LCS 2.0 released

Thanks Chuck.  I've just updated mine.

The most significant parts to this upgrade are...

• Direction of travel display.  The sensor track reports back to the iPad and displays which way the engine has crossed the sensor track.
• Addition of toggles and momentary switches to control SC2 and other on/off controller functions.
• The addition of the TMCC accessories, including the smoke fluid loader.
• Sound effects to go with the TMCC accessories.  I will connect a speaker via Bluetooth or cables to get those sounds into the layout.
• Additional track pieces for the library.
• Refined engine operation.
• A slightly more robust roster screen with more options when moving to other layouts.
• Better help menus.

With the advent of sound incorporation, I'd like to see additional generic sound elements be added such as passenger, city streets, and random everyday RR sounds.  Sound sets that can be triggered by LCS from within the App.  Of course using a SC2 or other relay type device you can do that now but APP sounds could be channeled to the layout via the Bluetooth speaker.  The layout comes alive.

If I wanted to buy an inexpensive iPad, if there is such a thing, for just running my trains, which one would be best.  Thanks

Ron

IPad2 and up works.  I'm not sure what the exact range of iPad versions work but at the LUG meeting we were told that early models will work fine.  These are generally inexpensive and can be found rather cheap on the secondary market.

The iPad mini could be a lower cost option too. The screen is quite a useable size, and it's the least expensive model by a fair amount. 

I'd love to be able to try this on our club layout, but the lack of any available connectivity option to the Legacy command base leaves this as pretty much a "demo" thing of what is to come.

I have an original ipad and the app seems to work fine.

Just mentioning, the first version seemed quite stable but the new version of the LCS app crashed 3 times on my iPad air today when just dropping in some track pieces. 

Yes, the Wi-Fi only one will work since it's Wi-Fi the iPad will use to talk to the Legacy system.  3G is for cellular networks and requires a data plan from a wireless carrier.

Graz I am having the same crash problem on my iPad Air. I also had a problem with not being able to scroll the track menu bar, it would become non-responsive until I tapped elsewhere and went back a few times

I had both issiues on my iPad 2

Might be an iOS version issue.  I have had no problems on my ipad 1 running iOS 5.

Jon,

No problem. I figured that you guys were on it. I did also notice the scroll problem that Chris mentioned above as well but forgot to list it in my first post.

The sound effect on the log loader accessory, mainly the chain, gets "stuck" on.  Once activated the sound doesn't shut off.

Jon,

Have you noticed the track menu freezing as well? the slider becomes non-responsive and you cannot scroll

Jon, I also noticed on the log loader the sounds indicate a toggle for the chain, dump and lights rather than increments of us using the red dial or brake/boost. Is this just on the sounds is this how it will operate?

I had a couple thoughts in playing with the updated version 

1. Can we turn sound effects off for button presses? Then when you using the sounds through a speaker you will only hear accessory sounds, not button click sounds ( if this is an option already, I apologize I did not see it)

2.  The log dump sound effect, could that be added to uncoupling tracks?  I use my uncoupling tracks to unload my log dump cars to my sAwmill

looks great!

I have not yet begun to play with my new iPad; not even sure where to get the apps. We are brand new to this app business; we just got our first smartphone, a Samsung, a couple of months ago and have yet to download any apps.

Question for you LCS power users:  Are there multiple versions of LCS available?  If so, which one should I download?  It looks like I should stay away from this latest version for now.

Ron

Steve,

The push buttons apply the voltage to the loader that increases or decreases the longer you hold down the button.  So the variable control is supported.

jrmertz,

Both of your comments are logged in our code review log, and since we will be releasing an update in a few months with some more features, I will consider your feedback for inclusion.

We cannot duplicate this freezing - nor have any of our team ever seen this happen.  We think the scroll bar is just hard to operate for folks. 

Today, I suggested that we remove the scroll and place the track pieces across the bottom of the screen instead of the side, where they all probably will fit without any scrolling.

Placing the components for the edit screen across the bottom will have the side benefit of allocating a "reserved" space along the bottom - which coincides with the loco controls when operating.

Thanks Jon. I knew you'd be on top of it.

I had trouble with the scroll bar as well.  I found I needed to be "pushing" in towards the screen while scrolling up or down got better/more consistent results.  I've had this happen with a few apps and it seems to be more of an issue with my hand/finger size my skins capacitance.

Bug Fix update on iTunes.

The sound on the Log Loader is still strange with the chain.  Won't stop and once it minimizes, sometimes won't make sound.  Any one else seeing that?

Sounds seem to be working just fine for me. 

Got it.  I was thinking wrong.  The arrows probably could be replaced by an on/off?  I assume that's what they are doing.

I'm not able to hear audio for the gantry crane or log loader..any ideas..A setting?