I've heard from a few folks that the LCS Sensor tracks are hitting the streets. Any comments? Thoughts? Questions?
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They are in but I have not personally tried one yet. My display is down at moment..
Charles Ro website is showing "in stock", along with the cables. 
David
what are the cables for
Ken M
The cables are to connect it to the Legacy or Cab1L Base as well as othe LCS devices.
This one connects to the base and the first LCS device in line and supplies power to the LCS Bus.
6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply
This one (available in several lengths) connect LCS components together.
6-81500 -LCS 1’ to 1’ PDI cable
6-81501 - LCS 3’ to 3’ PDI cable
6-81502 - LCS 10’ to 10’ PDI cable
6-81503 - LCS 20’ to 20’ PDI cable
6-81501 - LCS 3’ to 3’ PDI cable
6-81502 - LCS 10’ to 10’ PDI cable
6-81503 - LCS 20’ to 20’ PDI cable
Originally Posted by Ken M:
what are the cables for
Ken M
Will pick 2/5 of mine up on Friday from Dave at the Train Station in NJ! Can't wait! Oh Boy!
Thank you Marty
Ken M
Thanks Marty, I'll be ordering some straight away. 
Received mine yesterday. Probably the weekend before I can try it out.
Jim
I bought mine yesterday and installed it last night. I am running a Cab1L and Base 1L. I was able to set it up within a few minutes and ran my RS11 over it to test. It is a fun item. You can have it set to do different per-configured commands such as blowing a grade grossing signal or triggering arrival/departure dialogue. I was also able to program it to record and then run a script of commands for when my RS11 passed over it. These included any button push on the Cab 1L including running command switches. Very fun with a lot of possibilities. I can't wait for the WiFi module so that i can control the layout with my iPad.
The manual previously posted by Rudy (Railsounds) of Lionel!
What were your impression, if you did a recording and playback, of the accuracy? For example did the actions take place at the same spot on the layout? Obviously that would require entering the track at the same speed as the recording was made.
Originally Posted by Miken:
I bought mine yesterday and installed it last night. I am running a Cab1L and Base 1L. I was able to set it up within a few minutes and ran my RS11 over it to test. It is a fun item. You can have it set to do different per-configured commands such as blowing a grade grossing signal or triggering arrival/departure dialogue. I was also able to program it to record and then run a script of commands for when my RS11 passed over it. These included any button push on the Cab 1L including running command switches. Very fun with a lot of possibilities. I can't wait for the WiFi module so that i can control the layout with my iPad.
With the Cab-1L, I can't access the pre set speed steps like on the Cab2. So, the recording would vary based on speed that I started thereby not hit exact loacations everytime. I still liked it and thought it was fun to play with even without a Cab2. I think that when the Wi-Fi module comes out, I will be able to control the train speed more accurately when I cross the sensor track.
It would be interesting to see if having two of them spaced apart could fix the speed issue. I think the first sensor could set the speed of the engine and the second could then run a more detailed script. I will have to pick up another sensor track to play with it. I also think the sensor and circuits can be removed from the fastrack and used on other tracks. It looks like the brains are attached with screws to the fastrack and could be taken apart easily. I haven't unscrewed them yet to see if it would work.
Unless I am not doing it right, the one thing I do not like is that the sensor track is talking to the base on a regular basis without the ability to shut it off. Another thing is that I would like to change the preset programs without having to physically press the program button on the track. It would be nice to be able to turn it on and off or reset it remotely to prevent the scripts from running all the time.
As to the first part yep I see your point. With the Cab2 I was able to enter the recording at a official speed setting, record and then the last recorded command was going back to the speed setting so when I came around again I was entering at the starting recorded speed. It was very accurate.
I agree about the buttons. I wish those controls were accessible through the Cabs. One of these on a back of a layout wouldn't be fun to get to.
Originally Posted by Miken:
With the Cab-1L, I can't access the pre set speed steps like on the Cab2. So, the recording would vary based on speed that I started thereby not hit exact loacations everytime. I still liked it and thought it was fun to play with even without a Cab2. I think that when the Wi-Fi module comes out, I will be able to control the train speed more accurately when I cross the sensor track.
It would be interesting to see if having two of them spaced apart could fix the speed issue. I think the first sensor could set the speed of the engine and the second could then run a more detailed script. I will have to pick up another sensor track to play with it. I also think the sensor and circuits can be removed from the fastrack and used on other tracks. It looks like the brains are attached with screws to the fastrack and could be taken apart easily. I haven't unscrewed them yet to see if it would work.
Unless I am not doing it right, the one thing I do not like is that the sensor track is talking to the base on a regular basis without the ability to shut it off. Another thing is that I would like to change the preset programs without having to physically press the program button on the track. It would be nice to be able to turn it on and off or reset it remotely to prevent the scripts from running all the time.
As far as I can tell from Lionel's literature and their LSC Sample Diagram, until they release their SER2 module it would not be worthwhile for me to buy any sensor tracks. I will lose the ability to operate my TPCs and DZ-2500 switches.
Ron
I would tend to agree.
Originally Posted by CAPPilot:
As far as I can tell from Lionel's literature and their LSC Sample Diagram, until they release their SER2 module it would not be worthwhile for me to buy any sensor tracks. I will lose the ability to operate my TPCs and DZ-2500 switches.
Ron
I thought the same thing a while back when talking about recording functions about having 2 of them. The first one would set the momentum and speed so that by time it hit the second one you could have a very accurate play of commands and locations.
Originally Posted by Miken:
With the Cab-1L, I can't access the pre set speed steps like on the Cab2. So, the recording would vary based on speed that I started thereby not hit exact loacations everytime. I still liked it and thought it was fun to play with even without a Cab2. I think that when the Wi-Fi module comes out, I will be able to control the train speed more accurately when I cross the sensor track.
It would be interesting to see if having two of them spaced apart could fix the speed issue. I think the first sensor could set the speed of the engine and the second could then run a more detailed script. I will have to pick up another sensor track to play with it. I also think the sensor and circuits can be removed from the fastrack and used on other tracks. It looks like the brains are attached with screws to the fastrack and could be taken apart easily. I haven't unscrewed them yet to see if it would work.
Unless I am not doing it right, the one thing I do not like is that the sensor track is talking to the base on a regular basis without the ability to shut it off. Another thing is that I would like to change the preset programs without having to physically press the program button on the track. It would be nice to be able to turn it on and off or reset it remotely to prevent the scripts from running all the time.
With the Cab2 this is unnecessary. Depending on your set up of course. On a loop, you can set the speed, using Cab2's preset speeds, entering to create the recording. Once started the speed can be adjusted. Before ending the recording, select the same preset speed. The engine will then enter the track at the same speed it entered when recording. I found this to make a very accurate recording.
Again on a loop.
Agreed! I guess I was thinking more of a train entering a siding. you throw the switch, the train runs over first sensor which will set momentum and speed to accurately stop train and do whatever after hitting second sensor. But I guess either way the operator has to perform a function first (throw a switch/set a speed). Definitely more cost effective to set a speed
Originally Posted by MartyE:
With the Cab2 this is unnecessary. Depending on your set up of course. On a loop, you can set the speed, using Cab2's preset speeds, entering to create the recording. Once started the speed can be adjusted. Before ending the recording, select the same preset speed. The engine will then enter the track at the same speed it entered when recording. I found this to make a very accurate recording.
Again on a loop.
I imagine it will take some time to figure out all the various ins and outs to make the best of the sensor track.
Remember if you do have a Cab2, the fuel gauges will show up on the RR Speed Keypad indicating fuel and if relevant water levels. Play with labor, speed, and such to increase or decrease consumption.
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Marty…Thanks for the Heads- up!
Would you happen to know if all the necessary cables to make the Sensor Track work will be included with the 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” that is due in December?
Thanks Marty.
K.C.
Would you happen to know if all the necessary cables to make the Sensor Track work will be included with the 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” that is due in December?
Thanks Marty.
K.C.
I'm wondering the same thing...what will be included with the bigboy? I'm on the fence about getting the sensor track ahead of time for that reason plus like someone mentioned earlier in the post....the loss of controlling my dz2500 switch machines doesn't sound like fun to me.
Originally Posted by Miken:
It would be nice to be able to turn it on and off or reset it remotely to prevent the scripts from running all the time.
Miken, you can turn SensorTracks on and off remotely from your CAB-1L or CAB2, without having to push the physical buttons on the track. See pages 26-26 on the SensorTrack owner's manual:
SLEEP ALL SensorTracks
Press CAB buttons ACC, 99, AUX1, 0
All SensorTracks on layout will:
• no longer play preset actions or user recordings when locomotives roll-over,
• terminate a currently playing user recording,
• exit record-armed or program mode if active.
Wake ALL SensorTracks
Press CAB buttons ACC, 99, AUX1, 1
When you WAKE all SensorTracks, all normal operations are restored, but activities interrupted by SLEEP are not resumed—they must be re-triggered.
Terminate Currently playing User Recording
While a recording is playing back press and release the RECORD button, OR, Press CAB buttons ACC, nn (track’s TMCC ID), AUX1, 0
The currently playing recording is terminated, but can be triggered again.
Disable Legacy Base updates on ALL SensorTracks
Press CAB buttons ACC, 99, AUX1, 3
Enable Legacy Base updates on ALL SensorTracks
Press CAB buttons ACC, 99, AUX1, 4
Confirm SensorTrack TMCC ID
Press CAB buttons: ACC nn (TMCC ID), AUX1, <0>.
The SensorTrack matching the ID entered will illuminate its PROGRAM LED.
Future smart device apps will have the ability to control additional SensorTrack functions without having to press the physical buttons.
Originally Posted by K.C. Jones:
Would you happen to know if all the necessary cables to make the Sensor Track work will be included with the 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” that is due in December?
Yes. The Vision Big Boy will include a SensorTrack as well as the required 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply.
That's great news about the future smart device control! Looking forward to all the new cools "stuff".
Marty,
is the sensor track compatable with other track systems? like MTH Realtrax? Are there any plans for adapter tracks?
Thank you Rudy. I did read that part in the manual, but it did not sink in until you pointed it out again.
Originally Posted by Craignor:
Marty,
is the sensor track compatable with other track systems? like MTH Realtrax? Are there any plans for adapter tracks?
No, but it has been discussed a number of times. At the Last Legacy group meeting at York, Rudy stated that they were thinking about it, but Fastrack would be first and at some time in the future other track systems could be considered.
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
... Fastrack would be first and at some time in the future other track systems could be considered.
Lionel would be foolish not to offer LCS Sensor Track "functionality" for other track systems. Fastrack is nice, but few if any folks are gonna make their track plan decision based on Fastrack having an exclusive LCS sensor track. Ain't gonna happen. Fastrack has its audience, but so do Ross, Atlas-O, Gargraves and MTH track systems.
David
I agree David, and I suspect it'll happen, just when it the big question.
Jon Z knows they need to look at other track systems but a GRJ said, Fastrack first others possibly later. Of course when you get one it's your track to do with what you want.
Where is the cheapest place to buy the sensor track?
Thank You
Ken M
Originally Posted by Railsounds:
Originally Posted by K.C. Jones:
Would you happen to know if all the necessary cables to make the Sensor Track work will be included with the 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” that is due in December?
Yes. The Vision Big Boy will include a SensorTrack as well as the required 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply.
Thanks for answering my question, and a big THANKS to Lionel for taking O-Gauge to the next level.
A Big Boy with a bonus Sensortrack… it just doesn’t get any better then that!!!
Thanks Again.
K.C.
Probably one of our own sponsors! I would tend to bet they would all be within a few bucks of each other. Also Lionel has a $10 rebate going now on anything over $75.
Originally Posted by Ken M:
Where is the cheapest place to buy the sensor track?
Thank You
Ken M
And don't forget with a Cab2 setup it loads your engine info without the orange module too on engines equipped with the sensor of course.
Pretty cool watching the info load up.
The sensor track is another way to load engine data like the orange
module.
The fuel/water level displays will show on the Cab2 but will only work
with engines made after about 2010 that have the sound of fuel loading
when the zero key is pressed. Vision Hybrid engines will not indicate
fuel levels.
Railsounds,
How large is the end of the connecting cable for the LCS?
I am guessing I would need a 1/2" hole in the deck for it, two if it's daisy chained to another device.
I wish the connector would have been smaller.
Originally Posted by Craignor:
Marty,
is the sensor track compatable with other track systems? like MTH Realtrax? Are there any plans for adapter tracks?
I think you could use the existing Fastrack to tubular transition piece for the time being and then use adapter pins to go to Gargraves and Ross track. Might not look too good but it should work.
Just buy the Lionel LCS Sensor Track, remove the components and install in any track you want!
This way you do not have to wait!
Originally Posted by MartyE:
The cables are to connect it to the Legacy or Cab1L Base as well as othe LCS devices.
This one connects to the base and the first LCS device in line and supplies power to the LCS Bus.
6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply
This one (available in several lengths) connect LCS components together.
6-81500 -LCS 1’ to 1’ PDI cable
6-81501 - LCS 3’ to 3’ PDI cable
6-81502 - LCS 10’ to 10’ PDI cable
6-81503 - LCS 20’ to 20’ PDI cable
6-81501 - LCS 3’ to 3’ PDI cable
6-81502 - LCS 10’ to 10’ PDI cable
6-81503 - LCS 20’ to 20’ PDI cable
Originally Posted by Ken M:
what are the cables for
Ken M
Those are the proprietary cables that Lionel uses. There are no other sources as far as I know and they are very expensive.
