Lionel WIFI Cupola Cam question

Sadly, Lionel never really supported the camera cars, I stopped trying to get them working well.

I'm glad I returned mine, the performance didn't justify the price. Lionel has never had much success with trains and cameras. The cupola & theatre camera cars will fade into history just like Railscope.

The Cupola Cam caboose features: 1) blurry cupola plastic lens, 2) unreliable camera module, and 3) unsupported and unfriendly user software. "Three strikes and you're out!" It definitely is a candidate for the Toy Train Hall of Shame. Now for the good news...The caboose itself is really nice!

Not encouraging words boys.    Lol

@Alabama Joe posted:

Not encouraging words boys.    Lol

I'm not an Apple user but the Android app is available from Lionel's website and still works (for now). The biggest problem with these camera apps is that they are not written by Lionel but rather by obscure 3rd part developers that fold up shop faster than a used car lot.

It might be possible to find another compatible app on the app store that will work with your camera but that is going to be a real hit-or-miss solution. Wish I could give you a better outlook on the camera but Lionel nor the camera manufacturer want to step up to the plate.

@H1000 posted:

I'm not an Apple user but the Android app is available from Lionel's website and still works (for now). The biggest problem with these camera apps is that they are not written by Lionel but rather by obscure 3rd part developers that fold up shop faster than a used car lot.

It might be possible to find another compatible app on the app store that will work with your camera but that is going to be a real hit-or-miss solution. Wish I could give you a better outlook on the camera but Lionel nor the camera manufacturer want to step up to the plate.

Hate to break it to you but NOPE the android app doesn't work. I got a new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. When they transferred data app did not work. No Problem. Went to Lionel and downloaded the app. SURPRISE! "This app will not work on this version" response. Called Lionel. Yep confirmed. Said they will get to it.

I think if properly executed and supported this would have been a fun car to run. Lionel did a poor job on the cupola cam caboose. Unfortunately, this caboose was a real disappointment.

I emailed Lionel Customer Service with a few questions regarding my issues, hopefully I’ll get some good news.     Think Positive!!!!!!

@CurtisH posted:

Hate to break it to you but NOPE the android app doesn't work. I got a new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. When they transferred data app did not work. No Problem. Went to Lionel and downloaded the app. SURPRISE! "This app will not work on this version" response. Called Lionel. Yep confirmed. Said they will get to it.

This is one of the many issues I have with the manufacturer's tossing the ball over the fence for their remotes.  The phone landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and compatibility is far from assured for an app that isn't coded for the current release.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

This is one of the many issues I have with the manufacturer's tossing the ball over the fence for their remotes.  The phone landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and compatibility is far from assured for an app that isn't coded for the current release.

Good point.   We shall see.     I had a conversation with Lionel, explained the issue and they are sending an RA.       I kinda agree with you John regarding iPhone compatibility concerns.    It does not work on my IPhone 14, but I do have my old iPhone 8 where it once did work.       For giggles, I may try that phone.    

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

This is one of the many issues I have with the manufacturer's tossing the ball over the fence for their remotes.  The phone landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and compatibility is far from assured for an app that isn't coded for the current release.

Okay….   Good news and bad news.

iPhone 8 works as designed.    Photo and video, no issues.  

iPhone 14.    No worky.

i will pass the info to Lionel

Why not just replace the camera with one of the well-known and well-supported ones from the usual sources. The GoPro brand comes to mind, there are many others, too.

That is what I may do with my theater car after two-railing.I bought the car for what it represents, not the camera function. BTW, I could not get the software to work either on my phone or desktop computer.

Okay!!!!!   So I was able to determine the App works great on IPhone 8, not well at all on IPhone 14.    

Heads up.     This is from Lionel.  

Per engineering dept:

We are actively working on a new APP to replace the current Wi-Fi camera APP. I estimate that it’ll be ready around August or so.

At this time, we cannot upgrade the APP that’s already released. Please advise to customers that a new APP is coming and to hold tight.

Thank You

Heather