Legacy 1.52 Upgrade- Frustrated!

There are many options that work on an Apple computer to achieve the upgrade.  I personally don't use them but other forum members have upgraded successfully using them.

 

Not sure if you are interested in them but I'm sure other members will chime in with the solution.

You can use a item such as Parallels with Windows installed on your Mac and a USB serial adapter to make the module (that is what I do). Or when the iPad app is out and the wireless adapter available you will be able to use it to do the upgrade. They tried to have a Mac application built, but despite they were never able to get one to work

As for the modules that will be a good question for the Legacy meeting at York. It was my understanding that you would be able to purchase them from the service dept still.

As Chris has mentioned above, using Parallels to run Windoze on your Mac works fine. I use this method myself.

 

And according to the Lionel website, they can supply a set of blue modules for the latest versions. Below is an extract from the Lionel website.

 

 

Thanks for the replies. 

 

I realize that Windows can be run on a Mac but I do not wish to purchase the Windows or Parallels programs at a cost of +/- $280 or the writable modules at $19.95 each.

 

I was told this morning by Lionel Customer Service that the Legacy v1.52 blue upgrade modules are NOT available for purchase nor will they be available in the future.

 

Lionel should provide upgrade modules to Legacy customers at a nominal cost whenever an upgrade is announced and they should include a pair of writable modules in every Legacy 990 set.

Not having upgrade modules for sale is a change that we hadnt herd of here. but hopefully we can get an answer at York

It would be great if the do include writeable module (s) in the 990 set

maybe the person you talked with did not have the correct info.

 

try the email talktous@linoel.com

Don't want to sound like a jerk, but I think your +/-$280 is way off.  Apple Boot camp is free and you can obtain an OEM copy of Windows for under $100.  Heck I think the VM Fusion software is also free.  You really have some cheap alternatives if indeed they don't sell the upgrade module.

I re-confirmed with Lionel Customer Service that v1.52 blue modules are NOT available and "probably" will NOT be available for purchase in the future--- per conversation with Amy at Lionel 10 minutes ago.

 

They do have v1.51 modules which I ordered.

 

might be, because the difference between 1.51 and 1.52 is minimal.

Well that is a bit different than "Not Available" The way your first post read it sounded lie they had ceased the upgrade module program. There were only a couple minor tweaks in 1.52, most people would not see them.

I have to agree with fcalvo about not putting windows on his Mac. having 28 years experience in IT and a Mac user myself, I'd never put that on my Mac and expose it to all those viruses and Trojans. The solution may be to just find a friend with a PC and have him download the files for the updates.

Robert,

 

I have to disagree concerning your assessment of the Mac platform.  The Mac is also susceptible to viruses and Trojans just like the PC.  Many infections occur due to user behavior in terms of the sites they surf or the e-mails from the Horn of Africa they decide to open and run.  The individuals who engage in such non-sense rather target the 93% market share of the PC rather than dabble with the 7% market share cornered by Apple, hence the illusion of a platform that can't operate safely.  Heck look at Android handsets that have become a huge malware target, why...because there is a huge footprint of unsuspecting targets.  If one uses due diligence and deploys a layered defense strategy of products to counter such threats the PC is a very safe and platform.  I'm running Win 8 64Bit with built in Windows defender along with Malware bytes and have had zero issues.  In fact since my Windows 3.1 (1992) days I have been infected precisely once and I was able to quickly eradicate the bugger.  I don't have 28 years in IT, but I do operate in Enterprise environments that are 100% pc and they run free of these treats.  

Where can you get the software to upgrade the Lecacy programmable modules? We need to upgrade our Legacy system to 1.52 to connect the LCS WiFi unit.

Lionel's website. There is a link on the main page. There is also a thread on the sticky portion of this forum That contains the links. I can't post them from my iPad. 

 

 

Hello Matt,
If you are still in San Bernardino then you are close to me and I have a set of 1.52 modules that can borrow. Just let me know.

Marty:

 

Thanks for the link info. Found it and was able to download the data files and the installation utility.

 

Jeff:

 

Thanks for the offer. May take you up on that one. Going to see if I can do the firmware upgrade first. By the way, if you want to take that long, not-so-scenic drive out to San Pedro, our open house is next weekend.

If found them on-line from the dealer called the Train Station in Mountain Lakes, NJ. I purchased one of the black modules for $19.95 plus shipping. They seem to be back ordered everywhere an Lionel is completely clueless as to when they will be readily available. Seem like they would have their act together when they announce upgrades and then post the video on their site to show you how to do it.

 

Took me 3 months to get one. Two is easier but one works. Also, once you get the module, Lionel's instructions fail to mention, though most folks know, you need to have the based powered on to write to the module.

 

This is one of the reasons I am buying MTH Premier Engines. 

Lionel does post all upgrade for firmware on their Website, just look in the lower right for the link that takes you to the sub site for the upgrade. That is where the Video is.

 

Kevin 

If you think the modules are tough, you will have a blast with upgrading DCS

Why, just because your finger gets sore holding down the remote button for the whole upgrade?

 

Probably, but at least if you have a computer and access to a dealer / repair center it can be done. Following the yellow brick road and trying to finding a module (s) or module is the issue. The upgrade is a snap, but if you don't have a module, it simply cannot be done.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if future batches of Legacy command sets come with a pair of black modules instead of the blue modules. Or perhaps a set of re-writeable blue modules. 

Just bring the clamps

Trust me, I only held the button down for one upgrade, that was enough to convince me to find a little clamp.

you do not need the black modules  you can make your own from all the blue modules you have laying around;

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...k-modules-for-legacy

 

surprised gunrunnerjohn  did not mention this

Your correct, You-Tube has a video on taking the blue module apart and converting it, but if your wreck it, its done. Lionel should make these modules readily available of better yet provide one free for everyone that has registered their loco's. Would avoid these kinds of comments and in it is good customer care, their current NPS on this is -1

For those that have a MAC, can upgrade and after speaking to the Customer Service / Tech Team it appears that the word MAC / Apple are not on their road map.

 

Kind of foolish since people do use both OS.

Mac is not on MTH's roadmap either, so your point is?

FWIW they did try to Mac a version and did invest money into it, but the serial communications had problems. You can use Parallels or VMWare etc. a pain, but it works

True, MAC is not on the MTH road map, but we are talking Lionel and upgrading their firmware so if your a MAC user you need to have a windows machine.

 

 

Trying it and making it easy.... that is all any end user wants, they don't want science projects to upgrade engines, network cameras, printers or what ever product your speaking about. In the model railroad hobby, regardless of manufacturer, they need to consider all options.

 

Keep it simple.............Regardless if your a MAC user or not, simple is best.

where do you live someone will hook you up.

I don't remember holding the button down the whole time & I didn't have any trouble updating.  What am missing?

 

Ken

From the MTH www.protosound2.com website.

 

Open the DCS Loader (if its not already running) and click on the "Load Remote Code" button. Follow the on screen instructions precisely. Just as with the TIU update, when the program asks you to select the file to download it should default to look in the "System Downloads" folder. Locate the .rem file and double click on its icon. Be prepared to hold down the remote's on/off button for approximately four minutes. If you have more than one remote to update you may want to add a small bar or spring clamp to your shopping list.If at anytime during the remote file download you should loose your grip on the on/off button the download will fail and trigger this error message:

Mac users know Macs are not Spelled MAC

Mac = Computers made by Apple, Inc

 

MAC = Stands for "Media Access Control Address," and no, it is not related Apple Macintosh computers. A MAC address is a hardware identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a network. The MAC address is manufactured into every network card, such as an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi card, and therefore cannot be changed.

 

Now back to the problem Mac users are facing. Yes there is not  a simple solution right now. There was talk the the LSU software, iPad and the Lionel WiFi will make modules but nothing heard recently

I thought this post was Legacy Not DCS

 

Ken

I posted instructions for Mac users. Just did the 1.52 update and they still work perfectly.

This is the best bet, maybe someone can stop, or you could meet someone close, run some trains, have pizza and beer, and borrow the latest upgraded level while hosting a small " train fest"