Sensor Tracks hitting the Streets.

Gotcha...So when you are creating a recording, you would like to do prototypical signals etc for playback.  Because there are really no scripts that we can build other than input from a remote for the recording function of the sensor track.

I'll get one with my BigBoy, but I think I'll have to round one up before that and do some testing.

John,

You could borrow mine, as you will have more time to play with it than I will for the next few weeks. I could bring it Saturday?

Marty,

By scripts, I just mean what steps or key presses would be used for the prototypical signals. A written list, press this key, that key, etc. for that signal.

I presume you have the power supply as well?  That would be cool, I'm getting curious now about the capability.  Does the track come with any serial connection cables?

Yep, power supply, 2 sensor tracks and one 10ft cable!

No just the PCI, the Serial and WiFi Modules are due in soon....

10-4, see you Saturday.

I guess a lot of you have very deep pockets to afford all this stuff. My guess is to do it right will cost you in the thousands by the time you are done.

Also there are no provisions for many of you that run other manufacturers engines, except the record feature of the CAB2 or the ARC, let alone the Legacy engines that do not have the IR sensor.

Too rich for my blood. I'd rather add to my Roth instead.

I'm spending my kid's inheritance, and I'm falling behind.  I figured this is a good way to catch up.

Of course, having planned for retirement since my 30's probably helps with my current state of affairs.

This is exciting, I saw on the shipping schedule that SER2 has been bumped to Oct.  Doesn't affect me (luckily) I'm waiting on wifi!!!!

The Serial 2 may not have been bumped as Jon's statement was made on July 25th but the shipping schedule is still from July 23rd!

So, those (me) who need the Serial 2, may still be in luck....

The WiFi and SER2 modules have been showing their current ship dates since 5/15/14, so Jon's info is much more up-to-date. I'm certainly hoping for good news, since I have both on pre-order!

Hey Trainman9,  I see you qoute Fred Thompson, maybe you could use the reverse mortgage that he promotes now. You can keep your ROTH and still purchase all this LCS stuff 

Doug

No, I don't have to do anything of the sort.

I think it's great that many of you have the discretionary funds to purchase these products. I am not debating that.

The fact is that those who subscribe to the OGR magazine and post on the forum are a small segment of the overall hobby.

Frankly the market for these items in my opinion is rather small. However, time will tell if Lionel has made the correct move in investing in these products.

One mistake I think they have made is the choice of the connector cables and the related connection on the products themselves. They are proprietary and only available from Lionel and in limited lengths.

As I said time will tell.

When I have one to look at, I think I can build my own cables.

According to MR. The PDI cable and connector that Lionel designed will require a very expensive piece of equipment to make one.

Then again you seem to be very inventive so maybe you can do it.

It seems very similar to this:

Molex Pico-SPOX

Note the Durability spec...

I agree that a propriatary cable can be frustrating, but they tend to be easier for the average user.  Plug in here problem solved. As they learn more in model railroading they may realize how simple wiring can be, but still easy for beginners and younger crowds. 

Also, the not correct lengths should be a non-issue.  Most of us in this hobby (after a year or less) are used to doing simple wiring.  I'm quite certain I read ont he forum  you could cut the cable and easily add your own wire to get the proper length.  I can't remember where that post is at the moment, but I thought i came from Jon/MR/or someone from Lionel.

How many train geeks are really out there that will embrace all these newfangled  products?

I think one thing that is being overlooked is the experience of their dealer network. Most are just hobby shop owners taking orders and selling the products that are ordered.

For the most part they have no idea how these things work. Who is going to educate them? Does Lionel have an army of experts ready to take to the road? Furthermore, how many of the dealers are even interested in all this new stuff?

Doesn't anyone remember when Lionel introduced the TMCC system most dealers did not have a clue as to how to work a very simple system.

Now Lionel is expecting their dealer network to not only be able to sell the new control systems but also be able to operate it and trouble shoot it. Take care of problems etc.

I remember something that Ralph from Trains and Things in Vineland NJ once said to me. "Many of the people I sell starter sets to have a problem running the trains around the Christmas tree".

From all your postings in this thread and others on the LCS system, it's clear that you are not interested in the capabilities or in purchasing the system.  That being said, why are you railing against it so hard?  What's your motivation to try to convince us that it's never going to be a success?  Who took a wizz in your cornflakes?  Is there some point you're trying to make?

Actually, you might be very surprised at the number of folks who will be drawn to this new dimension of toy train control enhancements.  If it's not your cup of tea, that's OK.  But candidly speaking, you're really not doing yourself any favors by being the voice of doom-and-gloom here.  Just let it go for now...

David

The cables can be made, standard 1.5mm parts available from Digikey.  The crimper is not inexpensive, but worth the investment for some folks I guess.  We use the same connector system in our locos.

The easiest is to extend or shorten the cable, but be advised the cable is not one-to-one, one wire pair is reversed at the connector.  If you cut 2 cables and join the wrong ends it won't work.   

John,

I was thinking the same thing about Trainman9's posts.

Personally,  I'm looking at the LCS for layout control (all my track and switch power is going through TMCC devises), and the sensor track will be part of that.  I use the CAB-2 for primary locomotive control.  Staying with the CAB-2 is probably because I like the mechanical controls on the CAB and only own one iPad and no iPhones.  This may change over time.

If you talk to my team members at work (all younger) they will tell you I'm no geek at anything.  However, I am all command control for my trains, probably because I had no trains as a kid so I'm not nostalgic for conventional control.  I'm looking forward to all the LCS products showing up on my doorstep.

Ron

I'm just playing the devils advocate here. Bringing up issues that might have been overlooked.

As a matter of fact I've been operating in the command environment at least as long if not longer than most of you on these forums. Since 1995 my layout has been operating using the TMCC system.

John, you are right I have no interest in any of these new products but I do have a right to express an opinion.

Good information Jon.  I looked at the cable, and the connector did look very familiar.   However, I have to agree, the crimper is pretty steep!

Well, we'll find out if they're protected soon.   I'll probably consider adding a TVS to the sensor tracks if they don't already have that protection.  Since the first couple will probably be ripped apart to install for Atlas track, I'll get a close look at how they're built.

I may be 68 years old but I support Lionel's effort on bringing this new technology To us train guys.  I love technology and the more the better IMO.

I plan on adding it to my point to point layout. I just need somebody to design the LCS track piece to fit my Ross track. 

Bottom line... I think the interest level in the new LCS components will be extremely high across all ages of toy train enthusiasts.  Anything that adds to the "fun factor" in our hobby is extremely welcome, and folks will jump on board as long as the price/performance/fun-factor falls into place, which is always a personal decision.  I plan to use LCS components for the O-Gauge portion of my new layout. 

True, everyone is entitled to express their opinions here... but I think the push-back that the naysayers are receiving here has more to do with the way they're expressing their opinion rather than the fact that they've chosen to express their opinion.  Enough said. 

David

Marty, I'll obviously evaluate what connects to what before I start modifying.

People who already have the sensor track, what has been your favotire feature so far?  The recordings?

The fuel info?

The loading of engine info?

And follow up, what sort of custom recordings have you made for yourself? 

I currently only have 1 engine that could take advantage or sensor track, but it really does interest me a lot

I don't have one yet, but I think the recording and triggering events will be top on my list. 

Well I've been going through the features and the recording is really cool IMO.  Because it is fairly accurate I can have an engine triggering actions all over.  The fuel gauge is cool too.  The preset "actions" will be a lot cooler when I can add them to a crossing area to trigger those types of events.  The loading of the engine is nice but I think the recording function is the best so far.

Once the Ipad app becomes active via the WiFi seeing where the loco is will be useful on a bigger layout.

Well, my 2 sensor tracks, power supply and assorted cables are currently resting at Idlewild before they begin their flight across the Atlantic. 

After reading some of the posts above, I really wonder what all the negative comments are founded upon. The sensor tracks are new devices, intended to increase the features and functionality for those of us with recent Legacy locomotives. They are not mandatory or even important unless you wish to take advantage of these features.

As for the other LCS components, the new serial devices and the WiFi module all open up new flexibility for anyone with a Legacy system. The new LCS bus improves the range and efficiency of the serial bus, and remove the limitations of the old TMCC serial bus. Making the cables ready made, with easy to use connectors will help to prevent a lot of problems and frustrations that some who are not electrical wizards often encounter.

With regard to the cost that some are complaining about, I happen to think that they are very good value for money.  I do not have deep pockets at all, but I don't think that under $20 for a ready-made cable is expensive. I can't understand how some who will happily spend $2000 on a locomotive can quibble about $20 for a quality cable.  Would you spend a fortune on a home entertainment system and then try and save a few dollars by using the cheapest HDMI cables you can find?

As I said earlier, none of the LCS items are mandatory to enjoy your trains. If you don't like or want them, then don't buy them. Why waste words in moaning about something that you don't want anyway?  I don't use MTH trains or the DCS system, but I find no cause or reason to try and bash those products.

Be happy, life is much more enjoyable that way.