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Lionel Universal Remote Firmware Version 1.1

We’re excited to announce a new version of code for the Lionel LionChief Universal Remote! (6-83071)

 This updated version of the code includes the following changes made over Version 1.0:

·         Connect to ANY Lionel LionChief engine! No more worrying about compatibility with certain LionChief Locomotives! This remote will control any LionChief Locomotive we’ve ever produced.

·         Multiple bugs have been fixed. Version 1.0 would sometimes disconnect from all locomotives it was controlling, and they would all need to be manually reconnected. That issue has been taken care of!

·         More intuitive lighting features! As you may know, you can control up to three locomotives at once with the Universal Remote. In version 1.0, the number (channel) button on the remote would be lit when you were controlling an engine with that channel. With the update, channels that are connected to a running locomotive, but are not the current channel being used, will be dimly lit, indicating that there’s a locomotive that’s running on that channel. Channels not in use will continue to have no illumination.

 Updating your remote:

If you already have a Universal Remote, there are a couple of different ways you can upload Version 1.1 to it.

·         Over-the-air Updating APP: Visit the Apple Store on compatible Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iTouch) and download this APP:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...er/id1290304849?mt=8. It will use the Bluetooth connection on your phone to connect to the Universal Remote and load the new firmware! For a more in-depth explanation of how this works, you can watch our instructional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qFfcpcsyTs

Note: An Android Version of the Over-the-air Updating APP is still being worked on and will be available soon.

·         Alternately, you can send your remote to Lionel Customer Service: You can send in your LionChief Universal Remote to Lionel Customer Service and we’ll take care of the updating for you. This comes with a $20 service charge. Please call Lionel Customer Service to get a RA number to send your remote in: (586)949-4100; open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.

 

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.

·         What if I’m happy with my remote as-is? Updating the firmware is not required! If your Universal Remote already runs all of you Lionel Locomotives and you’re happy with its performance, updating is not needed.

http://www.lionel.com/articles...Remote-Compatibility

 

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Rudy, I have two (2) of the Universal Remotes, the first one updated as shown in the instructions and video. The second remote, after holding down all 3 buttons and turning on the power switch, continue to blink when released and doesn’t proceed to the continue mode for uploading. I swiped after updating the first remote as shown to refresh...but no luck. Any ideas on this?

Thanks

Last edited by UKE KAT
PDDMI posted:

Rudy, I have two (2) of the Universal Remotes, the first one updated as shown in the instructions and video. The second remote, after holding down all 3 buttons and turning on the power switch, continue to blink when released and doesn’t proceed to the continue mode for uploading. I swiped after updating the first remote as shown to refresh...but no luck. Any ideas on this?

Thanks

Paul, try power-cycling your phone and then repeat the process on your second remote. The App will only do one update at a time and although it sounds like you followed the instructions in the video, for whatever reason I'm guessing you were not able to quit the Updater App.

When the remote is blinking all three lights, it means it is ready to be updated and waiting for the App to connect. Try turning your phone's power off, then on again and re-try the update. That should take care of it.

Railsounds posted:

"Lionel Universal Remote Firmware Version 1.1

...Note: An Android Version of the Over-the-air Updating APP is still being worked on and will be available soon...."

This is a fabulous update, Rudy. I eagerly await when this capability will be available to those of us with Android cellphones. Can you be more specific how long "soon" will be?

I do not have a release date for Android version of the Universal Remote Updater app.  If don't want to wait (which I certainly can understand!), find a friend with a compatible Apple device and solicit their help. It's a free download and a five minute, one-time procedure. Alternately, you can ship your remote to Lionel customer service and they will update it for you for $20.

Popi posted:

Rudy

Thanks, now the million dollar question,

where do I purchase the new universal remote  1.1

Step 1) Purchase Universal remote

Step 2) check for "small red circle sticker"

Step 3) if "small red circle sticker" is present on rear cover stop here and enjoy your 1.1 remote, if "small red circle sticker" is not present go to step 4.

Step 4) Follow the instructions outlined in the video

Step 5) enjoy your Universal Remote 1.1

Popi posted:

Rudy

Thanks, now the million dollar question,

where do I purchase the new universal remote  1.1

Going forward, shipments of all Universal Remote from Lionel will be updated with the new firmware. Remotes currently in dealer stock have the original 1.0 firmware (I'm writing this on Oct 3rd, 2017, so this will change over the coming weeks). Since you are trying to run an older Polar engine (conversation from another thread), you definitely need the new 1.1 firmware for the Universal Remote.  I suggest you check with your favorite dealer and ask them when they expect to have remotes with the new code available for sale.

Railsounds posted:
Popi posted:

Rudy

Thanks, now the million dollar question,

where do I purchase the new universal remote  1.1

Going forward, shipments of all Universal Remote from Lionel will be updated with the new firmware. Remotes currently in dealer stock have the original 1.0 firmware (I'm writing this on Oct 3rd, 2017, so this will change over the coming weeks). Since you are trying to run an older Polar engine (conversation from another thread), you definitely need the new 1.1 firmware for the Universal Remote.  I suggest you check with your favorite dealer and ask them when they expect to have remotes with the new code available for sale.

Will there be anyway to tell from the outside packaging? 

MartyE posted:
Railsounds posted:
Popi posted:

Rudy

Thanks, now the million dollar question,

where do I purchase the new universal remote  1.1

Going forward, shipments of all Universal Remote from Lionel will be updated with the new firmware. Remotes currently in dealer stock have the original 1.0 firmware (I'm writing this on Oct 3rd, 2017, so this will change over the coming weeks). Since you are trying to run an older Polar engine (conversation from another thread), you definitely need the new 1.1 firmware for the Universal Remote.  I suggest you check with your favorite dealer and ask them when they expect to have remotes with the new code available for sale.

Will there be anyway to tell from the outside packaging? 

Thanks, I'll pass that suggestion along to the team.

Rudy, was out of town this afternoon, so just getting around to trying again.

I did clear the app by swiping up...I even deleted the app...and powered down my iPhone. Tried again by powering on...reloaded the app...went through the startup...and got to the initial screen. The power for the remote was off, depressed the 1, 2 and 3 buttons simultaneously and turned the power button for the remote back on. Again, the 3 button lights lit up but continued to flash and the upload failed ( see short video) if you have additional ideas...I would try any options that might get this operational...so let me know.

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PDDMI posted:

Rudy, was out of town this afternoon, so just getting around to trying again.

I did clear the app by swiping up...I even deleted the app...and powered down my iPhone. Tried again by powering on...reloaded the app...went through the startup...and got to the initial screen. The power for the remote was off, depressed the 1, 2 and 3 buttons simultaneously and turned the power button for the remote back on. Again, the 3 button lights lit up but continued to flash and the upload failed ( see short video) if you have additional ideas...I would try any options that might get this operational...so let me know.

try removing the app and download the app again. Perhaps the just won't clear the first device.

Moonman posted:
PDDMI posted:

Rudy, was out of town this afternoon, so just getting around to trying again.

I did clear the app by swiping up...I even deleted the app...and powered down my iPhone. Tried again by powering on...reloaded the app...went through the startup...and got to the initial screen. The power for the remote was off, depressed the 1, 2 and 3 buttons simultaneously and turned the power button for the remote back on. Again, the 3 button lights lit up but continued to flash and the upload failed ( see short video) if you have additional ideas...I would try any options that might get this operational...so let me know.

 

try removing the app and download the app again. Perhaps the just won't clear the first device.

It looks like he tried that already.  Good suggestion though.  It looks like the remote might have an issue.  Maybe Rudy has a few more suggestions.

Last edited by MartyE
shawn posted:

Hey Rudy,

Lionel admits there was a issue with the remote working as advertised! Then, there is a 20.00 fee to send it back to Lionel ? Lol, talk about a bunch of BS!

You can update it at home for free.  How much do you suppose Microsoft or Apple would charge you if you wanted to send your computer back for updates?  How about sending your smartphone back for updates?

There was no issue with the remote working as advertised, they published a list of locomotives that it wasn't compatible with.  This is a nice enhancement to expand compatibility to all of them, and you can update it just like many other electronic devices.

I think you'd complain if you were hung with new rope.

Have a friend that owns J.R. Junction hobbys in Syracuse NY on Erie BLVD. He said he has the universal remotes and will

be undating them to 1.1. Ive asked him to save me one, but haven't heaqrd back yet.

Phil is the man to see in Syracuse NY if you need anything train related.

Thanks Rudy!!!

Thanks Phil from JR Junction

 

Popi

gunrunnerjohn posted:
shawn posted:

Hey Rudy,

Lionel admits there was a issue with the remote working as advertised! Then, there is a 20.00 fee to send it back to Lionel ? Lol, talk about a bunch of BS!

You can update it at home for free.  How much do you suppose Microsoft or Apple would charge you if you wanted to send your computer back for updates?  How about sending your smartphone back for updates?

There was no issue with the remote working as advertised, they published a list of locomotives that it wasn't compatible with.  This is a nice enhancement to expand compatibility to all of them, and you can update it just like many other electronic devices.

I think you'd complain if you were hung with new rope.

John, There was an issue...this is from Rudy’ first post:

“ Multiple bugs have been fixed. Version 1.0 would sometimes disconnect from all locomotives it was controlling, and they would all need to be manually reconnected. That issue has been taken care of!”

Plenty of previous posts regarding the malfunction and Lionel stating that there was an error in the code. Supposedly, this update will also correct that. I’ll be running trains this afternoon with the Universal LC+ Remote that did accept the update and hopefully all is well? I do have a second remote that is not accepting the update.

Quite honestly, I agree with Shawn...paying return shipping and then a $20.00 fee to get a product that never worked correctly from its initial release, made usable...is BS!!!

 

Last edited by UKE KAT

For those of you who don't have an iphone to do the update to your Lionchief Universal Remote and are coming to York, bring the remote with your batteries in it to the Legacy Users Group meeting Friday morning in the Orange Hall at 7:45 am.  I will be there in the meeting room and can update your remote as MartyE said above for a smile and a handshake.  

Neal Jeter

Paul, there's always corrections with updates, that's hardly news.  Buying version 1.0 of a new product, you are quite likely to find issues that need to be resolved in the future.  This is not exactly limited to this product or this manufacturer.  I'll bet money that Lionel will solve your problem with the second remote since I'm sure it's still under warranty.  The only reason you have to pay the $20 fee is if you return the remote to them to upgrade, obviously you didn't need to do that.  I'm sure Shawn can find a local option to upgrade his as well, the iPhone or iPad is hardly a scarce item in almost any environment.

I'd hate to have to add up all the stuff I've bought that not only malfunctioned, but I really had no recourse or avenue for repair.  At least you have an option to get free upgrades to this product.  I just think the condemnation of the product is just overly harsh.

 

John,

Harsh condemnation is certainly your rightful opinion...in my world, I think of it more as accountability!

Having been the first to bring this problem to the attention of those at Lionel back in February...supplying them with documentation and multiple videos...I have patiently spent the past eight (8) months, with much anticipation, that a fix would be issued for a product that I have not been able to use or enjoy for nine (9) months! And believe me, being in my mid 70’s...I actually have more patience now than I did in my younger years...but I’ll admit...not much!

Yeah...it’s just a $50.00 product...but it’s my $50.00 and could easily have been $500.00...or more!

This problem has worked it’s way through Lionel, beginning with Dean in Customer Service...then Sherry, Ryan and Dave were made aware of it...and now Rudy is attempting to update and make these things fully functional. So I would guess that considerable time and effort has been devoted to resolving this issue?

I do plan on running trains later today...and nobody wants this Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller to work as advertised...more than I do!?!?!?

Well...unless it’s the folks at Lionel...we shall see.

Railsounds posted:

 

·         Connect to ANY Lionel LionChief engine! No more worrying about compatibility with certain LionChief Locomotives! This remote will control any LionChief Locomotive we’ve ever produced.

 

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

Brendan

I bought one on sale from an OGR Vendor. Before it even arrived, the announcement came out from Lionel with a list of all of the engines that it would not work with. Every LC locomotive I own was on the list. Gee thanks. I considered myself lucky to be able to cut my losses and sell it NIB for $25.

When I ordered it, I ignorantly assumed that this was a Lion Chief Universal Remote. Somewhere along the line, I missed the part about it being a LionChief PLUS specific remote. The decision to buy was my mistake.

Great concept. Wish it had worked. 

Last edited by Gilly@N&W

"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.  

No one is debating whether the Universal Remote had some bugs initially, but,  as mentioned, so does almost every other new product/technology.  Lionel has fixed the known deficiencies, without charge.  Mine updated without any issues.  Took about two minutes,  I think.

I'm sure if you bring it into your dealer, he or she will update it if you don't have an iPhone/iPad.  The $20 charge is for those who have no other alternatives.  For example, surely almost everyone knows someone with an iPhone/iPad, one of the two best selling smart device platforms available.  Having a friend or relative download the app, update your remote (if you have no dealer nearby) is sufficiently simple and trouble free that Lionel has discharged its responsibilities to all of us, in my opinion. Worst case, go to your local Apple store and have them do it, or to your cell phone provider.  Absolutely no reason to ship the thing back to Lionel, although I suppose they had to make that available for the small proportion of consumers who cannot take one of these other pathways.

Last edited by Landsteiner
MartyE posted:

FWIW, if you run into me at a show, hobby shop, or out and about, I will have the App on my phone.  I'll do the update for a smile and a handshake.

I will do the same for anyone here in SoCal who needs an update. I will be at the TTOS Southern Pacific Division meet on October 22 and the TCA Western Division meet on October 28, 2017. 

Mine still does not work!!! So, good luck with yours...

All three (3) locomotives shut down because the Lionel Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller malfunctions and each locomotive then needs to be restarted manually...

These videos show that there is still indeed a problem...that has not been corrected on my Lionel Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller and it has been updated with the new coding...it malfunctioned four (4) times in a seventeen (17) minute time frame.

 

I quite regrettably, have given up on this product...and I really did want it to work...so now I will be contacting Lionel for a full refund as called for in their warranty...

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Last edited by UKE KAT
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.

PDDMI posted:

Mine still does not work!!! So, good luck with yours...

All three (3) locomotives shut down because the Lionel Universal LC/LC+ Remote Controller malfunctions and each locomotive then needs to be restarted manually...

Thanks for posting the video. I'll attempt to reproduce the disconnect you showed in your video tomorrow. 

This is my test of the new firmware • Lionel Universal Remote

Camera: Canon DSLR - T6i  •  RAW Footage

Note: This is a test, I would not operate my layout with all this beeping sounds.  I turn on the Universal Remote First and than add power to the blocks, that the locos are parked. No beeping or very short.

Gary: Hope this helps.

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