Current 990 module inventory.

Bravo!!

Interesting, I guess they finally decided to solve that issue with the original purchase.

I've been campaigning for this since the black modules came out.  The tan ones were pretty much useless.  Now with the black one included updating it should be easy for those willing to try it.

Lionel is really at fault for the lack of easy access to the Legacy software, modules, and finding your way on the site (and that awful link to version 1.2 which still exists under "Resources" without a clear option link to the latest version). I don't say one can't find their way around the "updated" website. It's all there...somewhere. It would be best to make it easy to keep the Legacy engines running.

Most dealers keep the black modules in stock.   Many dealers sell them already programmed.  All the updates are available to use with your LSU.  I would like to see someone at Lionel do a good video for folks on use of the LSU.  Many operators would rather buy the modules all programmed for them.  I have updated several cases of black modules for Charlie Ro.  He sells a large number of the 1.60/1.61 sets.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

 I would like to see someone at Lionel do a good video for folks on use of the LSU. 

You mean like this one?  A little outdated but covers the update procedure.  Maybe Rudy can do an upgraded video with the WiFi connectivity.  Imperial Trains has started to carry the programmed modules. When I was there today he still had a 1.6/1.61 set.

I also think it's a good idea to include the black modules with the 990 set. They really are pretty easy to use, but something like MTH has (no modules required) may have been nice too? OTOH, once I first used the black modules, I did kind of like them and would probably even say the 990 is easier to upgrade than the DCS system. At least with the modules, there are no buttons to hold down until something on your hand turns blue. 

The problem now, if it wasn't for MartyE's link to the Legacy upgrades page we would be in trouble trying to find updates. It's certainly been long enough that Lionel could have reworked their site to make finding these a lot easier. 

Thanks for maintaining the link Marty!

why does MTH miss lead people on their web site?

"Unlike DCC, Legacy, or any other command system, DCS is designed to be upgradable for free over the Internet."

Thanks Marty, I never caught that one.  It amazes me why more do not use that.  Makes life easy.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

Thanks Marty, I never caught that one.  It amazes me why more do not use that.  Makes life easy.

There are a ton of Mike Reagan videos he has done.  Quite a few on Legacy. 

rtr12 posted:

I also think it's a good idea to include the black modules with the 990 set. They really are pretty easy to use, but something like MTH has (no modules required) may have been nice too? OTOH, once I first used the black modules, I did kind of like them and would probably even say the 990 is easier to upgrade than the DCS system. At least with the modules, there are no buttons to hold down until something on your hand turns blue. 

The problem now, if it wasn't for MartyE's link to the Legacy upgrades page we would be in trouble trying to find updates. It's certainly been long enough that Lionel could have reworked their site to make finding these a lot easier. 

Thanks for maintaining the link Marty!

The new remote come with one black module..

bigdodgetrain posted:

why does MTH miss lead people on their web site?

 "Unlike DCC, Legacy, or any other command system, DCS is designed to be upgradable for free over the Internet."

You just have to have a serial port properly configured on your computer and a thumb that's able to hold the power button down on the remote for an eternity.   At least the Rev. L TIU removes the serial port issue.

Of course, this is a bogus statement all around, you obviously can upgrade the Legacy yourself. You have to buy a black module, but then for the DCS you have to buy the 3-conductor audio cable, so that's a wash.  Also, once you write the black modules, or simply borrow a club set, you can update the Legacy set in a couple of minutes max.

If I'm upgrading the DCS set vs. the Legacy set, I'd much rather upgrade the Legacy set.  Just the upgrading of the remote for DCS is such a PITA that it erases any other advantage that the DCS upgrade might have.

Marty, I have seen most of the work Mike did.   I used the LSU as soon as it came out.  

I like the LSU.  It is easy to upgrade.  However, I would love to see Lionel push updates through the Icab app or the LCS app.  Preferable the LCS app as it is free.  They could write a nice update feature that works with the WiFi module and walks you through the process of updating your 990.   

Given the hardware design and the upgrade interface of the Legacy, I don't know if they could do the upgrades that way.  Certainly the remote would be a special challenge, but my guess is the Legacy system would have to have a redesign to do an over-the-air upgrade for either component.  I suspect it's pretty much the same for the MTH DCS system, they aren't really setup for an over-the-air upgrade either.

When I was working in the aerospace field, I designed an Ethernet upgrade package for a fuel management computer.  There was a lot of specific internal architecture necessary to seamlessly upgrade the software while insuring the integrity of the upgrade process, it's not a trivial thing that you can simply tack on after the fact, it has to be designed in.

Couldn't they still do this as just a modern LSU?  The new version of Legacy would be pushed to the LCS app.  The app would notify you of the update, then if the update is selected, the LCS would do the same thing as the old LSU program, but instruct you on putting the Black module in to receive the new version and then walk you through the normal process.  Not exactly over the air, but a bit more modern and user friendly for people using the WiFi.  They could keep the old LSU program for those that aren't using the WiFi or LCS app.

As long as the black module is in the picture and you do the actual upgrade with the contents of the module, it shouldn't be a problem.  My point was that the module is a key part of their upgrade process.