What I still don't like about the sensor tracks is that it is inside of a track. Which means that once located on the layout it's fixed.
I would rather see sensors that can be located at the side of the track like small signals that can be moved about as needed. Which means that the IRs should have been placed such that a side reading was possible. Maybe a side-reading sensor can be done in a freight car.
Can someone POST the Link to the Manual on the SENSOR TRACK itself!
Thank you in Advance!!
Fred
Thanks Marty, saved me a lot of trouble looking for it on the Lionel Website.
Sincerely,
Fred
I have an oddity with the LCS application, and checking it appears to be the latest version available in the App Store. I have v3.2x19 according to the iPad.
When I'm running in yard mode, and the engine is idle, when I hit the shutdown key, the sounds shutdown, and the engine starts moving silently in forward.
When running in road mode, the throttle response is very flaky. I'm running an ERR equipped Lionel HHP-8 (stock, the 6-38402), and strange things happen. I can run along slowly changing the throttle and usually all is well. However, at times when I return the throttle to zero, the locomotive is still creeping. If I happen to move the throttle slider faster, the train frequently takes off at speed, and then when I reduce the throttle to zero, it keeps rolling along at a good clip! Even worse, the emergency stop button does nothing! I can honk the horn, etc. while it's out of control, but the throttle is totally unresponsive. I can stop it by changing direction, that returns the throttle to temporary sanity, only to repeat soon again.
Since the Bluetrain application has suddenly also developed this problem, what can be common? Is it, by chance, the 1.54 Legacy upgrade?
Good point on the emergency stop, I probably didn't hold it long enough. However, that doesn't fix all the other issues I see.
I find if I continue to play with the throttle slider, I can get different speeds at 0 on the iPad, and sometimes it even stops, usually it keeps running at some speed. I have the slider update to the fastest rate. If I move the slider really slow, it sometimes operates properly.
I tried several locomotives, and all of these things seem to happen with ERR equipped locomotives with 100 step mode. The ones running in TMCC mode don't have the issue. I'm guessing that it's missing relative steps and gets lost as to where it is. That seems to be a significant shortcoming. I can understand that the slider may not indicate the correct speed, the CAB2 does that as well with quick movements. However, when you are at zero on the CAB2, the locomotive always stops.
Yes, I just didn't hold the Emergency Stop long enough, I can't remember the last time I used that, it just doesn't come up. 
One other oddity that confuse me a bit, but I may have figured it out. The yard mode seems to vary which direction the locomotive will go based on the previous setting of forward/reverse. I thought about that, and I guess the Legacy system doesn't really know which direction it's currently setting on, is that the reason for that behavior?
FWIW, the Cruise Commander Lite doesn't do the same thing as the HHP-8 does with the crazy controls. I wonder if there's something about the cruise module in the HHP-8 that confuses the LCS. The CAB2 is rock solid with the HHP-8, no problem at all controlling it. The Cruise Commander M doesn't do the same thing in 100 step mode either.
There's a new version of the Lionel LCS App for iPad available for download from the Apple App store. It fixes the issue with Yard mode.
Thanks,
Rudy
Thanks Rudy...again. LCS keeps getting better.
Just programmed in a yard. The tracks are all set to the direction that I want in default. Is there any way to change the icons so all of these switches are in the green direction?
Go into edit mode and highlight the switch you want to change. Hit the gear icon to the left of DEL and a pop up will open where you can switch the colors of the switch direction.
Awesome, thanks.
So the LCS for switch control I need a diff lionel part? I have 30 Fastrack switches with sc-2's to control with my Legacy system also 15 accessories controlled the same way. Can I control these with the LCS wifiand apple ipad and ipad app?
You can still use your SC-2 for switch and accessory control. But, if you want to see the position of a switch on your iPad or iPhone after an engine goes thru the switch and activates the anti-derailing feature, then you will need the new, not out yet, module STM2 that will transmit the position of the switches at any given time. This module will have to have the yellow wire from each switch connected to it...the signal that lights the green/red LEDs on the controller.
Can I use a different tablet other than Apple? Such as a Samsung Galaxy Tab S ?
Nope, Apple IOS only as of now.
Thank you for your help John
Not sure what help it was, but you're welcome.
I'd like to see it on the Android platform, perhaps someday...
I found a "LCS APP Help Manual" on the Legacy Station website. Very complete and detailed.
My problems are: I do not have command Fastrack switches. I do not have command accessories. switches and accessories are controlled with SC-2's .
I would have to replace all switches and purchase ASC2's to control them. and probably buy other things to make my layout work with LCS.
I found a "LCS APP Help Manual" on the Legacy Station website. Very complete and detailed.
My problems are: I do not have command Fastrack switches. I do not have command accessories. switches and accessories are controlled with SC-2's .
I would have to replace all switches and purchase ASC2's to control them. and probably buy other things to make my layout work with LCS.
Marty how do I set up so switches etc work with LCS?
Assign them the same TMCC ID that the SC2 is using.
First make sure they work via you cab1, cab1l, or cab2.
Then using LCS, tap the gear icon while the switch is highlighted on LCS. Make sure it's in TMCC mode and then assign the same ID that is assigned to the switch on the SC2.
Thank you!!!!
Has Lionel announced any software updates for the LCS APP?
No they have not. It's been updated several time already. I believe once this year alone.
Is it true that the LCS for engines on IPHONE has more controls than IPAD?
Yep, the iPad was really for layout automation, and some of the more esoteric Legacy features don't appear on the iPad application.
Is there a different APP for LCS for an IPHONE 6PLUS ?
LCS works only on iPad. iCab will work on iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
I have an interesting issue with the WiFi adapter. I've had it connected to my home network for several months, everything worked fine and it would connect whenever I fired up the WiFi and Legacy base.
Suddenly, it can no longer connect using WPS to my router. I have not changed any parameters at all on the router, it's configured exactly as it was when the WiFi adapter connected previously. Other WPS devices are able to connect to my router, just not the Lionel WiFi. I can connect to the WiFi adapter if I switch it to AP mode, but I don't want to have to change networks all the time, not to mention lose access to the Internet while using the WiFI adapter.
Any clues on what to look for, or did my WiFi adapter just take a dive. Is there any "master reset" of this box?
I just added LCS to my Legacy Base/original CAB1 Base setup. I also have an original IC Controls TPC controlling track power from my KW and connected to the Legacy and CAB1 Bases via the "Y Adapter" and an original IC Controls serial cable. Given the TPC component, I had to get not only the WiFi adapter but the SER2 to ensure everything stayed connected.
See https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...utility-v2-0-and-mac for an in depth "how to" regarding connecting the LCS WiFi to my all Apple infrastructure, including my Apple Airport Extreme/Time Capsule router and connecting the Legacy Utility V2 application via WiFi with the Legacy Utility running under Windows XP on a virtual machine via VMWare Fusion on a MacBook Pro running OS X.
I've gotten the iPhone iCAB app to connect to the LCS WiFi as well as the Legacy Utility V2 to connect to the LCS WiFi. I haven't run the trains yet as I need to get the TPC connected to the LCS SER2 to get the track powered up. The original IC Controls serial cable has a piece of plastic holding the serial connector metal plate to the plastic housing which hits the bottom of the SER2 module and prevents a complete coupling of the DB9 connector. The SER2 module DB9 placement isn't well thought out in this regard. I didn't want to destroy the cable so I'll get a new section of shielded cable today and make a wired connection from the TPC screw terminals to the SER2 screw terminals. At least the SER2 gives you the option of DB9 or screw terminals to make the connection.
So far I really like the overall setup and design of the LCS modules and the daisy chain architecture. However, I'm a little underwhelmed with the build quality. Only 2 opposite corners have screws holding the module together and the other 2 corners want to come apart as they are not otherwise held together. This doesn't make the modules feel "solid" at all. And far more concerning are the PDI connectors. These seem very fragile if you don't push straight in and pull straight out. It seems like you could twist them off from their circuit board insertions VERY easily. It certainly doesn't have the sturdy feel of the connector on the bottom of my smartphone or the USB port on my laptop. As part of a Christmas layout that comes out once a year I'd prefer to be able to easily disconnect the cables every year when I stored it. But I'm not sure what is riskier - the stress on the connector of plugging and unplugging or the potential twisting of cables left connected. That I'm even having to think about it is disappointing.
But overall, I'm REALLY liking the new functionality. And the WiFi connection to the Legacy Utility application might just be what I like the best. Once I can build a year 'round layout though I think an iPad control panel for the track switches is the killer application. I just don't have much ability to utilize that yet for a Christmas layout. But someday.....
I have an interesting issue with the WiFi adapter. I've had it connected to my home network for several months, everything worked fine and it would connect whenever I fired up the WiFi and Legacy base.
Suddenly, it can no longer connect using WPS to my router. I have not changed any parameters at all on the router, it's configured exactly as it was when the WiFi adapter connected previously. Other WPS devices are able to connect to my router, just not the Lionel WiFi. I can connect to the WiFi adapter if I switch it to AP mode, but I don't want to have to change networks all the time, not to mention lose access to the Internet while using the WiFI adapter.
Any clues on what to look for, or did my WiFi adapter just take a dive. Is there any "master reset" of this box?
John,
I wonder if you have to perform a new WPS pairing to your router once you switched it to access point mode? It doesn't look like there is a reset for the LCS WiFi module. You might try switching the LCS WiFi module to a different channel (see the instructions). I'd also power your LCS/Legacy infrastructure and entire WiFi network down, wait a minute or two for the caches to clear and then bring the WiFi network back up and do a fresh WPS pairing. If you get it paired again you might consider getting the IP address it currently has and configuring that IP address with a DHCP reservation in your router's settings. I had problems with the Legacy Utility searching and finding my LCS WiFi although not so with the iCAB app. It just seems like in this instance a more static configuration is helpful.
Are you a member of a local club or have access to another router with WPS at a friend's house where you could try to WPS pair your module with a different router that is already paired with an LCS WiFi module to narrow the culprit down?
I've tried pairing it many times. The router's WPS screen shows a success status after a short delay, but the WiFi doesn't show up in the connected devices, and of course it's not really connected. Following the exact same procedure previously with the same router it used to connect and show up as a GAINSPAN device.
I belong to a club, but the WiFi module we have there won't pair with the router either, but it never has. This one used to work...
After I had successfully paired it, I did do a DHCP reservation so I'd always know the IP address, but the reservation is moot if the pairing doesn't work! It would be nice if the WiFi device had a client PIN code so I could try the alternate procedure, but I don't see any evidence of that.
Does the green LED on the LCS WiFi module change after the router reports a successful WPS setup? I think mine went from a fast blink to a slow blink.
I'd take your router up to the Club layout and see if you can get that WiFi module to connect to your router. (Assuming it's not the same make model router as the one at home.) Not ideal since not connecting wouldn't confirm your router is the problem as you have no instance of the Club router connecting to an LCS WiFi module. On the other hand, if your router DID connect to the Club LCS WiFi module you'd know your WiFi LCS module has developed a problem.
I get a red LED briefly when I power the Legacy base/LCS WiFi up (all on the same power strip) but I haven't paid enough attention as to whether it blinks or does any sort of consistent behavior. It would be crude for this day and age (then again it's only come out and sports just 802.11b for crying out loud) but would a power on self test and report back be too much to ask for Lionel?
If all else fails I guess it would depend how long you've had that router. If it's been a few years I think I'd replace it first and get one that supports 5Ghz and 802.11n if not also 802.11ac. At least that way if you still have to replace the LCS WiFi module at least the the new router $s weren't totally wasted. I'd recommend the Airport Extreme if you already have an iPhone or iPad. That way you could be swallowed further by the Apple ecosystem. (Resistance is futile.)
Recommending an Apple device is a waste of my time, please some realistic solutions! 
My router is a new 801.11ac router, and I don't need a new router. The ONLY wireless device of any type that doesn't connect is the Lionel WiFi adapter.
I think you've convinced me you'll be sending your LCS WiFi module back to Lionel for warranty repair.
Forrest Jerome posted:"It would be nice if there was a way to select your layout or sections of track so you could move them as one piece."
agree with this!
how big is your layout sketch SeattleSUP?
BIG "Thumbs up" on that one! I have 12 switches, two loops and a yard. I can fit it all in on one screen, but it certainly would have been easier and less time consuming if I could have selected groups of track to move or delete. Not complaining as the App is great...but, it could be 'greater."
Ed
Can I hook up cab1, cab2 and Lcs?
davidbross posted:Can I hook up cab1, cab2 and Lcs?
Yes, Yes, and yes. I have all of the above components incorporated into my control package and all work as advertised. The components you need to get started will vary depending on how you currently power your layout. I use ZW's and TPC's so I had to begin with the Serial 2 module and related cables. I've added a couple of ASC2's to the mix for switch operation (Z-Stuff 2001) and am quite pleased with the ease of connection and programming. I've got the wi-fi module but don't own an I-phone or I-pad so it's a paperweight for now. The instructions are generally well written, even for the electrically challenged. The following link is the "cliff notes" tutorial.
http://www.charlesro.com/pdf/lcssystemsample.pdf
Bruce
After looking at the diagram I am more confused.
I I have an old zw cab2 and cab 1.
I thought all I needed was a wifi module and the ap. Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
davidbross posted:After looking at the diagram I am more confused.
I I have an old zw cab2 and cab 1.
I thought all I needed was a wifi module and the ap. Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
If only running command you do not need the ser2 module. You will need the power cable for the wi-fi module. I don't believe you need the sensor track, although I could be wrong.
Bruce
You will need the power supply cable. You do not need a sensor track unless you want the engine to display on the LCS app or load the Legacy info automatically. Other wise just a wifi module and power supply cable.
What are my software options other than Icab for my iPhone?
You can use the LCS software on the iPad. There is also Bluetrain for the Android that will interface with the WiFi module.
The High Rail App is currently controlling the Sensor Track and some other LCS components.
While the colorful info-graphic does provide a big-picture overview of an elaborate sample LCS system, I think the question about connecting CAB1, CAB2 and WiFi is more clearly answered by page 9 of the WiFi Owner's Manual:
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...648781325250WiFi.pdf
Also:
One power cable (LCS DB-9 cable with power supply) is required for your LCS installation. This item is sold separately. All other items (SensorTrack, SER2, WiFi etc.) are optional--just choose the pieces you need and expand later as you see fit.
Note that command users may want to add the SER2 module if they have existing serial accessories such as the TPC, original ASC or BPC.
Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
If only running command you do not need the ser2 module.
Another LCS partner product is the eTrain Command Console for Windows which includes an optional Android add-on app.
You can find a link for info here: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSPartner/index.html
Railsounds posted:There's a new version of the Lionel LCS App for iPad available for download from the Apple App store. It fixes the issue with Yard mode.
Thanks,
Rudy
I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?
Cheers!
Keith
I have a question for Rudy. I have a WiFi unit and SER2 wired to my 990 base. I was having issues with train stopping at odd times which I believe I have traced to the SER2 sending bogus data ('jabbering'). I have removed the unit and reinstalled several times so I suspect this is for Lionel Service Dept. Did I miss anything here?
dick
Flyboy62 posted:I have a question for Rudy. I have a WiFi unit and SER2 wired to my 990 base. I was having issues with train stopping at odd times which I believe I have traced to the SER2 sending bogus data ('jabbering'). I have removed the unit and reinstalled several times so I suspect this is for Lionel Service Dept. Did I miss anything here?
dick
Dick, I may have seen this issue. Does the little square orange light flash like mad on your Legacy base when you had the issue with the train stopping?
Do you have a sensor track in your setup? I have the sensor track and wifi and Ser2.
I pulled the LCS power wall wart when I had this problem and normal control resumed. You can tell the transmission is not coming from the Cab2 by switching it off and the orange light still flashes like mad on the base.
Nick
Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
Flyboy62 posted:Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
Dick, Makes sense from what I have seen with my LCS setup. I am in the process of fault finding mine with a lot of help from Jon Z.
Sounds like you may have found the culprit. That would play havoc with the sensor track which is the unit I have had problems with.
Nick
Keith Levine posted:I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?
Cheers!
Keith
Keith, I'm out of the office, can you please re-cap the yard mode issue?
For TMCC engines, the dialog buttons present in legacy are replaced by the traditional commands present on Lionel CAB remotes. The engineer and tower keys are used with or without a leading AUX1 key press to trigger a variety of different dialogs. Rather than recapping the dialog usage here, I'll refer you to this video:
The restricted speed button is disabled because TMCC engines can't play that dialog scene--it wasn't built into that earlier generation of product.
Flyboy62 posted:Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
I've not seen a case where an SER2 was causing trouble, but your observations seem sound. I would contact lionel customer service after the new year and ask them about swapping your SER2 out.
Thanks Rudy. Next Subject. I am using the ASC2 modules to control 40 Atlas switches by providing a ground to the Atlas 6924 on-derail board. I have this working with DCS but I am abandoning all DCS and going 100% Lionel. Is there a limit to how many ASC2 modules can be daisy chained together? Do I need multiple SER2 units to drive the modules?
dick
Railsounds posted:Keith Levine posted:I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?
Cheers!
Keith
Keith, I'm out of the office, can you please re-cap the yard mode issue?
For TMCC engines, the dialog buttons present in legacy are replaced by the traditional commands present on Lionel CAB remotes. The engineer and tower keys are used with or without a leading AUX1 key press to trigger a variety of different dialogs. Rather than recapping the dialog usage here, I'll refer you to this video:
The restricted speed button is disabled because TMCC engines can't play that dialog scene--it wasn't built into that earlier generation of product.
Rudy, thank you for the clarifications. Also, I'll watch the Legacy dialog video.
The Yard mode issue involves the direction of the locomotive varying based on the last direction of the loco before entering Yard mode. In my experience, this has been fixed when an Engine is being addressed, but not when a Train is being addressed.
One other thing: When you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?
Keith
I just hooked up my Lcs wifi to the y connector to command base and cab1.
I downloaded the free Lcs software for an iPad. Everything works except that it won't download my engine roster. I can manually put engines in and run but obviously I would rather have them show up on their own. Thoughts?
Do you / are you using the router supplied by your cable company? If so, their maybe some conflicts. I know that when I set up security cameras, WIFI and Via Internet browsing, I had to make adjustments to the supplied cable modem / FIOS modem. I needed Tech support to help me open up the right ports which eliminated the conflicts when using the supplied applications.
I have not played with WIFI from either manufacturer so what I mentioned may not be of any assistance. It could be causing a conflict.
I am using the Lcs provided wifi so that is not it.
Is the connection icon green when you go into the roster?
PSU1980 posted:Do you / are you using the router supplied by your cable company? If so, their maybe some conflicts. I know that when I set up security cameras, WIFI and Via Internet browsing, I had to make adjustments to the supplied cable modem / FIOS modem. I needed Tech support to help me open up the right ports which eliminated the conflicts when using the supplied applications.
I have not played with WIFI from either manufacturer so what I mentioned may not be of any assistance. It could be causing a conflict.
The problem with the camera's is that you are trying to look into your network from the outside world. So, port forwarding needs to be enabled to connect to those devices via a PORT. So, port forwarding is needed. The
provider also locks certain ports from being used....at all. (443) secured port is typically open) But, if you stay internal to your network. Typically, there are no LOCKDOWNS on devices nor ports. Unless, you are running windows or other firewall software on your computer.....
davidbross posted:I just hooked up my Lcs wifi to the y connector to command base and cab1.
I downloaded the free Lcs software for an iPad. Everything works except that it won't download my engine roster. I can manually put engines in and run but obviously I would rather have them show up on their own. Thoughts?
David... does the LCS app display any error messages? To help debug, you could try reading your Legacy Base engines into the Lionel Legacy System Utility (LSU). The LSU software can connect to the LCS WiFi Module (same as the LCS app). If the LSU can connect and read your Legacy Base engines over WiFi, then that helps rule out some strange network issue. Or perhaps I misunderstood your issue.
No error messages.
How can I check what version of legacy I am running on my base?
davidbross posted:No error messages.
How can I check what version of legacy I am running on my base?
Push the CTC button on the remote. The base and Cab 2 version will be displayed. You need to be at 1.52 or above.
I figured out what is at least part of the problem. My base and remote are on rev 1.3. I am way behind on all of this. I didn't even know about the utility software until last night. Now I need to figure out what I need and how to update my remote and base.
Flyboy62 posted:Thanks Rudy. Next Subject. I am using the ASC2 modules to control 40 Atlas switches by providing a ground to the Atlas 6924 on-derail board. I have this working with DCS but I am abandoning all DCS and going 100% Lionel. Is there a limit to how many ASC2 modules can be daisy chained together? Do I need multiple SER2 units to drive the modules?
dick
Flyboy62, you do not need a SER2 to run an ASC2. The ASC2 is connected directly using LCS PDI cables. 10 ASC2 modules chained together is fine.
Keith Levine posted:I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train.I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?
Keith, regarding the yard mode issue, can you please provide a more detailed description of the problem, including if your head-engine is TMCC or Legacy locomotive? If it's TMCC, you may be seeing normal behavior.
An orange line in the throttle indicates a Speed Limit has been set for that engine or train. Does that explain what you're seeing?
Rudy
thanks Rudy.
Is their a limitation to the number of ASC2 units allowed on the chain. I'm thinking 11 or 12 will be needed
dick
Railsounds posted:Flyboy62 posted:Thanks Rudy. Next Subject. I am using the ASC2 modules to control 40 Atlas switches by providing a ground to the Atlas 6924 on-derail board. I have this working with DCS but I am abandoning all DCS and going 100% Lionel. Is there a limit to how many ASC2 modules can be daisy chained together? Do I need multiple SER2 units to drive the modules?
dick
Flyboy62, you do not need a SER2 to run an ASC2. The ASC2 is connected directly using LCS PDI cables. 10 ASC2 modules chained together is fine.
Flyboy62... here's a very crude diagram that may help (if needed). The diagram does not show power and common hooked up to the ASC2, so don't forget those connections.
Flyboy62 posted:thanks Rudy.
Is their a limitation to the number of ASC2 units allowed on the chain. I'm thinking 11 or 12 will be needed
dick
A dozen ASC2's is fine. The total theoretical number of LCS modules you can chain together depends on which modules you are connecting. At the end of the manual for each LCS device, the current draw of the module is listed. 12 ASC2's is nowhere near the limit.
Railsounds posted:Keith Levine posted:I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train.I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen. Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?Keith, regarding the yard mode issue, can you please provide a more detailed description of the problem, including if your head-engine is TMCC or Legacy locomotive? If it's TMCC, you may be seeing normal behavior.
An orange line in the throttle indicates a Speed Limit has been set for that engine or train. Does that explain what you're seeing?
Rudy
The Yard mode issue involves the direction of the locomotive varying based on the last direction of the loco before entering Yard mode. It seems to me that, last week, when I posted about this, I found this to have been fixed when a Legacy Engine is being addressed, but not fixed when a Legacy Train is being addressed. I just tried it again, and all I can say is that the direction function in Yard mode is working for both Legacy Engines and Legacy Trains! If this was recently fixed with respect to Trains, thank you!
Also, thank you for explaining the meaning of the orange vertical line in the slider screen. Although I didn't realize it, my Train did have a Speed Limit set for it; when I cleared the Speed Limit, the orange line disappeared.
I have been dealing with yet another issue with the iPad App. My system has a BPC2 controlling 4 power blocks and 2 SC-2s controlling switches and accessories. When I first set up the iPad App--which was just 2 or 3 weeks ago--I was running version 1.54 of Legacy. It seems to me that the icons on the iPad App were operating the power blocks through the BPC2 and the switches and accessories through the SC-2s flawlessly.
A short while later, I updated my Legacy system to version 1.60. Since then, the power blocks through the BPC2 continue to respond to activation of the icons on the iPad screen with absolutely no problem. However, I often have to activate the icons for switches and for on-off and momentary accessory operation 2, 3, or more times to get the switches to throw or the accessories to turn on or off. I know how to sync the icons with the switch or accessory status, and I do so.
Every time I activate the icons on the iPad for the switches and the accessories, the red light on the Wi-Fi module flashes, as it is supposed to, indicating that it received the communication from the iPad. However, the red lights on the SC-2s do not always flash; of course, when they do not, no control of the switch or accessory occurs. But, using the CAB-2, operation of switches and accessories through the SC-2s is flawless. This suggests to me that the problem is not the ability of the SC-2s to receive communication from the Base in my set-up.
Any ideas as to what the problem might be? Could this be a compatibility issue between version 1.60 of Legacy and operation of an SC-2 through the iPad?
Cheers!
Keith
What version of the Lionel LCS iPad app are you currently running? You can see this by going to the Settings/Preferences for the App.
Railsounds posted:What version of the Lionel LCS iPad app are you currently running? You can see this by going to the Settings/Preferences for the App.
I'm running version 3.4x22.
I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent.
One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.
However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.
Anyone come across this issue?
My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base.
Nick
How do you make modules using wifi instead of through USB to Serial?
Ken M
Hi Ken,
Once you have your computer connected to the LCS wifi network. You can put a black module in the legacy base and use the LSU software as you would with a USB to serial cable.
Details in the LSU thread by Marty. This has the LSU manual link to Lionel's website. This details the procedure.
Nick
Nick12DMC posted:I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent.
One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.
However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.
Anyone come across this issue?
My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base.
Nick
I had a similar problem with my iPad and I believe I solved it. Since I have a mail connection on my iPad it was continually attempting to contact my mail server which it could not because the WiFi unit was not on my network. I shut down all programs on my iPad and then I was able to use the LCS with no issues. I am going to ultimately put my WiFi on my network and at that point I believe the issue will go away since the mail will check real quick and then go silent.
Nick, give it a try
dick
Thank You Nick
Ken M
Flyboy62 posted:Nick12DMC posted:I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent.
One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.
However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.
Anyone come across this issue?
My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base.
Nick
I had a similar problem with my iPad and I believe I solved it. Since I have a mail connection on my iPad it was continually attempting to contact my mail server which it could not because the WiFi unit was not on my network. I shut down all programs on my iPad and then I was able to use the LCS with no issues. I am going to ultimately put my WiFi on my network and at that point I believe the issue will go away since the mail will check real quick and then go silent.
Nick, give it a try
dick
Thanks Dick, Gave it a go but no dice.
I tried connecting the base via the USB serial cable. And I got a "Base NVM update failed". Tried changing the communication speed to slow and got the same result.
Might bare out my thoughts that the base has a fault. I wonder if this would effect the sensor track update if this uses the non-volatile memory in the base?
Nick
I have been having fun with Icab for a little while now. I have experienced a few problems, and wondered if there are easy solutions.
Problem1: Icab disconnects from the Lionel wifi. This happens in certain areas of the layout, where I really need to stand for operation purposes. It creates big problems when you lose control of expensive engines! (The distance isn't very far from the wifi unit, but my layout is in my office basement and I have lots of filing cabinets. I assume they are blocking the signal even though my home/office wifi broadcasts a signal right through everything).
Problem 2: When it disconnects my phone then jumps automatically onto my home wifi network so I then have to go in and manually connect to the LCS wifi all while the engines run uncontrolled. (My solution has been to tell my phone to forget my home network, but that is a lousy solution as I always end up having to put the network back into my phone after running trains).
Problem 3: My home router does not have a WPS button. I thought that I could solve problems 1 and 2 by running everything through my home wifi, which does reach everyplace in my basement, but I don't believe you can use the home wifi without a WPS button.
davidbross posted:I have been having fun with Icab for a little while now. I have experienced a few problems, and wondered if there are easy solutions.
Problem1: Icab disconnects from the Lionel wifi. This happens in certain areas of the layout, where I really need to stand for operation purposes. It creates big problems when you lose control of expensive engines! (The distance isn't very far from the wifi unit, but my layout is in my office basement and I have lots of filing cabinets. I assume they are blocking the signal even though my home/office wifi broadcasts a signal right through everything).
Problem 2: When it disconnects my phone then jumps automatically onto my home wifi network so I then have to go in and manually connect to the LCS wifi all while the engines run uncontrolled. (My solution has been to tell my phone to forget my home network, but that is a lousy solution as I always end up having to put the network back into my phone after running trains).
Problem 3: My home router does not have a WPS button. I thought that I could solve problems 1 and 2 by running everything through my home wifi, which does reach everyplace in my basement, but I don't believe you can use the home wifi without a WPS button.
I think the obvious answer is to upgrade your wireless router/access point to a unit that offers WPS. I have the same issue and that is what I am doing. I have excellent wireless coverage in my train room since the access point is in the middle of the hung ceiling of the train room.
dick
Dick - that may end up being the only solution, but it is not a good one for me. Lionel cautions that there may be delays if you use another wifi. In addition, I understand that WPS can cause security issues that I would want to avoid given the dual role with my office. In addition, my copier and other items also utilize the same router. I will need a technician just to reconnect everything.
Other suggestions?
davidbross posted:Dick - that may end up being the only solution, but it is not a good one for me. Lionel cautions that there may be delays if you use another wifi. In addition, I understand that WPS can cause security issues that I would want to avoid given the dual role with my office. In addition, my copier and other items also utilize the same router. I will need a technician just to reconnect everything.
Other suggestions?
Then how about relocating the Lionel WiFi adapter to a higher elevation in the room? As far as having to manipulate the recognized device; I guess you will have to continuing do that when you are finished with the WiFi.
We have 5 access points through out our home and guest apartment each with their own name. We are going to update them to either Cisco or Ubiquiti Networks devices which talk to each other as you transition around the home or office. This will allow us to give the same network name to all of the access points. We sell these to our computer customers. Once installed I will try attaching the LCS WiFI adapter to that network and evaluate it's performance. We have a fast network 100/1000 here and I doubt that our nominal traffic will impact the LCS system. I will report back once we do it. I believe we may be doing it this coming week.
dick
Dick - good thought, but I tried that already. My building was built in 1890. It has huge beams in the ceiling, and I think that they are affecting the signal when I put it up in the rafters.
Can I simply get another Lionel wifi and hook it into the existing wifi unit to give me too overlapping broadcast areas? I would need about 50' of connecting cord.
davidbross posted:Dick - good thought, but I tried that already. My building was built in 1890. It has huge beams in the ceiling, and I think that they are affecting the signal when I put it up in the rafters.
Can I simply get another Lionel wifi and hook it into the existing wifi unit to give me too overlapping broadcast areas? I would need about 50' of connecting cord.
I don't think the LCS would support two units. And even if it did as you moved around the room you would have to switch between the two access points. Not a good idea. What about putting a stand alone router in the train room and connect the LCS to it but DO NOT connect to your home/office network. If your room is problematic you could even put two of Ubiquiti units that talk to each other at each end of the room (overkill I think). Since there would be nothing else on the network I would think there would not be performance issues. The Ubiquiti Enterprise AP unifi units can be bought for $65 on Amazon.
dick
I just noticed that Lionel's website states that with the LCS App and SensorTracks, "you’ll receive real-time location updates when compatible locomotives cross over LCS SensorTracks." This sounds cool.
I'm running the LCS App, but I don't have any SensorTracks yet.
Can someone who is using the LCS App and has SensorTracks confirm that you receive real-time location updates and explain how these updates display on the LCS App.
Keith
When a sensor equipped locomotive (or sensor car) crosses the sensor track, it reports back to the LCS application on your tablet. If you've drawn your layout and positioned the sensor tracks correctly in the picture, you see which sensor track was crossed.
And it will also indicate direction of travel...
Very cool...
Thank you.
Keith
RailNet - the past--or the future--of LCS?
I was glancing through some old issues of OGR recently and saw an interesting reference in Run 165 (April 1999): at the 1998 Spring York meet, Lionel had a layout demonstrating the RailNet system, “a feedback system using TrainMaster that has a way of telling where the trains are and how fast they’re going, so you can do things like collision avoidance.”
This makes me wonder, was RailNet the precursor to the Layout Control System? Did it use infrared technology or something else? Will LCS eventually be able to do collision avoidance? (I know I would appreciate that!) Do you remember seeing or hearing about RailNet, and, whether you do or not, do you have any insights/thoughts re these questions?
Cheers!
Keith
Hi Keith. Lou Kovac and Neil Young along with others were working on that project. I believe Neil has a patent on it. Lou gave the demo dogs the low down on the system. It was going to use infrared all over the layout so that if a train was getting close to another the system would slow down the rear train. They were also thinking about automatically putting a train in a siding so another could pass and then restart the engine in the siding. The sensor track most likely came from that work (sense the engine, ID it and send commands).
Train America also had a system that never got to market around the same time.
Thanks, Steve.
It sounds like RailNet or something like it is a direction that LCS/SensorTrack could still evolve into. I don't know what the market for it would be. I know I would be interested.
In general, I think the higher-tech interfaces (iPad, etc.) and capabilities increase the appeal of the hobby to a younger generation.
Cheers!
Keith
Looking for some help with a connection issue.
Here is the scenario:
40" length of test track powered by a CW-80
Legacy base and Cab-2 both at version 1.60
Wifi module connected to Legacy base. Set to "base" and "access point"
Home wifi is through an Apple airport but again, I'm using the above in access point mode only.
Apple iPad with current LCS software installed. It's the only application running at the time.
Connection establishes fine. Loco responds to commands fine via the ipad.
However, anytime that I edit the roster data from the iPad and update the base's info, I then loose by connection between the ipad and the wifi module. It seems that quitting and restarting the LCS app on the ipad is the temporary fix.
Any suggestions as to why this would be happening?
Thanks,
Mike
graz posted:Looking for some help with a connection issue.
Here is the scenario:
40" length of test track powered by a CW-80
Legacy base and Cab-2 both at version 1.60
Wifi module connected to Legacy base. Set to "base" and "access point"
Home wifi is through an Apple airport but again, I'm using the above in access point mode only.
Apple iPad with current LCS software installed. It's the only application running at the time.
Connection establishes fine. Loco responds to commands fine via the ipad.
However, anytime that I edit the roster data from the iPad and update the base's info, I then loose by connection between the ipad and the wifi module. It seems that quitting and restarting the LCS app on the ipad is the temporary fix.
Any suggestions as to why this would be happening?
Thanks,
Mike
When you lose the connection, the green link in the upper right goes red, correct? At this point, I am wondering if your iPad is still connected to the Lionel access point network, or if your iPad has reverted back to your home network. Can you elaborate?
Thanks Rudy.
Once I successfully upload revised data from the ipad, I then might try to edit additional data and upload, however, I'll get the message that " the base is disconnected." The link will now be red.
If I try to just re-establish the connection by clicking on the link button, it will rapidly flash from red to green and back but never go back to full green.
I too was thinking that the ipad is trying to reconnect to the home network. Is there a way to tell it not to without completely deleting it from the wifi choices in the ipad settings?
Mike
I had this issue too. I solved it by shutting down the mail app. Apparently it was constantly looking for the mail server, which was not available, and kept using an excessive amount of bandwidth causing the LCS app to fail to maintain its connection. Once I shut down all of the apps except LCS it worked perfectly and never dropped the LCS app.
dick
This video is very clear and helpful. Thank you!
One question: The video states that Legacy engines know and can report their speed and fuel level. I have the first Legacy SP GS-4 (6-11127), and I can't access this dialogue. Am I doing something wrong (which would not be surprising)--or was this dialogue not yet present in Legacy when this engine was released?
Keith
The Legacy SP GS-4 (6-11127) locomotive does include preset speed dialog (press and hold a speed preset on your CAB2 to activate). However, it does not include speech related to fuel/water levels.
Not all SC-2s are the same--when it comes to using them with Wi-Fi and the iPad or other smart device. Although it's mentioned earlier in this thread that the SC-2 will work fine with the iPad App, that's only true with SC-2s produced since sometime in 2013.
My SC-2s have always been 100% reliable when controlled from the CAB-2: enter the command and the switch throws or the accessory turns on or off. However, when I set up the LCS Wi-Fi module and the iPad App, I found that the SC-2s were not 100% reliable when controlled from the iPad. Sometimes when I touched an icon to throw a switch or, especially, to turn an accessory on or off, and the icon changed, indicating that it had been activated, no command was received by the SC-2s and nothing happened.
Lionel was extremely responsive and helpful in identifying what was going on. My SC-2s were older, and they can't operate reliably with Wi-Fi and the iPad. My understanding is that the older SC-2's timing in receiving commands is not totally in sync with the timing of the commands coming from the iPad and the Wi-Fi.
When I tried replacing one of my SC-2s with the "tuned up" SC-2 released in 2013--shazam!--everything controlled by that SC-2 worked 100% reliably from the iPad App!
The newer SC2 can be distinguished from the older one by the green lettering on the "Prog/Run" text by the Prog/Run switch.
I can't say enough how helpful Lionel was in helping me figure this all out.
Keith
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