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We have the Legacy 990 system and like it. We also have a good library of Fastrack and their CC switches.

Planning on buying the wifi interface as I can see a benefit of the LCS iPad and iCab interfaces. 

However, I'm not really seeing a great benefit of the sensor track. Only one of our Legacy locos has the IR trigger in the bottom. 

Any feedback from those who currently have the sensor track (or multiple sensor tracks) incorporated into their layout would be greatly appreciated.

 

Last edited by graz
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I especially like running a new engine with IR or friends' engines over it to load all the info into the base. Great for get together train nights. And the programming features are fun to create if you have more than just a loop, running a route adding some interest to running.

I like 'em.  I have a couple that I use to trigger events around the layout including accessories.  I use the record function more than anything.  I can trigger just about anything from all my locomotives or just a particular locomotive.

 

I suspect the folks that use them in this manor are getting more out of them than those just having it blow the whistle.

Marty,

When using their record function, does the presence of multiple sensor tracks help to ensure that the recording playback stays in perfect sync, as far as accurate loco position in concerned?

 

Meaning, do you get a much more accurate recording and playback compared to just using the record function on the CAB-2 remote?

 

My experiences have been good as far as that is concerned.  Granted I only have a loop without grades.
 
As long as the speed you are entering the ST is the same as when the recording was made when entering the ST or you make the speed set part of the recording before activating other events that are required to trigger based on locomotive locations then it does seem to do a pretty good job.
 
Again I am limited to what I have but ran a recording playback for a half hour with stops at a water tower.  The engine stopped consistently within an inch each time.  Also used layout reference points to fire the whistle, bell, and other accessories to operate and again they seemed to be accurate with in an inch or so.
 
 
 
Originally Posted by graz:

Marty,

When using their record function, does the presence of multiple sensor tracks help to ensure that the recording playback stays in perfect sync, as far as accurate loco position in concerned?

 

Meaning, do you get a much more accurate recording and playback compared to just using the record function on the CAB-2 remote?

 

 

 

 

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

I have 6 legacy locos and only 2 have the sensor.  I picked up sensor track earlier this year to take advantage of Lionel's $10 rebate (which gets the price to a better point).

I think it is worth it to see the fuel update on the remote alone.  It is also cool with the iPad.  I would suggest getting one, it certainly is worth the cost to experiment.

I have 7 of them on my layout I use  the ipad to control my mth and lionel  accessory and my switches and my legacy locos  I love it they work great and have had no issues with the system the one thing like most people would like to see something to be done to adapt it to some other track I want to use something other than fastrack something more scale like

I think we had this conversation before but there is no problem to solve.  It's a play value addition.  I use mine in various ways to enhance my personal enjoyment.  Of course your mileage may vary.
 
And they operate accessories with additional hardware so I can see your point on cost.  Of course with anything in this day and age it's quite possible they'll be able to do everything you want it to do eventually.
 
Originally Posted by AlanRail:

 

 

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

 

Originally Posted by AlanRail:

 

 

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

If we understand this correctly, say a layout with 3 grade crossings on a 3 track main line. This would require 18 sensors to activate the grade crossing sounds from Legacy IR equipped engines? 

$95 x 18 + the $40 cable is over $1,700 list price sans wires between units correct? That is a steep entry fee and then we'd have to hack them out of Fastrack sections? What do you early Legacy purchasers whose engines are not IR equipped do? Had considered one for guests, should it have been offered in a "loose" option as well?

Last edited by Lima
Yep
 
The current setup could be expensive depending on how much you want to get into it.
 
There has been discussing on making a boxcar or other car that could be added to an engine without the sensor.  Basically assigned as the same ID.
 
Originally Posted by Lima:
Originally Posted by AlanRail:

 

 

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

If we understand this correctly, say a layout with 3 grade crossings on a 3 track main line. This would require 18 sensors to activate the grade crossing sounds from Legacy IR equipped engines? 

$95 x 18 + the $40 cable is over $1,700 list price sans wires between units correct? That is a steep entry fee and then we'd have to hack them out of Fastrack sections? What do you early Legacy purchasers whose engines are not IR equipped do? Had considered one for guests, should it have been offered in a "loose" option as well?

 

Originally Posted by MartyE:
Yep
 
The current setup could be expensive depending on how much you want to get into it.
 
There has been discussing on making a boxcar or other car that could be added to an engine without the sensor.  Basically assigned as the same ID.
 
Originally Posted by Lima:
Originally Posted by AlanRail:

 

 

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

If we understand this correctly, say a layout with 3 grade crossings on a 3 track main line. This would require 18 sensors to activate the grade crossing sounds from Legacy IR equipped engines? 

$95 x 18 + the $40 cable is over $1,700 list price sans wires between units correct? That is a steep entry fee and then we'd have to hack them out of Fastrack sections? What do you early Legacy purchasers whose engines are not IR equipped do? Had considered one for guests, should it have been offered in a "loose" option as well?

 

It would be interesting if Lionel would extend this product series to include simple remote IR sensors that plug into a given programmed sensor track. A little narrow strip with the two direction sensitive IR receivers.

 

I would buy thirty(30) in a  NEW YORK minute!

 

See correction above; as opposed to a "Chicago minute" which is way longer!!

 

I see the sensor track as a gross solution to the "locate the train on the track and do something" problem.

 

A more sensible solution is a much smaller wireless WiFi or bluetooth transceiver inserted between the ties that reads the engine or car's IR signature and transmits the info to the iPad or other device instructing an action.

 

And power it the way you would power any other accessory.

Last edited by AlanRail

I have a sensor track installed on my test loop and have played with it a bit to learn its functions.  It looks promising, but with only two Legacy engines with the IR transmitter (actually three, but I run the K-4s double headed), I don't see me using the sensor track enough to justify the cost of buying any more.

 

This could change if Lionel offered an IR transmitter kit to install in my other 23 active engines (2/3 Legacy-TMCC and 1/3 DCS), or in a car behind the engine.  I would prefer a kit so I can put it in a variety of equipment and not be stuck with the same boxcar in all my different consists (commuter, passenger, coal, express, freight).

The Sensor Track is not for everyone, however it can offer some unique automation.  The best feature is the updating of the Road name / Number and Fuel Levels.  You only need one in the layout for this functionality.

 

As the IR equipped cars become available, it can get interesting.  For example a caboose, being the last car on a train, can throw a switch and change the path of operation of the loco through the layout for specific trains.   The ability to link the ID of the car to behavior will allow for dynamic operation not possible with insulated rails.  Perhaps even collision avoidance, given some software module to be developed.

 

I will have some on my layout, but not an excess. As part of the LCS system it adds some unique features.

Last edited by SantaFeFan
I agree.  I use mine pretty often and hope to add more.  That being said the track isn't for everyone.  It adds play value.  It is what you make of it.  I've done a couple complex recordings triggered from an engine crossing the track.  Heck it impressed my father watching things start, stop, whistle sound, and automate.
 
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:

The Sensor Track is not be for everyone, however it can offer some unique automation.  The best feature is the updating of the Road name / Number and Fuel Levels.  You only need one in the layout for this functionality.

 

As the IR equipped cars become available, it can get interesting.  For example a caboose, being the last car on a train, can throw a switch and change the path of operation of the loco through the layout for specific trains.   The ability to link the ID of the car to behavior will allow for dynamic operation not possible with insulated rails.  Perhaps even collision avoidance, given some software module to be developed.

 

I will have some on my layout, but not an excess. As part of the LCS system it adds some unique features.

 

+1
 
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:

Jon, we await with eager anticipation the arrival of sensor equipped cars and cabooses!

 

I love the idea of a sensor in the track, really the whole idea of a layout control system.  However... when I build my permanent layout I'll be using Ross track.  

 

How difficult is it to liberate the sensor from its plastic Fastrack base?  I was hoping to get the sensor itself up high between two ties, with the associated electronics hidden under the board surface, or in a nearby structure.  Has anyone done this, is it feasible??

Many folks have done this.  Do a quick search of the Sensor Track and you'll find a few examples.
 
Originally Posted by Ted Sowirka:

I love the idea of a sensor in the track, really the whole idea of a layout control system.  However... when I build my permanent layout I'll be using Ross track.  

 

How difficult is it to liberate the sensor from its plastic Fastrack base?  I was hoping to get the sensor itself up high between two ties, with the associated electronics hidden under the board surface, or in a nearby structure.  Has anyone done this, is it feasible??

 

I would like to add one more thought to this thread about the sensor track, and LCS in general:  Randomness!!

 

In order to make the layout more fun to watch, or even play "against" as a solitary operator, it would be great if you could program RANDOM delays or route changes so that the trains would interact with switches, signals, accessories, etc. and take on a life of their own.

 

What if every time you cross the sensor there's a chance your train will develop a hotbox?  Maybe your crew is nearing its 12-hour limit?  Maybe those cows in the cattle car have to be watered and fed, or the reefers need re-icing?

 

Well-implemented randomness can take on the appearance of autonomy, or even intelligence.  If the layout is sufficiently complex you might be able to watch for an hour and not see the same train do the same thing twice.  Waiting to see all of the possibilities come out is what keeps people playing longer IMO.  

 

But this functionality has to be thoughtfully programmed in.  Please Jon Z, think about it!  -Ted

Great ideas Ted!!!  Love the feedback!  The LCS system is in its infancy, and we are enjoying the development and want to cater to our customers! 

 

We are thinking to release a tool for folks to use to show the LCS command traffic, and enterprising folks can watch the operation, and possibly tailor their existing automation into the LCS system.  Its only fun if we enjoy the hobby together!

 

Originally Posted by Jim Stefl:

Jon

 

I look forward to the expansion of the introduction to sensor track cars and the IR functions

Jim,

 

I will never forget the Intermodal Crane TMCC upgrade project we worked on together many years ago.  Our interaction then will always be something I warmly remember from the early days when I started ElectricRR - the tinkering continues....

 

Glad you are still embracing the leading edge technology with items like the IR Sensor track products.

 

Last edited by SantaFeFan

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