Lionel Universal Remote firmware update

Landsteiner posted:

"Gee thanks. I considered myself lucky to be able to sell it NIB for $25."

Did the vendor refuse to take it back for a refund?  If so, the problem isn't Lionel, but the vendor, it seems to me.  

It was on sale, with free shipping. The vendor shipped exactly what I ordered. They were in no way at fault. After being burned by Lionel,  I had no intention to throw away even another $1 to pay to ship it back.

I now know how Charlie Brown felt.....

FWIW, I still regard my MTH DCS Remote Commander as a great value.

" I had no intention to throw away even another $1 to pay to ship it back."

I'm afraid I don't get it.  Why take a $15 loss rather than spend $3.50 (or whatever) on shipping it back,  since it did not meet your needs?  

In any case, the product worked well for most LionChief locos and all LionChief Plus locos, and now should work for them all.  Seems like $40-50 for a multi-loco remote is a reasonable price,  and good value to me.  Bluetooth is a superior technology in some ways to most other remote command systems out there, namely significantly less complex, less expensive and more reliable in my experience.  

The DCS remote commander is infrared (a substantially less reliable and useful technology), does not provide command control,  and is slightly more expensive to boot, thus I don't understand that comparison either.

Landsteiner posted:

" I had no intention to throw away even another $1 to pay to ship it back."

I'm afraid I don't get it.  Why take a $15 loss rather than spend $3.50 (or whatever) on shipping it back,  since it did not meet your needs?  

In any case, the product worked well for most LionChief locos.

For starters, it worked with nothing I owned. The notice from Lionel with the list of incompatible locomotives was posted here on OGR the day after I ordered it. Just bad luck, and bad timing on my part. I never bothered to even take it out of the box.

Return USPS shipping was more like $8.50. That's 19% of what I paid for it. It only cost $45. I just sucked up the $20, cut my losses and moved-on. Not the end of my world.

I stand on my comments. Bought a rock, great concept, wish it had worked.

FWIW, all 3 of my LC locomotives and remotes are all still working just fine. Even my 18 month old granddaughter can run trains with it (she's got "The Knack").

Gilly@N&W posted:

I stand on my comments. Bought a rock, great concept, wish it had worked.

And the whole point of this update is that it will work now. 

Thanks Lionel! I was disappointed it didn't work with all LC locos, and it was a little buggy, but overall I liked the Universal Remote.

Its great that they are able to update this for free. I don't understand people complaining about a company fixing a product for free.

I'm so excited to be able to control all my locos now (I'm exclusively LC/LC+).

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

I updated and tried my Peanuts engine and it wouldn't connect.  Is that not considered LC?

Brendan

Do you know the Lionel part number/SKU of this locomotive? If it is Peanuts Halloween (6-30214) it is a LionCHief product. I'll see if our Service department has one and see if we can reproduce this problem.

Thanks.  I'll look when I get home to see if there is a number on the loco. 

Brendan

Brendan posted:

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

I updated and tried my Peanuts engine and it wouldn't connect.  Is that not considered LC?

Brendan

Do you know the Lionel part number/SKU of this locomotive? If it is Peanuts Halloween (6-30214) it is a LionCHief product. I'll see if our Service department has one and see if we can reproduce this problem.

Thanks.  I'll look when I get home to see if there is a number on the loco. 

Brendan

That is the SKU on the box.  The engine has 24113EL on the frame at the back.  I went through the setup app again to confirm version 1.1 on the remote.

Thanks

Brendan

Brendan posted:

Brendan posted:

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

I updated and tried my Peanuts engine and it wouldn't connect.  Is that not considered LC?

Brendan

Do you know the Lionel part number/SKU of this locomotive? If it is Peanuts Halloween (6-30214) it is a LionCHief product. I'll see if our Service department has one and see if we can reproduce this problem.

Thanks.  I'll look when I get home to see if there is a number on the loco. 

Brendan

That is the SKU on the box.  The engine has 24113EL on the frame at the back.  I went through the setup app again to confirm version 1.1 on the remote.

Thanks

Brendan

Thanks. I'll see if we can reproduce the issue. Can you confirm this engine is working correctly with its original remote?

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

Brendan posted:

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

I updated and tried my Peanuts engine and it wouldn't connect.  Is that not considered LC?

Brendan

Do you know the Lionel part number/SKU of this locomotive? If it is Peanuts Halloween (6-30214) it is a LionCHief product. I'll see if our Service department has one and see if we can reproduce this problem.

Thanks.  I'll look when I get home to see if there is a number on the loco. 

Brendan

That is the SKU on the box.  The engine has 24113EL on the frame at the back.  I went through the setup app again to confirm version 1.1 on the remote.

Thanks

Brendan

Thanks. I'll see if we can reproduce the issue. Can you confirm this engine is working correctly with its original remote?

yes it does.

Brendan

@Brendan

Thanks for taking the time to help Rudy.  It will help everyone.

Brendan posted:

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

Brendan posted:

Railsounds posted:

Brendan posted:

I updated and tried my Peanuts engine and it wouldn't connect.  Is that not considered LC?

Brendan

Do you know the Lionel part number/SKU of this locomotive? If it is Peanuts Halloween (6-30214) it is a LionCHief product. I'll see if our Service department has one and see if we can reproduce this problem.

Thanks.  I'll look when I get home to see if there is a number on the loco. 

Brendan

That is the SKU on the box.  The engine has 24113EL on the frame at the back.  I went through the setup app again to confirm version 1.1 on the remote.

Thanks

Brendan

Thanks. I'll see if we can reproduce the issue. Can you confirm this engine is working correctly with its original remote?

yes it does.

Brendan

OK, thanks for letting me know, Brendan. I spoke to our folks in customer service this morning. They have one of these locomotives and the current version of the Universal Remote connected to it and operated it as expected. So, please contact customer service, they will work to figure out why your locomotive isn't connecting to the remote.

Just received my Universal Remote in the mail today.  As luck would have it...it was version 1.0.  So I went to the app store and downloaded the app updater.  Shockingly and Amazingly......the update went very smoothly in about 4 minutes!

I proceeded to link up my two Lion Chief engines (Area 51 RS3 and the newer Blue Tooth LC Hogwarts Express)  They worked Perfectly!

Good job, Lionel!

-Pete

Wednesday, October 4th...aka “Broderick Crawford Day”, I posted that, ‘quite regrettably, have given up on this product’...well, kinda, sorta, maybe, notta?!?!?

On Thursday morning, I decided to give it one more try...”for the Gipper”! So, that being said, and now in the Maize & Blue (UM) corner, we may have a winner.

Test 1: First I deleted the updater app from my iPhone and all possible references to it. Then I once again added the updater app back onto my iPhone. I decided to replace the new batteries in the Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller with three (3) newer batteries...newer by one (1) day! The iPhone was then turned back on...the updater app was activated...and I went through the procedure for adding the new firmware to the remote once again...would that be the answer...well figured there was nothing to lose. (see photo)

Now it was time to try the remote by running some trains. Three (3) LC+ locomotives were started and paired to the remote...and two of the three were set into motion...speed, horn, bell, announcement and designated engine control buttons were operated continuously. Previously malfunctions occurred at about the seven (7) minute mark, so when the timer approached that mark...I really didn’t know what to expect. Well, the seven minute mark passed by and everything was still operating as I had hoped. Then ten, fifteen, twenty minutes...and even at thirty minutes...all, for the most part, performed well. (see photo)

That ended the trial for the morning session on a positive note.

Test 2: Fast forward to Thursday evening. The same locomotives were started and paired again with the Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller...two (2) were again set into motion and all control buttons...speed, horn, bell, announcement, were pushed and switched continuously. Seven (7) minutes came and went without any disruptions...then ten, fifteen, twenty and once again reached the thirty (30) minute mark with no malfunction.

It appears from those two successful trials, that the Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller issues have been corrected with this firmware update...and it is now working as I had hoped it would when I received it nine (9) months ago.

So now...in the Green & White corner (MSU), not a winner...yet!!!
Rudy, I’m still unable to get the updater firmware into my second Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller. Again I tried replacing new batteries with newer batteries. The updater app was deleted from my iPhone and then added again, started the app...the remote was powered up...but was not recognized, nor was the continue button highlighted or activated. (see video)

The 1, 2 and 3 buttons continue to flash when released and don’t stay lighted as required. Any other ideas?
You can respond via my email again if that works better for you.

I have always wanted this Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller to work with the locomotives on my layout...ever since the concept was first mentioned by Lionel 2 or 3 years ago ...and now it appears to have finally come to fruition...

Quick question is the blue tooth enabled in your settings on your iphone?

-Pete

BFI66 posted:

Quick question is the blue tooth enabled in your settings on your iphone?

-Pete

Based on his screen shot I would say yes.

BFI66 posted:

Quick question is the blue tooth enabled in your settings on your iphone?

-Pete

Yes...that was one of the first things I checked when the app became available...and it did upload to my other Universal Remote as instructed. But not this second remote...thanks for the suggestion...appreciate it.

No problem....ok I just turned off my bluetooth and the app actually tells you to turn it on.

-Pete

Paul, I appreciate you giving it another try.

I did my own test, running 3 older RF LionChief engines from an updated remote, regularly switching between them. They all remained connected for over 20 minutes with no disconnect. I'm delighted to see you were able to run multiple locos for 30 minutes+ without any engines being dropped.

I'll contact you via email regarding your remote that won't accept the update.

Railsounds posted:

OK, thanks for letting me know, Brendan. I spoke to our folks in customer service this morning. They have one of these locomotives and the current version of the Universal Remote connected to it and operated it as expected. So, please contact customer service, they will work to figure out why your locomotive isn't connecting to the remote.

Thanks for looking into it.  Can I infer from your statement that there are multiple versions of the universal remote?  I purchased mine right when they came out.

Thanks

Brendan

Sorry if I wasn't clear. When I said "current version" I just meant that the firmware had been updated to version 1.1. 

@Railsounds, Rudy,

I am amazed to see that you are able to openly work issues directly with customers through this forum (in spite of the trolls). This type of interaction is priceless.

Rudy obviously has a strong constitution, he seems unflappable.

update

got the universal remote, paired it with the Polar Express Loco. Runs great, but I cant get any sounds???

Thanks

Popi

see my reply in this thread:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...38#76044470165012838

Popi posted:

update

got the universal remote, paired it with the Polar Express Loco. Runs great, but I cant get any sounds???

Thanks

Popi

Give this a try, page 12 - 13 of the Universal Remote's owners manual. Click on the manual page below to enlarge. This will make it readable. 

Gary: Hope this helps.

Rudy, I have recently purchase the Universal remote, the one I have does not have the red circle on the back. I have run with this remote a few times at home and the engines will disconnect occasionally. I am wondering, I have been told the Lion-Chief/Flyer-Chief and remote require line of sight to remain connected. This is not a case where both will disconnect, sometimes one will disconnect sometimes both, is this a case where ver. 1.1 might solve the problem?

Thank you for your reply

Ray

The Universal Remote does not require line-of-sight to operate.

However, version 1.1 does improve connection reliability as well as add support for older LionChief engines. Since it sounds like you are experiencing intermittent connection issues, I would definitely encourage you to do the update to your Universal Remote. There is an iOS App you can download for free to perform the update yourself, or you can send your remote to Lionel Customer service and they will do the update for a fee. Or perhaps your dealer or fellow hobbyist can help you out.

I would like to get a Universal Remote since I have a LionChief Thomas, LC+ Mikado, and two FlyerChief Berkshires. However, I don't want to go through buying a brand new item and then having to upgrade it myself (had too much frustration with phones and computer updates to want to try it with my trains!). Is there any way to tell (such as a label or sticker on the box) BEFORE buying if the controller has the newer software version?

Bill in FtL

Bill, did you actually read the thread?  How about the very first message?

Railsounds posted:

FAQ:

·         What version of code is on my remote? Look at the back cover of your Universal Remote. A small red circle sticker on it means your remote has been updated to Version 1.1 already from the factory. If you do not have the red sticker, chances are likely that your remote still has Version 1.0 on it and needs to be updated.

 In addition, most dealers would update it for you before you take it home.

Bill Nielsen posted:

I would like to get a Universal Remote since I have a LionChief Thomas, LC+ Mikado, and two FlyerChief Berkshires. However, I don't want to go through buying a brand new item and then having to upgrade it myself (had too much frustration with phones and computer updates to want to try it with my trains!). Is there any way to tell (such as a label or sticker on the box) BEFORE buying if the controller has the newer software version?

Bill in FtL

Along with the remote, Lionel indicated at the Legacy Users Group that the box should also have a sticker indicating it was upgraded.  As GRJ said, all the dealers I know of will either update it for you or have done so already with the inventory they have and have marked the box saying so.

Does anyone know  if the Android version of the 1.1 update is available yet?

The Android version is not yet available. It is in development, hopefully it will be released by year's end.

Just wondering if Paul (PDDMI) ever got his second LC Universal Remote to accept the software update, and what the problem was?

Bill in FtL

Question geared for Rudy - any chance you can make a more adult looking controller - less toy like?   I know the Lion chief  line was at first aimed for kids but I really think the adults have taken it over.   How about an adult style controller more like the Legacy remote with maybe able to run 10 trains on it?   I have Legacy also and five Lion chief Plus trains.  The legacy remote looks train like and the orange LC+ universal looks like a toy and and I hate to say it - cheap plastic.   Just some suggestions - keep the trains coming - ordered a LC+ diesel this week.

@Gregg Lemke, I think what Lionel really needs to do is to create a LionChief-Legacy bridge. Think of it as a unit like the universal remote, but with out human interface controls. Instead, it exposes the LionChief channels as distinct TMCC/Legacy engines to the cab remotes controllers.

Gregg Lemke posted:

Question geared for Rudy - any chance you can make a more adult looking controller - less toy like?   I know the Lion chief  line was at first aimed for kids but I really think the adults have taken it over.   How about an adult style controller more like the Legacy remote with maybe able to run 10 trains on it?   I have Legacy also and five Lion chief Plus trains.  The legacy remote looks train like and the orange LC+ universal looks like a toy and and I hate to say it - cheap plastic.   Just some suggestions - keep the trains coming - ordered a LC+ diesel this week.

I disagree.  The big selling point at my LHS is the ease and simplicity of the remote.  The buttons and knob is very clear and easy for a child to figure out.  I'm not folks will be willing to pay more for the remote to be upgraded for looks.  After all it is serving its purpose. 

I imagine the Universal Remote is as multi engine as it gets but it doesn't hurt to ask.  The UR was born out of the desire by folks to run more than one train so Lionel made it.

Like the idea of a Legacy to LC/LC+ bridge.  It  will be useful for some folks. Almost as important, it would put an end to the repeated incorrect statements from a few ill-informed folks about  "incompatibility" between Legacy and LC/LC+. That is, complaints from those who don't appreciate the consumer receiving inexpensive, essentially no cost extra controllers with every LC/LC+ loco . 

As opposed to the major competitor's sets, which don't even include any handheld or other controller.  And whose system requires purchase of about $400 worth of equipment if you want to operate a medium to large layout in command mode (which requires wi-fi, if you want to use a smart device).  Well worth developing such a device to make the cost efficiency and reliability of the entire Lionel product line completely transparent to dealers and consumers.

Admittedly, the misinformation being circulated by some folks doesn't recognize that if you move up to Legacy, you don't have to give up your LC/LC+ locos,  as they will operate just fine on your Legacy layout, albeit not employing the Legacy controller for these locos.  Not rocket science, but apparently difficult to understand. 

A Legacy to LC/LC+ bridge would finally put an end to this circulating misinformation and, seemingly, to some, the major inconvenience of having more than one controller available .

Seems a LC / LC+ bridge with Legacy would be the next logical step if costs are not prohibitive.  The only issue I see is the use of TMCC IDs that maybe needed. That would start eating into the 98 locomotive IDs currently available.

I've had more than 1 Legacy user tell me what prevents them from buying a LC+ locomotive is using another remote. Then again the Bluetooth option in the newer Legacy and LC / LC+ sets sort of solves that for folks not minding using a smart device.

Bill Nielsen posted:

Just wondering if Paul (PDDMI) ever got his second LC Universal Remote to accept the software update, and what the problem was?

Bill in FtL

Bill, I was never able to successfully complete the update and Rudy did make it possible for me to send the LC+ Universal Remote back to Lionel. They were not able to do the upload either and an updated replacement unit was sent to me from Lionel. Apparently there was an issue with just that particular LC+ Universal Remote?

I had purchased a Universal Remote from a LHS a few weeks back, this remote did not have the software upgrade. I attended Train Fest at the Wisconsin State Fair grounds this last weekend and Lionel had a number of displays at the show. On display were some of the new Flyer Chief locomotives and some of the railroad cars that will be available soon. Since I have the Santa Fe GP on order I inquired about the delivery of these and was told that they are on the water and should be delivered in December. These reps also allowed our club to run a couple of these S gauge locomotives on our modular layout, I would have to say that Santa Fe GP looks great. I also asked them about the software upgrade for the Universal remote and these folks were kind enough to upgrade two remotes we were using at the show. The improvement in keeping the signal connected was dramatic. KUDOS to Lionel and their representatives, thank you folks so much.

Ray