Legacy Controller

Yes, that sounds like your only solution.

Thanks Rod

If you have a PC with a serial port, I would use the Lionel LSU program to install the locomotives. The LSU is a free download from Lionel, and all you need to do is hookup your Legacy base to the serial port on the PC with a 9pin serial cable, and you are all set.

If you have a bunch of locomotives to install, the LSU isn't a bad suggestion, that way you can use a real keyboard to type in the descriptions.

Just for completeness, you can use LSU via wifi if you have the LCS WIFI module as part of your Legacy set up. Refer to Page 10 of the LSU Users Guide for instructions.

I do have LSU WiFi, I will go that route Thanks

Once you get LSU running and key in all of the engine data, load orange modules, etc —- then make your self a  “multi-engine module”. This will write all of the engine data keyed in over to one Black Module.  This way you can easily pull in any engine data and assign it to any TMCC ID in the future.  I leave my multi-engine module in my cab-2 to use as needed, or take it with me to other layouts and instantly have all my settings available for any loco I bring to run.

Good idea Jon, I have a couple of multi-engine modules, but I haven't loaded all my stuff and consolidated it.

The multi-engine module is one of the coolest but most under utilized feature.  I have one that I keep updated as I add to my roster.  Makes it Super Easy, hardly an inconvenience, when I take engines to others layout as Jon said.  I wish Lionel would push this more.

I wish they'd push the LCS more, I'd love to see a better graphical interface on the iPad to build the layout.

I tried the IPad route and I felt like it was very clunky. I will have to read up on the multi engine module, it sounds good but I don’t know anything about it. I do appreciate all of the feedback, thank you guys for the knowledge.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I wish they'd push the LCS more, I'd love to see a better graphical interface on the iPad to build the layout.

I sort of believe the iPad layout app is not going to improve much, or maybe not at all.  The cost is non-trivial and the ROI is questionable.   I never envisioned the App to be a full layout tool, but more of a Yard or Turntable area representation. A control panel replacement if you will, with pages to swipe between representing different layout areas to control switch’s or accessories and easily changed as the area is changed over time.   I run my entire layout with 2 iPads controlling my 50+ switches, turntable,  and all of my accessories.  

I love the TMCC accessory sound augmentations.  Really brings the accessories to life.   Got to credit Rudy for his graphics and sound contribution to LCS.  He was amazing, his contributions to Lionel are the stuff of legend.  

I wish I could figure out how to use it.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I wish they'd push the LCS more, I'd love to see a better graphical interface on the iPad to build the layout.

Always one of my pet peeves.  The LCS stuff could be such a better player for Lionel but they never really show it.  I remember a few York's when Jon and Rudy were there they did some demos and then Dave built the LCS podium a couple years back but that's about it.  I tried to show some off at the LUG meetings but with a limited space and time it was difficult too.

I always wanted them to just put 1 sensor track in the show layout with an iPad hooked to a large display.  Just the fact when a Legacy locomotive would go over the sensor track and indicate it's information and direction of travel would at least stir up some questions.

My LHS has a ton of LCS stuff that just sat because no one had any idea about it.  I tried pushing some but about the only thing that we could move were SER2s to hook up with DCS and the sensor tracks and usually only one of those.  The IRV2s came out after he moved so I'm not sure if they go better because of working with any track type.

@Adam ND posted:

I tried the IPad route and I felt like it was very clunky. I will have to read up on the multi engine module, it sounds good but I don’t know anything about it. I do appreciate all of the feedback, thank you guys for the knowledge.

Here’s a old video Mike Ragon did very informative.

I 2nd every other comment made by @gunrunnerjohn and @MartyE. LCS is a great extension of the legacy system that many do t seam to know about. I can’t wait to get 4 sensor tracks installed into our new club layout

I moved this topic to the proper forum.  This is clearly and specifically a question about the Lionel Legacy system and not a 3-rail traditional discussion.

@OGR CEO-PUBLISHER posted:

I moved this topic to the proper forum.  This is clearly and specifically a question about the Lionel Legacy system and not a 3-rail traditional discussion.

At least it wasn't in the 3R Scale.  Some of the furthest from 3 Rail Scale posts always seem to find their way there.

Thanks for moving it Alan!

@RixTrack posted:

I wish I could figure out how to use it.

There is a extensive help section in LCS, and if you have a specific question,  glad to help.

@SantaFeFan posted:

There is a extensive help section in LCS, and if you have a specific question,  glad to help.

Biggest issue I have is figuring out how to spread my track diagram over two pages.  I know it can be done, but for some reason I can't make it happen.  I'm sure I'm missing something simple.   Is there a LCS iPad User's Manual?

The app is designed to show sections of a layout, not an entire layout.  Think Control Panel replacement...  you can slide screens to show some continuity of a larger area, understanding that alignment is not going to be perfect.  Realistically, a single screen should be sufficient to show what a physical control panel would typically look like.

To have created an all encompassing layout experience in the App would have been a never ending task, there would always be a need to update another radius or track part.  And the ability to touch control items in a full layout presentation squished in such a small screen would not work well at all.

We did this mostly on our own time back in the day, a contribution to the Hobby.  I have seen quite a few LCS users get deep into this and love it.  But it isn’t for everyone, the hobby is enjoyed many ways.

For help, press the “i” in the top right of the screen, all the help is built in the App.

Thanks Jon, I figured out the scrolling, it wasn't obvious not being an Apple person.  I think a couple of screens will give me what I need.

I’m thinking about only using the app to throw switches, this might be much more intuitive than the remote.

@Adam ND posted:

I’m thinking about only using the app to throw switches, this might be much more intuitive than the remote.

I never use it to run trains just operate switches, accessories, and blocks. Stuff like that.  Also use it to monitor the Sensor Track feedback.

Switches and Sensor track is exactly why I wanted the app, it's really poor at running trains.  The "Yard" option is cute, but it can get confused at times and run the wrong way.