AnyRail Model Railroad Forum

AnyRail is a currently a 32 bits program. This runs fine on both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows, but we're wondering how many people still have a 32 bit version of Windows running.

In time, it may be worth it to change to a 64 bit version of the program, but we'd rather not have two versions, one for 32 and one for 64 bit systems.

It seems that PCs sold after 2008 are all 64 bits, but some of you might be using older computers without a 64 bit processor.

Please let us know, so we can better plan for the future!

David.

I run 64 bit computers.

What advantages would 64 bit have over 32 bit in future features and performance?

One thing is that with the test version of a new 3D viewer we're working on, being able to use more memory will speed up the process for large layouts.

David,
64 bit for me.

Desktop with 35in screen runs Win7 32bit and AnyRail, as well as some special hardware; will eventually be converted to 64bit when drivers are updated..

64bit AnyRail won't be an issue here.

Is this some kind of a "hip" thing you need to do because everyone is doing it lately, or is there a valid reason to go 64-bit only for a killer feature that no other MRR planning software has, and it desperately needs 64-bit functionality?

Does AR need more than 4GB (3.5GB) of memory to warrant switching to 64-bit only?

Your 3D viewer should rely more on the graphics chip memory and advanced functionality there (if computation is needed such as CUDA, OpenCL...or OpenGL/DX/Vulkan) than CPU memory. Even the Intel IG is nowadays fast enough that one should never let the CPU do any graphics tasks.

Screen resolution is irrelevant to application's bit-ness and is driven by the underlining OS. Matter a fact AR should be resolution independent in every aspect.

I'm telling you this because if you keep being stuck in the Windows land, you will remain there. The world will move to more sleeker and leaner ARM architectures running on tablets with 10-16" screens, or even a pair of glasses, having about the same power as an i5 or i7 CPU today.

If anything, I would focus on liberating AR from the Windows shackles and making it as much OS agnostic as possible.

Just my 2c.

Thanks, great feedback.

The AnyRail core is just plain C++, only the user interface is Windows. So no worries there.

We've been doing some tests with tablet/touch and AnyRail design, but I feel a mouse is absolutely necessary to do anything useful. Positioning things with your fingers is just very clumsy, but when time comes, we can make the transition.

While there may not be very many convincing reasons to move to 64 bits yet, we just prefer to stay up to date with technology, and rather use the hardware that's available to create the best experience possible. However, at the same time, many of our users have a somewhat older laptop or desktop, and of course, it should work on those machines as well.

So we should balance all those aspects. Much like when we dropped XP support, making our development process a lot simpler once we could, we're now looking at this step to drop 32 bit support. We might be too early though, so that's why we're just trying to gather some information from you all.

Some software comes in both 32 and 64 bit.

Can Anyrail also be that way?

Is it difficult to maintain two copies?

Quote from: TrainzLuvr on February 24, 2018, 01:21:29 AM
Is this some kind of a "hip" thing you need to do because everyone is doing it lately, or is there a valid reason to go 64-bit only for a killer feature that no other MRR planning software has, and it desperately needs 64-bit functionality?

Does AR need more than 4GB (3.5GB) of memory to warrant switching to 64-bit only?

Your 3D viewer should rely more on the graphics chip memory and advanced functionality there (if computation is needed such as CUDA, OpenCL...or OpenGL/DX/Vulkan) than CPU memory. Even the Intel IG is nowadays fast enough that one should never let the CPU do any graphics tasks.

Screen resolution is irrelevant to application's bit-ness and is driven by the underlining OS. Matter a fact AR should be resolution independent in every aspect.

I'm telling you this because if you keep being stuck in the Windows land, you will remain there. The world will move to more sleeker and leaner ARM architectures running on tablets with 10-16" screens, or even a pair of glasses, having about the same power as an i5 or i7 CPU today.

If anything, I would focus on liberating AR from the Windows shackles and making it as much OS agnostic as possible.

Just my 2c.

Actually a 32 bit windows allows for no single application to use more than 2Gb Ram.
Mu opinion is that fine positioning of track with my fingers on a tablet is a no go! For me there is nothing wrong with staying on the Desktop OS that still has an 88.78% market share. The death of the Windows PC has been predicted for over a decade. In actual fact the number of downloads of mobil apps dropped 20% between may 2015 and 2016! Source: https://www.recode.net/2016/6/8/11883518/app-boom-over-snapchat-uber. I would like to see a 64 bit version of AnyRail as it would open up for possibilities for higher dpi output which when printing full size tracks plans would be useful. I should imagine that it would help with 3D performance as well. Not to mention give more space for other modules like Wiring and Baseboards.

+1

If 64bit would allow better images, 3D improvements and larger layouts with finer zoom, and eventually modules that can be linked together, then that would get up-leveled to +100 ..

I see no problems if say, from e.g. version 6.15 onwards Anyrail is 64 bit.
when you have a 32 bit system, use 6.14 or earlier (but it will not be kept up to date of course).
In my opinion you cannot keep on supporting "stone age" equipment indefinitely  8)

Go to 64bit and move on.

Archive the final 32bit version for the occasional retro-person 😎 who may need it. No development, no support, as is.

Although not too many people voted in the poll, it seems that no one still uses a 32 bit computer.

Soon, we'll present a 64 bit version to our test group, so we can make sure there are no underlying problems.

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

Hi David/all,

I have an Acer 8930G 18.4" Blue-Ray laptop, running on Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit, and still happy with it.
Most used software on it is Anyrail.

Regards,
Michel

@Michel, is that the only Windows computer you have? It's a shame that they did not put Vista 64 bits on it back then, as it is perfectly capable of running that, even when it's 9 years old.

By the way, Microsoft stopped Vista support in April 2017, so you might consider upgrading anyway.

I run Windows 10 Home, updated from Windows 7. Win 10, Version 1803, updated as Microsoft pushes updates, latest is May, 2018. My RAM slots are full with 4.0 GB. I am an old retiree not needing or planning an update to newer or faster machine or software. I vote for 32 bits.

n. b. David: I am surprised only 30 people responded to your query.

Quote from: pipe4man on August 17, 2018, 06:52:10 PM
n. b. David: I am surprised only 30 people responded to your query.

That's called "democracy"...the minority rule by vote.  ;D

@pipe4man: We'll keep to 32 bits for version 6 of AnyRail, but we're considering going to 64 bits for version 7.
Most hardware is capable of running it, probably even yours.

One limitation we now hit is the export of the 3D view to certain formats. Internally, a lot of memory is required to do this.
Also in development it's a bit easier. Anyway, nothing decided yet.

By the way: Upgrading Windows 10 from 32 to 64 bits is free, but it's a hell of a lot of work:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-upgrade-32-bit-64-bit-version-windows-10

And correct, while we have hundreds of thousands of active users of the software, it's strange that so few responded in this poll. Perhaps it's not that big of an issue.

I definitely would prefer you upgrade to the 64 bit version. I would love to have better 3D viewing capability. As well as the ability to print out higher resolution pages to use as templates.

Hi David, I don't know if you're still monitoring this thread, but please do go to 64-bit for Version 7.  Also, would you consider GPU Acceleration for the 3D rendering engine?

Also, how does one get to test the new version?

Thanks
Mark

@Mark: We're working on version 7, and it will be 64 bits. If you wish, I can add you to the test group, so when the time is there, you can try an early version.

David,

Estimated timeframe?

Thanks.

@Tom: we never make any promises about that. It's ready when it's ready. :)

Ok.

How does one get added to the test group?

@TrainzLuvr: I've added you to the test group, although there's nothing to do there now.

Thank you, I'll keep an eye for new information there ;)

Quote from: David on March 17, 2019, 03:56:47 PM
@Mark: We're working on version 7, and it will be 64 bits. If you wish, I can add you to the test group, so when the time is there, you can try an early version.

Can I also be added to the test group?
Currently i'm creating a new layout (5.15x3.60m).
What could be better to test this in a new version of my favorite program ( Anyrail )

Let me know.

Done, but there's not much to do there yet.

No problem there.
Keeping an eye on the forums.. :)

I'm glad you guys are going to go with a 64-bit build on the next version. Will you be dropping 32-bit support in the next version? It would make sense to do that so you don't have to worry about backwards compatibility.

Yes, the next major version will be 64 bit.

David 

Glad you are working on a 64 bit version.  Will it be version 7? 



 

Yes, version 7 that's currently under development  will be 64 bits.

Is there any schedule/plan for when Version 7 will be available?

No, I'm sorry. We're working on it, but it's done when it's done.

64 bit of Windows/AnyRail

Quote from: David on April 07, 2021, 10:53:24 AMNo, I'm sorry. We're working on it, but it's done when it's done.

Ok but is there some features we already know we will see in v7 ?

I don't see a burning reason to upgrade Anyrail to 64 bits, it won't make a substantial difference in the performance or operation.  If Microsoft suddenly decides to stop supporting 32 bit programs, then there would be a reason. :)

Quote from: gunrunnerjohn on August 20, 2021, 04:48:51 PMI don't see a burning reason to upgrade Anyrail to 64 bits, it won't make a substantial difference in the performance or operation.  If Microsoft suddenly decides to stop supporting 32 bit programs, then there would be a reason. :)

Just in case the above post left a bad impression, a 64-bit vertion (V7.0) of AnyRail would be most welcome.  It will definitely improve performance, especially on moving/scrolling the file and especially in 3D.  Yes, I notice some delay and hesitation in accessing these features, but I don't complain - it's just the nature of 32-bit software.

64-bit architecture for AnyRail will be a massive improvement.  I doubt that some even realize how much it would improve, but I've been doing CAD since the early 1980s and can vouch for improvements over time that were directly tied to the architecture of the software.

Quote from: TomB on November 20, 2023, 08:58:18 PM

Quote from: gunrunnerjohn on August 20, 2021, 04:48:51 PMI don't see a burning reason to upgrade Anyrail to 64 bits, it won't make a substantial difference in the performance or operation.  If Microsoft suddenly decides to stop supporting 32 bit programs, then there would be a reason. :)

Just in case the above post left a bad impression, a 64-bit vertion (V7.0) of AnyRail would be most welcome.  It will definitely improve performance, especially on moving/scrolling the file and especially in 3D.  Yes, I notice some delay and hesitation in accessing these features, but I don't complain - it's just the nature of 32-bit software.

64-bit architecture for AnyRail will be a massive improvement.  I doubt that some even realize how much it would improve, but I've been doing CAD since the early 1980s and can vouch for improvements over time that were directly tied to the architecture of the software.

Well, I don't have a massive layout, around 500 feet of track.  However, I see no issues of speed of operation.  I really think the term massive is a bit over the top.  As CAD goes, this is a pretty low impact CAD application.  YMMV

Version 7, that is (still) under development, will be 64 bits.

Any predictions on when the version 7 will hatch?

Currently, we're working on the 3D models for all the track elements to improve the 3D view.

Clearly, this is a lot of work.


Once done, a test version will be available for a small group of testers to find the most annoying crashes and bugs.


Manuals and tutorials need to be created and translated.


In any case, we're working on it, and it's ready when it's ready. I can understand it's annoying to wait so long. For that reason we have the occasional update for version 6.

Thanks for the update, David.  It's always good to understand how things are moving forwards.

I have DIFFERENT COMPUTERS. ;-)

Mainly 64bit, but in the Modelrailwayroom there could be an old 32bit Laptop.
You should add the option: "I have 64 and 32 Bit computers"

Greetings.
Joerg

Quote from: David on November 21, 2023, 04:05:28 PMCurrently, we're working on the 3D models for all the track elements to improve the 3D view.

Clearly, this is a lot of work.


Once done, a test version will be available for a small group of testers to find the most annoying crashes and bugs.


Manuals and tutorials need to be created and translated.


In any case, we're working on it, and it's ready when it's ready. I can understand it's annoying to wait so long. For that reason we have the occasional update for version 6.

Fantastic!  Exactly what I was hoping for.  Improving 3D features is important.  Even if someone has a relatively flat layout, their benchwork isn't. ;)  Also, add a helix to relatively flat multiple levels and the three dimensions get complicated quickly.