Legacy Upgrade to 1.4

The modules are not readable.  Writable only.

There doesn't appear to be a way to get the 1.4 software out of the module and into the writable module. You are right about the 100 speed step mode. I don't have any ERR upgrades yet so I can't try it out. If you put 1.4 on your cabs and base you couldn't back it up and go back to 1.3. If you went back to 1.3 you would have to wait until the file came out to get 1.4 again. I haven't upgraded my 1.3 cab to 1.4. I run them both with the 1.3 base. If you're really interested send me an email.

Ron

They are readable and writable but only from the command base using the LSU software. The 1.4 software must come from a file on your computer and then loaded on the black module while connected to the command base. This applies to both the cab and base. One module for each. What I wonder is are these modules write once read many or read/write many. If they are write once this could get expensive and the ill fated garage may have to be 4 cars big.  

Ron

There is no way of downloading off a module.

I agree Marty but what I would like to know is if you download version 1.4 to the module and than version 1.5 comes out can you overwrite the 1.4 BLACK modules with 1.5 or do you have to buy another pair of modules.

Ron

The way it works...

 

When available you'll download 1.4 to your computer.  A ZIP file with 2 files, a CAB2 file (.cab) and a Base file (.bas).  Extract them.  You then use the LSU program to create the modules from these files. 

 

When 1.5 becomes available you'll down load that ZIP file.  Once again creating 2 files.  Again using LSU you will over-write the 1.4 modules with 1.5. 

 

As long as you keep those unzipped files on your computer you can re-write the module to what ever system you have saved on your computer.

 

If you want to use the module for some engine profiles you can over wrute them with engine profiles.  They are re-writable.

Gunrunnerjohn- Send me your address and I will get

V1.4 to you. My email address is in profile.

 

pa, I can do that.   Thanks!

 

Hopefully, I'll have no reason to go back to 1.3, but if I do, then I will probably wait for 1.5 at that point.  I would just like to see how much better the ERR cruise control works in 100 step mode with TMCC instead of the CAB1 emulation.

Thanks Marty. That's what I wanted to know. The modules are rewritable.

Ron

No.

Version 1.4 is now available on Lionel's web site.

Where on the web site and how do

you down load it ?

 

pa you already have 1.4

The update is under the #990 controller, I just found it.

Odd place to put it. I would have thought it would have been with the other Legacy upgrades. Glad gunrunnerjohn told us where they had hidden it. Thanks.

more 1.4 talk here;

 

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/6216614248304936

If you're upgrading to 1.4 for the 100 step mode for ERR equipped locomotives, don't bother.  That support doesn't work!  It also fails in different ways with the ERR Cruise Commander and the ERR Cruise Commander M products to add to the fun.

So all and all was the upgrade to 1.4 worth the time and the cost of the modules?

Probably not but 1.5 will be...

Well I guess I should get some modules sometime down the road.

I think 1.4 for most of us is a "dry run", a chance for us to get our tools in place.

 

I don't think there will be any problem getting modules that are programmed with updates, either from Lionel or enterprising individuals.  The thing that has changed is that upgrades will not be completely free, at least not for the first round that requires purchasing the black module. 

 

I don't find that unreasonable since a company cannot continue to provide eternal support without spending lots of money.  Since I am not buying any Legacy locomotives and there are no Legacy upgrade kits for me to purchase, I am not contributing to Lionel's profits.  Spending $20 for a tool that allows me to stay current is OK with me.

Well, I thought 1.4 was going to be an enhancement for me, but it turned out to be a dry run as Dale suggests.

"Since I am not buying any Legacy locomotives"

 

You may want to reconsider - it is difficult not to be impressed with their functionality!

It sure would have been a whole lot more practical if Lionel had went the way like MTH did with out having to buy special modules. Just my two cents worth.

Before you make that judgment, read the MTH update procedure!

Are you serious?  Wow this so much easier.

 

 

I noticed a little difference in 1.4 ... It boots up faster and  the whistle affects are better to me... Maybe its just me though..

I have seen the MTH upgrade procedure, this is less painful and no clamps are involved

There is an extra step. You have to get the info from the pc to the module (for the remote and then the base) before you actually do the upgrade instead of just from the pc to the base and remote.

 

I've done both, Legacy and DCS, and it's no biggie for either.

 

I've done many DCS upgrades for those who are not computer savy and I'm sure I'll be doing the same with Legacy.

Steve

 

While I agree neither one is a big deal, the Legacy upgrade and module making procedure was much faster (although I'm sure that depends on the upgrade size itself) and just seemed to be less complicated.  I didn't have to worry whether I was using the correct handset or 1/8 cable and so on.

 

But your right DCS isn't all that bad either.

I have yet to upgrade my DCS, but I'm sure that will be interesting the first time.  I'd love to know the reasoning behind the cable connecting two jacks on the TIU, seems that would be possible to do internally.

Ok, maybe I should redefine what I meant to say. Instead of a little tiny module that you have to store and can lose, why not just use a USB cable that would supply power along with auto execute once the base/handheld is plugged in. You would have the program downloaded to your computer and it would prompt you that once connected a new version was found compared to what already exist and would you like to update. It would be very much like but greatly streamlined to what Apple does with iPhone, itouch, ipad. It just would take somebody a little more time when the program is first written. It's kind of like my argument of why do we have to have some many different size drain plugs in engines when they do all the same thing keeping fluids in when one size can do it all

Dave, Dave, Dave, Its all business majors and marketing anallist. If any company were th make something this simple that simple to do it wouldn't be long before they would loose control of the product and have any number of clones running around doing special things. Just look at all the apps avalilble for the Iphone that Apple gets nothing for. Now think of the maintenance nightmare that would insue if everybody started calling Lionel complaining that this or that app did not work properly. Think IBM and the original personal computer.

 

Al

Hi Al. No, I'm not talking about any apps or the like I'm talking about just using a USB cable to tie the two together instead of modules. Since to update the legacy system for future versions you will need a computer Lionel could have provided something as common as USB. Nothing special to design and their software remains intact plus it would be a whole lot cheaper since you could buy If you didn't already have a USB cable at walmart versus losing a module. Another means of updates would be SD cards that Lionel could buy by the train load with more than enough capacity and have the software locked so that it couldn't be copied.

The legacy unit was out there before usb....

Uhh... I don't think so!  History of USB

I remember using USB in the 90's. So as far as being available to the public I think USB wins. However, no idea when design of legacy started. Also, using the 9 pin allows for backwards compatibility. That being said, I think SD cards would have been more user friendly or the addition of a USB port. However, I don't work for them and I am happy with legacy as is. Maybe in the next iteration of command control they will have some easier options. Preferably wireless by that time.
Happy railroading!

The 100 speed steps using Legacy works on my

MTH SD40 with Err control. It will change to 32 steps

and back to 100 steps.All the features work like bell

horn couplers reverse.