THE LCS THREAD - Post LCS Questions, Info and Updates HERE

The BPC1 is not directly supported from the iPad LCS app.  You can still use the BPC1 in the LCS environment - using a Cab to control the power.  Only the LCS app won't show the status.

The BPC1 and the AMC1 are two designs I wish we could forget.  They use awkward key presses on the Cab's to activate, and the BPC1 is beyond complicated for most folks to connect up.

Originally posted by CAPPilot:

"Jon stated above they are looking at a way to tell the LCS a switch's position after the switch was activated via its non-derailing function.  He then said this was for the Fastrack switch and the Atlas non-derail module.  What about the DZ-2500 switch machine with the DZ-1008 relay module?"

Hoping someone has the answer to this question too.

Ron

The DZ2500 has no feedback to my knowledge for sensing position - so I don't know as of today.  I am looking into if the non-derailing feature can be sensed for feedback to the iPad.

Jon,

Thank you for the very quick reply.  I have over 50 of these switch machines, so I hope it can be worked out.

Ron

I installed the BPC1 years ago, and, yes, it was a bear--to say the least--to figure out how to connect it to toggle blocks on and off.  A number of years ago, someone on the Forum asked how to hook it up, and, based on my experience, I was pleased to be able to provide a diagram showing exactly how to do it, saving him a lot of time and frustration.

My concern with replacing my BPC1 with the BPC2 was that the BPC2 might be just as complicated--but different--to connect up, and I preferred not to have to go through the same kind of experience I went through with when installing the BPC1.  I assume that what you're saying is that the BPC2 will NOT be complicated to connect.  If that's the case, I would replace the BPC1 with the BPC2 so I can control and see the status of blocks on my iPad using the LCS app.

Can we expect the iPad LCS app and the BPC2 to be out anytime in 2014, or is 2015 more likely?

Keith

The BPC2 is a very simple device with 2 groups of 4 relays, with one common to each bank of 4 relays - just like the BPC1.  But that is where the similarity ends.  

The relays are triggered by AUX1(ON) or AUX2(OFF), per each TMCC TR or ACC ID; of which there are 8 IDs per BPC2. 

You can set the relays to power back up in the state they were in before power down of your layout.  Thus you can restore power to selected blocks automatically at layout power up time.

The status of the BPC2 will update the iPad screen when operated from a Cab.

It's nice to see the BPC get updated.  I looked at the original manual a long time ago and scratched my head raw trying to figure out exactly how I'd use it.

The one thing I liked about the BPC was being able to set up one input with 18 volts (brick to direct lockon to BPC) and the the other input connected to a TPC for conventional running. That way I could run a conventional engine on any track by selecting that input. Since I run all command now it's not needed.

Having the iPad show the status of blocks will be cool. Thanks Jon.

For those who are playing with the LCS APP, I have some questions:

I have a Kindle Fire right now but am looking to pick up a Wireless Only iPad or iPad Mini just for my layout for Father's Day!

Would either the normal or smaller iPad Mini work ok?

Other than the size differences, functionally it will work the same?

Also, any minimum memory needed? As would go with the 16gb as that would be less expensive, but may make it my reference device also so might go larger for the memory.

Please advise asap as I want to order this as yesterday!

Thank you in advance...

Oops also any iOS issues and could I get away with a iPad versus a iPad2 or higher?

Well I hope I got one that will work OK. (Since didn't get reply yet)

I got an iPad 2 with 16gb and currently with iOS 6.

I will advise once I receive it and get the Application Loaded.

Dennis

You should be fine.

Hi There,

Just a quick note to let you know we've posted a new video for the LCS SensorTrack. You can find it at this link.

Thanks,

Rudy

Director of Audio

Lionel, LLC

Video looks great

Thanks !

Hi Rudy,

I enjoy the video of the LCS track , but you use more less a cab-1 controller. 

It would be more helpfull for me anyways to see you program it with a cab-2 unit.

Thanks,Doug

Pretty much the same procedure. I didn't see anything unique to the Legacy controller. 

Nice beginner video, Thanks.

He use the Cab-1L (Legacy) remote.  The same buttons are on the Cab-2 remote.

Dan

I understand that the keypad and that are the same,I still have my Cab-1 from 97!

From the start of the video it states in print Cab-2 and Rudy uses a Cab-1L. 

I'm still trying to get use to the Cab-2  and I know alot people out there are too!

Do you have 1 of these and tried progaming it on a Cab-2?  Maybe it shows on the sreen that it's confirmed,I did'nt hear in Rudy's video that programing of the track was acceppted?  Maybe the Cab-2 shows that?

A wise man told me once,if you don't ask questions you get no answers!!!!

Doug

From the LUG meeting demo we did, there is no on screen confirmation. Just what happens withe LCS sensor track LEDs. 

But questions are a must to make sure everyone learns. 

Thanks for your question, Doug. Sorry for the delayed reply. In the video, I wanted to show both CAB-1L and CAB-2 in operation. In the case of the automatic CAB-2 update feature, I used the CAB-2. For the features that could be controlled either by the CAB-1L or the CAB-2, I demonstrated with the CAB-1L. At the start of each section, there is a "Requirements" screen which also specifies which CAB Remote is required for that particular feature. In most cases, either remote can be used.

Rudy,

   Will the icab app allow you to vary the track voltage if you have a ZW-L?

Lionel LCS iPad app was updated to ver 3.0 on Aug 26,2014.

Adds Pan and Zoom functionality lets you create a larger custom layout view. Pan while editing and operating your layout; zoom in or out from 25% to 125% magnification in the operating view. Both Pan and Zoom use 2-finger control gestures. Support for the forthoming LCS ASC2 hardware module includes control of 250 switches as opposed to the 99 previously possible.  LCS app now can fire exiting?? Routes.

 Revised help system.

Switch setting now work select TMCC or ASC2 addresses.  For a crossover i am going to set both switches to the same address to see how that works.

Need a bigger variety of track and switches.  

Dan

So im playing with the LCS app and it occurs to me that I need my layout on more than iPad. Will Lionel give us the ability to export the layout for transfer to other iPads? Its going to be a PITA to put the layout on 3 iPads

You can already do this using iTunes.  Transfer the DATA files between iPads.  I've done a couple already.  I'd have to sit down at my home PC to get the exact procedure.

The emergency stop on my LCS iPad app does not work. I am using 990 v1.52, LCS WiFi, a Legacy Powermaster, and a 180W brick. The emergency shutdown button works fine on the 990. Is anyone else having this problem?

I saw that happening at my LHS when they showed me the LCS on their layout.

You have to push and hold for 3 seconds. Mine works fine. 

i will give it a try.  I like the instant off of the 990. I can see why they might implement a three second hold to prevent accidental shutdown , but it might be too long.

I suspect if it was instant, it would be going off quite a bit with a non physical button. This way you have to intentionally hold it. I think it triggers faster than 3 seconds but it is a press and hold. 

So MartyE, what you're sayin is, I can backup the app to iTunes and then load it onto other iPads? I am intrigued by your idea and will investigate this further

I saw that you need the SER2 unit to control a TMCC OTC. But can the ASC2 directly connect to the Operating Track? Trying to use the minimum devices possible.

I think so. It can control 4 switches or 8 accessories. 

Will the ASC2 be able to control the following?

Operating Track Section

Culvert Loader

Coal Loader

AMC/ARC Log Loader

Intermodal Crane 

thanks,

timmy

Watch this

http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/ASC2/index.html

There is no manual yet but this link will answer most of your questions.

Hi Timmy,

The ASC2 can operate any device that is currently controlled via an on/off switch. Think of it as 8 individual remote controlled switches that you could wire up to the power input of any accessory that got a physical switch on your layout.  You'll assign each of these switches a sequential TMCC Accessory ID and then you can operate them from a lionel cab remote or any LCS aware app, such as the LCS App for iPad.

The ASC2 is not needed in the case of the AMC/ARC Log Loader. It's already got command control built in. You can run that accessory with just the LCS WiFi and the free LCS App for iPad. There's even a custom control panel for that particular accessory and you can read about it here:

http://www.lionel.com/lcs/APP_...C_CMD_Log/index.html

An accessory that is already command-controlled does not require the ASC2.

Cool, so the Culvert unit and Coal Loader should work with the ASC2 as they only need an on/off switch.

The Operating Track uses 4 wires though, although it seems like it should only need an on/off switch as well. How could you wire this to an ASC2?

Guess the intermodal crane never has a chance to become command controlled.

I think the log loader does need to be connected to the SER2 dat and com output though for it to work TMCC. 

The manual, whenever it's available, should show you how to connect the Op track. Probably uses more than one output?

cjack, thank you for that clarification. You are 100% correct. Because the AMC/ARC uses a wired serial connection to the command base, an LCS SER2 will be required for Timmy's setup.

An accessory that gets its signal wirelessly, like a TMCC Command controlled switch, will work directly with the LCS WiFi and iPad-based LCS App and does not require an ASC2.

My bad!

Gotta' keep you honest Rudy, or you'll run wild.

too right!

Will LCS control SC-2's?

Yes, that part I did get to work tonight with no issues.

Oh good I was worried since ive got like 10 of them

is there a release date for the iCab app.

Nothing official yet.

Previously on this topic it was stated that the SER2 has enough power to control older TPC/ASC units w/o need for an additional serial booster widget.  For my setup, I still needed the serial booster for things to work correctly.  Here is my serial chain prior to LCS installation.  It all worked great:

Legacy serial output ->

DZ-2001 Data Wire Driver (to send tmcc cmds to the DZ-2500 switches)->

Serial Booster ->

TPC 400 ->

TPC 400 ->

TPC 400 ->
TPC 400 ->

ASC ->

ASC ->

ASC ->

ASC

The particular order of the DZ and serial booster mattered too.  The above setup was created by trial and error and once I got things in the above order, it all worked. 

Now enter LCS.  I wanted the WiFi so I had to get the SER2 as well due to my dependency on older serial products.  I tried hooking the SER2 up at the first TPC, removing the DZ unit and the serial booster.  Things did not work.  TPC's failed to respond and eventually stopped working, and the ASCs wouldn't respond consistently:  sometimes they would not respond at all, and sometimes they responded ok, and sometimes the responded to the wrong ID!

I then put the serial booster and DZ widget back in and just put the SER2 at the front of the chain, and things work fine.  I also tried a with and without the DZ to see if that was causing any problems.  Still needed the serial booster in front of the TPCs/ACSs no matter what. 

I'll probably leave it this way since things are currently working.

Cheers,

LCS Question:

I have 4 TPCs controlling power for 4 blocks.  They're now being driven by a SER2.  The TPCs are configured for command mode.  To power up a block with a cab-1/2/1L, I hit <tr> <id> <boost> where <id> is the train id number I've programmed into the TPC.  I haven't been able to get this working with the LCS app. I tried all the devices and modes, I think.  None of them seem to send the right commands. 

Anybody got this working?

thanx!

Just to eliminate the "too many loads" issue, try one TPC, then two if that works, etc. until it quits...if that's it.

This worked with my Legacy Powermaster and might work with your TPC.

1. Select TRAIN then set the TMCC ID.
2. On the speed control slider make sure that it is set to ROAD mode by tapping the ROAD/YARD button.
3. Slide the speed control slider all the way to the right and power should be on.

It isn't a load issue.  I'm just not sure which widget I program into the LCS app.  There is no "TPC" widget.  I've tried the BPC2, ASC2, and the TMCC ones, but so far haven't gotten one to send the correct cmds to the TPCs.

Thanks!

Thanks.  I think if I had the TPCs in conventional mode, I could indeed do this.  But I want them in command mode, and to power them up to full voltage, you enter TR <id> BOOST.  There's no BOOST button for one.  But what I was really hoping for was a device widget in the LCS app that you add to your LCS layout to send explicit TPC commands to your TPCs.

I think they just don't have these (yet) in the LCS App.  That would be a nice addition, at least for my layout which uses 4! 

Stevo

This works with my Legacy Powermaster, but my work with your TPC. 

Select TR using the ENG/TR selector and select the ID.

Make sure that your TR is in road mode and not yard mode on the speed control slider by tapping the yard/road button. 

Then use the slider to powerup the TR buy sliding to full power to the right. 

This looks pretty interesting.  I am not sure how I missed this but I did.  I looked at Lionels website.  A few questions as i see this has real potential.

what exactly does the wi-fi module allow you to do?  how much is it?

If I have all gargarves track does this limit the functionality?

John

I'm considering using the iCab later on to operate my layout. I have my iPhone, the app from iTunes, plenty of Legacy and TMCC locos, but should I update from my TMCC command base to the Legacy command base before I install the system?

Recording problem with sensor track!! Help!!

I have Legacy 1.52 with a new legacy base. No wifi connection. I bought 3 sensor tracks plus the power cable and pdi extensions. All three sensor tracks work for the basic commands when connected up, but I can record only on the first sensor track in the chain. If I attempt to record on the second or third sensor track the record light will stay on for only one to four blinks, then goes off. Not long enough to make a recording. The first track works properly and record light blinks until engine crosses the sensor track and then it makes a recording.

I have swapped the sensor tracks to verify they are OK and that they will record if placed in the first position. The manual says you just press the sensor track record button and everything should work. There should be no issues unless your are trying to do more than one recording at a time.

I have gone back to just a two track sensor setup to try to isolate. No, I have tried first track sensor setting on crossing blow, bell, and non playback or inactive. Those functions work on both the first and second track sensors. First track sensor can record and playback. I also tried putting the first track sensor to sleep and recording on second track sensor. Tried swapping out the track sensors.

Something is keeping the second (position in the chain) track sensor from recording. I will try another cable.

There was a work around for this discussed at the LUG meeting but I forgot to write it down. Can someone post the work around.

Greetings all.  I hope one of you can help me.  I just got the new WiFi unit and Ser2.  I hooked them up and can't get my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 to connect to the WiFi unit when using BlueTrain.  Whenever I start up the app it says that it can't find the Legacy WiFi device.  I am using both Legacy and TMCC and have it hooked up according to the manual.  At first I couldn't get the red PDI light to go out, but then after reading the instructions again, realized that the power supply for LCS has to be plugged in after the bases are powered up.  The green LED for the WIFi just blinks continuously.  After I hit OK to go to the demo mode in BlueTrain, I bring up the settings for BlueTrain.  I have the connection type set to Legacy Wifi, Legacy Type is set to client, and then the Client address is set to legacy:50001.  My guess is that the address is wrong.  Where do I find the address for the WIFI device?  When I try to select the field where the address is entered, I can type something different, but I don't know what to put there.  There also doesn't appear to be a way to accept whatever you type into that field, i.e. no enter, select, continue, etc.  All I can do from the settings page is hit my back button.  I did connect the Ser2 also and when entering commands from the Cab2, everything does go through.  Both LED's on the Ser2 blink.  I do have the base switch set to Base and the other switch is set to Access point since I don't have a wireless network in my apartment.  I don't have any Apple devices to try things out.

Did you go into your wifi setting for your Galaxy device and select the LCS wifi from the list of available networks?  I don't have bluetrain so not sure about the other settings.

I didn't even think of turning my WiFi on the phone.  I did that and the phone found the following network: Lionel LCS-20A5.  My phone connects to that network, but when I typed that into the Client Address for BlueTrain, it didn't take it.  Not sure what I'm supposed to type into that field.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I'm one step closer.

I finally got my sensor track setup working by swapping the cable between the first and second sensor track. I checked the cable with the ommeter and it is good. Upon further inspection the problem was a bent connector on the sensor track that caused it to not work with that cable. These sensor track connectors are soldered to a pcb with no other support. Be gentle with the connectors and do not rely on keying. You can see which way they go in. They are not robust like a usb connection. After inserting the connectors do bend the cables 90 deg to use the notch in the sensor track. The cables are too thick and may pull the connector loose. Keep them parallel under the track for some distance from the connector.

Correction:

After inserting the connectors do NOT bend the cables 90 deg to use the notch in the sensor track

The workaround I came up with was to add a log loader to your screen and give it the ENG ID of your TPC. To turn the block on activate the Chain on the log loader. This will give the Boost command to the TPC. I haven't found a way to give an AUX1, 0 command to kill the power.

Forgive me if this is a common question, but I searched and could not find an answer. 

I have the simplest setup, just trying to use a Sensor Track with Power Adapter, no LCS Wi-Fi or other more advanced hookups yet.

I hooked up the sensor track and power supply as instructions state(with cable hooked to Legacy base as well, of course).

When powering up, the red record light maybe flickers very briefly, and the green program light is on continuously.  The green light eventually cycles (maybe 10-15 seconds after power is applied), then stays on continuously.

When I try to do the first thing regarding holding the program button down to program the track with an accessory number, the green light never flashes as the manual states it should.  So I am stuck at the very beginning after the hookup of the cables here.

I tried both PDI connections under the sensor track, I get the same behavior with both.

Any thoughts?  I am suspecting I got a bad Sensor track, but figured I would ask here before getting another one to play with and/or exchanging this one.

Thanks.

-Dave

Have other people used the lcs iPad app and noticed when you set the speed on one engine and then change to a different engine the speed does not always reset to 0. 

Example scenario:

i use my iPad and navigate to ID 90 and power to full power speed step 200 because it is my zwL throttle. Then I change to engine ID 11 on my iPad and the speed is still locked at 200. When I adjust the throttle to start the engine it has to decrease from 200 down to speed desired. 

It it is not desirable on a small O-36 layout. Obviously a work around is to move to an id that won't cause am engine to rocket off the layout but wondering if others have experienced or if lionel knows and can bug fix?

i cannot consistently reproduce the issue but it has happened more than once. Any one else seen this problem?

I haven't seen the problem, but having written similar app code to control multiple engines, I think it is likely that the LCS iPad app is not consistently querying the current speed of the "switched to" engine ID and adjusting the throttle accordingly.  Having had to address this issue myself, I can tell you there are a variety of "edge cases" to consider in making sure the throttle gets reset properly.  I would suggest filing a support case with Lionel once you are able to recreate the problem at will.  If you can describe exactly how to make it happen consistently, I'm sure it can be fixed.

//Scott

Thanks for the reply. I've been trying to figure out the taps to make it happen consistently since it happens to be mr often, but haven't narrowed it down. I trst software for a job, so I know it is difficult to fix a problem without knowing what causes It. 

In in playing some more it appears to be related to moving to full throttle and then changing engine IDS. I'll try reaching out to lionel. 

I'm running the latest version. No update available. 

Does the wifi module have to be the first thing in the LCS system & how far apart does it have to be from the internet modem/wifi equipment?

Thank You

Ken M

"It is recommended that the LCS WiFi module occupy the first connection in the LCS chain of LCS products."

That is what I thought

Ken M

Here's the steps to reproduce. 

What happens if you do any function key, does the display then reflect reality?

Just tried, doesn't make a difference. 

okay I have a serious question.  eventually will we be able to say program an engine to blow whistle/horn for a grade crossing have the crossing lights flashing and the arms come down if so equipped?

and then at a set time after train passes the flashing railroad crossing lights and arms will return to the default state until next train passes by again? 

or do you need a sensor track for each function?

Just curious is all.

Yes, you can do that now the LCS.  You will need LCS Sensor Tracks, Legacy 990, Legacy Engine with IR Sensor.  The LCS Sensor track has a grade crossing scenario preprogramed for direction of travel.  You can run your grade signals with Lionel IR sensors or isolated outside rail.

I have no LCS devices.

so this is available to function now good!

so if one places sensor track say 2 feet from crossing or?

can one time gates to lower and flashers to come down prior to engine reaching crossing area and also be blowing grade crossing whistle/horn prior and during engine crossing.

and then once last car leaves crossing area all will go back to default as far as crossing lights and arms is this a correct assumption?

That's mostly correct. THe one thing I want to clarify is the custom recordings created on SensorTrack trigger when a compatible Legacy Loco crosses. Then, the exact same commands you send, and their exact timing, are re-created on playback. 

So in your example, the crossing gate comes back up at the same time, every time, based on the timing of your original recording. It is NOT "watching" to see when the last car in the train passes over the crossing before raising the gate.

And I will add that all the accessories involved need to be command-controlled to begin with. If you can run an accessory from your Lionel CAB remote, you can also control it from SensorTrack. 

If I were looking to accomplish this scenario I would follow Miken's example and take into consideration what Railsounds has said about speed.

I would put my LCS sensor track first, then a range of insulated rails.

I would create a custom recording that would do the following:

1. first set my momentum to low

2. set the speed of my IR equipped loco

3. set off all the horn/whistle blowing I wanted.

Setting the speed and momentum first will ensure your horn and whistle blows happen at the correct spot every time.

I would use the insulated rails to handle the lights and gates dropping.  Sure this method is old school, but it makes the most sense.  You can have your insulated rails start well before the crossing to make the lights go on and gate drop early.  The rails can also extend beyond the crossing so the lights turn off and the gates lift after the last car has cleared.

If your trains pass in both directions use 2 sensor tracks each with own recording.  1 will handle trains going left to right, and the other trains going right to left. You could also use the 2nd sensor track (the one after the insulated rails) to set your momentum to your normal default and maybe increase speed that you are now clear of a residential area.

Also - Railsounds, have you guys had any luck with the bug I posted about earlier?

Yes, thanks. It's on our to-do list!

EDIT: And I agree, the insulated rail approach to the crossing gate scene makes sense even if it is old-school--it correctly senses the actual end-of-train, which will work correctly for trains of differing lengths.

Great!  I look forward to the bug fixes and enhancements.  Have been enjoying LCS components a lot.

thanks to Miken-Railsounds and jrmertz for the information.

I understand it now basically a recording like using cab-2 but actuated by sensor track instead for whatever you choose to program yourself. or use a pre programmed recording.

myself I see a lot of use in combining both sensor track and isolated rails in some circumstances to achieve the desired effect.

they need to do more like be able to use a device where you can actuate it all from one device and use any ones accessories non command control now that would be better. 

please not meaning to knock the achievement here just think it could be more than it is. maybe as it develops it will get there.

hope you all enjoy it. 

anyones accessories can be used if they can be hooked up to an ASC2. 

so a ser2 would be first device connected to legacy base and then wifi device connected to the ser2?

now in the event the battery runs out using the LCS/icab app can one just grab the cab2 and assume control?

The Cab 2 is always running in parallel. The iCab app and Cab2 work in conjunction with each other as well as displaying feedback to eachother As far as speed information. 

This is new to me.  Did I miss something because this seems to mean you cannot control your older TMCC devises connected to the SER2 with the LCS app.  Is this correct?

Also, can 2 or more SER2s be used if you have lots of TPCs, AVCs, etc?  I assume the SER2s would all be connected together between the base and WiFi unit.

Can't share layout from one iPad Air 2 to another iPad 1, iPad 2, or iPad Air 2.

When I click get "another user's", the panel does capture the control panel from the donor iPad Air 2 and shows it's title and 270 objects. But when I tap "save", the app just closes on the recipient iPad and no control panel is saved.

What am I doing wrong? I have worried about RAM in the a recipient iPad 1 and finally tried it with a recipient iPad Air 2, but still no joy.

I tried it with just 3 objects and it does work. So what is the limit on the number of objects and why?