Lionel LCS

Is the WiFi unit set to "Base" as opposed to "No Base"?

What version software is on the Legacy System?

Larry;

This might be a bit too basic, but I’ve done it quite a few times, so I’ll throw it out there... Before you open the app on your iPad, did you switch from your home’s WiFi to the Lionel WiFi net work???

Yes. I connect to the Lionel WiFi just fine on my Ipad. The LCS app then cannot connect to my Legacy base unit. It should be able to.

The brand new Legacy base is considerably above the firmware version required by LCS, according to the manual. And yes I am set to “Base”. I followed the manual carefully.

Is the Power adapter for the LCS connected directly to the base or are you using a Y cable or any other cable?

Sorry if these questions seem basic but they need to be asked.

Does the middle yellow LED on the Legacy base pulse every second or so?

I have tried it direct. I have tried it with a “y”. Same results. I can connect to Lionel WiFi with my new iPad. I bring up the LCS app and press CONNECT. Connection fails.

Have you tried connecting via a PC using the LSU (version 2) or WiFi monitoring software?  Or even iPad or iPhone running ICab?

I am not familiar with LSU. I have not joined the WiFi to my network since I do not have WPS on my router. I cannot think of a reason to have Windows or Linux or even a Mac connect to my Legacy Base.

You don't need WPS on your router to get the WIFi unit connected.  However, I'm shocked your router doesn't have WPS, it's been standard for many years.l

@Larry.PRR posted:

I am not familiar with LSU. I have not joined the WiFi to my network since I do not have WPS on my router. I cannot think of a reason to have Windows or Linux or even a Mac connect to my Legacy Base.

Legacy System Utility is LSU.

While you may not want or need to use it, by seeing if connects might help narrow down the issue.

Besides, the LSU is a very useful utility to have on your LCS network.

I am glad to get Legacy System Utility.  What hardware does it run on, what does it do, where can I find it?
I just got into Legacy at all in December, so I have a lot to learn

WPS was once a standard. The external WPS button is no longer on MESH routers like my Orbi. I may be able to get the Lionel added to the network by working with the Router Admin utilities, provided there is a reason. Lionel seams to think it is better stand alone.  I do notice the WiFi module uses 802.11b, which is a standard that is quite long in the tooth and sometimes slows down the network. I will make sure it is enabled on my home network before I try to add it.

So far I had not bothered since Lionel suggested standalone. A utility that can see my Legacy Base would make it worth the effort.

My goal for LCS is to control switches and accessories. I will continue to use my CAB-2 for engines.

Thanks for all the ideas.

@Larry.PRR posted:

I am glad to get Legacy System Utility.  What hardware does it run on, what does it do, where can I find it?
I just got into Legacy at all in December, so I have a lot to learn

WPS was once a standard. The external WPS button is no longer on MESH routers like my Orbi. I may be able to get the Lionel added to the network by working with the Router Admin utilities, provided there is a reason. Lionel seams to think it is better stand alone.  I do notice the WiFi module uses 802.11b, which is a standard that is quite long in the tooth and sometimes slows down the network. I will make sure it is enabled on my home network before I try to add it.

So far I had not bothered since Lionel suggested standalone. A utility that can see my Legacy Base would make it worth the effort.

My goal for LCS is to control switches and accessories. I will continue to use my CAB-2 for engines.

Thanks for all the ideas.

It runs on a PC only and available here.

You better hope your router does 802.11 or you'll never get it to do anything. Don't forget that virus involved in this, IOS.

Just remember you can keep the Legacy WiFi stand alone even if wanting to connect a PC.  You would just need to connected via WiFi to the LCS module.

I do recall someone posting recently (in the last 2 months) that there was a change in IOS as to how it allows network connections, but I haven't had luck finding it with a search. It may have been an issue involving DCS but at this level I don't think it would matter. Same kind of symptoms, things seem to be on the net but the app couldn't connect.

@turkey_hollow_rr posted:

You better hope your router does 802.11 or you'll never get it to do anything. Don't forget that virus involved in this, IOS.

More correctly, 802.11b, pretty much any router does some version of 801.11 protocol.

I will try connecting my PC directly to Lionel WiFi. That was a good idea.

In my traveling days (2003-2016), I had to tell my router to not transmit 802.11b.  I worked in campgrounds and managers with WiFi in the campground did not like any chance of congestion from my personal WiFi network. Of course their network was usually strictly 802.11b.  Today's newer protocols are faster and more robust. If anyone wants to dive into the rabbit hole of 802.11, start with this link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11
I will make no more comments about  802.11b or connecting the Lionel WiFI to my router since the direct connection is recommended by Lionel anyway.

I should have a chance to try Legacy System Utility via the Lionel WiFI next weekend.

@Larry.PRR posted:

I will make no more comments about  802.11b or connecting the Lionel WiFI to my router since the direct connection is recommended by Lionel anyway.

FWIW, I connect the Lionel WiFi to my network and it operates flawlessly.  The benefits of having it connected to the router are numerous.

Also, the impacts of connecting an 802.11b device to your network are overblown unless it's a device that's doing continuous full-bandwidth communication.  Also, many modern devices connect to the 5GHZ channel, and most modern routers and access points are dual channel and those communications aren't affected by any 802.11b devices.

How Much Does an 802.11b Device Slow Down a Newer Network?

A lot of people misunderstand exactly how — and how much — an 802.11b device slows down a newer network. Some people believe that having an 802.11b device on an 802.11g or 802.11n network will slow that network all the way down to 802.11b speeds for compatibility reasons.

This is false. Even if you have an 802.11b device on your Wi-Fi network, those newer 802.11g and n devices won’t slow all the way down to 802.11b speeds. It’s not as bad as some of the myths make it out to be.