Legacy black module release

according to an email I got from c-ro mine are on the way. 

should have them on may 17th.

I guess I should order a couple.

Charles Ro has them in stock and available.

I have seen posts about black modules before, what do they do ,and why would i want to order any?

The black modules are primarily used to create system modules for software upgrades using the LSU software.  You can create base and Cab2 upgrade modules.

 

They can also be used to make engine "personality" modules also using the LSU software.  Currently you can create a multi-engine module, meaning up to 99 setups on one module but can only access one.  In release 1.5 (available in the fall) you can access all 99.

Not much point in creating 99 configurations if you can only get to one.   I think I'll wait until there's a reason to use them.

Here's a reason... you may not be able to read multi-engine modules, but you can't create system modules to create 1.5 when available to read the multi engine module.

 

I believe on Star Trek they called this a paradox.

I ordered a couple from Charles Ro just in case I want to create a paradox.

Or a pair of ducks!

 

 

For those of us who dont have a pc or labtop at the moment to do the down loads? Would some one here be willing to do them? Provided we supply the modules to them! Or is lionel going to make a limited few for sale?

 

So far I there has been no word on how those who are unable to create their own modules would access new software updates.  Seems that the shop you order them from could create them.  After all you are buying the modules from them.

 

Other wise I would suspect you'll have to find someone willing to do it.  Another possibility is Lionel CS maybe able to do it for the cost of the modules. Might be worth a call.

 

The simple fact you are posting on this forum tells me you have the equipment to make the modules.

MartyE ,i still don't get it,isn't lionel suppose to send us a new module whenever there is any new updates to legacy? Also,each legacy engine comes with it's own module,so whats with the black modules? To much technology for my brain. 

It is my understanding that they will no longer ship the upgrade modules out to all registered owners. No word if you will be able to request one shipped to you.

 

The black modules are for upgrading the base as well as putting the info about several engines on one module (with  ver 1.5)   This is useful for times where you might be taking an engine to a club or friends layout. Instead of taking the orange modules for each engine you could but several on one and load it on the other base. Less risk of loosing the original orange module and if you had customized the engine info it will be on the module you created

I certainly hope they will continue to ship base upgrade modules as, according to Talk to Us, the black modules are not compatible with Mac computers!

According to the information we got for the LUG meeting, they will no longer automatically ship the update modules.  I don't know if they will do it upon request.

 

Chris uses a MAC and he has been using the modules just fine using windows software.  Chris would be the best one to comment but you can use a MAC and the LSU software just fine.

 

Seems the Talk to Us folks only got part of the information.

OK.  If you don't have a laptop or pc, how are you posting?

Maybe he's using a smart phone or tablet.  Painful, yes, but possible.

Using the Windows emulation for the MAC, you can run most Windows applications, this shouldn't be a stumbling block for most Mac users.

I get what chris says about putting more than one engine on a module,but lionel originnaly was going to ship updates automaticaly,now they may have changed their mind therefor possibly making it more difficult for those of us who are not as handy with these things it sounds as though this is a good reason to just run conventional & forget about new electronics,however to each his own.

John is correct I post on an iphone 3 with the ogr app. Not as good as the full web site but it is handy too. Can check on things asked or follow post anywhere even at work!

Ouch.  I'm glad it works for you.  It is amazing though what you can get today in computers though.  I can get a desktop system for less than MSRP on a Legacy command set.  And for the price of a low end Legacy engine, I can get a laptop.  Not top of the line computers but they would do the job.

 

Too bad there's not an Android app.

Like you said to each his own but I welcome this move.  It's long over due and incredibly easy to do.  I imagine the price of all those modules has something to do with it and I would rather they spend the money on Legacy R&D.

 

 

It might turn out to be hard for you but there are always folks willing to help and lend a hand.

 

Marty, I downloaded the program and worked with it for a bit yesterday.  The instructions that come with the download are very user friendly.  I was able to use my existing 9 pin to USB cable that I use for DCS upgrades. 

Yep.  Very intuitive and fairly simple.  Hope all is well Marty.

If it comes to that, you can send me the module(s) and I'll put the information on it for you.  I'm sure there are lots of other folks that are willing to do the same.

I would be happy to help too.

 

Question: Has anyone asked Lionel how they feel about cloning the upgrade modules to a black module or any other module for that matter?  I don't mind helping but I also don't want to inadvertantly run afoul of thier copyrights.

 

I think the new updates will come as a file that the end user will put on the module themselves. As this is the only known way to do this I cannot see a problem. I will also do the upgrade transfer for anybody that needs it when the upgrade becomes available.

Ron

The black modules are for making system modules.

 

The upgrade comes as a zip file and contains 2 files, one for the base (.bas) and one for the Cab2 (.cab).  Once downloaded and unzipped the LSU software has a button on it to create both modules.  Depending on which one you are creating, the file will show up in the "open" box.

 

Once the file is opened it writes it to the black module via the Legacy base.  The best approach is to write a Cab file first and upgrade the Cab 2.  Then write the module and upgrade the base.

 

If anyone wants someone to make modules for them I wouldn't expect there to be a copyright issue.  Since this is what Lionel expects you to do.

 

BTW we demo'd how to create system modules at the April LUG meeting.  Showed everyone how simple it was.

It would be a good idea for people to download the file and read how it works.  The reading is very easy and helpful on setting up your port to be used on your computer.

Maybe we'll see a video from Lionel on the module programing.  If not I'll break out the camera again and do one.

OK,here i go again if i don't get the black module & i don't download any programs to upgrade legacy in the future,& i purchase a legacy engine in the future i can still operate the engine i just may not be able to access all the legacy features am i correct in my thinking? I will eventually figure this out someday with help from all forum members.

The module that comes with the locomotive should allow you access to the specific locomotive features.  Where you'll run into problems is upgrading the base and CAB2 firmware to the current versions. Some features will be added by these firmware updates.

 

If Lionel stops creating the blue firmware modules, you're going to be stuck with the black ones.

I'm sure Lionel is going to try to keep things "backward compatible" but there may come a time when a new engine just doesn't work without the base/cab being upgraded.  More subtle though would be if it just didn't work correctly and you couldn't figure out why.  New software releases aren't just about adding features, they are about fixing problems (bugs) in the code.  Keeping your CAB and base updated is a good idea to help avoid some issues before they become a bigger problem.

This really isn't brain surgery.  Please don't take that the wrong way but I think you are over thinking this.  Just keep asking questions and we'll help you out but this is not that big of a deal.

About fifteen minutes of easy reading and you are good to go and will know what is needed.

I have used the LSU software and Black Modules with a Mac (not MAC) computer. I use Parallels and Win 7. Granted not an ideal setup having to have a copy of Windows on your machine, but it works.

MartyE...

 

Love the QRCode...

 

 

 

and thanks for the mobile site!  You, my friend, are ahead of the curve!

 

Thanks,

Mario.