NICS/MICRO I/O 48 Nodes Software/Hardware Guide Introduction
The TCH Technology Node Control Interface System is made up of digital input and
output lines that can be used to connect a model railroad layout to a computer. This allows a computer to
monitor and control various componets on a layout. A NIT
or Node Interface Tab is
a serial interface board that can control a large digital input/ouput system. A NIC uses
a motherboard which has up to 16 digital input and digital
output cards. The MICRO I/O 48 Node card is a stand-alone serial
node providing a fixed 16 input lines and 32 output lines for a total of 48 I/O's. There are interface boards that are available
as part of TCH Technology system, but they all connect to your computer via a
NIC or MICRO I/O 48 Node. For example,
a TCH Technology Sensa-Bloc Elite™ or Sensa-Trak II™ can connect
to an input line. You can use the software with your NICS whether you are using
DCC or DC to control your trains. If you are controlling your trains with a
system that TCH Technology/JMRI software supports, you can connect your NICS and your train
control system to the software simultaneously, each with its own serial input line
into your computer. Most NICS users who use the software run with connections to
both their NICS and their train control system. There are many advantages
to doing so. The software allows you to "mix and match" how you control and monitor
things on your layout. For example, you can switch your turnouts using static decoders on your train control system,
and simultaneously use NICS inputs to provide turnout feedback to the software.
The software is designed to make both connected systems work smoothly together. Copyright © 2007 TCH Technology Copyright © Bob Jacobsen
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