I have the same problem
Ken M
@Railsounds regarding your question (in case this info helps)... I have been using the same LCS WiFi module for years now without issue (firmware version 2.3.0). Sometimes it does take a minute or so for the module to establish a connection to the "home network" (i.e. green light blinks once about every four seconds). The green light blinks pretty fast once it's connected to the "home network". And, of course, the green light is solid once a connection is established from a client (i.e. High Rail, LCS App, etc.). Also, I can switch back and forth between "access point" and "home network" modes without issue.
There are times when an LCS module in the LCS chain doesn't properly "start up" when power is turned on. Specifically, an LCS module's red LED light stays lit. When this happens the LCS WiFi module appears to refuse any incoming connection from a client (at least that is my experience). Cycling power once usually resolves this issue. I know we have discussed this in this past, but thought I would bring it up here in case it helps.
Your description of the green LED is exactly what mine used to do, but it no longer flashes at all in Join to Network mode.
Last night I was finally able to get the green LED on my LCS Wi-FI module to start flashing in Join to Network mode. Also, my Comcast router/modem is now able to see it. Unfortunately I was still unable to get it connected via WPS. However, I broke out my Linksys router and I was able to get it connected via WPS as I have in the past. So then I tried to configure my Comcast router/modem as closely as I could to my Linksys router. Still no luck. I will try to post screen prints tonight of both router's configurations and maybe someone will see something that is incorrect. I might end up having to just turn off the Wi-Fi on my Comcast router and use my Linksys router for Wi-Fi instead.
Harvy, I had two of the non-connecting routers do the same thing. I'd actually see that the router was recognizing the LCS WiFi, but it would never finish the negotiation and actually connect. There has to be some timing that's being violated, either in the router or in the LCS WiFi unit I would imagine. All of the "non-functioning" routers connected fine to the MTH WiFi using WPS and also to my phone with WPS, that's why I tend to point at the LCS WiFi unit.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Harvy, I had two of the non-connecting routers do the same thing. I'd actually see that the router was recognizing the LCS WiFi, but it would never finish the negotiation and actually connect. There has to be some timing that's being violated, either in the router or in the LCS WiFi unit I would imagine. All of the "non-functioning" routers connected fine to the MTH WiFi using WPS and also to my phone with WPS, that's why I tend to point at the LCS WiFi unit.
As always, thank you for your input.
So, I'm guessing that you don't think any combination of router settings is going to make it connect to my Comcast router/modem at this point, right? I should just turn off the Wi-Fi on the Comcast router and connect my Linksys router to it and call it a day?
Well, I can say that no combo that I could come up with allowed connection to any of the three routers that wouldn't connect initially. It got "close", they started the handshake, but when the smoke settled, they didn't have a connection.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I can say that no combo that I could come up with allowed connection to any of the three routers that wouldn't connect initially. It got "close", they started the handshake, but when the smoke settled, they didn't have a connection.
Okay. Thanks for your experience.
FWIW, I connected a new LCS WiFi to the Netgear Router I use for the Legacy meeting. Unfortunately there was so much WiFi in the orange hall, I had a hard time reliably communicating with the module via the router and had issue with command sent to it from the iPad. Using it in access mode worked fine.
GRJ can verify the humongous amount of WiFi in the orange hall.
That was actually amusing, and I really wish I had snapped a screen shot of the WiFi Analyzer screen! 
I have never seen anything like that when I looked with that app, even in what would seem to be busy locations.
I attempted to turn off the router portion of my Comcast Gateway and use my Linksys router for Ethernet and wifi. I did not have any luck. I could not get an internet connection so I put everything back the way ot was. I will try to make another attempt tomorrow.
I was able to put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode (turn of router and just use as a modem) and connect my Linksys router and get an internet connection. I was then able to connect my LCS Wi-Fi module via WPS to my Linksys router. All is good again.
Thank you to everyone for your help.
You took the long way, but at least you got there.
Harvy posted:I was able to put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode (turn of router and just use as a modem) and connect my Linksys router and get an internet connection. I was then able to connect my LCS Wi-Fi module via WPS to my Linksys router. All is good again.
Thank you to everyone for your help.
Maybe I sold dust off all of my old Wireless Access Points and Routers that I didn't throw away for some odd reason. Finally I have an excuse to my wife why being a pack-rat pays off!
If you first managed your gateway on the app there may be some issues with porting. If you then reset the gateway to original as it first came, and then manage the gateway manually it may work for you.
cjack posted:If you first managed your gateway on the app there may be some issues with porting. If you then reset the gateway to original as it first came, and then manage the gateway manually it may work for you.
I don't understand what you are saying. Anyway, I have already done a factory reset and tried different Comcast Gateways with no luck.
Not sure I would have been able to accomplish what you have done here? I am definitely just mediocre at connecting these things successfully. However, it has been interesting to follow the thread and see that you were able to get things connected.
rtr12 posted:Not sure I would have been able to accomplish what you have done here? I am definitely just mediocre at connecting these things successfully. However, it has been interesting to follow the thread and see that you were able to get things connected.
Thanks for following along. It just takes time, patience, research and help from people on this forum.
Patience! Hehe, I would have probably had the hammer out long before you figured it out. I do agree with you there though, sometimes just keep plugging along and finally something happens (just hide the hammer).
Kidding aside, I am definitely no network expert though and I don't know what half of those router settings even mean.
Patience! Hehe, I would have probably had the hammer out long before you figured it out. I do agree with you there though, sometimes just keep plugging along and finally something happens (just hide the hammer).
Kidding aside, I am definitely no network expert though and I don't know what half of those router settings even mean. Also with ever follow along I usually learn a little something.
I am not a network expert either, but if you keep experimenting, you learn a lot. Yes, I learn a lot by reading these threads too.
MartyE posted:Good news. Dave Olson told me a WiFi utility should be coming shortly. Stay tuned.
This thread has been dormant for a while, however, I assume connecting the WiFi module to the home network is still an issue for many. I recently purchased a new Linksys router to see if it would connect as a stand alone network, however met with the same results as before. It shifts into connection mode with the slow blinking light, but the light never turns solid. It would be good to hear from @Railsounds or @daveolsen with respect to any progress or solutions to this continuing problem.
Would Lionel consider a factory exchange or test for those of us who would pay to send the units in for evaluation? Operating in access point is not an efficient use of this product for me.
Thanks,
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
I feel your frustration since I am the one who started this thread. I did send my LCS WiFi module in and they said it was working fine. The unfortunate bottom line is that it will just not connect to some routers and we just have to live with that. I ended up putting my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode and going back to my Linksys router. Everything works fine that way.
Thanks Harvy. I've tried to connect via my Linksys as a stand alone network with no joy. Hopefully Lionel will step up to the plate and give us some specifics or support with respect to this problem. I do not agree that we should just have to live with it, although I understand that out of sight - out of mind is Lionel's philosophy with this module. We have been living with this modules failure to communicate since it hit the street (no pun intended).
I realize it's intermittent and not everyone has the issue. I've got 14 WiFi devices connected right now including laptops, IPads, IPhones, Roku streamers, Roku TV, Sonos speakers, printers, etc. The problem exists within their piece of hardware. It doesn't work consistently across various networks as other WiFi devices do. They need to fix it or place a large disclaimer on their website.
Bruce
@BruceT47, I understand this issue can be a source of significant frustration. I'll reach out to you tomorrow via the email in your profile.
hi unfortunately you have to deal with poor router designs. I purchased a netgear router to access my microcell cell phone booster because I have poor signal reception in my home. low and behold after many phone conversations to at&t microcell I found out some routers WILL NOT let the proper signals go threw and had to purchase another $200.00 netgear router which fixed all the problems. I don't believe it is Lionel or MTH,S problem it is the router you purchase will not accept certain protocols required for certain devises such as MTH or Lionel or other connecting devices!
p.s. I fix computers and have run into many issues with not connection to internets or Bluetooth device. takes time to sort it all out. if I can help anyone here let me know!
I can tell you when I connected my MTH Wi-Fi it took off and worked perfectly the FIRST TIME the way there book said!
thanks MTH for a Great product and excellent support!
Alan
repair technician posted:hi unfortunately you have to deal with poor router designs. I purchased a netgear router to access my microcell cell phone booster because I have poor signal reception in my home. low and behold after many phone conversations to at&t microcell I found out some routers WILL NOT let the proper signals go threw and had to purchase another $200.00 netgear router which fixed all the problems. I don't believe it is Lionel or MTH,S problem it is the router you purchase will not accept certain protocols required for certain devises such as MTH or Lionel or other connecting devices!
p.s. I fix computers and have run into many issues with not connection to internets or Bluetooth device. takes time to sort it all out. if I can help anyone here let me know!
I can tell you when I connected my MTH Wi-Fi it took off and worked perfectly the FIRST TIME the way there book said!
thanks MTH for a Great product and excellent support!
Alan
I have tried 4 different routers / gateways. Tell us which router you use to connect to the Lionel WiFi module. As I have posted my current Cisco router / gateway connects 15-20 devices flawlessly. It won't connect the Lionel WiFi module. I also have an At&T microcell that connects with no problem. If it's a router problem why does it work on all of my other devices except the Lionel WiFi. As you have offered I will accept your help in solving this problem.
Bruce
FYI, the Apple AirPort routers (AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express) work perfectly with the MTH WIU and the Lionel LCS products.
I don’t get this, the Lionel WiFi is iffy. Slow to connect if it connects at all. Why, when all other WiFi devices have no difficulty at all? How is it helpful to give individual help when the common to all difficulties is the Lionel WiFi module? How about a fix for it?
Barry Broskowitz posted:FYI, the Apple AirPort routers (AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express) work perfectly with the MTH WIU and the Lionel LCS products.
Thanks Barry, that's good info. Will they work as a wired access point from the AT&T Cisco gateway or do they need to be the primary router on your system? I assume you have a Lionel WiFi module paired to one of these?
Bruce
cjack posted:I don’t get this, the Lionel WiFi is iffy. Slow to connect if it connects at all. Why, when all other WiFi devices have no difficulty at all? How is it helpful to give individual help when the common to all difficulties is the Lionel WiFi module? How about a fix for it?
Yep! What you said!
Bruce
If you prefer not to address this individually, please contact Lionel Customer service at 1 (586) 949-4100.
Bruce,
Will they work as a wired access point from the AT&T Cisco gateway or do they need to be the primary router on your system? I assume you have a Lionel WiFi module paired to one of these?
My configuration has an AirPort Extreme as my primary router downstairs, in the den. Upstairs, in the train room, is an AirPort Express that's configured as an access point.
The Lionel LCS was configured as a WPS device through the downstairs AirPort Extreme. Once configured, it talks to the network via the AirPort Express.
The MTH WIUs were originally configured in Home mode as WPS devices. Later, I found that connecting them via Ethernet to the AirPort Express brought them onto the network somewhat faster and that's how they're configured at present.
The LCS and the 4 WIUs have all been assigned static IP addresses, further increasing their speed of joining the network when powered on.
BruceT47 posted:repair technician posted:hi unfortunately you have to deal with poor router designs. I purchased a netgear router to access my microcell cell phone booster because I have poor signal reception in my home. low and behold after many phone conversations to at&t microcell I found out some routers WILL NOT let the proper signals go threw and had to purchase another $200.00 netgear router which fixed all the problems. I don't believe it is Lionel or MTH,S problem it is the router you purchase will not accept certain protocols required for certain devises such as MTH or Lionel or other connecting devices!
p.s. I fix computers and have run into many issues with not connection to internets or Bluetooth device. takes time to sort it all out. if I can help anyone here let me know!
I can tell you when I connected my MTH Wi-Fi it took off and worked perfectly the FIRST TIME the way there book said!
thanks MTH for a Great product and excellent support!
Alan
I have tried 4 different routers / gateways. Tell us which router you use to connect to the Lionel WiFi module. As I have posted my current Cisco router / gateway connects 15-20 devices flawlessly. It won't connect the Lionel WiFi module. I also have an At&T microcell that connects with no problem. If it's a router problem why does it work on all of my other devices except the Lionel WiFi. As you have offered I will accept your help in solving this problem.
Bruce
Bruce, here is my experience.
I have a fairly new ASUS router that absolutely wouldn't connect to the LCS wifi with the same problems listed above. So I dug through my bone yard of computer stuff and dug an ancient Linksys WAP54g. The WAP54g is not a router but rather a wireless access point that can be added to an existing wired network.
When I fired up the WAP54g, I had apparently loaded third party firmware (DD-WRT) on it years ago. When I got the unit configured on my wired network I attempted to connect the LCS Wifi with no luck. I then decided to reinstall the latest version available of the original Linksys firmware. The LCS WiFI did work with WAP54g access point after I did this.
My conclusion is that much newer and more advanced DD-WRT firmware that was loaded on the WAP54g just didn't allow connections from a device using older(?) wireless protocols. Now keep in mind, the third party DD-WRT firmware I used previous was a 10000% improvement over the original Linksys firmware on this device but sacrifices had to made for the LCS WiFi.
The actual WiFi hardware being used may not be the problem at all, I suspect this is all software related with these newer routers. I think Lionel will need get their LCS WiFi units updated to work with newer routers (software).
Dig through your old tech junk box if you have one and find some really old wireless router, you might have better luck getting the LCS to connect.
At the end of the day, I really wish the LCS WiFi had an Ethernet port for wired connections like the MTH WIU does.
How can the LCS WiFi module connect to your "ancient" access point if it is so "ancient", as you say? The LCS WiFi module can only comnect via WPS. Does your "ancient" access point have WPS?
So, those of us with routers that aren't compatible are supposed to just live with access point mode?
for how much that wifi box cost, we shouldn't have to deal with any troubles like this. It isn't like Wifi is a new technology. And that box is running a pretty old version of that tech too if I recall correctly, it is a wireless B box. I had wireless B in my house in 2005.
I suppose they will get my money when they make a new improved box for even more $.
H1000 posted:BruceT47 posted:repair technician posted:hi unfortunately you have to deal with poor router designs. I purchased a netgear router to access my microcell cell phone booster because I have poor signal reception in my home. low and behold after many phone conversations to at&t microcell I found out some routers WILL NOT let the proper signals go threw and had to purchase another $200.00 netgear router which fixed all the problems. I don't believe it is Lionel or MTH,S problem it is the router you purchase will not accept certain protocols required for certain devises such as MTH or Lionel or other connecting devices!
p.s. I fix computers and have run into many issues with not connection to internets or Bluetooth device. takes time to sort it all out. if I can help anyone here let me know!
I can tell you when I connected my MTH Wi-Fi it took off and worked perfectly the FIRST TIME the way there book said!
thanks MTH for a Great product and excellent support!
Alan
I have tried 4 different routers / gateways. Tell us which router you use to connect to the Lionel WiFi module. As I have posted my current Cisco router / gateway connects 15-20 devices flawlessly. It won't connect the Lionel WiFi module. I also have an At&T microcell that connects with no problem. If it's a router problem why does it work on all of my other devices except the Lionel WiFi. As you have offered I will accept your help in solving this problem.
Bruce
Bruce, here is my experience.
I have a fairly new ASUS router that absolutely wouldn't connect to the LCS wifi with the same problems listed above. So I dug through my bone yard of computer stuff and dug an ancient Linksys WAP54g. The WAP54g is not a router but rather a wireless access point that can be added to an existing wireless network.
When I fired up the WAP54g, I had apparently loaded third party firmware (DD-WRT) on it years ago. When I got the unit configured on my wired network I attempted to connect the LCS Wifi with no luck. I then decided to reinstall the latest version available of the original Linksys firmware. The LCS WiFI did work with WAP54g access point after I did this.
My conclusion is that much newer and more advanced DD-WRT firmware that was loaded on the WAP54g just didn't allow connections from a device using older(?) wireless protocols. Now keep in mind, the third party DD-WRT firmware I used previous was a 10000% improvement over the original Linksys firmware on this device but sacrifices had to made for the LCS WiFi.
The actual WiFi hardware being used may not be the problem at all, I suspect this is all software related with these newer routers. I think Lionel will need get their LCS WiFi units updated to work with newer routers (software).
Dig through your old tech junk box if you have one and find some really old wireless router, you might have better luck getting the LCS to connect.
At the end of the day, I really wish the LCS WiFi had an Ethernet port for wired connections like the MTH WIU does.
Thanks. I don't have that particular model, however I have an old Bellkin 54G as well as a D-link. I've tried the D-link with no success both stand alone and connected to the home network. I'll try the Belkin. I'll reset both to factory default if they will let me and see what happens.
Harvy posted:How can the LCS WiFi module connect to your "ancient" access point if it is so "ancient", as you say? The LCS WiFi module can only comnect via WPS. Does your "ancient" access point have WPS?
Yes, It has WPS button.
WPS isn't anything new or cutting edge. In fact it poses several security risks when enabled and makes just about any wireless network hackable. In extremely secure environments, WPS functions should be disabled.
Barry Broskowitz posted:Bruce,
Will they work as a wired access point from the AT&T Cisco gateway or do they need to be the primary router on your system? I assume you have a Lionel WiFi module paired to one of these?
My configuration has an AirPort Extreme as my primary router downstairs, in the den. Upstairs, in the train room, is an AirPort Express that's configured as an access point.
The Lionel LCS was configured as a WPS device through the downstairs AirPort Extreme. Once configured, it talks to the network via the AirPort Express.
The MTH WIUs were originally configured in Home mode as WPS devices. Later, I found that connecting them via Ethernet to the AirPort Express brought them onto the network somewhat faster and that's how they're configured at present.
The LCS and the 4 WIUs have all been assigned static IP addresses, further increasing their speed of joining the network when powered on.
Thanks again Barry. That's good info and answers my questions. Looks like an Apple router is in my future.
Bruce
