Legacy Engine Modules?

No

They said they would stop but so far they are still in the latest engines I bought. 

 

Maybe once the sensor track has been out they'll discontinue them as it can download the info from the sensor equipped engines.  Only Lionel knows for sure so I would email them for a definitive answer.

We don't include the modules with the Legacy Flyer locos.  Folks are OK without having them.  We have thought to discontinue them with Legacy O gauge locos as they don't provide a lot of useful information any longer.

 

The memory module used to provide the Loco type, Control type, and Sound type, as well as name and road number.  The latest Cab-2 software (1.52) does not require all of this information to setup a loco.  Since we simplified the Cab-2, the only value a memory module provides is the name and road number.

 

Also, Folks tend to lose them; and digging for the right module is tedious, but they are nice to have.  I would like to hear from the forumites if the Memory Modules are worth keeping in the loco box, especially since the sensor track is now shipping.

 

For folks who find them useful, if not in the box - would you be willing to order them from CS?   I am sure there would be a shipping cost, but think somewhere around $10 for a module *if* we decided to go this route.

 

Thanks for any feedback!

 

IMO, I don't need them in the box. The several I do have, I never loaded anyway. As long as I can access all the Legacy functions from the Cab-2 remote, I'm not concerned about the name and number.

Offering them as a seperate sale is an option, but again, I wouldn't buy them. I just don't see them as something I have to have.

Well stated, I couldn't agree more.

The only time recently I wanted a module was when I got a used UP 844. I needed to load the front emergency light control. However I was able to use the Legacy software on my computer to do it instead.

For most engines I would say lose the module unless there is a non-standard feature that cannot be added via the handheld. Not sure if being able to load the info from the sensor track is the best answer until the track becomes more widely installed.

I will not keep mine in the box but was looking for a single location to physically store all of them. Like the storage box that was available a few years back?

 

Yes, I know I can store them in the computer if I hook it up to the Cab-2 with the Serial/USB Cable, but haven't gotten around to that yet and I want to keep them all in one neat organized location.

 

I would also buy the modules to have for my engines if it were to become lost.

I always assumed the modules were to make loading an engine almost as easy as it is to load a DCS engine in the handheld.

I think its a mistake for Lionel to discontinue them. The geeks might not care but most folks don't need the additional hassle to load all that info.

 

Pete

I store mine in a zip lock bag. But I would be ok if they were eliminated, really no need for them.

I understand that the module can be useful when trying to lash-up a road engine and a switcher.  The module sets the "maximum speed" (which I don't think can be set on the CAB-2) and when you lash-up disperate engine types Legacy knows to switch to the lower max speed for all engines.

 

Does anyone know if this can be set any other way?  This is discussed on page 62 of the Legacy Manual. 

You can create a multi-engine module on a black module that has all the info for multiple locomotives.

 

I don't have any issue with them disappearing, maybe they'll cut the price of the engines a buck or two.

 

The Max Speed just sets the "speed limit", which can be set from the Cab-2.  Granted, the module picks the speed limit number for you, however it is easy to know the right speed limit once you run the train.

I thought I wouldn't use the modules much with the LSU, but I find them easier than connecting the base to my pc for the LSU software.  That being said, I wouldn't throw much of a worry if they get rid of them.  I use them most when the Legacy remote garbages out my road name/#.  Which I think Jon Z figured out and has maybe fixed now?  (Summer season means less trains and foggy memory I guess).

Lionel never built the storage box

Well they could have, maybe it is still in the pipeline! LOL

It was officially cancelled shortly after the announcement.

I think just like a system upgrade, if folks really want the modules order them for a small charge from CS.  There are still a lot of folks that don't want to deal with the computer for the upgrades too.

Ahhh!   Thanks for the clarification.

Haven't used a module yet (I'm still waiting on my 990 system, not meant to be a dig here, but it's really the actual reason I have not used a module yet) however, I think I like the idea of the sensor track from what I know so far (which isn't a lot). Right now I'm thinking the sensor track might be the way for me to go and I won't need the modules.

 

I have purchased a couple of black modules for 990 upgrades. If another one was needed for an engine or something for some reason, I wouldn't mind purchasing it at that time. I pre-order almost everything so ordering it at that time (if available then) would be, I think, a good idea. That is if it was known the module would be needed at the time of pre-order. 

I have mixed feelings about have a module and not having the module..  I am younger than a lot of our club members (but not that much) and they have a need for the module.  one way or another I would like to see them available.  our club has not instituted any kind of numbering block for legacy numbers so a bunch of us are always changing numbers back and fourth.

IMO one of the least used or maybe least talked about aspect of the black or writable modules is being able to create the "multi-engine" module.

 

Currently I have the entire roster of engines on a single black module that I keep with my Cab2 case.  Whenever I go over to another layout, 1 module is all I ever need regardless of how many engines I take.

Marty, I have yet to create a multi-engine module, so I have a question.  If I go to another club environment, how do I change the numbers on-the-fly using the black multi-engine module?  I may have to change the numbers, depending on what else is being operated.

 

John

 

Unfortunately the unique ID on the loco will have to be changed if it conflicts with a loco already there.  I think you probably know that.

 

But once in the club environment and you've re-assigned the loco to it's ID (if needed) when it asks you to load the module, you use the black one and use the red knob to scroll to the engine personalty that is for that engine by name.  It will use the name and road number as it was in your base when you made the black module along with any mods you did to the lower numerical slots on the "speed" menu.

 

So for me if I bring over the UP 844, I'd give it an ID unless 44 is not already use, go to the module loading screen and scroll the red knob until I got to that engine.  It's been a while since I've used it but that's the gist.  Really pretty simple.

 

Not sure if that was the answer you where looking for.

Dennis

This is a storage rack that I purchased from a member here that builds them. It was a while back so I don;t know if he still sells them.

 

I happen to like the modules and would buy them.

That's not bad Marty, that's what I was wondering.  I knew I'd have to change the ID's, just didn't know how I'd get the description and other stuff attached to the new engine number.  I truthfully haven't really looked at the issue, but I'm thinking now that many of mine are in my base, I'll generate the module and have it for club outings.  I can't always remember the newly assigned ID number, but I can select the engine by the cab number, which would solve that problem.

 

 

Shoot I forgot the picture..duh

I do not know what a CS is.  I do not wish to have to use my computer to run trains.  For me it is so simple to have them.  What purpose is served by eliminating them?  Do they really add anything to the cost?  I vote to keep em coming or at least be able to order them if there is a real cost factor.

CS= Customer Service

I vote to keep them coming with the engines. Makes loading easier and come in handy when road name and number gets scrambled on Legacy Remote.

It sure is a lot faster to plug in a module than enter all of that information manually.

 

So, for the new, the "don't want to hook up a computer" and the timesaver users, they do what their supposed to do. Simplify the user experience.

 

Keep 'em coming!

If you can log on and navigate this forum, you can manually enter legacy loco info, and it only takes a minute.

 

A computer is not needed, simple scrolling and selecting on the remote will enter the info. See pages 56-58 of the legacy system owners manual. 

 

I think some folks may be making a "mountain out of a module".

 

Wow, what a neat item to discuss, YES, For us Senior Citizens, and The price Of Our Toy Train Legacy, Near Scale Locomotives, Keep Making The Orange Module, As It Saves Us Light Years in Setting up Our Model Railroad Engines...I have a Module Board that holds

75 modules, this way I can re-boot any Engine When necessary, by going directly to the needed module. Yes, Please keep the modules for us Senior Kids!!!