Lionel Legacy 990 Remote

Worst comes to worst you have a second Cab2 for a guest.  Just don't plug in both bases.

you could send it back and buy the 993.

Store it away until the next shortage and make big dollars on eBay

I agree with Marty.  Keep it.

Lionel Aug. Newsletter.

#990 back in stock limited quantity.

Why?  i have a second one I use for guests plugged in but not connected to layout.  Am I doing something wrong?  No problems doing this as of yet.

Pete

One base per layout. While it may not be connected, the "track" signal is rather robust and could cause signal issues. If your not having any problems then I wouldn't worry about it. 

I use my second 990 for portable layouts.

I do have two Legacy bases connected on the layout and it is a necessity.  One connects to the track in the garage and the other connects about 150 feet away in the back yard.  Neither one can control an engine over the entire span of the layout.   About 60 feet from the garage, one starts to have overlapping interference as described by Marty.  To handle this problem, each base has its own toggle switch which electrically connects and disconnects it from the track.  To run this way requires two operators.  When the engine(s) departs (depart) from the rail yard in the garage, toggle for Legacy in the garage is on, but backyard is switched off.  When engine(s) reaches (reach)  the mainline, the operator in the backyard using a walkie talkie calls "Legacy on" at which point the garage operator switches his toggle off.   This system operates flawlessly and transfers control seamlessly.

Since I've had Legacy base problems, and I have twice the probability of having a base failure,  I'll take delivery of the new "improved" base.   

where to start.

first off disconnect the second legacy base and get a bigger antenna.  even eric from ericis trains uses this larger antenna and he just said today he will be adding a third antenna.

 this is all discussed in gunrunnerjohns thread

second the new legacy unit must work with the existing units out there so there is really no reason to get another. 

@bigdodgetrain

I have experimented with an enhanced antenna, but it was unsuccessful.  Eric says he is running among four rooms of 400 sq.  ft. separated by three interior walls.  I am running on approximately 7,000 sq. ft. separated by three exterior walls one of which is concrete and blocked by a large Red Cedar and Douglas Fir both of which are over four feet in diameter.  I do use an an additional antenna though for DCS which adds about 50 feet of range.

As for the new 990 bases,  Mike Reagan indicated that some electronic components would be more robust so Lionel wouldn't have to repeat the repair problems they have incurred with some of the current batch they have in circulation.  I've already had to buy a replacement on the forum because one failed and the retailer couldn't repair it.  You'll remember Lionel service was shut down for six months.  

So that's why I run with two bases and plan to acquire a new one for backup.  I'm well aware there are no new capabilities.  Hopefully more reliability though.

now that lionel service is back open you should send that unit in for repair.

I still believe two units give more problems then more antennas.