LCS sensor track - worth it?

a cure in search of a disease. 

I have 2 of them installed, as a trigger for other actions they are fun, but I think I would recommend other LCS components before them

Thanks guys. That's pretty much what i had figured.

Much appreciated.

Same here and I have another 2 that I have yet to install because....um yeah. The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I especially like running a new engine with IR or friends' engines over it to load all the info into the base. Great for get together train nights. And the programming features are fun to create if you have more than just a loop, running a route adding some interest to running.

They are nice but I could live without them. 

-Pete

I like 'em.  I have a couple that I use to trigger events around the layout including accessories.  I use the record function more than anything.  I can trigger just about anything from all my locomotives or just a particular locomotive.

I suspect the folks that use them in this manor are getting more out of them than those just having it blow the whistle.

Marty,

When using their record function, does the presence of multiple sensor tracks help to ensure that the recording playback stays in perfect sync, as far as accurate loco position in concerned?

Meaning, do you get a much more accurate recording and playback compared to just using the record function on the CAB-2 remote?

The novelty seems to have worn out for me.

I have two that I have yet to install, because I still need to  see how they solve a problem.

If there was a way to install sensors to the sides of the track ( with the sensor slipped between the ties) and these were inexpensive enough so that I could have say 30 of them placed around the layout to control a wide variety of accessories, signals and crossing gates as well as locate the engines (and other cars) anywhere on the layout displayed on an iPad; I would buy thirty(30) in a minute!

I have 6 legacy locos and only 2 have the sensor.  I picked up sensor track earlier this year to take advantage of Lionel's $10 rebate (which gets the price to a better point).

I think it is worth it to see the fuel update on the remote alone.  It is also cool with the iPad.  I would suggest getting one, it certainly is worth the cost to experiment.

It's not difficult to hack the sensor track and use it with other track types.  We did it with Atlas track, and other folks have posted mods for almost every track brand.

I have 7 of them on my layout I use  the ipad to control my mth and lionel  accessory and my switches and my legacy locos  I love it they work great and have had no issues with the system the one thing like most people would like to see something to be done to adapt it to some other track I want to use something other than fastrack something more scale like

If we understand this correctly, say a layout with 3 grade crossings on a 3 track main line. This would require 18 sensors to activate the grade crossing sounds from Legacy IR equipped engines? 

$95 x 18 + the $40 cable is over $1,700 list price sans wires between units correct? That is a steep entry fee and then we'd have to hack them out of Fastrack sections? What do you early Legacy purchasers whose engines are not IR equipped do? Had considered one for guests, should it have been offered in a "loose" option as well?

It would be interesting if Lionel would extend this product series to include simple remote IR sensors that plug into a given programmed sensor track. A little narrow strip with the two direction sensitive IR receivers.

I would buy thirty(30) in a  NEW YORK minute!

See correction above; as opposed to a "Chicago minute" which is way longer!!

I see the sensor track as a gross solution to the "locate the train on the track and do something" problem.

A more sensible solution is a much smaller wireless WiFi or bluetooth transceiver inserted between the ties that reads the engine or car's IR signature and transmits the info to the iPad or other device instructing an action.

And power it the way you would power any other accessory.

I'm really hoping they do something with this idea.

I have a sensor track installed on my test loop and have played with it a bit to learn its functions.  It looks promising, but with only two Legacy engines with the IR transmitter (actually three, but I run the K-4s double headed), I don't see me using the sensor track enough to justify the cost of buying any more.

This could change if Lionel offered an IR transmitter kit to install in my other 23 active engines (2/3 Legacy-TMCC and 1/3 DCS), or in a car behind the engine.  I would prefer a kit so I can put it in a variety of equipment and not be stuck with the same boxcar in all my different consists (commuter, passenger, coal, express, freight).

Thanks for all of the replies Gents! 

Great feedback indeed.

I'm tempted to do a poor man's TMCC based version since that's a well-understood protocol.  A boxcar (or other type) with a TMCC receiver, a simple uP processing board, and an IR emitter could do the trick.  I think as a prototype, I'd probably just do the microprocessor based board with the IR sensor and program up a couple different ID's.

I run Legacy and have no need for that track.

I like it.  Right know I use it to blow the horn as it approaches my crossing & stops just as the bells go off & the crossing lights flash.  I would like it better if I had another engine that has the IR sensor but I don't.

Ken M

I have mine set to blow the horn works well. What I really like is the fuel readings you get on the cab2 with the sensor track. I think maybe the best is yet to come with this IR sensor stuff.

maybe the best is yet to come

I think at this juncture with only Lionel in the game; we may be waiting some time;

when MTH gets up to bat, I remain hopeful that the "best will come!"

The Sensor Track is not for everyone, however it can offer some unique automation.  The best feature is the updating of the Road name / Number and Fuel Levels.  You only need one in the layout for this functionality.

As the IR equipped cars become available, it can get interesting.  For example a caboose, being the last car on a train, can throw a switch and change the path of operation of the loco through the layout for specific trains.   The ability to link the ID of the car to behavior will allow for dynamic operation not possible with insulated rails.  Perhaps even collision avoidance, given some software module to be developed.

I will have some on my layout, but not an excess. As part of the LCS system it adds some unique features.

Jon, we await with eager anticipation the arrival of sensor equipped cars and cabooses!

The sensor cars will add a new dimension to it, especially since I only have 4 engines with sensors

I love the idea of a sensor in the track, really the whole idea of a layout control system.  However... when I build my permanent layout I'll be using Ross track.  

How difficult is it to liberate the sensor from its plastic Fastrack base?  I was hoping to get the sensor itself up high between two ties, with the associated electronics hidden under the board surface, or in a nearby structure.  Has anyone done this, is it feasible??

Jon

I look forward to the expansion of the introduction to sensor track cars and the IR functions

I would like to add one more thought to this thread about the sensor track, and LCS in general:  Randomness!!

In order to make the layout more fun to watch, or even play "against" as a solitary operator, it would be great if you could program RANDOM delays or route changes so that the trains would interact with switches, signals, accessories, etc. and take on a life of their own.

What if every time you cross the sensor there's a chance your train will develop a hotbox?  Maybe your crew is nearing its 12-hour limit?  Maybe those cows in the cattle car have to be watered and fed, or the reefers need re-icing?

Well-implemented randomness can take on the appearance of autonomy, or even intelligence.  If the layout is sufficiently complex you might be able to watch for an hour and not see the same train do the same thing twice.  Waiting to see all of the possibilities come out is what keeps people playing longer IMO.  

But this functionality has to be thoughtfully programmed in.  Please Jon Z, think about it!  -Ted

Great ideas Ted!!!  Love the feedback!  The LCS system is in its infancy, and we are enjoying the development and want to cater to our customers! 

We are thinking to release a tool for folks to use to show the LCS command traffic, and enterprising folks can watch the operation, and possibly tailor their existing automation into the LCS system.  Its only fun if we enjoy the hobby together!

Jim,

I will never forget the Intermodal Crane TMCC upgrade project we worked on together many years ago.  Our interaction then will always be something I warmly remember from the early days when I started ElectricRR - the tinkering continues....

Glad you are still embracing the leading edge technology with items like the IR Sensor track products.

I finally last night installed 3 sensor tracks under my Atlas track.  Been on the to-do list since October.  Now to give them a good try out.

Thanks for this thread for prodding me to get them installed.

Jim