LCS Wi-Fi Module Connection Issue

This problem has been discussed at length with no clear cut answers.  Most can connect via access point, however joining the network is less of a success story for a lot of us.  My module used to connect but for several weeks now I can only use access point.  It sees the network and goes through the early motions of connecting, however it never completes the process.  You're not the odd man out.  There are many having this issue.

Bruce 

Thank you for your reply.

I am a Lionel LCS Partner.  Lionel is going to take my first non-working unit and try to figure out what the problem is.  They will receive it on Tuesday. Hopefully they can fix it and tell me what to do to get my new non-working unit working again.  As soon as I hear something I will post.

Harvy posted:

Thank you for your reply.

I am a Lionel LCS Partner.  Lionel is going to take my first non-working unit and try to figure out what the problem is.  They will receive it on Tuesday. Hopefully they can fix it and tell me what to do to get my new non-working unit working again.  As soon as I hear something I will post.

Thanks!  Will look forward to your reply.

Harvy

I've been using the same WiFi box for years without issue connecting to a router BUT to be 100% transparent, that wireless router is stand alone and has no internet connection.  I use it only for train related WiFi device such as DCS, Ipads, and such.  I have never connected it to a true fully intenet enabled router.  Not sure that makes a difference.  Also the router is an older Netgear router they were tossing at work. 

Marty,

I have seen your previous posts on this and have tried the stand alone network with a couple of different routers.  I still can't get it to work and suspect it is the module that has failed since it once worked OK.  It's three years old, so out of warranty.  Be interested to see Lionel's response to Harvey once they receive his module. 

Maybe a good question for the LUG meeting at York.  It's not a meet that is convenient for me to attend, however I always watch the video and recap of the LUG meeting.  Thanks for doing this!

Bruce

Sounds similar to @gunrunnerjohn problem from a few months back.  

I had the same problem.  I had three different routers I tried to connect it to, none connected.  When Verizon upgraded my router to their latest model, suddenly I could connect to that router.  I could connect other devices using WPS no problem, even the MTH WiFi unit.  For some reason, the Lionel unit just didn't want to connect.

IMO, it was a significant mistake in the design of the Lionel WiFi not to have a fallback connection option where you could use a wired connection to get in and configure.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

IMO, it was a significant mistake in the design of the Lionel WiFi not to have a fallback connection option where you could use a wired connection to get in and configure.

I agree.  Even an option to have a wired connection to the router if one prefers.

That too Marty, I use a wired connection whenever it is possible.  I hear all about how good WiFi has gotten, but give me a wire anytime I can use one.

MartyE posted:

Harvy

I've been using the same WiFi box for years without issue connecting to a router BUT to be 100% transparent, that wireless router is stand alone and has no internet connection.  I use it only for train related WiFi device such as DCS, Ipads, and such.  I have never connected it to a true fully intenet enabled router.  Not sure that makes a difference.  Also the router is an older Netgear router they were tossing at work. 

Thank you.  It shouldn't matter if you have an Internet connection or not.  You are able to connect to a router and that means Join To Network mode works for you.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I had the same problem.  I had three different routers I tried to connect it to, none connected.  When Verizon upgraded my router to their latest model, suddenly I could connect to that router.  I could connect other devices using WPS no problem, even the MTH WiFi unit.  For some reason, the Lionel unit just didn't want to connect.

IMO, it was a significant mistake in the design of the Lionel WiFi not to have a fallback connection option where you could use a wired connection to get in and configure.

I too can connect another device via WPS.  Just not the LCS Wi-Fi module.

Yep, I had three different brands of router, none would connect to the LCS Wifi, but all would connect to the MTH WiFi or my phone using WPS without an issue.  I can't say why the LCS is so picky, but it is.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

That too Marty, I use a wired connection whenever it is possible.  I hear all about how good WiFi has gotten, but give me a wire anytime I can use one.

I like wires too!! The only thing I use wifi for is my ipad, iphone etc. I don't have the Lionel Wifi unit, but I do have the MTH unit, but have not tried to connect it to my home network. I really have not used it that much so far either. I still like the remotes...a creature of habit I guess and an old one at that! I did finally get an iphone though, so there is still hope. 

When I am in play mode, I prefer the Cab-2.  However, I am a LCS Partner and I need the Wi-Fi module to develop with.  I prefer to have it in Join To Network mode so I can develop from my desktop.

Even if you aren't developing for LCS, it's a pain to switch wireless networks with your iDevice all the time. 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Even if you aren't developing for LCS, it's a pain to switch wireless networks with your iDevice all the time. 

Agreed.

I certainly see where developing with all the connection problems would be a problem. That would be a real pain. I was just preferring the wired connections over wifi. Was also just agreeing with MartyE and GRJ about leaving wired network ports off of the LCS wifi device. Maybe Lionel will be able to come up with a solution for you soon.

rtr12 posted:

I certainly see where developing with all the connection problems would be a problem. That would be a real pain. I was just preferring the wired connections over wifi. Was also just agreeing with MartyE and GRJ about leaving wired network ports off of the LCS wifi device. Maybe Lionel will be able to come up with a solution for you soon.

I hope they can find a solution too.  Thank you.  Yes, it would be nice to have an Ethernet port on the LCS Wi-Fi module as a backup.

I imagine they will find a solution, they have some pretty knowledgeable folks there. As a partner it might be good to suggest they add a wired network port to their devices. Not that it will ever be added, but can't hurt to suggest and it's a good idea too, IMO. Maybe MartyE and GRJ will offer the same suggestion at York as well, if they haven't already.