FAQ EN

No one was born a train dispatcher. This list of questions is designed for people who want a quick answer to a common problem. If you think your answer might be on this page, try using your browser's search function (usually CTRL-F). If you don't find an answer on this page, try using the wiki's built-in search function (located to the left).

How do I get and install my licence key?

Please register at [1]. The registration code is located at the back of the manual accompanying CDs, or provided by the retailer when purchasing from a download shop. The registration code contains only letters.

Within 10-60 minutes after registering, you'll receive a confirmation email (which verifies that your email address actually exists, and was typed correctly.) Register only once.

Once you have registered and confirmed your email, you may receive a licence key within 48 hours. Once you receive a licence key, follow the steps provided here.

How can I use an external/alternative timetable?

'You can only make use of external/alternative timetable when you have a valid license key for the simulation.

1. Store the Timetable (mdb-file) somewhere on your hard disk. This is typically done in a folder called 'C:\Users\[Name]\Documents\Signalsoft\[sim name]\Data' or ':\Users\[Name]\Documents\Signalsoft\[sim name]\Downloads'.
2. In the Simulation you can set which "own" timetable you would like to use. This can be found under Settings -> Simulation.

Activate the option 'Use custom timetables'.
Custom timetable directory : normally this the default folder is set for you here, but you can change it where needed.
Preferred Custom Timetable : the timetable mdb-file you want to use, i.e. 'C:\Users\[Name]\Documents\Signalsoft\Braunschweig Hbf\data\[timetable-file-name].mdb'

If you don't want to loose an old (self-made) timetable, you can rename the file name of the new timetable. The built-in timetable will not get lost. You can always revert to the built-in timetable, by disabling the Use custom timetables.

Why isn't the train number box renumbering?

The sim has two modes of box numbering:

Automatic: The sim attempts to change the train ID in the number box, but this does not always work, and a train ID is not changed properly, or is "left behind". The ZNP801 system should be used to change train number boxes in such cases. With a bit of practice, the ZNP801 is quite fast.
Realistic: In this mode, the dispatcher is much busier!

The train's steering number is wrong!

If a train automatically renumbers, the steering usually is updated automatically. In rare cases, though, it's necessary to change a steering number manually. The most common case is changing from "0" to another number. This must be done manually, and is purely for safety reasons.
Your neighbour may have made a mistake by entering the wrong steering number for a train.
If the steering number is wrong, the system will not notice or complain. It is the dispatcher's responsibility to notice these errors.

Steering number changes are done using the ZNP801. For example, enter 14711-24711 to change the steering number of train 4711 from 1 to 2.

What's that buzzing noise?!

When the interlocking system cannot set a route from a signal when in automated mode (SBET) a buzzer will sound. To disable the buzzer, you must first identify which signal is buzzing. There will be a flashing indicator light next to, or near the signal. Once the signal is identified, press SBRT together with the signal's button. Once the situation has been fixed, normal operation can be resumed using SBET.

What's that ringing sound?!

Signal Brightness

At night, the outside signal brightness is dimmed; during the day, the signal brightness is brighter than at night. This brightness is controlled manually by using the "Day/Night" (Tag/Nacht) buttons together with the Station Button. There is a photosensor that detects the amount of sunlight outside. When it is dark outside and the signals are bright (drivers would be blinded) or if it is daytime and the signals are dim (drivers cannot see signal aspects well) then a bell will ring. To silence the ringer, press the WUT button to acknowledge the situation. Then, press either the Tag or Nacht button together with the Station Button to toggle the signal brightness.

Full Barriers Level Crossing

If you turned on the expert option "operate full barriers manually" you must indicate that the crossing is clear by pressing the BÜFT group button together with the main level crossing button. Both have a yellow dot.

Only then the square light (crossing locked) at the crossing will light up and the signal clear. The bell will stop then.

The slow ringing sound is meant to remind you of an outstanding action. Incidentally it might happen that the bell gives one or two rings on opening of the crossing. This is due to the relay delay.

Announcement of a Train

Trains entering your area will ring once. Trains leaving your area or, better said, extinguishing a blue exit light will ring a bell.

What are the coloured rings around buttons after they are pressed?

These indicate input feedback. They indicate the outcome of a particular set of inputs.

What are those blue rings around the buttons? Why can't I press the buttons with the blue rings?

To prevent operator errors, some buttons are by default equipped with a glass collar. This is only to prevent incidental pressing the button. By operational rules it is required to have those buttons collared.

More information about collars around buttons.

I have more than one computer screen/monitor. How can I make the simulation fill all my screens?

The main simulation window is a normal Windows 'window'. Un-maximize the window (if it is already maximized), and stretch the window to the desired size, spanning multiple monitors if needed.