#990 LEGACY Command Set it is failing to communicate(Update)

The base is still in update mode. Redo the base update. Manual page attached. Which step did you skip?

I know, you have done it multiple times. Did you do the cab first?  Did you make your own update module? Perhaps that is corrupted. or obvious, but there is a separate cab and base update. Did you use the cab module in the base? (had to ask)

Try putting everything back to the previous version that you have modules for and try again. You had to have 1.3 before going to v1.52

Did you back up the system with the LSU before doing the upgrade?

Sounds like a "Cool Hand Luke" problem!

Thanks Carl,I did not skip any steps,I re-downloaded the files from Lionel web site to re-load in the BASE to see if it would help,also I have had v1.52 long before I started seeing this issue,I will try your suggestion of v1.3 back to v1.52.

Thanks John,Could you elaborate on the "Cool Hand Luke" problem comment?  

My thought is either the 8 volts 2 amp LEGACY BASE transformer is going out or the LEGACY BASE needs a trip to the shop. I have had my system since 2006 Volume 2 catalog with no issues other then the upgrade needed by Lionel and recharging fix, it has ran like a champ. 

Yep, hard to tell. When it's done, all the blinking lights should stop. I have a 1.2 that was updated to 1.3 and the 1.52 went as it should.

Are you using blacks or modded blue modules? One or two? Perhaps try loading the base update on the cab module, if you have two modules. Maybe something is wrong with that module.

it just seems like a corrupted update when it was working fine before and it is not returning to solid lights.

Updated information regarding original issue "#990 legacy commands set failing to communicate"

Technicians comment – corrective action performed:

Replace communications PCB – match software to version 1.52 on-base the remote – tested – you will have to reload your engine data/information. This new communications PCB has had its settings cleared by me and is blank.

Let me first make clear this is not a complaint, as I am appreciative of
Lionel for RAing my system.

However I have a new question in regards to the new communications PCB?
After receiving my legacy system from Lionel customer service, I am now experiencing a lack of legacy systems communication range, something I've never experienced for the first time I hooked up the system.Nothing has changed other than the replacement part with the environment the legacy system resides in.

Did you keep an LSU back-up of the system before sending it in to Lionel?

Perhaps a restore would sync things up?

Is it on a different channel that you had before?

Did the batteries discharge to low state in the remote? test with fresh alkalines  and see if the range returns.

Certainly could be an issue with how it went back together.  Perhaps in their test environment, they don't run into long range issues.  I have no idea how they actually test them...

Have you tried changing the base and handheld channels? The higher ones tend to work better.

They often change settings in the "service department". I thought my loco was DOA back from service until I figured out they changed the i.d.#.

Just a thought.

Yes Carl, in fact I brought it all away down to Version 1.4 and then brought it backup

to version 1.52 just to ensure a file wasn't missing.

I agree John, not sure if the tech verified communication at his workbench, Or do they push the max specifications of the 30 feet Distance from base stated in the manual?

Yes Rick, I actually went through all nine channels for verification purposes no better performance out of any of the channels.

Also guys one quick note I've even purchased one or larger antennas to try to improve range though it helps some, however I still get the red indicator light am a cab 2 within my layout room but it has to some extent improved to where I do not drop completely communicate for the remote to the base.

Also my layout is only 20 feet long overall, the area in which I control my trains is only maybe a 7 foot area so it's a worst-case I am 10 to 12 feet away from my command base at any given time. I have sent the same comment as posted to Lionel customer service to see what they may suggest.

That stinks ,Drew. I hope they can resolve it for you.

I was talking about the function in the Legacy Utility Software that allows you to create a back-up of the current configuration, settings, engines and such. Then you can restore all of them in one action for a situation such as this.

Have to ask...Is the power supply plugged into a properly grounded receptacle? Hot, neutral, earth for the round prong?

Did your Legacy power supply for the base return to Lionel? It can cause weird issues when it begins to fail.

Moonman

It seems to be a base to handheld issue which would not be affected by a missing ground.  That is strictly a track signal issue.

I was thinking more of the communication issues with Cab1-L and a few posters of Cab2 that had bad power supplies.

Should have just said that.

I don't see any way around shipping this back to Lionel, clearly it's not something that can be resolved without taking something apart.

Correct Carl, that just what I did.

and to Marty point that should only affect the base to track and that part works.

john that's what I thinking,awating reply from Lionel tech.

thanks guys!

well the base will be going back to have its antenna cable repaired.   

"What we have here is a failure to communicate." Is one of most famous movie lines from 40 years ago. Every time a convict (Paul Newman) would not follow orders, the warden would say that, and the guard would beat Luke.

People our age always think of that line.