Feature Request: "Radio" communications and/or Text Train Orders

[jmri]

Feature Request: "Radio" communications and/or Text Train Orders

[mstevetodd]

@ksfraser Thank you for the request.
If you don't mind, please separate the text suggestion into its own request, and provide more detail on what you're asking for.

Regarding SIP, I've no experience with such, so please provide more information.
For example, I don't understand why you'd need to switch apps once the initial connection is made. What (exactly) are you doing in the SIP client while your train is moving? If you switch back to ED, does it somehow interfere with the voice channel?
I'm not a fan of duplicating software, so I'd need to understand why the separate SIP client app isn't sufficient.
Also, are there competing "standards" for SIP? In other words, if we made it "work" with your setup, will it work with others?

[flash62au]

I tend to agree.
I would be reluctant to include complex functionality that already exists as a separate app.
However integration with the other app would not be unreasonable if possible. (i.e. adding the PTT and channel buttons to ED)

[ksfraser]

My usage scenario was less directly replacing the FRS and more like Canadian Pacific's Radios from 20 years ago - crew monitors the road channel for the segment of track they are on. They switch channels (i.e. dial a new extension) to talk to the dispatcher (which then flashes an alert on the dispatcher's screen). If the dispatcher calls them, they switch to a third channel. So I was using multiple extensions. Therefore, changing between apps (to dial a new extension) is fine while the train is stopped, less fine while moving due to the time involved and the short travel distance (ergo time) between stations/control points/signals/... on a model.

As to SIP, I don't believe there are multiple competing extensions. I have 2 SIP providers in addition to my self hosted Asterisk server and my sip client connects to all 3 with no difficulties.

A few years ago CSipSimple and gnuphone seemed to share a SIP library (I think it was PJSIP?). I am not a java programmer so don't know what integration would take.

I included the Text request in the original FR because SIP has the SIMPLE extension that allows sending text messages over SIP which if you were to integrate the library anyway, wouldn't need an additional add-on. That said, I can see how a web based text interface (e.g. text box + submit button) might be more easily integrated into JMRI itself. My thought was that train orders/clearances that are read over the radio could also be sent via text/http/... I know that the forms themselves are (maybe were I'm a decade away from the project) incorporated into dispatcher screens at CP and the dispatcher just fills in details, with the read and repeat highlighting text by hitting the space bar per word.