Old desktop computers and HO rail road uses

[illyad2]

I have access to 4-6 windows computers. These are old windows based systems from work that we are no longer using. My question is are there any practical usage for these computers on a HO scale train layout? Has anyone ever made use of computers on their layouts and if so how? TIA for all input.

 

[twforeman]

Depending on how old, you can run JMRI on them to control your layout.

 

[dave1905]

Run JMRI to do signalling, dispatching, DCC or decoder programming.

Run spreadsheets, word processors or databases to inventory equipment, or generate operations documents.

Run design programs to design track or 3D printing.

 

[beiland]

That's what I was thinking Dave.

Plus I was thinking I could run youtube music with it,...at least doing construction ( I enjoy Pavarotti & Friends, etc)

Perhaps I could also run some steam engine sounds like this,..
Sound in C&O Allegheny, awe-inspiring video

Don't need the visual, just the sound.

 

[KB02]

I'm currently running an old laptop with Windows Vista ( ) running JMRI, Railpro and MRC's software.

 

[flyboy2610]

One of them could sacrifice it's power supply, and you can have a nice source of 3, 5, and 12 volt DC for your turnout motors, lights, and other accessories. Computer power supply for layout power | ModelRailroadForums.com

 

[JazzDad]

You could run a rail simulator, if you didn't want to play with the 3-D stuff that day.

 

[CGW121]

I have an older computer. I wrote a q&d switch list program for my layout.

 

[jdetray]

I have JMRI running on an ancient Windows XP laptop. I turned it into a dual-boot machine that also runs Linux (cost = $0.00), and I installed JMRI in the Linux partition.

As flyboy mentioned, you can pull the power supply out of an old desktop computer and use it as a power source for all sorts of railroad stuff. Here's mine:

- Jeff