I just added LCS to my Legacy Base/original CAB1 Base setup. I also have an original IC Controls TPC controlling track power from my KW and connected to the Legacy and CAB1 Bases via the "Y Adapter" and an original IC Controls serial cable. Given the TPC component, I had to get not only the WiFi adapter but the SER2 to ensure everything stayed connected.
See https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...utility-v2-0-and-mac for an in depth "how to" regarding connecting the LCS WiFi to my all Apple infrastructure, including my Apple Airport Extreme/Time Capsule router and connecting the Legacy Utility V2 application via WiFi with the Legacy Utility running under Windows XP on a virtual machine via VMWare Fusion on a MacBook Pro running OS X.
I've gotten the iPhone iCAB app to connect to the LCS WiFi as well as the Legacy Utility V2 to connect to the LCS WiFi. I haven't run the trains yet as I need to get the TPC connected to the LCS SER2 to get the track powered up. The original IC Controls serial cable has a piece of plastic holding the serial connector metal plate to the plastic housing which hits the bottom of the SER2 module and prevents a complete coupling of the DB9 connector. The SER2 module DB9 placement isn't well thought out in this regard. I didn't want to destroy the cable so I'll get a new section of shielded cable today and make a wired connection from the TPC screw terminals to the SER2 screw terminals. At least the SER2 gives you the option of DB9 or screw terminals to make the connection.
So far I really like the overall setup and design of the LCS modules and the daisy chain architecture. However, I'm a little underwhelmed with the build quality. Only 2 opposite corners have screws holding the module together and the other 2 corners want to come apart as they are not otherwise held together. This doesn't make the modules feel "solid" at all. And far more concerning are the PDI connectors. These seem very fragile if you don't push straight in and pull straight out. It seems like you could twist them off from their circuit board insertions VERY easily. It certainly doesn't have the sturdy feel of the connector on the bottom of my smartphone or the USB port on my laptop. As part of a Christmas layout that comes out once a year I'd prefer to be able to easily disconnect the cables every year when I stored it. But I'm not sure what is riskier - the stress on the connector of plugging and unplugging or the potential twisting of cables left connected. That I'm even having to think about it is disappointing.
But overall, I'm REALLY liking the new functionality. And the WiFi connection to the Legacy Utility application might just be what I like the best. Once I can build a year 'round layout though I think an iPad control panel for the track switches is the killer application. I just don't have much ability to utilize that yet for a Christmas layout. But someday.....
