I've heard from a few folks that the LCS Sensor tracks are hitting the streets. Any comments? Thoughts? Questions?
Attachments
Images (1)
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
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.
Attachments
Images (1)
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.
Originally Posted by Ken M:
Where is the cheapest place to buy the sensor track?
Thank You
Ken M
Nassau hobby has it's 15% sale till this Friday.
As I alluded to earlier, once you buy one you can do with it what you want. I have adapted mine using adapter sections.
Originally Posted by Trainman9:
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.
IMO it's not at all that big but your needs may vary.
Originally Posted by Moonman:
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.
The connector cable is shorter, narrower and thinner than a usb. The picture posted of the cable on this thread is not to scale and looks bigger than it is.
Once I get one in hand, I'm going to check and see how much trouble to use it with Atlas track. I suspect I can transplant the guts and have it working without having a chunk of Fastrack in the middle of the line.
It would be interesting to see if there was patent issues as you are actually buying their unit and using it. Kinda' like giving it a "super" paint job. 
Originally Posted by Ken M:
Where is the cheapest place to buy the sensor track? ...
I'm sure any of the forum sponsors would appreciate your business. How would we like it if we were on a job interview, and a prospective employer asked us, "What's the cheapest we need to pay you to work here?".
Sorry... Just a hot button of mine.
David
Originally Posted by Miken:
The connector cable is shorter, narrower and thinner than a usb. The picture posted of the cable on this thread is not to scale and looks bigger than it is.
A usb connector is 15.7mm or .618" plus the molded part. So, a 1/2" hole would be easy clearance if it is slightly smaller. That's still a big hole and you need two or maybe 1- 3/4" hole to daisy chain.
Attachments
Images (1)
Originally Posted by Moonman:
Railsounds,
How large is the end of the connecting cable for the LCS?
Moonman, the LCS PDI cable connector end is about 12mm x 6 mm.
Attached is a photo showing an LCS PDI connector and USB connector side-by-side.
Attachments
Images (1)
They are smaller than they appear in the other photo, glad you posted that.
Thanks for info, Rudy. Ok, only 1 - 1/2" hole for two cables, 1 first, then the second.
Ok, surprised nobody started this. Conversion to Ross track.
- Gargraves ------------------------------ Ross -
I chose Ross track because of the way it is constructed vs Gargraves. My layout is Gartraves track with Ross switches.
Bottom view of LCS sensor track.
Top view of sensor board. Clean except for the sensors.
This is where it would have to be placed under the track so the sensors are between the rails. It is slightly further back from the track than the Fastrack. I will also have to slightly enlarge the space between the ties for the sensors. May have to shave the bottom of the ties to get the sensor closer.
Also, when installed on the layout I will have to have a removable cover over the buttons and leds.
Will play more later.
Dan
Attachments
I'd be tempted to mount the sensors separately and remote the main board so I didn't have to have it directly below the track.
Personally I think you'd have to remove the ties all together to fit the circuit board. Otherwise how does the track sit on the platform?
That's why I'd mount the sensor separately, I think it'll looks much better that way.
I'm talking about the circuit board the sensors are on. If you mount that to the bottom of the ties, unless you are using cork roadbed and cutting it out, will be in the way of the ties contacting the platform.
And of course there are the PID cables that need to be connected.
John, the best way may be to remote/extend the sensors especially if you track is already in and ballasted. Just drill two holes with the proper spacing and mount below. Lionel should sell the board with the sensors on wired extensions. This method could be used with any track system. Lionel would not be in the business of selling other track systems.
I also removed the spikes in the Ross track where I am mounting the sensor. The ties are glued to the track.
Dan
Marty, My track is mounted on homasote. I will be carving a spot below the track for the board and cables.
Dan
Gotcha!
Thanks. It all makes sense now.
Originally Posted by loco-dan:
Marty, My track is mounted on homasote. I will be carving a spot below the track for the board and cables.
Dan
IDK Dan. Seems Lionel has done enough. They made a pretty cool device. Perhaps in the future but I think for now it is what it is. Personally I do think the best route for hitting as many track systems as you can is to make a package of sensor and cntrl boards that can snap or mount to any system.
Dan keep us posted on the progress.
Originally Posted by loco-dan:
I don't think I will be extending the IR transceiver.
Lionel should offer the IR transceivers on extender cables. This would make installation much easier.
Dan
This is one of the main reasons that I LOVE this forum. You guys have things modified or hopped up while an items is hitting the streets.
I wondered how all of this is going to work, and now I am starting to see it develop. I have my sensor and I am just going to wait out the weekend before I start on mine. By Sunday evening, you guys will have this thing fitting every track system known to man.
Did I say I love this forum. 
I'd like to know what sensor they're using, that way a little board could be built to extend them.
Havin' some fun! I can see me buying these for crossings and some yard entries and exits.
I don't have a sensor track section "yet" but I use Fastrack so a conversion won't be an issue for me. One other thought for those who don't want or are not comfortable making a mod for the sensor track is the transition pieces and sensor track could possibly be hidden by a small building,tunnel or scenery material so it wouldn't look out of place with a big chunk of Fastrack in the middle.
Originally Posted by Chris Lonero:
... One other thought for those who don't want or are not comfortable making a mod for the sensor track is the transition pieces and sensor track could possibly be hidden by a small building,tunnel or scenery material so it wouldn't look out of place with a big chunk of Fastrack in the middle.
Good minds think alike, Chris. I saw these at a LHS yesterday and thought... Hhmmm, this could work just fine. I'll be using Atlas-O track for the O-Gauge portion of my new layout with painted Ross-bed, so the difference may not be that noticeable at all. Clean and simple... Or so I'm hoping!!!
David
What's the issue with using the sensor track and the dz2500 switch machines? I read earlier in this thread that they are not compatible? My layout is all Ross track and switches. 2500 switch machines using the dz2001 data wire driver. Since I use Ross roadbed, my hope was to transplant the electronics into the Ross roadbed.
The only issue right now is without the SER2, there is no way to access the serial buss while using the sensor track.
The 2001 serial driver plugs into the legacy base. It has a port on the other end. Can't the lcs cables just plug into the other end of the 2001 data driver?
I agree 100%. A little work and blending and its pretty easy. I think folks who will have the hardest time is those who track is directly mounted to a wood platform where you can't carve out the space for the FT section.
Nice tutorial.
Originally Posted by Moonman:
Much ado is being made about converting this sensor track. It's really very simple. The cosmetics blending and rail height matching are the most difficult part. If you have roadbed and ballast, not so bad then.
Joe
I'm not familiar with the 2001 DD. I suspect once the west coast opens for business Rudy (Railsounds) will be able to give you the answer.
Originally Posted by Joe Fermani:
The 2001 serial driver plugs into the legacy base. It has a port on the other end. Can't the lcs cables just plug into the other end of the 2001 data driver?
Joe,
I looked at my setup and I agree with you as far as using the DZ Data Driver with the Sensor Track. Attach the DZ2001 to the command base, and then attach the LCS cabling to the DZ2001. My issue is not being able to use all my other non-Legacy components: TPCs, ASCs, BPCs, etc.
ADDED: I'm looking at using a Rs232 male to two female DB9 splitter. I'd attach the Rs232 to the Command Base, the LCS cables to one end and the DZ2001 to the other end with the rest of my components attached to the DZ2001. Not sure if splitting the signal will be a problem, but I do have MANCO Signal Booster which should help.
ADDED2: RATS, just read Railsounds comment.
Ron
Originally Posted by Joe Fermani:
The 2001 serial driver plugs into the legacy base. It has a port on the other end. Can't the lcs cables just plug into the other end of the 2001 data driver?
No, they can't. The connectors are the same, but the data stream is not. An LCS SER2 will be required.
Originally Posted by CAPPilot:
Joe,
I looked at my setup and I agree with you as far as using the DZ Data Driver with the Sensor Track. Attach the DZ2001 to the command base, and then attach the LCS cabling to the DZ2001. My issue is not being able to use all my other non-Legacy components: TPCs, ASCs, BPCs, etc.
Ron
The SER2 will let you use your existing, non-legacy serial components in conjunction with a new Layout Control System installation (for example, one SensorTrack).
Concur with how the SER2 works. As far as I'm concerned, until the SER2 is released I have no need to buy any LCS components.
Ron
The SER2 and WiFi modules are due into our facility this week to early next week. The wait is almost over!
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
The SER2 and WiFi modules are due into our facility this week to early next week. The wait is almost over!
FANTASTIC!
Hopefully, the Legacy #990's will arrive with them!
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Hopefully, the Legacy #990's will arrive with them!
Given the history surrounding the 990, let's hope the LCS stuff isn't on the same boat!!! 
We wouldn't want the pirates to grab the LCS too.
On the topic of the purpose of the SER2 - am I correct in assuming the SER2 will also be necessary if I want to interconnect the Legacy command base with a DCS TIU using the TIU/TMCC-Legacy connector cable?
Yes, hmb, that's correct.
Originally Posted by hmb:
On the topic of the purpose of the SER2 - am I correct in assuming the SER2 will also be necessary if I want to interconnect the Legacy command base with a DCS TIU using the TIU/TMCC-Legacy connector cable?
Got my sensor track installed, works great. I used transition tracks on each end for tuber o gauge. Rudy is there a way to activate the program button from the cab2? I want to install other sensor tracks, but they will be out of reach as I can't walk around my layout?
Originally Posted by Jim Stefl:
Got my sensor track installed, works great. I used transition tracks on each end for tuber o gauge. Rudy is there a way to activate the program button from the cab2? I want to install other sensor tracks, but they will be out of reach as I can't walk around my layout?
Sorry Jim, there's no CAB button equivalent for pressing the Program button on SensorTrack. We decided against it, because of the risk of unintended *CAB* button presses changing SensorTrack settings while the operator was doing something unrelated on their layout.
Perhaps a little jack on the track in the future so you could remote the program button.
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Perhaps a little jack on the track in the future so you could remote the program button.
Oh, that's a good idea! I wouldn't be surprised if an enterprising person such as yourself attempted just such a modification. 
I'm probably up to something like that.
You don't have to run them far, just where you can reach them from the side of the layout. Hopefully, you won't be programming the track all the time.
Do you need the DB9 cable to make the sensor cable work & how long is the cable?
Ken M
Originally Posted by Ken M:
Do you need the DB9 cable to make the sensor cable work & how long is the cable?
Ken M
Yes, Ken. Each LCS installation requires one 6-81499 LCS DB-9 Cable with Power Supply. This includes a 10 foot cable. One end goes to your command base, the other end to the first LCS component in your system. The photo below shows one of the blue LCS modules connected (such as LCS WiFi) but it could be a single SensorTrack instead.
When you add a second and subsequent LCS device to your installation, you’ll need additional LCS PDI cables. Each piece of LCS hardware is cabled to the next in a daisy-chain fashion, using these cables, which are available in 1’, 3’, 10’ and 20’ lengths.
For more info: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSp...CScabling/index.html
I sure like the idea of a jack on the sensor track to add a program button in a remote location. I will get another sensor track and see if I can add some wires and a button.
Rudy, you will sell more tracks if the program button could be controlled from the cab2 or add the jack as suggested above.
Originally Posted by Railsounds:
When you add a second and subsequent LCS device to your installation, you’ll need additional LCS PDI cables. Each piece of LCS hardware is cabled to the next in a daisy-chain fashion, using these cables, which are available in 1’, 3’, 10’ and 20’ lengths.
So how about a simple cable coupler to allow joining two LCS PDI cables? That way I wouldn't have nine feet of a twenty foot cable lying around my layout, when I only need eleven feet from one module to the next.
Sounds like a business opportunity, modify sensor tracks for remote operation.
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Sounds like a business opportunity, modify sensor tracks for remote operation.
It looks as though it would be pretty simple to disconnect the small board that holds the buttons and LEDs, and make an extension cable so that this board could be connected some distance from the sensor track.
I'd probably just mount a tiny 1.5mm 2-pin jack on the side of the module and run a cord to a push-button.
Played with my sensor track a bit today.
Its nice how it loads the engine information in on its own, but I'm a little surprised that when you program the ACC # of the track sensor it doesn't update the Legacy remote to say Sensor track! Seems like it would of made sense to do so. LCS components should identify themselves!
UP Genset didn't come up with a name of the engine but did set it as a Legacy Diesel. SP Shark, and SP Berk worked as expected.
Jim
Jim,
The ACC number is used only by the iPad to ID multiple sensor tracks. The Cab-2 does not need this info, and it is possible to reuse the ACC ID that Sensor Track uses if you don't want to reprogram the Sensor Track presets.
Jim
Another bit of info, some of the earlier locos did not transmit the name unless stopped. I think if you stop the Genset over the sensor track it will update the name. LMK if that happens, I don't have a Genset to try it here.
You'd have to be pretty exact to stop it right at the sensor I would expect. When I get a sensor track, I'll try my NS Genset over it.
Unless Lionel both plans to add sensor kits for both existing non-Lionel equipped engines and Lionel non-equipped engines(for minimal control, of course) and additional sensor track kits for non-Lionel track this will go the way of the original wireless Lionel engines in the 50s. Great idea but no compatibility with existing engines and track . . . so very short life.
Thus, if Lionel is betting that we will all shelve our non-equipped engines and re-track our non-sensor trackage they are in a few words "fooling themselves". Because most of us will simply ignore them!
As they say, "Speak for Yourself".
It already looks like folks are making adjustments and getting creative.
While no one is saying it's for everyone, many of us embrace enhancements to add to our layouts that add fun!
Originally Posted by AlanRail:
Unless Lionel both plans to add sensor kits for both existing non-Lionel equipped engines and Lionel non-equipped engines(for minimal control, of course) and additional sensor track kits for non-Lionel track this will go the way of the original wireless Lionel engines in the 50s. Great idea but no compatibility with existing engines and track . . . so very short life.
Thus, if Lionel is betting that we will all shelve our non-equipped engines and re-track our non-sensor trackage they are in a few words "fooling themselves". Because most of us will simply ignore them!
