Announcing the 14th Lionel Legacy Users Group Breakfast! Agenda in pdf now posted!

The SER2 output looks just like the TMCC base output. So if the Z stuff worked with the TMCC, then it should work with the SER2. The SER2 output is not bipolar like the TMCC base output was NOT and is not a true RS232 output. That's why it cannot work with the serial input to a computer for running LSU. But it can drive data inputs as the TMCC base did...which the Legacy base had limitations doing.

If I have it wrong, someone jump in on this.

You have that backwards, at least part of it.  The TMCC base transmits between 0V and +5 using a simple emitter follower to drive the output pin.  I don't know what the SER2 has, but I would guess since the Legacy Base has proper RS-232 bi-polar outputs that they should have done that in the SER2 as well. 

Sounds like a good question for Jon Z.

Let me know how you want it asked. 

Ill add add it to the list. 

I will be there.  Flying solo for the first time, no wife to supervise me.

Looking forward to it.

Dan

Well, they didn't. They made the SER2 output the same as what the TMCC base was, 0 volts to +5 volts. That's why Jon said, I think, that it would drive multiple data inputs again like the TMCC base did.

I don't think it's a step back, rather a fix to the weak RS232 drive capabilities. I'm thinking that an RS232 compatible box could easily be fabricated to convert that zero to five volt output to RS232 for a computer serial connection. 

I fixed my first post above which I reread, to more clearly say that the SER2 and the TMCC base are the same, and are not RS232.

well if the SER2 and TMCC base ports are the same then Zander  said that setting up a switch ID should work the same way.

Also, he said that ALL DZ-2500s were TMCC ready. Trade-in policy of the DZ-1000s is still active.

if you guys would like to start a separate thread to discuss this please do. I would like to keep this thread open for LUG questions and those going. 

Thanks. 

Marty, add the question of exactly what the characteristics of the SER2 module output is.  Is it true RS-232, or just a 0-5V uni-polar signal?

I have looked at the output of the SER2 with the scope and it is 0 to 5 volts.

So a question might be:

1. Why did Lionel do that...to be able to drive things like Z stuff, and TPCs, etc.?

2. Are there any plans to develop a module to convert the 0 to 5 volts serial data to RS232 for using the LSU without unplugging and replugging the DB9 cables to the Legacy base?

Questions pertaining to what Lionel intends for the future of the LSU program on the Windows computer:

1. Does Lionel intend to continue to update to the firmwear on the Legacy system using LSU or will some procedure be forthcoming to create an update module using the wifi LCS?

2. Do they intend to ultimately use only the LCS wifi and an iPad to edit and update the Legacy base?

This would by my question at this time:

1: What is Lionel's experience with a wifi update of an iPad modified engine roster to the Legacy base?

I tried to change engine data on the iPad and update the Legacy base (reload the base with the new engine information). After a couple of minutes, it seemed like it was not going to happen. The link started switching from green to red and back again. I canceled the update and had to restart the iPad, LCS App, and the Legacy to get everything going again. I guess I should try it again, but something about this bothers me. Canceling the update shouldn't result in the system not functioning without a complete reboot since the system works well and is reliable and works well in every other way.

I tried it again and the update did occur very quickly, but apparently the issue is that the iPad will not hook up wifi again unless I close the App completely and restart it. That is very reliably what I have to do. Multiple tries. Always the same. So it works, just can't resume work without App shutdown and restart. The Legacy Base and WiFi can remain on.

I have another question related to an RS232 interface module between the SER2 output and a computer hookup for running LSU.

1. If one could drive the 0 to 5 volt "receive" and "send" serial data (the MAX232 interface with proper polarity), is there a path to the Legacy base for the purpose of running the LSU program on the Windows computer?

Marty

Sorry if you think I was trying to hi-jack your thread.

I cannot be at your breakfast. I was hoping to get at a question by free-thinking with others who may have the similar questions about DZ stuff and LCS modules.  

There are many threads, videos and instruction manuals but no overall book, like there is for DCS, to explain how all of Lionel's Legacy and pre-legacy  pieces fit together with themselves as well as with the other control systems like DCS and DZ that most of us have.

Alan

No worries.  It's just hard for me to decipher what is a LUG question vs. a back and forth question amongst the participants.

Some questions for the meeting:

1  Are there plans to update the LCS ipad APP to control AMC's and the OTC's. With the OTC's both uncouple & operate cars?

2  The  SER2 was advertised to be able to attach you computer so you could operate the Legacy System Utility. Will this still be accomplished?

3  Will the icab APP be able too function on the ipad?

4  Are there definite plans to develop add-on IR transmitters to be added to box cars, etc., to function thru the sensor track? If yes, time frame?

5  Any plans to enhance the sensor track to be able to start program and record functions from the cab2? 

Doesn't look like I will attend now but,

Question:

1. I was reading that there is no "boost" command. While it can be worked around, is one on the list for the future?

2. This is a little removed from the general expertise, but are there any plans to allow the creations of "macros" on the LCS App so that one can personalize multiple command sequences that are often needed.

  One such macro could be the install of the macro button TR#1,Boost for example...and right next to the macro button TR#2, Boost and so forth.

This could be implemented as a record function within the App...create a button to play a sequence of key strokes.

 Poke one of those buttons and the track voltage goes on full with one poke stroke.

Marty,

In support of my question earlier in this thread on how many devices the SER2 can drive, I uploaded a PowerPoint file which should provide you a clearer picture of my setup.  The second chart should accompany the question.  Hope this works for you.

Ron

Thanks for the revised graphic, much easier to read. The place you indicated for the serial booster should work fine, although I'm not sure if it is necessary. Have you tested this configuration, or are you asking for advice on a hypothetical setup?

Rudy,

I'm still waiting for my preordered Wi-Fi module to arrive before I start playing with this setup.  Right now I'm trying to get the wiring for the switches finished (45 just for the first stage).

I have played with the Sensor Track a bit, but with so few sensor equipped locomotives I may not pursue that capability.  Since I have purchased more TMCC components (TPCs, ASCs, etc.) than I will ever use, the Wi-Fi and SER2 modules will be all that I buy for at least the near term.

Ron

Yes the LCS App on the iPad. No boost button...

We have about a week to get yer questions in.  We have some good ones.  Again please make them as clear and concise as possible to get the best answer.  In the past we had to guess what the question was and we don't always guess correctly.

Marty,

I´ll take part in the meeting

Regards

Albrecht

Dennis Skinner will attend.

Gents

Last few hours for questions.  Tomorrow A.M. I will collect and forward the questions to JonZ.

Thanks!

Hi Marty,

Bob and Leo will attend. 

Thank you for making this possible.

Bob

Got the answers back.  I will put them in the agenda and have copies on hand.  I will also post a pdf. here.

We had a couple of questions that Jon didn't understand.  I have emailed him with some thoughts. Hopefully they will get answered.

The LCS Demo board is complete.  It will show all the current LCS components in action and a few not yet released. We will also show one not yet announced! Due to limited space it's nothing spectacular but does demonstrate their operation.  The SER2 will be on the board but inactive.

Also if you would like to have 1.52 modules created, I can help with the process after the meeting.  Please bring either 2 Black Modules or 2 gunrunnerjohn modified Blue Modules!  I'll walk you through the procedure and will check them on my base.

If you want to spend a few minutes afterwards checking out the LCS components we will stay until the end as long as we don't interfere with the restaurant.

Looking forward to Friday!

Quick summary with a video and answers to the question to follow later...

We showed all the current LCS modules including the WiFi, SER2, and sensor track. 

We we also showed the yet to be released ASC2 and BPC2 modules. 

We also showed the just announced STM2 (switch throw monitor). 

And as as an late addition we previewed the WiFi version of the LSU app. 

It it was a good but busy meeting. 

Film at 11.. or whenever it gets edited

It was a good meeting. One of the best we have had

Next meeting, I suspect that Marty will be needing a longer board!

Can't wait!

The video is edited and should be posted by tomorrow evening.  Stay tuned!

Hey Marty,

Do you know if the BPC2 is close to shipping? I see that it was shown at York, was wondering if you knew the status of that hitting the streets. Shipping schedule has December but we know how well updated that list is.

Thanks!

I'll have to watch the video when it gets posted but I believe Mike said they were "on the water".

I can't remember if he said they were "on the water" or "in the water", I guess when we open them up we'll find out.

Any update to when the video will be posted?  Can't wait to see what I missed.  Thanks everyone for making it possible for us who couldn't be there to be able to see it.

The video will be posted this evening.  It is done I just need to get the summary in the correct format.  I will be re-shooting the demo board where we did a Sensor Track recording playback that triggered all the devices.  Some how it got partially missed.  That being said the meat and potatoes is edited so we'll have that this evening.

Thanks Marty!

Keep us posted as I am really upset I missed it with the new stuff being shown and discussed. Plus, I really miss Mike R's Special Recap at the end!