It looks like about 35 folks are committed to attending. As always walk in are welcomed! See ya all Friday! We have a lot to cover so try to be on time. The demo layout will be there!
The Agenda...
FRIDAY, October 14, 2011 ● 7:30am-9am
ALEXANDER'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
840 Carlisle Rd ● York, PA 17404 ● Telephone (717) 846-1041
One block from Fairgrounds rear entrance ● Downstairs banquet room (ask for Paula).
AGENDA:
The Lionel Legacy Users’ Group Meeting is not associated with Lionel Trains in any way other than sharing the enjoyment and trading information related to operating the Lionel Legacy System.
• Welcome & introductions
• Reminder that each individual is responsible to order and pay Paula and her hard-working staff for breakfast (plus a generous tip if you were happy with the service).
First the questions that were sent via the OGR forum’s Legacy section and submitted to Lionel….
1. Can we get a little more information about the new Lionel diagnostics system and its benefit, of my VL Hudsons ability to diagnosis breakdown issues with the number of blinks of the cab light(eg sound smoke etc).
The Diags run in the background, and monitor TMCC signal, Drive Motor Stalls, and the smoke system(s). The purpose is to protect the electronics; which is constantly power managing the “peripherals” for optimum performance. The TMCC signal strength is monitored and so is the distance traveled (not specifically accurate distance). If a loco comes into service with signal concerns; we can evaluate distance / signal errors. If the smoke system is not working; we can evaluate the reason, for example: is the fluid level is too high and clogging the fan channel causing a stall? Production benefits from this system; as the wiring may become pinched or loosened when placing the shell on the loco; which will cause a blink in final test. In general the user should not be getting the cab-blink – but it does help to turn your repairs around faster – or more importantly help to prevent DOA’s.
2. When will the Legacy command units be available again at retailers and is there another version on the system software on it’s way?
Production folks are responsible for schedule, so all engineering can do is guestimate. It is my understanding more Legacy systems will be available soon! There will be a new version of CAB-2 code in the new systems; but this change is not needed for 1.3 users and won’t be offered to 1.3 users in the form of modules. We will have the LSU, Legacy Systems Utility, available shortly for download; and if one chooses they can upgrade to 1.4 via this utility. The Black modules will be used for this process. (Note we will also supply a 1.4 upgrade with the ZW-L; as this enhances the ZW-L performance).
3. When in train link for a lash up you must leave train link to jump to a different lash up. Would it be possible to jump out of train link for a lash up directly to a lash up with a different number?
We will log this suggestion and consider this in a future release.
4. In the 'engine info' for engine control type 'Legacy' engine sound type 'NS' or ''RS' or 'RS5' should be possible?
We do not understand if this is a question, or suggestion? We will log this for future consideration.
After conversing with Albrecht I have an understanding of this question and will re-submit to Lionel.
5. A problems with lash up creation: in one identified location of my layout each single engine or a lash up operate without any problems, signal reception is o.k, no flickering headlights, however, the complete creation of a lash up is impossible at this location. All involved engines indicate with horn blowing that they confirmed the order creation, however the built lash up doesn't move; only rev up and rev down can be heard, turning the red knob of the cab-2; signal quality problem or is the order sequence too fast for the receivers ?
In the same area a TMCC inspection car can't be addressed and moved; once again, each engine can be operated without problems in this area;
-when I press a RR speed on the cab-2 and during the command transmission between the cab-2 and the base the red light comes up, the addressed engine will accept the speed setting, however all RRspeed engineer's talks will disappear until the end of my layout session for this engine.
This really sounds like a signal quality issue, just because you hear the horn blows, the horn sound does not confirm the builder was successful. The blows are sort of a progress meter, not confirmation.
6. Sometimes my Cab-2 goes into the Search for Signal Mode for no reason at all. My Layout is 32 feet by 17 feet, 5 level. My system is 1.3 and all updated.
I have seen this as well, and we are unsure of why this happens. We will share any solution we find and potentially offer an upgrade if this is because of a software related problem.
7. The front and rear markers on the F3s do not respond correctly in MU. On my GTW and Milwaukee units they just go dark. If engines are addressed independently, colors all work like they should. Will these be addressed in future or current releases?
The locos are the limiting factor here, not the Legacy system. The locos are operating as designed. The new electronics package in the locos delivered this year enhances the Marker light control and operation.
8. Are the updated charging units going to be in the next production runs?
YES
9. (This is a follow up from the spring, anything new to add since then?) The feedback mode only makes a teeny tiny vibration when I move the train brake slider or when I apply the regular brake all the way it shakes some. It never shakes any other time. Lionel ` the remote would have feedback in various amounts based on the settings. I also assumed when starting with a heavy load, accelerating and braking it would work. Can Lionel do an update to make this feature work like Lionel implies?
We have not had any success improving the feedback operation. We found the CAB-2 hardware limits what we can deliver in the operation of the vibrator motor. The feedback is a great feature; however no changes are planned for the feedback system at this time.
10. What is the time table for the elusive black modules? And what do they do?
We will make these available in the near future. The LSU (see above Question 2) will leverage the black module for several aspects of the LSU operation. The basic values of the black modules are: database backup, and field upgrades of the Legacy Operating system.
11. Why did Lionel stop putting unit numbers in the announcements? as an example: my UP 8444 states "UP 8444 here am I clear to depart" my dash 9 just states "dispatcher am I clear to depart". will unit numbers return?
So we have room in the sound ROMS for the sequence control dialogs, and the new and extended dialogs that add more variety using 2 & 7 keys.
I'll post some info on the new Legacy Utility Software this evening as well as a summary of what Mike Reagan spoke about. Plus pictures to follow!
The Lionel Customer Service team.
The sensor reading box. Reads the information from the sensors now appearing on VL and Legacy engines. I believe Mike told us that all newer engies with newer boards have the sensors. The box as it stands now is more of a tool than anything else. It reads Engine ID, name, road number, fuel load, speed and a lot more.
The elusive black modules...These were given to me by Bigfoot who flew down in a UFO with his pet Loch Ness Monster and his friend Will Allen.
Currently using the Legacy Utility Software you can download new OS and make your own modules! Coming soon! 
Mike Reagan fills us in the the DATA box and shows off a new Legacy K4!
Your hosts, Chris Bojanower and MartyE.
The Legacy Utility Software. Still in it's early stages, it enables you to make your own OS modules. You can also edit your base information, backup, and restore your base as well.
Full house!
We would especially like to thank Jon Zahornacky and the Legacy team, Mike Reagan and the entire customer service staff, and Tom Nuzzo for supplying us with the Legacy DVDs.
We would also like to thank Paula and her hard working staff.
Your hosts are Will Allen, Chris Bojanower, and Marty Eibeck
We are looking for suggestions for a time change. We would like to try to accommodate as many folks as we can without having everyone up at the crack of dawn. Ideas?
