Do Legacy Locos Still Come with the Memory Module

It was talked about, but my F40PH came with an orange module, it's the newest thing I have.

The newest Legacy, 6-82214, I got three weeks ago had one. Coulda been on the shelf for awhile tho.   

Sean - Sandjam- stated in his video posted 06/24/2017 that the new K4 did not have the orange module.

The K4 I received also did not have a module.

Relying on Sensor track?

It's odd they're leaving them out of some locomotives but not others...

I add my engines on my computer before they even come to my door, but it still would be nice to have them in everything. 

maybe old news, but for the record, the VL GG1 came with it.

Bruce

Hi all,

We have decided to retire the use of the orange modules for Legacy engines starting with the 2017 C1 catalog. Any engines from last year that have already shipped will have them (I.E. the F40PH, GG1, etc.). Engines from 2016C2 that haven't yet shipped will not have them (I.E. the Mogul, NW2). The recently shipped SD45 and K4 do not have them nor will any engines from now on.

The decision was made by the team to remove due to the complexity in making them for such a small gain. At this point, the only thing the module does is add the road name and number to the Cab2 and sets it to Legacy. This is something that can be done in about 30 seconds manually or can be done automatically if you have the sensor track system.

If anyone does not know how to perform entering the data into the Cab2 manually, please let me know. I can publish a video showing how to do that if that would help.

I'm here to answer further questions on the topic if there are any. Please do not view this as a penny pinching move. It's more to streamline the production process and to move in the direction of promoting the technology (I.E. encouraging the use of the sensor track system).

Thanks all!

Dave

If you really want a module, enter the info via the sensor track, manually via the Cab2 or the LSU software?  Once in your base create a single black memory module or better yet a multi engine module using the LSU program. 

I only have one Legacy engine at this point. But, when I used the orange module and compared it to entering the data for a TMCC engine, I ask myself what's the point?   You are not really saving anytime, so easy to enter the info manually anyway. I can fully understand why Lionel is dropping the module.

Although it's not for everyone, the Legacy System Utility has worked extremely well for me.  Everything that needs to be set or added is accessible on one screen.  And since the typing comes from an actual keyboard, naming and numbering is a breeze.  Plus (bonus) it works for any locomotive that's being added to the Legacy system, including loco's from other manufacturers.

Dave Olson posted:

Hi all,

The decision was made by the team to remove due to the complexity in making them for such a small gain. At this point, the only thing the module does is add the road name and number to the Cab2 and sets it to Legacy. This is something that can be done in about 30 seconds manually or can be done automatically if you have the sensor track system.

If anyone does not know how to perform entering the data into the Cab2 manually, please let me know. I can publish a video showing how to do that if that would help.

Thanks all!

Dave

Dave;

Thanks for officially clearing this up.

Having quite a few older TMCC engines, I am somewhat adept at manual input of engines (but as a terrible typist and an even worse speller, 30 seconds is a bit optimistic for me!!!). I did install the sensor track which came with my Vision Line BigBoy on my layout, but don't have any idea on how to use it to add an engine. Is there a video available which would show how that works (and can it be used to change the ID number of the engine???

Thanks.

I dont care one way or the other as I too use the system utility. I got my SD45 and it didn't have one. Since I am accustomed to getting one with my loco I was wondering where it went. I just didn't want to be looking for something that wasn't there and, I was. Dave, might I suggest this be communicated to dealers and customers as my dealer did not know and Im sure your customer service department will be getting lots of phone calls from people missing their orange module.

I liked having the modules.....

However, since they will be gone, I would encourage Lionel to do the mentioned video.

I'm still using the one Marty made ages ago.....but for new people they may not be aware of it's existence. 

Dave

Matt Makens posted:

Dave, might I suggest this be communicated to dealers and customers as my dealer did not know and Im sure your customer service department will be getting lots of phone calls from people missing their orange module.

I'll have our sales team communicate this to the dealers. Thanks for the suggestion.

I've attached a PDF that walks through how to enter in the data manually. I'll work on a video that will show how to do this. It'll probably take a couple of weeks to make.

Apples55 posted:

I did install the sensor track which came with my Vision Line BigBoy on my layout, but don't have any idea on how to use it to add an engine. Is there a video available which would show how that works (and can it be used to change the ID number of the engine???

Here's a video that Rudy made a few years ago where he talks about the Sensor Track features, but doesn't get into the actual setup of the track: LionelEngineering

Here's a link to the manual for the Sensor Track: ClickHere

If you don't have any LCS components yet, this is what you need to get the Sensor Track working:

• A Legacy Base or Base-1L
• The Sensor Track
• The DB9 cable assembly (6-81499)

The DB9 cable is needed to connect the Sensor Track to the Command Base.

After it's connected as shown above, you turn the power on, program the loco as the number you want, and drive the train over the sensor. It will automatically upload the Road Name, Road Number, and set the type to Legacy.

The Sensor Track is not used to change the ID number of the loco. That can only be done by flipping the engine's PRG/RUN switch to PRG and using the Cab2/Cab1/iCab-APP to set the number desired.

Let me know if there are more questions. Feel free to email me if you need further assistance.

I'll just say that I am very unhappy to hear about this choice to drop the orange module.  Manual entry is a pain, IMHO, and I was less than impressed with the sensor track.  And not having a PC with Windows and a serial port I can't run the software.  So I was extremely happy for the orange module to add my locomotives simply and quickly.  I would certainly hope that the money, manpower, and time that would of been spent on the orange modules is now spent on making sure the manuals are correct.  I'm tired of them containing incorrect information that causes me to damage my items.

I second the above remark by Sinclair. I'll miss the orange modules.

Dave you know how us old guys hate change. lol

Larry

Takes seconds to enter without module.  I have a box full of the modules and do not use them.  It is not rare to get a bad module so you may want to learn how to enter without a module.

Well, I guess that those of us who hoped Lionel would eventually make that case to store all of our Legacy modules can give up hoping!!!

Dave Olson posted:

Matt Makens posted:

Dave, might I suggest this be communicated to dealers and customers as my dealer did not know and Im sure your customer service department will be getting lots of phone calls from people missing their orange module.

I'll have our sales team communicate this to the dealers. Thanks for the suggestion.

I've attached a PDF that walks through how to enter in the data manually. I'll work on a video that will show how to do this. It'll probably take a couple of weeks to make.

Apples55 posted:

I did install the sensor track which came with my Vision Line BigBoy on my layout, but don't have any idea on how to use it to add an engine. Is there a video available which would show how that works (and can it be used to change the ID number of the engine???

Here's a video that Rudy made a few years ago where he talks about the Sensor Track features, but doesn't get into the actual setup of the track: LionelEngineering

Here's a link to the manual for the Sensor Track: ClickHere

If you don't have any LCS components yet, this is what you need to get the Sensor Track working:

• A Legacy Base or Base-1L
• The Sensor Track
• The DB9 cable assembly (6-81499)

The DB9 cable is needed to connect the Sensor Track to the Command Base.

After it's connected as shown above, you turn the power on, program the loco as the number you want, and drive the train over the sensor. It will automatically upload the Road Name, Road Number, and set the type to Legacy.

The Sensor Track is not used to change the ID number of the loco. That can only be done by flipping the engine's PRG/RUN switch to PRG and using the Cab2/Cab1/iCab-APP to set the number desired.

Let me know if there are more questions. Feel free to email me if you need further assistance.

Thanks for the reply Dave. On the positive side, I just received a fairly recent Legacy NYC switcher from Nicholas Smith, on the negative side, I've been away for a few months and need to clean the tracks before I run any trains, so,it will be a couple of weeks before I get a chance to try your method. Enough time to actually READ the sensor track instructions!!!

Even with the orange modules, you had to set the TMCC ID first, so there's no change in that process.  Even though I have the orange modules for a lot of engines, I normally just cruise over the sensor track to load the details.

The sensor track is pretty simple.  You just cable it up to the SER2 and drive the locomotive over it. You don't have to configure anything just to let it load the engine details.

The sensor track can be connected directly to the Legacy base as Dave pointed out above in his post. Just so there is no confusion a SER2 is not required. 

None with the SD 45.

I have the 9 pin port on my Legacy base tied up using it for my TPC 400.

I wonder how I would get around that?

Dave

My Reading T1's had the Orange modules.

Soo Line posted:

I have the 9 pin port on my Legacy base tied up using it for my TPC 400.

I wonder how I would get around that?

Dave

Dave, you would add an SER2 with a SensorTrack in order to continue using your existing TPC 400.

I also liked the orange memory module.......

-Pete

Just for what it's worth, I personally think it's a very important part of the purchase, when paying $600 up for these nicer Diesels and steamers, it's an important and good way to give the number to the engine. Cutting corners is not my way of giving customers true Satisfaction....We are buying these trains with hard earned money and it's my feeling we expect great Quality Control, Operate perfectly out of the box, and be complete with good instructions, and YES this Orange Module should be there, no Excuses....Actually, I am a bit disappointed with the reasoning for discontinuing this. Come on Lionel, keep your Obsession on Customer Satisfaction.....Thanks for Reading.....Leapin Larry...

leapinlarry posted:

Just for what it's worth, I personally think it's a very important part of the purchase, when paying $600 up for these nicer Diesels and steamers, it's an important and good way to give the number to the engine. Cutting corners is not my way of giving customers true Satisfaction....We are buying these trains with hard earned money and it's my feeling we expect great Quality Control, Operate perfectly out of the box, and be complete with good instructions, and YES this Orange Module should be there, no Excuses....Actually, I am a bit disappointed with the reasoning for discontinuing this. Come on Lionel, keep your Obsession on Customer Satisfaction.....Thanks for Reading.....Leapin Larry...

 

 

Think Larry just summed it all up!

-Pete

1 sensor track.... or 100 modules?

Ill take the sensor track. It loads the info and does so much more. That's my opinion of course, your mileage may vary. 

Yes, sensor track, what if your layout is finished with the track, Ross Custom/AtlasO, and your not using plastic base track, ???, I say, inter the Module, and Play...Lets be real, we are in the 3RS, three rail scale mode, this is a vital piece to Our enjoyment of the Hobby....It's just my way of having fun...Simple... 

leapinlarry posted:

Yes, sensor track, what if your layout is finished with the track, Ross Custom/AtlasO, and your not using plastic base track, ???, I say, inter the Module, and Play...Lets be real, we are in the 3RS, three rail scale mode, this is a vital piece to Our enjoyment of the Hobby....It's just my way of having fun...Simple... 

Ditto, I have no need or interest in ripping up my track to add fast track or one little section for a sensor track.   Has Lionel ever considered a under the table module where you drill just a few holes for the sensors mount or an under track module?

Larry, I see a bunch of orange modules and an old CAB1, those are no use with the CAB1/BASE1.  You could at least lay the Legacy remote there to make the point!

Just havin' fun with you.

MartyE posted:

The sensor track can be connected directly to the Legacy base as Dave pointed out above in his post. Just so there is no confusion a SER2 is not required. 

Correct, since I use the serial port, I needed the SER2.  In a simple configuration, just the power supply.

All you really had to do is buy the Vision Line Big Boy and it was all in the box!

Thank You Rudy for your response.

I am for the modules and would like Lionel to reconsider including them.....but I suspect that the decision has already been made.  In that case, how about some discount included with engines now coming out without the modules to offset the initial set up of the items listed below.

For myself and others I'm sure, here is the added cost to the customer:

DB 9 cable and Power          $37

Sensor Track          $95

Ser2          $50    (for those of us using the serial port already)

And lets not forget what Larry pointed out.....some folks don't use Fastrack and/or all the track is permanently in place.

Dave

If it's not a cost cutting measure, I can only infer Lionel is stating the orange modules were a mistake to begin with.

I can't see how anybody can do this in 30 seconds with just a remote.  Road number/name, diesel/steam, Railsounds mode, etc.  Far too much spinning of the knob to be accurate in 30 seconds for including all the info the module does. (I can see it if using the sensor track of course, assuming it's a new enough engine that has all the info in it's memory - but that's a wash since any engine without the internal info would have come with an orange module). 

OK,  bear with me..  Does the sensor track have to be part of the layout or can it be used for programming only?? I don't use Fast track nor do I plan to........

superwarp1 posted:

Ditto, I have no need or interest in ripping up my track to add fast track or one little section for a sensor track.   Has Lionel ever considered a under the table module where you drill just a few holes for the sensors mount or an under track module?

A while back (probably a few years) I think the claim was that the alignment is far to critical to expect a home install to go very well  (height, angle, lateral position between the tracks - it's sounds like it's a critical 3 dimensional placement for it to work reliably).

I'm not sure if this may have changed and Lionel may be considering offering it via a collaboration with other track manufacturers , but I suspect it would still be a separate piece to install rather than a home install of just the sensor.

-Dave

Woodson posted:

OK,  bear with me..  Does the sensor track have to be part of the layout or can it be used for programming only?? I don't use Fast track nor do I plan to........

It can sit off to the side as long as you have enough track to run an engine over it. The track should have the Legacy signal on it as well. 

Dave45681 posted

A while back (probably a few years) I think the claim was that the alignment is far to critical to expect a home install to go very well  (height, angle, lateral position between the tracks - it's sounds like it's a critical 3 dimensional placement for it to work reliably).

I'm not sure if this may have changed and Lionel may be considering offering it via a collaboration with other track manufacturers , but I suspect it would still be a separate piece to install rather than a home install of just the sensor.

-Dave

Many of us successfully integrated these into existing layouts with minimal issues including Ross and Atlas O. Search the forum and see how easy it is.