LC Multi-Train Remote

I prefer the individual remotes.  I run up to six at a time, and I just leave the six remotes out of a shelf.  I number them big so I can see which is which but they are right there should I need to adjust each one.   The advantage they have over one programmable one is that you don't have to program.  When I am running six trains each is right there now, with its light blinking or not indicating operation, and the wheel set so I can see it and adjust in an eye-blink if needed..  No selection buttons to push and and time required to check speed, etc.  

I believe John has indicated Lionel is looking at a universal remote

I'm sort of tinkering with this right now, but waiting on china for some parts.  Hope to have something that works pretty soon and will let you all know when I have succeeded, or failed for that matter.  Suppose it all depends if the signal used is encoded or not.  My test version used lego's and several servos to manually turn the control and press buttons on the LC remote, and while it's sluggish it is neat to run LC from a tmcc cab 1.  

I would buy one universal LC+ remote, just as a backup in case one of mine was lost/broken/I suddenly ran out of batteries.  But just one.  

I'm philosophically opposed to the idea because the appeal LC+ has to me is the utter simplicity it has: no programming, etc.  I view a universal LC+ remote as a step in the direction of Legacy-like complexity, and that is not for me.  With its radio control, I can't see LC+ ever getting as complicated as Legacy - to operate or to get to work dependably, but I hope they work to keep it simple.  

I predict Lionel will not sell too many of them, but hopefully enough to justify the cost of making it.

I agree with Lee - the great thing about LC and LC+ is how simple it is.  Having a universal remote will complicate the system - if people want to move that direction that is what Legacy/DCS/TMCC/DCC is for (just my opinion of course). 

I did think through a relatively simple way to add multiple engine control to LC+ but I don't work for the Big L so it doesn't really matter

Part of the issue is if a customer comes in with an Engine and remote that won't work, how does a tech determine the problem?  A store can't afford to open a similar set to test the remote and engine.

So it has to go back to Lionel.  If not under warranty the shipping and standard lionel fee is going to kill the customer for a starter set or mid-prized engine.

Versus a simple determination of the issue and ordering the part to fix it.

Lee, I chuckle at the comment of not wanting the complexity of a legacy like system, but juggling the complexity of running 6 trains with 6 different remotes is ok. 

They are different complexities but I would say it is far more complex than running conventional and TMCC on the same layout with a Cab-1 and a few PM or a ZW-C.

Just musing.....   G

I think the difficulty and complexity of a multi remote would be how many channels Lionel uses.  If it's much more than say 6, then having a multi remote could get cumbersome to program if not made easy to do so.

I think  multi controller would be good for techs. Right now if someone shows up with a LionChief set that isn't responding there is no way to easily see if it's the engine of the remote that failed.

I guess my goal isn't so much to have a universal remote as to allow operation from legacy/tmcc/home-brewed computer control.  I do really like the simplicity of the system, but have to say, with what is there it already offers far more control than the legacy system, if Lionel wanted to shoot their own high end system in the foot.  LC remotes use the same sort of transmitter that something like a wireless keyboard uses.   I'm waiting on an order of transceivers from china that should be able to read this signal, but I would guess the hardware is using cheap, industry standard parts, capable of sending 32Byte blocks of information.  For comparison, TMCC and legacy each send just 3 bytes of information.  (Tmcc only actually uses 2.) I know I'm rambling, but this stuff is interesting to me.  

As for how many frequencies LC uses, I think they probably use one.  or at least use 2.4GHz standard channel hopping to get around interference.  The encoding to separate engines if likely on the software side with each type given a defined address, much as you would set an address for a tmcc loco.  these are just hardwired in in this case.  Just theory art this point, but it is the way it is done on every other 2.4GHz thing out there. 

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk."  --  Thomas A. Edison

Matt Ashba, if you read between the lines, suggested that this is something Lionel will probably consider doing (in the Notch 6 interview).  It makes sense as if they are selling a ton of LC and LC+ locos, this is an obvious next step.  It should be technically no big deal, as I'm in agreement with the comment that what they are probably using is largely off the shelf 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radio control.  The binding of the locomotive to the controller is software dependent, not frequency dependent, if that's the case.  A typical radio control transmitter that has a memory for 10 different airplanes costs about $130, for reference (e.g., Spectrum DX6i).

While I think Lionel should make a universal remote, I'm with Lee.  I prefer to use one remote for one locomotive.  I'll never have the space to run as many as six at a time anyway.  While I've worked in technology for 39 years, I prefer the old simple controls over the complex software ones.  Simple tools for simple minds!  That's me!  Ha, ha!!

I would be surprised if Lionel doesn't do this multi-loco remote as an add-on option for those who want it.  That said, I'd guess each locomotive would continue to come with its unique individual remote for all the obvious reasons.  So everyone will be happy except for those who insist on wanting to use their Legacy or TMCC remote .  That's probably not happening is my thought.

Landsteiner,

I agree.  Multi-loco LC remote, but they probably won't add it to their other remotes.

On our conventional 5 x 8 display we're operating 9 trains and are considering ways to add 3 more trains.

Simplicity, time, space and money.

The LionChief products open the doors for Lionel to bring enthusiasts into the market who may have previously been excluded because of those four concerns.

Your average blue collar apartment dweller doesn't have the time, space or disposable income for a large permanent display nor the inclination to put together all the components of a full blown digital control system when ever the urge to run trains hits them.

The LionChief product alleviates these concerns by making it quick and easy to assemble and disassemble a temporary layout with remote operations capable of controlling multiple trains in minutes  rather than hours.

The only short coming in the LionChief line is the lack of a multiple train remote, Such an accessory would make it easy to replace a broken remote and encourage additional locomotive sales.

If Lionel comes out with the multi channel remote I'd eventually replace all my conventional engines.

LC+ is simple and easy to make work.  No offense to the folks that designed Legacy and DCS, but as an electrical engineer for the last forty years, one thing I learned is, anytime some mentioned "ground plane," things are going to be complicated. the beautyf of LC+ is that it offers good control and simplicity and repeatability.  Turn it on, and it works.  Turn it off, put it away in a box, and when you next take it out, it will work.  

I'm sold (literally).

I have had that happen take the engine off the track and put it back on, or pull the power and restart it. Assuming I read what you said correctly that should solve it. It is a stand by mode, that is more weird than useful, I discovered it with my scout set messing around with turning off the remote and seeing what the engine would do.

did you have any luck getting Thomas to work? Or did he pull a suborn diesel on you instead of a coughing steam?

I've been thinking about this for a few days and I think the universal remote is a good idea. As some have said, I prefer one dedicated remote per loco, but a universal remote could come in handy. I hope Lionel makes this. I would definitely buy at least one, maybe two.

I would buy one, but probably only one, just as a backup.  

I never get it the first time around but are we talking about a remote that talks directly to   a engine's receiver. Wouldn't that  do away with the command base , If DCS the tiu.  . Just think of all the wiring issues  that could be eliminated with either systems.. I know the RC airplane guys use 2.4  and bind their planes to the transmitter (remote) Occasionally they will have to re-bind but not very often. The plane will go out of sight before losing control.  Most transmitters can hold about 10 planes and control about 8 servos. Maybe I'm getting old  and getting tired of wiring.  

That is exactly how LionChief and LionChief Plus locos work. The remote wirelessly talks directly to a specific locomotive. There is no command base. Just 18 (or less) volts applied to the track. Most new Lionel sets come with LC locos. LC+ locos have enhanced features and are not in sets. LC and LC+ do not have all the features found in TMCC, Legacy or PS locomotives and are traditional Post War size rather than full scale. They also cost quite a bit less. 

Thanks Country Joe, I really like this. Time to check out the Lionel web site.  Is this the future for Model railroading? Maybe.

It is for me. I don't need a Legacy or DCS system to have wireless control of my trains, plus the wiring is so much simpler. The post war size also works for me since I have a small layout. In fact, LC+ is pretty much perfect for me.

The future...is now!

Ugh, I am still tying to get the smoke unit to work in my scout, managed to get it to puff smoke out the bottom once, but never again. (the fix for that is to blow down the stack to clear the meniscus? I think it is called, pardon me if I have used the wrong word.) so we are in the same boat, just mine runs mostly. (why now am i saying this?) sure how they do fix it Flyer Chief.