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

SER2:  A module that converts the PDI bus to RX/TX DB9 @ 9600 baud

- Current booster to enhance the Legacy base output drive levels

- Supports multiple SER2 boards on the PDI bus => multiple DB9's!

- Going forward our system will be more open!

 

The LCS system does not require a Legacy base to operate.  A possible configuration: iPad, WiFi Module, ASC2 module.  Thus a DCC or conventional only layout can leverage switch control with the aforementioned modules, operating from the iPad or toggle switches in a control panel relationship.

After getting to see the LCS at the open house, I am more excited than before.  IMO this will open up some modern tech with our Lionel trains.  Personally I can't wait to start playing with it an seeing how it expands.

 

The sensor tracks for me are rather exciting.  I can see IDing trains as they pass and assigning a sequence of events depending on what train passes.  And as we found out at York, they are directionally sensitive so the sequence could be different depending on the direction of travel.  I'm not sure if this is what is the pipe line but I don't see why things like this couldn't be done with the technology.

 

A truly exciting time to be in the hobby for sure!

Amen marty! I also wonder if in the futcher

Sorry the app on my phone went squirly on me. What I was trying to say was. Maybe on down the line one can load up his buddy's track lcs ipad diagram onto his ipad for control of his layout when visiting and running trains. Or for guys at the club who wish to bring there ipad. assuming all the layouts are set up for the wifi lcs componets. Just a thought.

Drat I picked up a ASC last trip I did to the States. I have not got it out of the box yet!

 

 

 

Keep up all your hard work jon! Lionel hasn't had a man like you since frank p. in the early 50's. I for one want to thank you for all your hard work and love of making our lionel's somthing to be proud to run and show off to our friends and relatives. 50's smifty's the hay day of lionel trains has only just begun!! Quick get dr.zw back to his lab chief o'hara we need more wiz bang stuff!

Thanks Lionelzwl2012, I appreciate your kind words.  I must admit I am a bit challenged by Scrapiron's request of:

 

>>5) More swinging horns and whistling bells

 

I sent the team into deep thought on this one.  Good news! We feel we can deliver the feature by year end

Swinging horns!  I thought MTH had shown a prototype of that in the spring.

"Swinging horns!"

 

I'm sure Lionel is working on Tommy Dorsey Sounds 1.0 .  Very retro.

"More swinging horns and whistling bells"

 

and you wonder how he managed to put 765 on the ground?

I'm 42, just got back into trains this year after a 25 year hiatus and the iPad app is very appealing to me. For starters, it will make it much easier for my children to run the trains. It may not appeal to you but keep in mind people with advanced layouts are a ***REALLY*** small audience. Appealing to such a small audience isn't going to do much for Lionel in the long run. If Lionel wants to survive they need to appeal to a new generation which is something they haven't been doing a very good job of in recent years. 

I'm older than 42,  but it's clear that even now almost everyone has a smart phone,

tablets are not far behind in number, and in the future, >90% of people will be carrying around some sort of wi-fi, bluetooth or whatever enabled smart device.  It would be foolish for Lionel or MTH to ignore that reality.  Even if we older geezers aren't interested.  We're short timers here.

I believe Elliot has 2 tablets...the original 10 commandments are on them from when Moses asked him to hold them while he got a coffee ..( a commentary on Elliot's age)

"Forrest, that's what must have happened with the #765.

I tried to "blow" the bell and swing the whistle.

I didn't pay attention to the matter of the wheels needing to stay on the rails."

 

i hear ya!

 

i also hear ya about vision line features.  i love the swinging bell and whistle steam on my vision line hudson.  wasn't there some noise coming out of york about new vision line stuff coming late this year or early next?  or am i fabricating that?  i am sure no one can say anything if this is true.

from jon earlier in this thread...

 

"The concept we have is to create "Action Centers" that represent areas of the layout being controlled, not necessarily the entire layout.  We have seen folks capture their entire layout on one screen view; and those layouts typically were 12 x 16 at most. "

 

clearly, this technology is not currently targeted to control a large layout from a single iPad.

Now all they need to do is put a micro wireless HD camera in the cab of locomotives so you can do your own cab rides from the safety of your iPad.  Actually I think it would cool if  Amtrak would do that for passengers.

Folks, an upcoming Vision Line loco is where I am spending 90% of my time right now.  Even "Scrapiron Scher" is going to be *very* impressed with the features.  Now back to the LCS discussion....

Oh man, I hope it's Pennsy.  Now back to LCS.