LCS APP my thoughts after setup

 How about these ideas for the iPad?

http://www.tinkeringmonkey.com...ip-off-the-old-block

http://www.tinkeringmonkey.com...cts/stand-for-square

You can order them or fabricate something similar to put on the layout.

I think before everyone gets too jazzed up, they need to see what iCab brings to the table.  Which will most likely work on iPad.

Wasn't the LCS app supposed to be designed just for layout control only? Or do I have my apps mixed up? I don't have any of this stuff yet, but hope to by sometime this winter.

It was designed for layout control but after setting it up its a PITA to deal with the iPad and the remote. One interface is all that is necessary. Once you get to using it you will see what i am talking about

I found the switching to be very cumbersome as well.  I kept hitting the roster description hoping that it would select that locomotive, but NOOOOO, it just popped up the description.  It would be nice to have selecting the locomotive be the default action on the roster screen

The incessant refreshes of the roster are also not necessary.  Maybe that could be done on demand?

And what is point of using an iPad if its stationary

I agree, those are my biggest issues as well. I kept looking at the roster to get my loco ID and I do not need it refreshing all the time. Its a great system but could be a lot better

It's easy to see the potential, but I think some "tweaks" would really do it justice.  Perhaps a bit of configuration in the behavior.

One cool operating feature I really like is the yard vs. road control.  It threw me when I first tried running, the locomotive kept stopping!  Then I realized that I could toggle the functions.

I sent Jon Z an email last night.

There isn't an operating track in the mix for the app. I use an Operating Track Controller (OTC) to run 2 operating tracks. No way to control them with the app. The milk cans and the logs are stuck on the train (till I pick up the remote)

Also I use an Accessory Motor Controller (AMC) to control my conventional Log Loader. Again, no way to control it.

I also had an issue with an engine occasionally switching to 32 speed steps while running (dropping out of Legacy into TMCC mode.

I'm sure they'll get to our wants as time permits.

And the good news is it's an App that can be modified to do almost everything. 

I agree with the engine choices should be easier and more engine control. I also agree with the app always looking for the engine roster. What happened to the iPad dock? That might help. I may have to come up with a solution to stage the iPad at my control panel.

Maybe Lionel will be able to add some more features.

From the beginning Lionel has always maintained that the App was for layout control with limited train running functionality.  So it's really no surprise to me that folks are not happy with that aspect.  It was meant to take the place of the control panels that folks built and be able to alter on the fly.

The roster section was more meant as a utility for the database.  Personally I don't see the desire to run my trains from it but that's a personal choice.  The iCab app may change my mind.

That being said, it is an App so things can be added to improve it's use.  From what I saw of the iCab app at York a lot more functionality is available.  Whether that translates into LCS is yet to be seen.  But then again iCab will run on iPad so maybe that become a moot point.  And it will pull from the database if memory serves me from what I asked last year.

I think it's probably a good idea to keep noting the ideas but at the same time keeping in mind what you think it should do currently and what it is could be 2 different things.

BTW we will have the iCab App at the LUG meeting for an up close look at it.

Marty, I will allow that I'll probably usually run locomotives from the Legacy remotes, but the control that does exist in the LCS application should function correctly in any case.  Stuff like the engine prime mover sounds not coming out of idle should not be happening.

I get the fact that the app is for layout control but if I wanted a stationary control panel I would just build one. Now I have a mobile control panel that will run trains and I want to use it to run my layout and my trains. Seems like the iCab on the phone will be a great addition but walking around my layout carrying a bunch of crap is completely impractical

Matt

The iCab App works on iPad.  So you'll be carrying 1 piece of crap.

Seriously though, as I said, once it's out and Lionel sees more of how folks are using it, they most likely can refine it's operation.  Like anything else it will evolve with input like yours.

And don't forget about the 3rd party folks that maybe developing something.  Who knows someone might make an APP that does it all.

Another point here is that I don't have an iPhone and have no plans on getting one.  I'd sure like to see this expanded to the Android phone as many folks don't have an iPhone.  It's bad enough I had to spring for a $400 iPad, no way I'm buying a new phone as well.

I already have BlueTrain. 

The way I see the iPad app, in its current form, on my layout (waiting for BPC2 and ASC2) is as an easily setup and wireless control panel.  It will replace the need to run a bunch of wires to toggle switches or to accessory controllers.  I will still use the CAB remotes to control the trains due to limited functionality.  As of right now, I think Lionel wanted to be the first to market with the WiFi, and I know the app will evolve and improve.  Also, an enterprising third party can develop an app that can run Lionel trains.  We may even see MTH's new app with that ability with the release of the Legacy protocol.  These are early days, and I see a lot of opportunity for great products in the years ahead.  Keep suggesting improvements.

My understanding is that the SER2 is used to control these older units with serial communication.  If you have it programmed as an ACC in the CAB you will be able to activate it in the iPad app. 

You can control stuff connected to the SC2 or other TMCC devices the same way you always did, and you can include them on the LCS screen.

I don't have an iPhone and don't want a new phone either, do you think they will offer an app for my old flip phone?   I'm a little behind the times on phones...

This posting was just my thoughts about the app. Its way better than using the remote to control switches and I am pretty happy with the app and the hardware

My understanding is that the SER2 is used to control these older units with serial communication.  If you have it programmed as an ACC in the CAB you will be able to activate it in the iPad app.

Miken the SER2 doesn't control the older units it routes the signal to those boxes. I have the older boxes connected to a SER2 and they all work fine with a Cab2.

The LCS app doesn't have the programming yet to work those two boxes I mentioned.

The log loader which is set up as an ENG needs Boost & Brake to control the chain drive or at least an AUX2 command to trigger the recording in the AMC.

The operating track needs an AUX2 command to power the two extra rails to dump the loads.