                                  CATrain
                                  =======

PROGRAM IDENTITY MAP
--------------------

Program Name:                CATrain
Program Release:             1.0
Date of the Release:         June, 15th 1996
Executable file:             CATRAIN.EXE
Development:                 Jol Bouchat
Address (B.O.):              69 rue de Paris F-91400 ORSAY France

PRESENTATION
------------

CATrain is a tool for designing, simulating and controlling Model Railways.
CATrain runs on Microsoft Windows(c) 3.1 or Windows95(c) on a
Personal Computer, provided with a 80386DX CPU or higher standard.

The "Design" mode allows for the drawing of very simplified schematics
of the railroad layout on the P.C. screen, including devices like
rail switches, signals and level crossing.
The user can define the characteristics of every device and rail section,
using the "Edit" mode.

The "Running" mode permits the checking of the layout by simultaneously
running several train models on it.
The trains which have been installed on the railway are animated on the
screen and the User can observe the traffic simultaneously with the switch
and signal operation.
This is useful to define a good layout topology and to optimize the signal
positioning.
The trains can either circulate under the "manual" control of the User
or automatically, following user defined itineraries.
In Automatic mode, CATrain controls the journey, the schedule and the
track contention for every train.
As far as the motion of the trains is concerned, CATrain simulates gradual
acceleration and deceleration for a more realistic effect.
This is the Simulation Mode.

When the PC is connected to a dedicated Controller, CATrain can control
a real model railway.
In Automatic mode, The Digitally Controlled trains follow their itinerary
while the computer sets the switches and the signals as required.
The feed-back information provided by the train presence detectors ensures
a good synchronization between the model and the real life version.
Both the devices (switches, signals, ...) and the locomotives are under
computer control, when they are fitted with a digital remote control,
CATrain chooses the electrical power applied to the locomotive engine,
according to a "motion profile curve" specific to each locomotive.
It also takes into account the slope incidence in order to raise or lower
the electrical power.

With CATRain 1.0 Freeware, only the Simulation mode is available since
the handler for the hardware controller is not provided.

LIMITATIONS
-----------
This version is a Freeware software only provided with a dummy DLL handler.
This dummy DLL handler, called "CDUMCTRL", cannot drive train controllers.
Because of this limitation, only traffic simulation is possible.
A shareware version including a DLL called "MRKCTRL" is available.
This version is designed to drive the Marklin(c) Digital Control Unit.

INSTALLATION
------------
The easiest way to proceed when installing the CATrain software is to run
the provided "INSTALL" procedure.
For users who are reluctant to use automatic installation, it is still
possible to copy all provided files to a chosen directory and to install
the "CATRAIN.EXE" program inside a WINDOWS(c) group as usual.

DOCUMENTATION
-------------
A HELP file is accessible to the CATrain user.
This Help file can be classically accessed by the HELP command on the main
menu, or in a contextual way by pushing on "F1" during the selection of
a specific menu topic.
A "search" function on key words is available while consulting the Help
file.

LANGUAGE
--------
The CATrain commands and documentation are written in English, or in
something which closely resembles American English ...

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
---------------------
To use CATrain you need an Personal Computer with at least a 80386DX CPU,
4 Mega Bytes of RAM, a hard disk, a fast 16 colors VGA board and a mouse.
The PC must be provided with the Windows(c) 3.1 or Windows95(c) environment.
To achieve a better performance, if you run more than 5 trains
simultaneously, a 80486DX2 66 with 8 Mega Bytes of RAM and a Super VGA
Accelerated board is recommended.
To Control a "real" railway, you need a dedicated controller
(e.g. Marklin(c) Central Unit and accessories), and the corresponding
handler DLL specific to CATrain.

LICENSE AGREEMENT
-----------------
CATrain 1.0 has been designed and developed by Jol Bouchat who holds all
ownership rights to CATrain and the associated documentation.

CATrain 1.0 software may be copied and distributed royalty-free subject to
the following conditions:
- CATrain 1.0 software is not to be modified or altered in any way if
  copied or distributed.
  No commercial use or distribution of CATrain 1.0 is allowed.
- CATrain 1.0 software package must be kept as a whole including all
  executable  files, dll files, help files, related documentation and
  copyright notice.
- CATrain 1.0 software must be copied or distributed  without any
  modification  or alteration.
The express written permission must be granted by Joel Bouchat prior to
any other variations on the use and distribution of this software.

The CATrain 1.0 software is provided on an "as is" basis without any
warranty.
Under no circumstances will Joel Bouchat be liable for damages arising
from the use of CATrain.
