64 bit vs 32 bit

[jrockey]

Whitepass -

Can you be a bit more specific and definite about your use of the Raildriver hardware with Trainz?

I was told very definitely by P.I. Engineering that their Raildriver device is NOT 64 bit compatible, and also that they had NO plans for it to meet 64 bit compatibility in future.

Therefore, I'm surprised to learn that it seems to be working for you... Did you have to do something "special" to make it work? I also don't understand the bug you mention... why would you be opening the engine spec file with Raildriver?

If Raildriver can be made to work on 64 bit systems, that's great news - why don't the Raildriver folks acknowledge it?

[FirstSoloFlight]

Originally Posted by jrockey

I've been running Trainz 06, Classic and '09 using a 64 bit Vista laptop for nearly a year now, with very satisfactory results. However, there is one problem issue that still isn't solved; AND IT DOESN'T APPEAR THAT IT EVER WILL BE!

The Raildriver "Desktop Train Cab Controller" - an optional add on control unit for various railroad simulators (most versions of Trainz included) is NOT compatible with 64 bit Windows, either Vista or Windows 7. From what I've been able to learn, P.I. Engineering (the producer of the product) is NOT EVER planning to write the 64 bit code for the hardware drivers that would be needed to run the Raildriver device on a a 64 bit system of any kind.

I don't own a Raildriver unit, but if I did, I'd be disappointed. So, DON'T be tempted to adopt 64 bit Vista or 64 bit Windows 7 for any computer you intend to attach a Raildriver device to - it won't function. If you already have a Raildriver and like it - STICK WITH 32 BIT when you upgrade your OS - Raildriver is 32 bit ONLY.

From memory you can run Trainz in XP SP3 compatability to fix this. You don't get some of the Win7 graphic and processor enhancements, but you do still benefit from the ability to read up to 128gb of ram!!!!

Regards,
FSF.

[RailDriver_Dan]

Hi. This is Dan from RailDriver. We are looking into this issue.

For clarification, the RailDriver itself is fully compatible with 64 bit operating systems. It is a USB HID device and reports as such to all operating systems.

Currently, there is an issue with the software link between the RailDriver and Trainz on 64 bit operating systems.

Since the installation and functioning of this software link involves elements from both Auran and P.I. Engineering, it is not always easy to determine where the issue is and who has the capability to fix it.

We are looking into it and hope to have a solution soon.

It is our continuing goal to support all current train simulation platforms.

Thanks.

[whitepass]

I got the beta drivers from a post here. I am not "opening" the file RailDriver/Trainz is.

[meatloaf747]

Originally Posted by RailDriver_Dan

Hi. This is Dan from RailDriver. We are looking into this issue. For clarification, the RailDriver itself is fully compatible with 64 bit operating systems. It is a USB HID device and reports as such to all operating systems.
Currently, there is an issue with the software link between the RailDriver and Trainz on 64 bit operating systems.
Since the installation and functioning of this software link involves elements from both Auran and P.I. Engineering, it is not always easy to determine where the issue is and who has the capability to fix it.
We are looking into it and hope to have a solution soon.
It is our continuing goal to support all current train simulation platforms.
Thanks.

Dan,
Thanks for your reply. Finally hearing from the "horses mouth" as they say. It's great to read that P I Engineering is looking into the issue and hopefully between yourselves & Auran the issue can resolved.

As more & more people move to 64bit OS's, less & less people will be purchasing RailDriver while there's still this issue.
RailDriver is a great product and I'm sure once P I Engineering & Auran get this matter resolved, sales of RailDriver will climb sharply as people running 64bit OS's will then be able to run it without any problems/issues.
A win - win - win situation all around; P I Engineering/Auran/the community running 64bit OS's. (more sales & happier clients)...

Here's another recent thread on the matter; http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showt...d=1#post514128

I'm sure P I Engineering have Auran's contact details. If not, you'll find them in this forum. Helpdesk, etc.

Please keep us posted Dan.
Cheers, Mac...

[conductor1945]

When I read your msg, I presume you run a 32 bits system
Windows XP /Vista will not use mem over 3,5 G.
I'v got the same situation. Vista on 32 bits system with 6 G 3DDR mem
It only recognise 3.5 G
You have to switch to 64 bits board to be able to use all your mem.
best luck


quote=fwassner;513352]I was not aware that memory needed to be in 2GB chunks for DDR2.
I thought it was just filling 2 or 4 (not 1 or 3) slots.

I do have all 4 slots populated with DDR2.
2ea 1GB, 2ea 512MB.

If I were to upgrade to 4GB, I would remove the two 512MB, replace with 2ea 1GB.

Then again, the 32 bit processor isn't going to use more than 3GB, is it. Currently, Windows says that 2.97GB is available. If I add another GB, that figure probably won't change, but if you say I will get 2x faster memory transfer, then it's probably worth it.

FW[/quote]

[RailDriver_Dan]

Originally Posted by meatloaf747

I'm sure P I Engineering have Auran's contact details. If not, you'll find them in this forum. Helpdesk, etc.

Please keep us posted Dan.
Cheers, Mac...

Mac, we do have good contacts at Auran. They are very busy with the new release at the moment but have assured us they will start looking at the issue from their end as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, we are looking into our DLL and installation.

Thanks for using and supporting our RailDriver. We will post the cure as soon as it's available.