So the software we plan to release soon will be easier to make Mac compatible than our older program.
Post by: KPack on November 17, 2015, 11:45:10 AM
-Kevin
Post by: dfischer71 on November 18, 2015, 09:52:18 PM
Or as others suggested, get an old Windows machine and go that route. Only problem is they are old for a reason and will probably require maintenance. I recommend the Parallels route.
Dan
Post by: drisdon on January 28, 2016, 08:03:32 AM
Thanks,
Dan
Post by: Alan on January 28, 2016, 08:10:51 AM
Post by: William Brillinger on January 28, 2016, 08:12:15 AM
Here is more info about Parallels: https://www.google.ca/search?q=Run+Windows+in+Parallels+on+a+Mac
Post by: William Brillinger on January 28, 2016, 08:18:28 AM
http://www.amazon.com/Compaq-Genuine-Windows-Premium-Computer/dp/B007AKDL8G/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1453990551&sr=1-3&keywords=refurbished+pc
Post by: darryl.trains on September 27, 2016, 08:03:11 PM
I have a long list of RailPro items that I would buy right away but only IF they would have software for us using Apple machines.
So I'll be just waiting on the side lines with money in hand. Cheers, the old fardt in Orygun.
Post by: KPack on September 27, 2016, 09:09:04 PM
1.) Use Parallels on your Mac OS: https://www.parallels.com/landingpage/pd/general/?gclid=CNS3zM_8sM8CFZNcfgod7XwAOA (https://www.parallels.com/landingpage/pd/general/?gclid=CNS3zM_8sM8CFZNcfgod7XwAOA). Most of my buddies in school used Macs and had to use Parallels to run nearly all programs. Much more software is written for PC rather than Mac, but thankfully there are options like Parallels that work for Mac users.
2.) Buy a cheap PC (even with Windows XP) and use either VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads (https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads)) or VMware Player (http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/ (http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/)), which allow you to run virtual editions of other Windows.
3.) Wait for Ring to create the programs for Mac. I've heard that this is on the docket, though I don't know a timeline.
-Kevin
Post by: Dean on September 27, 2016, 09:24:08 PM
Don't let Apple keep you from using the best control system for model railroading that has come out in a long time.
Post by: Alan on September 27, 2016, 09:36:13 PM
Post by: G8B4Life on September 28, 2016, 07:05:41 AM
Quote
Don't let Apple keep you from using the best control system for model railroading that has come out in a long time.
I don't think it can be said any better than that. There are options to run the software on a Mac, heck even I don't have a supported OS on the PC I use for RP, but VirtualBox fixes that, if not a bit slower than running natively. I could probably say more but I'm too tired to think of anything else.
Perhaps, if we have anyone running non Winblows systems we can create a couple of guides for getting RailPro software to run on various OS's using virtualisation software; I know the Linux crowd will have to do that forever, native code RailPro software for Linux is just not going to happen.
Dean, what flavour of Linux you running?
- Tim
Post by: TwinStar on September 28, 2016, 12:10:23 PM
Darryl - as a Mac user you have one of 3 options:
1.) Use Parallels on your Mac OS: https://www.parallels.com/landingpage/pd/general/?gclid=CNS3zM_8sM8CFZNcfgod7XwAOA (https://www.parallels.com/landingpage/pd/general/?gclid=CNS3zM_8sM8CFZNcfgod7XwAOA). Most of my buddies in school used Macs and had to use Parallels to run nearly all programs. Much more software is written for PC rather than Mac, but thankfully there are options like Parallels that work for Mac users.
2.) Buy a cheap PC (even with Windows XP) and use either VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads (https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads)) or VMware Player (http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/ (http://filehippo.com/download_vmware_player/)), which allow you to run virtual editions of other Windows.
3.) Wait for Ring to create the programs for Mac. I've heard that this is on the docket, though I don't know a timeline.
-Kevin
I'm a Mac guy and run Parallels as well. I have a few aviation apps that won't run on OS either. It's a PITA but the $100 I spend on the software was worth it to me. YMMV.
Jacob
Post by: darryl.trains on September 28, 2016, 02:24:10 PM
Just talked to a friend of mine this morning and he would like to get into RailPro but thinks twice about a PC angle. He has a Mac too. He wants me to keep him advised.
RailPro looks really like a good thing but not for some of us.
I'll not beat the dead horse as it most likely will not make anything change.
Bye now, the old fardt in Orygun ##########
Post by: William Brillinger on September 28, 2016, 02:39:28 PM
Check out this article: http://www.imore.com/how-install-windows-10-mac-without-spending-dime
VirtualBox is free. You don't need Parallels.
Post by: TwinStar on September 28, 2016, 02:52:19 PM
Post by: KPack on September 28, 2016, 03:02:09 PM
I thought Tim said that Mac compatibility was coming?
I heard the same, but not sure on the timeline. Now that the CI-1 release is imminent, it means that Ring will be able to turn attention back to other projects, including Mac versions of Railpro software.
-Kevin
Post by: William Brillinger on September 28, 2016, 03:04:18 PM
Post by: Alan on September 28, 2016, 03:45:22 PM
Post by: darryl.trains on September 28, 2016, 06:44:42 PM
" PC Requirements: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Vista. " Straight from Ring Engineering website.
Looks like Windows XP are on the short end of the stick too ! I know a few friends that are still using Windows XP .
Lot of my friends are using IMac.
I still think RailPro is the way to go but surely for those whom do not have DCC and have PC computers. No brainer there.
I know there just might be different views and that is fine. Just hard to make the move considering all.
Cheers, from Ore-gun
Post by: Alan on September 28, 2016, 08:59:54 PM
As an example here is a little piece of software I stumbled across many years ago. It is free but Windows only. Turns out it has been super handy. I find myself using it all the time. If nothing else a dual boot Mac would be nice when you come across other little gems like this.
http://joshmadison.com/convert-for-windows/ (http://joshmadison.com/convert-for-windows/)
I'm not trying to sell any Mac user on the idea. Just would be sad to see another railroader miss out on RP coolness because of an operating system.
Post by: KPack on September 28, 2016, 09:55:38 PM
Eventually the Railpro software will be coded for Mac, but I wouldn't wait for it. If I were you I would download one of the free programs listed throughout this thread on your Mac, then install the Railpro software on the virtual Windows. You can have all the features of Railpro right now without having to spend any money on a computer.
Take the step into Railpro. You'll have a blast actually running trains and not slogging through CV's.
-Kevin
Post by: G8B4Life on September 29, 2016, 12:14:05 AM
I really hope you don't take this the wrong way, I'm not trying to be nasty or demeaning or derogatory etc etc etc but is the roadblock the OS installed on the computer in front of you or are you subconsciously creating the OS roadblock in your mind?
The members here have given many great suggestions on how to get yourself up an running with RailPro on your Mac and it seems every one of them has hit a brick wall of "it's still not native Mac". As an aside, It's been a long time since I really looked but I don't see any Mac software from any of the DCC manufacturers either (JMRI not counted, not a manufacturer of DCC products).
For what it's worth, I've got XP running on this PC right now as I type. XP is no longer supported for RP so I've got Win7 running in VirtualBox when I need to use RailPro software. Once I've milked XP and Win7 for all they're worth and then migrate fully to Linux I'll have to use RailPro software in a virtual environment (VirtualBox) full time. Linux native code RailPro software? Not likely to ever happen.
The members here are willing to help but you need to take the first step.
- Tim
Post by: darryl.trains on September 29, 2016, 12:55:57 AM
I am not to thrilled about having any Windows on my iMac as I did that a number of years ago with parallels and that worked fine but I installed Windows XP Pro and my Mac when nuts. Had to do a disc restore but a dummy, me, gave it another try with the help of a locale computer wiz, it crashed . Nuff said. I'll just wait till Tim makes the software more friendly and I think that might happen sooner or later. My train buddy here likes RailPro but he has an iMac too but very little DCC stuff. So two us of will be waiting. Not a problem as I have to figure what asking price I might sell all the DCC stuff piece by piece or by the lot. Then on eBay or maybe I'll try one of the many model train websites that have listings one can use for free and hopefully find a new home for my DCC stuff. Time will tell. Many thanks to all that gave good responses. I'll most likely will be using RailPro some day. Cheers, the old fardt in Oregon... Darryl
Post by: Dean on September 29, 2016, 08:23:27 PM
I run VMWare Player which is free. It is the premier virtual operating program for Linix, Mac, or Windows.
I kept all my DCC equipment. Instead of buying a second NCE throttle, I bought an HC-2 and some LM-2s. Now I run RailPro on my DCC system, while running DCC locomotives too.
Post by: emd_16645 on October 01, 2016, 07:41:37 AM
Post by: darryl.trains on October 01, 2016, 01:17:12 PM
I looked at buying a cheap PC but make sure if you go that route, get one with at least Vista OS or later.
I would really think getting a HC-2 would be best as the screen feature is real nifty and maybe the CL-1 as an added back up but then I am new at this but I have spent a lot of time investigating before investing.
Sitting on the fence has sure been an interesting adventure to say the least.
Cheers. the old fardt in Orygun
Post by: darryl.trains on October 01, 2016, 09:47:03 PM
Post by: William Brillinger on October 01, 2016, 10:29:43 PM
Post by: G8B4Life on October 01, 2016, 11:28:43 PM
If you have not seen this thread yet, we have a list of places that RailPro can be purchased. http://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,61.0.html (http://rpug.pdc.ca/index.php/topic,61.0.html) .
Shop around, you can get some good prices significantly lower than Ring Engineering's MSRP. Personally I can recommend Bill (pdc.ca), not just because of his good prices but Bill uses what he sells and stands behind it 100%.
- Tim
Post by: emd_16645 on October 03, 2016, 04:42:45 AM
Chris
I looked at buying a cheap PC but make sure if you go that route, get one with at least Vista OS or later.
I would really think getting a HC-2 would be best as the screen feature is real nifty and maybe the CL-1 as an added back up but then I am new at this but I have spent a lot of time investigating before investing.
Sitting on the fence has sure been an interesting adventure to say the least.
Cheers. the old fardt in Orygun
Thanks for the info Darryl. At the moment, my wife has a Win7 laptop (still working on converting her), but it is falling apart fast. If it is still functional once I get Railpro, I'm hijacking it.
Post by: darryl.trains on October 04, 2016, 12:15:23 AM
Going to have a lot of fun even if I go broke doing so. Cheers, the old fardt in Oregon
Post by: Alan on October 04, 2016, 07:08:54 AM
Word of caution... Don't do the same as I did and buy a big stack of modules. Ring releases new models frequently. Buy as you need them so you can take advantage of the new models.
Post by: William Brillinger on October 04, 2016, 08:01:05 AM
http://www.woot.com/offers/lenovo-n22-11-6-intel-dual-core-notebook-2?ref=w_cnt_gw_dly_tl
Lenovo N22 11.6" Notebook, Intel N3050 Dual-Core, 64GB eMMC SSD, 4GB DDR3, 802.11ac, Bluetooth, Win10Pro
Post by: darryl.trains on October 04, 2016, 09:19:23 PM
Post by: Alan on October 04, 2016, 09:51:22 PM
Post by: darryl.trains on October 04, 2016, 09:55:08 PM
"Word of caution... Don't do the same as I did and buy a big stack of modules. Ring releases new models frequently. Buy as you need them so you can take advantage of the new models."
Not a problem as I will have all of my engines converted in short order and most likely not be buying anymore engines for I have enough to last me for now anyway. I do logging and having various logging steam engines and a few small diesels. That is all I really need. My roster might be 15 now ? I have a friend that only has 6 engines and is happy with those.. Some fellows in our local club have 50 or more ! They are still running on DC. Four of us have DCC but make that 3 after I get my order as I'll be removing those decoders. Have fun, TOF
Post by: William Brillinger on October 04, 2016, 10:09:10 PM
Laptop wise, they have nothing under $200 in stock, but for desktops, this is a good option:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2751091&CatId=2627
In TOF's case, he will be receiving his HC preloaded with the sounds and images he chose in advance.
That should keep him busy for awhile. ;)
Post by: Alan on October 05, 2016, 07:27:14 AM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4154013&CatId=17 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4154013&CatId=17)
Post by: William Brillinger on October 05, 2016, 07:31:29 AM
Here are a few more NEW laptops at the $169 price point:
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e 11.6" Business NoteBook Intel N2940 Quad-Core, 128GB Solid State Drive, 4GB DDR3, 802.11ac, Bluetooth, Win10 (Open Box)
http://computers.woot.com/offers/thinkpad-chromebook-intel-celeron-n2940-9?ref=cp_cnt_wp_23_1
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e 11.6" Ultraportable Business Notebook, AMD A4-6210 Quad-Core, 128GB Solid State Drive, 4GB DDR3, 802.11ac, Bluetooth, Win10 (Open Box)
http://computers.woot.com/offers/lenovo-thinkpad-11-6-quad-core-notebook-88?ref=cp_cnt_wp_23_5
Post by: darryl.trains on October 07, 2016, 11:09:09 AM
You know that fence was not that high after reading about RailPro here and a few other websites. Some may have a lot of cash invested in DCC as I did but the bottom line, enjoyment would be the deciding factor.
I was going to hardwire my brass logging anyway and since some of my other DCC engines had a socket, I was half way there to go forward.
Aint live grand ?
Darryl in Ore-gun
Post by: Alan on October 07, 2016, 11:17:09 AM
Quote
Some may have a lot of cash invested in DCC
That is the ever present obstacle for any new technology entry into the hobby. Imagine what it would be like if every layout was still DC with DCC and RP both starting out brand new today in their current forms. DCC would get slayed.
Post by: KPack on October 07, 2016, 12:01:24 PM
Quote
DCC would get slayed.
^This.
Post by: darryl.trains on October 08, 2016, 08:44:52 PM
Post by: Dean on October 08, 2016, 10:17:37 PM
Why did you remove the frog juicers?
Post by: darryl.trains on October 08, 2016, 11:09:23 PM
Post by: Alan on October 09, 2016, 07:14:03 AM
Post by: darryl.trains on October 09, 2016, 01:40:18 PM
Gee isn't this fun? Cheers, Darryl
Post by: MtRR75 on November 30, 2016, 03:23:13 PM
Darryl - as a Mac user you have one of 3 options:
1.) Use Parallels on your Mac OS:
2.) Buy a cheap PC (even with Windows XP) and use either VirtualBox...
3.) Wait for Ring to create the programs for Mac. I've heard that this is on the docket, though I don't know a timeline.
-Kevin
I am a Mac person. The only time that you need a Windows machine (or any computer) is to download software updates, new sounds and loco pictures. I delayed getting RailPro for a while due to the "Mac problem", but I went ahead and bought it, because I have access to a person who has a Windows machine (albeit 20 miles away) and will help me with this, as needed.
My problem with Parallels is that first you have to buy Parallels, then you have to buy Windows. I have no other need for Parallels or Windows, so it is not worth the investment for me.
My problem with getting a cheap Windows computer are: (1) the extra cost -- I would rather spend my $$$ on upgrading another loco to RailPro, and (2) I know very little about Windows (and neither does anybody in my household) so I would spend too much time figuring out Windows -- instead of running trains on RailPro.
As for option 3, I made a considerable (but quite polite) fuss to Ring Engineering about the lack of Mac access to the RailPro download site. Also I came up with the following analogy between Model train operating systems and computers (which I later sent to Ring Engineering).
(a) In the beginning there was only the DOS command line (=DC cab control), which everybody used. Nobody knew anything else.
(b) Then came Windows (=DCC), which was a great improvement of DOS (=DC Cab). Lots of people used it, but there were lots of complaints about its flaws and how sometimes it was difficult to do simple things.
(c) Then came Mac OS (=RailPro), with a logical, graphical interface that is so much easier to use than Windows (DCC).
So, RailPro should really appeal to Mac users. To me the HC-2 felt like a cross between Mac and a smart phone. I think Ring is making a mistake not appealing to Mac users.
More Mac users should continue to lobby Ring Engineering to provide Mac access.
Post by: KPack on November 30, 2016, 03:42:58 PM
Quote
More Mac users should continue to lobby Ring Engineering to provide Mac access.
This is the best way forward. The more that Ring hears about Mac users needing compatible software the sooner he will move on it. I'm not a Mac user, but I don't feel that people should have to fork out for a new machine or Parallels when that money could be best spent on Railpro itself.
-Kevin
Post by: Alan on November 30, 2016, 05:13:46 PM
Quote
(c) Then came Mac OS (=RailPro), with a logical, graphical interface that is so much easier to use than Windows (DCC).
I don't believe that is an accurate analogy although I hope it prompts Ring to pay more attention to non-Windows machines. Honestly, from a user's standpoint I don't see great functional difference between working on a Mac or a Windows machine. If you are familiar with one you should be able to use the other without much fuss. I work professionally on a W10 work station but have no problem using the Macs in the company graphics department when I need to. Likewise the graphics staff seem to have no problem using the company supplied Windows laptops. I posit your Windows fears may be founded on unfamiliarity. Try it once. You will see there are vastly more similarities than differences.
You will always know which machine you are on - if it operates silky smooth you're on the Mac, if it spits and stutters you are on the Windows PC. :P
Post by: MtRR75 on November 30, 2016, 11:32:13 PM
You will always know which machine you are on - if it operates silky smooth you're on the Mac, if it spits and stutters you are on the Windows PC.
My point exactly.....
However, I agree that the newer versions of Windows have nearly caught up to Mac OS. The earlier versions were more like awkward attempts to copy the Mac OS.
I am not totally unfamiliar with Windows. At one point in my career, I was teaching college biology students how to analyze their data in Excel -- on Windows computers -- which is what the computer lab had. Of course Excel is pretty similar across the platforms, but I learned the basics of Windows. However, I could never get over the two-button mouse. After spending more than a decade pressing the WHOLE mouse, I kept pressing the wrong side of the Windows mouse, sending me off somewhere that I did not want to go.