LCS Wi-Fi Module Connection Issue

Railsounds posted:

 

If you prefer not to address this individually, please contact Lionel Customer service at 1 (586) 949-4100.

Rudy,

That is your call.  I have two of the WiFi modules.  One purchased in 2015 and one purchased in 2017.  Both from Legacy Station.  If we are going to research this problem I would like to return the modules with the router they will not connect too.  It's obvious they connect to your routers at Lionel, however that doesn't help those of us who don't have duplicate equipment.  I would return the older module first along with the router.  Once tested and repaired you could return it and I would then send in the newer module. You  would return my router once testing and repair is complete on the newer module.  You can contact me online at my email address to arrange this or give me a name and number to talk to at Lionel that is familiar with this conversation.  Thanks!

Bruce

H1000 posted:

BruceT47 posted:

repair technician posted:

hi unfortunately you have to deal with poor router designs. I purchased a netgear router to access my microcell cell phone booster because I have poor signal reception in my home. low and behold after many phone conversations to at&t  microcell I found out some routers WILL NOT let the proper signals go threw and had to purchase another $200.00 netgear router which fixed all the problems. I don't believe it is Lionel or MTH,S problem it is the router you purchase will not accept certain  protocols required for certain devises such as MTH or Lionel or other connecting  devices!

p.s. I fix computers and have run into many issues with not connection to internets or Bluetooth device. takes time to sort it all out. if I can help anyone here let me know!

I can tell you when I connected my MTH Wi-Fi it took off and worked perfectly the FIRST TIME the way there book said!

thanks MTH for a Great product and excellent support!

Alan  

I have tried 4 different routers / gateways.  Tell us which router you use to connect to the Lionel WiFi module.  As I have posted my current Cisco router / gateway  connects 15-20 devices flawlessly. It won't connect the Lionel WiFi module. I also have an At&T microcell that connects with no problem. If it's a router problem why does it work on all of my other devices except the Lionel WiFi.  As you have offered I will accept your help in solving this problem.

Bruce 

Bruce, here is my experience.

I have a fairly new ASUS router that absolutely wouldn't connect to the LCS wifi with the same problems listed above. So I dug through my bone yard of computer stuff and dug an ancient Linksys WAP54g. The WAP54g is not a router but rather a wireless access point that can be added to an existing wired network.

When I fired up the WAP54g, I had apparently loaded third party firmware (DD-WRT) on it years ago. When I got the unit configured on my wired network I attempted to connect the LCS Wifi with no luck. I then decided to reinstall the latest version available of the original Linksys firmware. The LCS WiFI did work with WAP54g access point after I did this.

My conclusion is that much newer and more advanced DD-WRT firmware that was loaded on the WAP54g just didn't allow connections from a device using older(?) wireless protocols. Now keep in mind, the third party DD-WRT firmware I used previous was a 10000% improvement over the original Linksys firmware on this device but sacrifices had to made for the LCS WiFi.

The actual WiFi hardware being used may not be the problem at all, I suspect this is all software related with these newer routers. I think Lionel will need get their LCS WiFi units updated to work with newer routers (software).

Dig through your old tech junk box if you have one and find some really old wireless router, you might have better luck getting the LCS to connect.

At the end of the day, I really wish the LCS WiFi had an Ethernet port for wired connections like the MTH WIU does.

I had Frontier service and they provided their 7255 router, which in my opinion is one of the poorer routers on the market. Even though it has a WPS button, Frontier saw fit to cripple the feature. However, I was able to manually connect to it as well as a Netgear WN2500v2 set as an access point. Not satisfied with Frontier's speed the family switched to Spectrum. We use Spectrum's modem With an Asus RT-AC3100 router. I can't remember how I attached to this router but contrary to another individual it is working splendidly. 

As I stated the Frontier Router had its WPS disabled so I can only assume I used some manual process. It has been a while since I had to do it since as soon as the WiFi box was available, I was on board. I therefore also assume I used a manual process to connect it through the access point. But thinking I believe the access point was setup at the time with the same SSID and Password as the main Router. If I get a chance tonight I will find the installation manual for the Legacy WiFi box and see if that jogs my memory a little more. 

All right, I am mystified! 

All I can say at this point is I don't remember. I did find a hand written note I made in the manual that the device was named:

Gainspan_146d2c and was assigned IP Address 192.168.254.18

This tells me that it was connected to the Frontier Router, but nothing is registering and now I am even questioning how the Netgear WN2500v2 was configured. I am going to bail on this issue since it appears I am only contributing "Hearsay" at this point. 

Jim,

Better to be mystified then not connected like many of us!

Bruce

SUCCESS!  CONNECTED!

Purchased this Lynksys router at Walmart this AM.  It connected to the Lionel WiFi module immediately.  It is configured via access point off my AT&T gateway (Cisco).  Thanks to all who have commented and good luck to all who are still trying to connect. 

A shame the manufacturer continues to ignore this problem.

Bruce

How can the LCS WiFi module be connected to your router in Access Point mode?  Do you mean Join to Network mode?

Harvy posted:

How can the LCS WiFi module be connected to your router in Access Point mode?  Do you mean Join to Network mode?

No.  The Lynksys router is configured as a wired access point off my AT&T gateway.  My gateway is downstairs and I have a cat 5 connection to the Lynksys router upstairs.  The Lionel WiFi module is then paired / join to network  with the Lynksys wireless network via WPS.

Bruce

BruceT47 posted:

Harvy posted:

How can the LCS WiFi module be connected to your router in Access Point mode?  Do you mean Join to Network mode?

No.  The Lynksys router is configured as a wired access point off my AT&T gateway.  My gateway is downstairs and I have a cat 5 connection to the Lynksys router upstairs.  The Lionel WiFi module is then paired / join to network  with the Lynksys wireless network via WPS.

Bruce

Oh.  So in your original post you meant your Linksys router was in access point mode and not the LCS WiFi module?

BruceT47 posted:

SUCCESS!  CONNECTED!

Purchased this Lynksys router at Walmart this AM.  It connected to the Lionel WiFi module immediately.  It is configured via access point off my AT&T gateway (Cisco).  Thanks to all who have commented and good luck to all who are still trying to connect. 

A shame the manufacturer continues to ignore this problem.

Bruce

 

 

So you really don't have success.   You just did the same thing I did months ago after I created this thread.  I put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode and connected my Linksys router to it so the LCS WiFi module could connect to it.  We all still have the same problem where the LCS WiFi module will not connect to the routers we really want to use.  Now we have to use two routers instead of one.

Harvy posted:

BruceT47 posted:

SUCCESS!  CONNECTED!

Purchased this Lynksys router at Walmart this AM.  It connected to the Lionel WiFi module immediately.  It is configured via access point off my AT&T gateway (Cisco).  Thanks to all who have commented and good luck to all who are still trying to connect. 

A shame the manufacturer continues to ignore this problem.

Bruce

 

 

So you really don't have success.   You just did the same thing I did months ago after I created this thread.  I put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode and connected my Linksys router to it so the LCS WiFi module could connect to it.  We all still have the same problem where the LCS WiFi module will not connect to the routers we really want to use.  Now we have to use two routers instead of one.

 

That's also what I basically had to do.

Instead of a wireless bridge, Bruce used a wired connection to an LCS WiFi compatible access point. would have been nice to connect that wire directly to the LCS WiFi module. You're right this is sad, two devices to do one job.

Harvy posted:

BruceT47 posted:

SUCCESS!  CONNECTED!

Purchased this Lynksys router at Walmart this AM.  It connected to the Lionel WiFi module immediately.  It is configured via access point off my AT&T gateway (Cisco).  Thanks to all who have commented and good luck to all who are still trying to connect. 

A shame the manufacturer continues to ignore this problem.

Bruce

 

 

So you really don't have success.   You just did the same thing I did months ago after I created this thread.  I put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode and connected my Linksys router to it so the LCS WiFi module could connect to it.  We all still have the same problem where the LCS WiFi module will not connect to the routers we really want to use.  Now we have to use two routers instead of one.

 

Well my old Lynksys router configured as an access point would not connect.  That's the wireless connection I use on the third level (over my garage).  My AT&T gateway will not get a signal to that point.  Replacing the older router now allows me to connect to the network.  To me that's success.

I've never tried connecting directly to the gateway as it would be useless since I can't get its wireless signal in my train room.

I'm just happy to find a router that connects at a reasonable price point. That's why I shared the info.

Bruce

BruceT47 posted:

Harvy posted:

BruceT47 posted:

SUCCESS!  CONNECTED!

Purchased this Lynksys router at Walmart this AM.  It connected to the Lionel WiFi module immediately.  It is configured via access point off my AT&T gateway (Cisco).  Thanks to all who have commented and good luck to all who are still trying to connect. 

A shame the manufacturer continues to ignore this problem.

Bruce

 

 

So you really don't have success.   You just did the same thing I did months ago after I created this thread.  I put my Comcast Gateway into bridge mode and connected my Linksys router to it so the LCS WiFi module could connect to it.  We all still have the same problem where the LCS WiFi module will not connect to the routers we really want to use.  Now we have to use two routers instead of one.

 

Well my old Lynksys router configured as an access point would not connect.  That's the wireless connection I use on the third level (over my garage).  My AT&T gateway will not get a signal to that point.  Replacing the older router now allows me to connect to the network.  To me that's success.

I've never tried connecting directly to the gateway as it would be useless since I can't get its wireless signal in my train room.

I'm just happy to find a router that connects at a reasonable price point. That's why I shared the info.

Bruce

Well, I'm glad you got it working anyway you could. When I sent my LCS WiFi module back to Lionel, they said it was working fine and there are just some routers it will not connect to, for whatever reason.  I don't know what Lionel's capabilities are concerning updating the LCS WiFi module.  Maybe it needs a hardwre and/or firmware update.  I don't know if the current modules are capable of that.  Maybe they will fix ones that are manufactured after a certain date.  I don't know if they will recall old ones and fix them when they have a fix.  That could be costly for them.

For example, I remember the early Legacy base units were not capable to let the user upgrade the firmware.  They had to be sent back to Lionel for the upgrade, which I'm sure was costly for them.  They have since fixed that and now the user can download and upgrade the firmware at will, which I think is awesome that they did that.  Maybe they can do something similar for the LCS WiFi module. 

Does anyone know if Lionel is doing anything else to deal with these issues other than recommending different routers? It surely can't be the solution.

Are the newer copies of the LCS WIFI module any different than my early one?

I like the LCS and I would like to see it a great success. My module does link up after some difficulty to my Apple router. I would just buy a later copy if it would be a solid performer...anybody?

I haven't had an issue so I cannot comment on that and I haven't heard if there have been any changes since it was first introduced but I'd like to see a redesign with an wired Ethernet port and more handles to configure manually. It would seem to help those having connection issues. 

 Upcoming and mentioned a couple of times is a utility that allows you to manually configure the WiFi of the module and accomplish a connection that way without WPS.  I suspect that will be coming along at some point, and would be a far cheaper way for Lionel to solve the connectivity issue with the WiFi module.

Why not Harvy ?  You can manually configure the WiFi module to a known SSID and password, it should connect on the spot.  Am I missing something about this issue?

Is that the utility that was teased at the last York?  Be nice to see some substance go along with the fluff. 

I do agree some sort of utility is sorely needed.

Bruce

BruceT47 posted:

Is that the utility that was teased at the last York?  Be nice to see some substance go along with the fluff. 

I do agree some sort of utility is sorely needed.

Bruce

Yes, this is the Utility mentioned at York. I'm looking for a few folks to beta test it specifically in regard to the WPS connection issue. If you or others reading this thread are interested, I am looking for a few folks to test who:

1) Have a Windows laptop or desktop with a WiFi adapter
2) Have an otherwise-working router that never connects with your LCS WiFi in Join To Network mode 

This utility will allow you to enter your network name and password via keyboard. If you'd be interested in giving it a spin, please let me know.

Thanks!

I am not a computer engineer and I do not play one in the movies or on TV.  You should test the speed of your internet provider. The speed is very important part of joining a network. Should be at least 100 Mbps on the Download and 10 Mbps on the upload. Do do this test, Click here.  Than click “go” to start the test.

Below is this test on my computer.

internet speed maybe irrelevant with Lionel Wi-Fi, but it is fun to check. It does become important for many internet applications. Like Youtube and photography...............

Gary

Railsounds posted:

BruceT47 posted:

Is that the utility that was teased at the last York?  Be nice to see some substance go along with the fluff. 

I do agree some sort of utility is sorely needed.

Bruce

Yes, this is the Utility mentioned at York. I'm looking for a few folks to beta test it specifically in regard to the WPS connection issue. If you or others reading this thread are interested, I am looking for a few folks to test who:

1) Have a Windows laptop or desktop with a WiFi adapter
2) Have an otherwise-working router that never connects with your LCS WiFi in Join To Network mode 

This utility will allow you to enter your network name and password via keyboard. If you'd be interested in giving it a spin, please let me know.

Thanks!

Sure sounds like a step in the right direction.  Last week at this time I would have jumped at the chance.  Since I installed the new Lynksys, as mentioned previously,  I have had no issues connecting.  

I could add the older Lynksys router back to the LAN and test with it.  I know it won't connect.  Email is in my profile if any interest.

Bruce

Gary, the ISP speed is totally irrelevant for this purpose.

Rudy

I would be willing to beta test your utility. email is in profile

Jim

Hi Rudy,

I'll be glad to test your utility against reluctant wifi routers.

John

Thanks, John. Drop me a note, my email is in my user profile.

Rudy, your email is not visible; I added my email to my visible profile.

Thanks,

John

Hi Rudy,

Do you want me to help test?

Checking in to make sure I haven't overlooked anyone. I've been in touch with Ken M, Harvy, Gunrunner John, Bruce, Jim and Tracker John. I haven't forgotten about you Chuck, but your LCS WiFi module is connecting in Join To Network mode "after some difficulty," so I think it's safe to say yours is not a WPS-related problem.

Is there anyone else following this thread who:

1) Has a Windows laptop or desktop with a WiFi adapter
2) Has an otherwise-working router that never connects with your LCS WiFi in Join To Network mode 

I am beta testing a utility that will allow you to enter your network name and password via keyboard. If you'd be interested in giving it a spin, please let me know.

Thanks!

Rudy, sadly as all my stuff is in boxes right now, I haven't had a chance to do any testing.  Firing up the utility certainly looks like it'll do all I needed and more.

To Rudy:

What is the result with everyone testing with the software you shared with us? I can definitely connect now with "join to network" and the cab 2 works fine, however the LCS app and the icab app and High Rail app  all work intermittently.   Do you consider this issue closed or is there still work being done on the issue?

Thanks

Rudy,

I hope you are still monitoring this Thread.  As I previously had stated, I had connected my LCS WiFi Box up to my ASUS Router RT-AC3100.  I know this because the router App is aware of the Box, aware being the operative word.  I took my control board to my shop for major rewire and addition of more ASC's and BPC's for an expansion.  I have since installed the board back to my Train Table.  I can control all my LCS boxes from my handhelds.  Now to the bad part.  I have tried repeatedly to connect, trying more ways than I can count without taking my socks off, to no avail.  I tried both with the Router App joining the LCS to the Network and have also tried using the Push Button on the Router, both pushing the LCS WiFi Box's WPS button first and second.  I have even tried doing things that should have no bearing on the situation, but tried anyway.

Now to be perfectly up front I also used the LCS WiFi Box as an Access Point and yes, I can use the LSU software to talk to the LCS WiFi box and access the data in my Base.  I am however not enthralled with that solution.

Bottom Line.  Can I still get access to your utility that would allow for the use of a PIN to join my Home Network by the LCS WiFi Box? 

Rudy is off for a few days but will be back later this week and will be able to help you.

We are planning on making the utility public later this month if all goes smoothly. It'll be available on the Service website. We're just dotting our t's and crossing out i's. 

Dave Olson posted:

Rudy is off for a few days but will be back later this week and will be able to help you.

We are planning on making the utility public later this month if all goes smoothly. It'll be available on the Service website. We're just dotting our t's and crossing out i's. 

Thanks Dave,

That is good enough for me.  Is there a link to that website you referred to.

Is it too late to get a copy of the utility in beta? I can't connect at all to my access point and I really don't want to go buy a new router just to bridge it in to get it to work.

No need, it's live for download: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/page/index.html

LCS Wifi Monitor LE software available?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

No need, it's live for download: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/page/index.html

LCS Wifi Monitor LE software available?

Thanks! Took me all of 30 seconds to get my wifi working once I ran that utility. Appreciate it.

phoch00 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

No need, it's live for download: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/page/index.html

LCS Wifi Monitor LE software available?

Thanks! Took me all of 30 seconds to get my wifi working once I ran that utility. Appreciate it.

How did you connect to your LCS Wi-Fi  module so quickly?  I have been trying for months with no luck.  I have to use a separate router in addition to my Comcast Gateway to connect to it.   Can you please tell me exactly what you did with the utility?

I turned the LCS WiFi module into access point mode, connected my laptop to the lionel lcs network and then opened the utility. It's not the most intuitive but it works. Once you've connected the utility to the Wifi module you can click on the Wifi icon which loads that modules parameters. You can then type in the name of your access point and security info, password, etc. You then save that to the module. Afterwards, I switched the LCS Wifi module into connect to network mode and it just worked. Like I said, it took me 30 seconds once I had that utility to work with and it's all connected now.

Thank you.  That is what I have been doing.  My password always displays in the utility as encoded.  How did you type in your pasword?  What format?  How did you save it?  Last time I tried this my LCS Wi-Fi module got hosed and Lionel had to send me a new one.  I'm afraid to try it again.