Legacy Base and Cab2 Version 1.53 is up. This is almost all behind the scenes bug fixes BUT there is a mystery icon now on the numeric keypad...Only Lionel knows what it does and they're not telling.
Use the link below and go to software updates. Download and unzip the files. Use the LSU software to make the Base and CAB modules. You can use 1 module and upgrade the Cab 1st and then the Base.
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Legacy Base and Cab2 Version 1.53 is up. This is almost all behind the scenes bug fixes BUT there is a mystery icon now on the numeric keypad...Only Lionel knows what it does and they're not telling.
Use the link below and go to software updates. Download and unzip the files. Use the LSU software to make the Base and CAB modules. You can use 1 module and upgrade the Cab 1st and then the Base.
Anyone have the USB to serial adapter link handy? None of my Macs have the proper port?
Legacy Base and Cab2 Version 1.53 is up. This is almost all behind the scenes bug fixes BUT there is a mystery icon now on the numeric keypad...Only Lionel knows what it does and they're not telling.
Use the link below and go to software updates. Download and unzip the files. Use the LSU software to make the Base and CAB modules. You can use 1 module and upgrade the Cab 1st and then the Base.
Thanks Marty! Always on top of things!
Too bad the LSU can't directly update the base and/or cab2 via the serial or WiFi connection. Probably would require a new generation of device.
KC thanks for posting.
John indeed. I think I'll do a enlargement of your pic for the LUG meeting.
A question comes up...
I see this in the ReadMe...
TMCC Route Clear commands for IDs above 9 are now sent as extended commands. This required a fix in the base also.
Does this REQUIRE you to have 1.53 on the base and remote for all operations, or just the TMCC Route Clear? The reason I ask is in a club environment, we could have people showing up with 1.52 after updating. Also, if I update all my remotes and take them to run with a 1.52 base, am I going to run into issues?
I would tend to believe this is just for this issue but I suspect Rudy is monitoring the thread and will comment shortly.
Before I do wholesale upgrades, I need to be sure.
I'm doing an upgrade of a spare base and remote to see how it goes. I'll try that remote with my working 1.52 base to see if anything obvious is broken.
Before I do wholesale upgrades, I need to be sure.
Before I do wholesale upgrades, I need to be sure.
Lionel always recommends using the same code revision on both the cab remote and command base. Should you choose to mix and match, your mileage may vary.
Rudy Trubitt
Lionel, LLC
Rudy, that's not the answer we wanted to hear! 
I'll be taking the modules along with me, but for folks that bring their remote, if they don't bring their base, I could be shooting them in the foot if I upgrade them.
I thought the wifi module was suppose to update the base but not the cab. I guess I remembered wrong.
Ken M
John
While led it's probably a good idea to get all at the same Rev, since 1.4 I haven't heard of anyone having major issues when mismatched. Just loss of updated functions. I think shooting in the foot is extreme. Maybe just stepping on toes?
We've had folks over with 1.4 w/o issues before. As Rudy says. Your mileage may vary.
Ken
the WiFi lets you use LSU to communicat with the base. You still need to create modules to upgrade using LSU.
Not trying to disappoint you GRJ, but keeping the same revision level of CAB and BASE code has always been our recommendation.
Q: Do I need to upgrade right away?
A: No. If you're happy with your current system there is no urgent need to upgrade.
-rudy
Good grief, did I just read that in a official Lionel document they admitted to having UK customers...... Very good to see guys
.
Nick
Just uploaded the Legacy base and cab2 to ver. 1.53. No issues and no problems with downloading and uploading software. Used GRJ advice to create 2 black modules.
Hmmmmmm.......Aux3...sounds interesting!
-Pete
Yep. Sounds very interesting.
Hopefully, AUX3 will unleash something really cool!
Downloaded 1.53 and installed it. Things are getting good with Legacy.
Upgrade done on both sets. Easy enough so I will have to make time to go play.
Lionel could have supplied them, but they didn't. They didn't supply the serial<->USB adapter most will need for the upgrade either.
The upgrade really isn't all that "tricky", it's actually very simple. I program up a couple of sets of black modules and do upgrades of the Legacy units at the club, the actual update takes only a couple minutes for both the base and remote.
If you want "tricky", try updating the MTH TIU and remote! There are special cables and specific instructions for each, including a thumb-numbing holding down the power button of the remote for six or seven minutes without releasing it!
As GRJ said it pretty easy. If you are uncomfortable doing the upgrade find a LHS to do it.
At the LUG meeting, every LUG meeting since the upgrade process has become available, we offered to help folks make the modules. To date I think I have had 1 request. I walked them through it and let them make it themselves. It took less than 3 minutes total.
As to your point about the modules, I agree 100% that now instead of the blue modules, which rumor has it are writable now, black ones be included in the 990 system.
What does AUX3 do, has anyone it tried yet? Could it be for a new feature not yet released? If you know please tell!
It's for future use, we wait with anticipation.
What if your Cab2 upgrades without a hitch, but your base gives error codes? I got 3 flashes of the yellow LED (module was removed, but it wasn't) so I reloaded the black module, now I get 6 flashes of yellow (hardware error). Tried this one about 3 times. The base still reports 1.52 when I turn on the remote and the Remote reports 1.53. Any suggestions?
I have 2 black modules, I used one for cab and one for base. Was thinking about loading the base on the one I used for the cab and trying that one later today, as the cab upgrade went without a hitch.
This is one of the Legacy's that took so long to get last year because of the hardware issue/part change or whatever was wrong with them? Got it in, I think Sept. '14.
What if your Cab2 upgrades without a hitch, but your base gives error codes? I got 3 flashes of the yellow LED (module was removed, but it wasn't) so I reloaded the black module, now I get 6 flashes of yellow (hardware error). Tried this one about 3 times. The base still reports 1.52 when I turn on the remote and the Remote reports 1.53. Any suggestions?
I have 2 black modules, I used one for cab and one for base. Was thinking about loading the base on the one I used for the cab and trying that one later today, as the cab upgrade went without a hitch.
This is one of the Legacy's that took so long to get last year because of the hardware issue/part change or whatever was wrong with them? Got it in, I think Sept. '14.
For us dummies out here, could someone in easy english, and without acronyms do a little roadmap here with modules and connections that will be required? Thanks
The first base I did choked because it didn't see a module, I pulled it out and reseated it firmly and away it went.
For us dummies out here, could someone in easy english, and without acronyms do a little roadmap here with modules and connections that will be required? Thanks
Refer to the attached Lionel document, it explains the complete process with pictures. Much easier than repeating it all here.
What if your Cab2 upgrades without a hitch, but your base gives error codes? I got 3 flashes of the yellow LED (module was removed, but it wasn't) so I reloaded the black module, now I get 6 flashes of yellow (hardware error). Tried this one about 3 times. The base still reports 1.52 when I turn on the remote and the Remote reports 1.53. Any suggestions?
I have 2 black modules, I used one for cab and one for base. Was thinking about loading the base on the one I used for the cab and trying that one later today, as the cab upgrade went without a hitch.
This is one of the Legacy's that took so long to get last year because of the hardware issue/part change or whatever was wrong with them? Got it in, I think Sept. '14.
I did, with the same module. Went from 3 yellow flashes to 6. I am going to try it again today. May try loading the base on the cab module that worked in the cab and see how that goes. Probably my luck something is broken?
My upgrades on the newer and older 990s went ok.
I encourage anyone doing this for the first time to read all the instructions. Then ask specific questions. Its way too hard to cover the entire procedure when you may be stuck on a little part of it.
MartyE,
When I send my new 990 in for repair, will Lionel automatically upgrade it with the new changes as well or is this something I need to ask them to do to the unit.
PCRR/Dave
Dave, I suggest you ask Lionel. I doubt Marty speaks for them, they may or may not upgrade it.
Guns,
I just thought Marty might know, however will comply with your suggestion to ask
Lionel myself.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks John.
FWIW, the last time I sent a Legacy in, it was updated. However, I don't know if that's the normal procedure or if it's hit or miss.
Can you buy the upgrade modules from Lionel anymore, or is it only make your own now?
Can you buy the upgrade modules from Lionel anymore, or is it only make your own now?
I honestly don't know. Since I'm not a potential customer for shelling out cash for a one time module when I can upgrade for free from now on, I don't really care. 
As GRJ said I do not represent Lionel but I'm not sure that's relevant to your question.
That being said Lionel has in the past always installed the latest software on the CAB2 and Base. It has been reported on the forum many times by members who have sent their bases in for repair.
In answer to sinclair's question, currently, there are no pre-made v1.53 blue modules available to sell. One of the benefits of the free Legacy System Utility is that code can be quickly released to customers without waiting to mass-produce blue modules, ship them, etc. Making them yourself, or having a fellow user help, is the way to go for now.
And again, 1.53 is a relatively modest update. No one is missing out on any new features by not running the latest version.
One of the benefits of the free Legacy System Utility is that code can be quickly released to customers without waiting to mass-produce blue modules, ship them, etc. Making them yourself, or having a fellow user help, is the way to go for now.
I find the LSU to be very user friendly. It took less than 5 minutes to write the code to the modules and install it in the base and remote. Charles Ro always has sets of the black modules with the latest code for sale.
I run Apple, so I don't have a way to connect to the base and use the software without a cash outlay, so buying the blue modules would be cheaper for me. As for LHS, the only one left is hardcore MTH, so instead of helping me upgrade Legacy they'll only try to sell me DCS. I have ordered from Charles Ro in the past, so if I get a chance I'll give them a call and see if they can ship me a module.
If there are members in the Rochester, NY area that need help, You can contact me through E-Mail to arrange a meet.
here's a link to the 1.53 upgrage
http://www.lionel.com/customer...153CABBASEupdate.zip
I run Apple, so I don't have a way to connect to the base and use the software without a cash outlay, so buying the blue modules would be cheaper for me. As for LHS, the only one left is hardcore MTH, so instead of helping me upgrade Legacy they'll only try to sell me DCS. I have ordered from Charles Ro in the past, so if I get a chance I'll give them a call and see if they can ship me a module.
It's the black modules that you need. They are writable.
I run Apple, so I don't have a way to connect to the base and use the software without a cash outlay, so buying the blue modules would be cheaper for me. As for LHS, the only one left is hardcore MTH, so instead of helping me upgrade Legacy they'll only try to sell me DCS. I have ordered from Charles Ro in the past, so if I get a chance I'll give them a call and see if they can ship me a module.
It's the black modules that you need. They are writable.
He can't write with Apple. Marty said that Charles Ro could send you the latest version on black modules.
I run Apple, so I don't have a way to connect to the base and use the software without a cash outlay, so buying the blue modules would be cheaper for me. As for LHS, the only one left is hardcore MTH, so instead of helping me upgrade Legacy they'll only try to sell me DCS. I have ordered from Charles Ro in the past, so if I get a chance I'll give them a call and see if they can ship me a module.
It's the black modules that you need. They are writable.
He can't write with Apple. Marty said that Charles Ro could send you the latest version on black modules.
Exactly. Ask Ro for black modules , not blue, with the update. per Marty Fitz
I run Apple, so I don't have a way to connect to the base and use the software without a cash outlay, so buying the blue modules would be cheaper for me. As for LHS, the only one left is hardcore MTH, so instead of helping me upgrade Legacy they'll only try to sell me DCS. I have ordered from Charles Ro in the past, so if I get a chance I'll give them a call and see if they can ship me a module.
how close to this club are you? paradise and Pacific they should be able to help you.
Tried the base update again this afternoon and stumbled across the problem I had when I first got the 990 system last fall. The base died and would not come back on. I had a similar problem when I first got the 990 last fall, thought it was the power supply? It was kind of mysterious and I never was 100% certain that was it, but it had been working flawlessly until trying to do this update.
I tried the 1.53 update the other day when MartyE first posted here that it was available. The cab update worked without a hitch, the base wouldn't update, just gave errors. So today I reloaded my base module and tried the base update again. After several attempts with errors again each time, the base went dead and would not come back on. This time I checked everything a lot more carefully and it was definitely the base. After fiddling with the base power receptacle and the power plug for a few minutes I finally got it to come back on. Was thinking about taking it apart to see if there was a loose connection, but wasn't sure about the warranty, so I decided to call Lionel tomorrow instead.
Although I have used the 990 quite a bit since then with no problems I suppose it could be something loose or something getting hot? Or something loose that is causing something to get hot? Anyway it is a very intermittent problem seeing as how it's been months since the last problem. I think it's probably time for the pros to fix it.
I am just glad I was able to recreate the original problem that I thought was fixed long ago, but was never really certain what fixed it? Maybe it's good that it reared it's head again so now it can be fixed for good this time.
About an hour away. I keep forgetting about them.
Did my base and Cab2 last nite all is well got the AUX3 showing and Cab says 1.53 in cab and base. I'm ready for future advances.
other than the aux-3 nothing note worthy? so will aux 3 be a reserved for later use like cab-1.
just kidding folks don't get feathers ruffled
If you only knew what Aux 3 does, it's pretty dang awesome. It will change the way you look at everything. We are talking Red Pill vs Blue Pill difference in the way your train and you work together
Til then
aux3 + Eng+ #= LionChief. Just kidding....
The base start-up sequence seems a little faster.
Well you saw the Lionelville movie didn't you?
I'm assuming the AUX3 will add some functionality that they're planning in the future.
I'm assuming the AUX3 will add some functionality that they're planning in the future.
Huh I think I heard that before...
"Added “Aux3” softkey icon that shows up in Legacy mode for all engine types.
Pressing this key has no effect on existing Lionel products, it is for future use."
Probably why I"m assuming that.
Updated mine today. It will be interesting to see if Lionel will comment at the LUGNUTS breakfast about what the AUX3 will be used for.
Neal Jeter
Well you saw the Lionelville movie didn't you?
Still wondering if those kids will ever find their parents!!
If everyone that downloads 1.53 and presses Aux3 at the same time, they will finally produce Lionelville Part 2.
-Dave
After all my failed attempts with the base, talking to Lionel support and taking it to my LHS's authorized Lionel service tech, Lionel has mine. They will probably finish updating it after they fix it. This is the first train item I have ever had to send in for repair after returning to the hobby about 4 years ago.
Shipped it out Monday and they got it Wednesday. Just glad Lionel has a good service dept. and usually has a good turn around time. Sure hope they get it fixed.
Maybe the Legacy will be able to control the TIU???
Maybe the Legacy will be able to control the TIU???
A nice thought, but unlikely in any of our lifetimes.
-Dave
I have a hunch they also changed the smoke setting during the startup sequence. Before 1.53, the smoke unit always seemed to autostart. With 1.53 that behavior appears to have been changed to not do so, which I like.
//Scott
Interesting Scott, I hadn't noticed that. I'll give it a test...
Nope, that doesn't happen. I shutdown both my VL-BB and my K-Line TMCC tank engine with smoke operating. After a power cycle and a new startup, both came up with smoke still on.
Interesting Scott, I hadn't noticed that. I'll give it a test...
Nope, that doesn't happen. I shutdown both my VL-BB and my K-Line TMCC tank engine with smoke operating. After a power cycle and a new startup, both came up with smoke still on.
Thanks for verifying that. I must have something else going on....hmmm....
I concur. I have been running 1.53 since its release and my smoke units come back in the state they were when powered down.
I will stick with my Legacy 1.51, since my VL Hudson is my only Legacy loco!
Hi Guys, if I am reading things at Lionel correctly, actually Legacy version 1.54 is available for download. I just downloaded it. Because it is so late at night here, I will have to wait until tomorrow to find my black modules and update all 3 of my CAB2,s and all 3 bases. I also downloaded a Lionel manual for Legacy version 1.4. I have not been on the forum for an eternity, but did indeed download what I said!
So look to the link at the beginning of this string. The downloadable files are in blue on the page, and ARE v 1.54, not version 1.53!
BTW, does anyone know if Jon Zahornacky is still with Lionel? They took his Electric Railroad modules out of the catalog, and no longer seem to sell them. Also have not seen him in Lionel videos etc for 2 years. Mike Reagan seems to be doing all the front work now.
Hey Westies - this AZ resident may attend Cal Stewart! Frogpond still going strong?
Correction the downloadable manual just states version 1.5. Sorry.
Legacy version 1.6 is the current version. You can find it here at the Lionel download page. The thread you are on is about 18 months old.
1.6 gives you Legacy Sound Diner car support and bug fixes.
Jon is still at Lionel. He was just featured on the Notch 6 Pod cast. You can go here at the Notch 6 thread and listen.
I was looking at that Lionel page and got interested in viewing this video "Similarities & Differences between TMCC & LEGACY". BUT it seems to be gone...anybody know why or what about it's demise?
cjack posted:I was looking at that Lionel page and got interested in viewing this video "Similarities & Differences between TMCC & LEGACY". BUT it seems to be gone...anybody know why or what about it's demise?
It's still on the YouTube channel-perhaps they only removed the link from the support site- https://youtu.be/jhviAv1VSyM
Moonman posted:cjack posted:I was looking at that Lionel page and got interested in viewing this video "Similarities & Differences between TMCC & LEGACY". BUT it seems to be gone...anybody know why or what about it's demise?
It's still on the YouTube channel-perhaps they only removed the link from the support site- https://youtu.be/jhviAv1VSyM
Thanks. I listened to it. I'm guessing that since it was made several years ago in Version 1.3 era, they might be thinking about updating it.
Thanks again, it's still good to listen to.
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