Friday October 17th, 2014 7:30-8:45AM
Breakfast @ 7:30 discussion begins @ 8am
Alexander’s Family Restaurant
840CarlisleRoad York,PA 17404 (717)846-1041
One block from the Fairgrounds rear entrance.
Downstairs banquet room (ask for Paula).
The Lionel Legacy User’s Group is not associated with Lionel Trains in any way other than sharing the enjoyment and trading of information related to operating the Lionel Legacy System!
As in the past Breakfast is provided by Alexander's at a nominal charge and each person is responsible for their meal and tip.
From CAPPilot
1) Several months ago Jon stated they were looking at a way to tell the LCS app a switch's position after the switch was activated by its non-derailing function. Jon stated it was being developed for Fastrack switches and Atlas non-derail modules. Two parts to this question.
A. What is the status of this effort?
[JZ] We have prototypes of the LCS Switch Throw Monitor (STM2) and are doing testing at this point in time. We understand this LCS module will be very important for detecting switch position to keep the App in sync.
B. What about the DZ-2500 switch machine with the DZ-1008 relay module? Will the LCS app be able to tell the switch position from the DZ-1008 relay?
[JZ] We are still trying to support as many switch controllers as possible, and are continuing that testing effort. Once we have confirmed the design, we could have modules in production in 3 to 4 months.
2) Below is a diagram of my current pre-LCS setup followed by my proposed LCS setup (see attached pdf.). Currently the MANCO Signal Booster is able to drive my many TPCs, ASCs, etc. My question is:
A. In earlier posts by Lionel, it sounded like the SER2 would be able to drive many TPCs/ASCs. Any idea on how many devices the SER2 will drive? Specifically, will the SER2 be able to drive my multiple TPCs (6), ASCs (4), AVCs (2), and maybe a BPC?
B. If the SER2 cannot drive all these, can I use my MANCO Signal Booster in the circuit after the SER2 to boost the signal to drive more devices?
[JZ] The SER2 (and Base1L) use the same transistor output driver for the “RS232” serial data on the 9-pin connector. We did not use an RS-232 Line driver IC (like in the Legacy 990 base) as the drive current is limited to one load. The SER2 drive level is capable of higher current, and will support many unit loads. Since each of the devices listed above have different drive level requirements, I won’t comment to the particular configuration listed. I recently installed a SER2 with 24 ASCs, see the below picture. I did have to add a load resistor to the wiring to facilitate the logic low, it seems the ASC has some issues with logic low voltages. Basically I added a 510 ohm resistor across the serial data to common wires.
I do not have a Manco booster, but my belief is that it won’t cause any issues to place it after the SER2 if it helps the configuration operate properly.
From Lionelzwl2012
Ask about the plug n play accessories.
1) Where does the accessory get its power from?
3) If not command equipped, what cable is needed to hook them up to the new ASC2's
[JZ] The accessory gets power potentially from several sources. There are Fastrack sections with connector arrangements specifically for the accessories. There are activation tracks that use an insulated outside rail to supply the power to the accessory, having the correct connector arrangements for the accessories. We include a pigtail connector with the accessory that has loose wires for connecting to and ASC2, or any power source available.
2) How are the speeds of the accessories controlled? The non TMCC/ Legacy ones such as the ice station and log loader come to mind as to how fast they operate.
[JZ] The speed of the accessory operation is variable with the input voltage setting. The accessories are designed to operate on voltages from 12-18 volts AC or DC. Any feature that has undesirable operation at the higher voltages, such as the log loader stakes use regulated power.
From ST PAUL
Legacy cab-2
Will we ever be able to access more than 2 engine id #'s on Cab-2 at same time? When switching from say id #2 and id # 45 would sure be nice if I were running 6 legacy engines to be able to keep pushing engine button to access each one of the 6 engines running instead of having to scroll or search for each of the other 4 engines id #'s and then have to re-enter a previous engine id# to control it gets old really quick and yes I do run 5 legacy engines at same time 3 of which are on a separate loop of track.
[JZ] No plans exist for this functionality at this time.
From Andy Hummell
Will the plug and play accessory lock-on track just act as a power supply for the accessories, or will it also give the user the option to trigger the accessories (like an insulated outside rail would) when a train passes over the lock-on track (by way of DIP switches underneath maybe).
[JZ] I believe these are 2 different products that we will offer. An activation track and a power tap.
From gunrunnerjohn
What the characteristics of the SER2 module output is. Is it true RS-232, or just a 0-5V uni-polar signal?
[JZ] 0-5v uni-polar signal.
From cjack
1) What is Lionel's experience with a wifi update of an iPad modified engine roster to the Legacy base?
[JZ] We have not seen much problem with the iPad to base updating since we added retries. Never saw a crash. We did have an iPad that dropped of the network a lot; so it is possible the iPad is an issue in his case?
2) If one could drive the 0 to 5 volt "receive" and "send" serial data (the MAX232 interface with proper polarity), is there a path to the Legacy base for the purpose of running the LSU program on the Windows computer?
[JZ] The LSU program expects to be linked directly to the base via a serial cable from the computer. We will release a WiFi version of LSU for folks who use the LCS modules and Starter cable systems.
3) I was reading that there is no "boost" command. While it can be worked around, is one on the list for the future?
[JZ] No boost command is planned.
4) This is a little removed from the general expertise, but are there any plans to allow the creations of "macros" on the LCS App so that one can personalize multiple command sequences that are often needed. One such macro could be the install of the macro button TR#1,Boost for example...and right next to the macro button TR#2, Boost and so forth. This could be implemented as a record function within the App...create a button to play a sequence of key strokes. Poke one of those buttons and the track voltage goes on full with one poke stroke.
[JZ] Not at this time, we have a number of active LCS Partners, perhaps they will offer Macro Recording capability.
From Jim Stefl
1) Are there plans to update the LCS iPad APP to control AMC's and the OTC's. With the OTC's both uncouple & operate cars?
[JZ] We have the ASC2 setup to run uncoupling tracks. We have not addressed the OTC tracks. The AMC2 will be available next year; the original AMC command sets are too convoluted to carry forward. Most of our new designs are not using “toggle” or “unavailable keystrokes” that are prevalent with older modules. As such, sometimes the iPad App won’t be able to support some of the older modules like the AMC. But please note we did not prevent the older modules from working with the Cab controllers connected through the LCS SER2. No loss of functionality, just no new features will be supported on the AVC, TPC, AMC, and OTC modules. We are considering a wireless version of the TPC, similar to the Legacy Power Master, with 360W capacity. I will ask Rudy to make a list of supported modules for LCS, and we may be able to incorporate the modules currently not supported with time and revisions of the LCS App.
2) The SER2 was advertised to be able to attach your computer so you could operate the Legacy System Utility. Will this still be accomplished?
[JZ] This got by us, we are not sure we will be able to get the LSU to work on the SER2. Sorry. We are working on a new version of the LSU that can connect to the LCS WiFi module, which addresses the issue when a WiFi module is present.
3) Will the iCab APP be able to function on the iPad?
[JZ] Yes.
4) Are there definite plans to develop add-on IR transmitters to be added to box cars, etc., to function thru the sensor track? If yes, time frame?
[JZ] We believe so, ultimately this is a marketing decision.
(my comment…go to the Lionel booth and make sure they know you want this product!)
5) Any plans to enhance the sensor track to be able to start program and record functions from the cab2?
[JZ] Not at this time.
Now that Lionel seems to be embracing accessories again, will we see more Legacy controlled, operated, and sound equipped products that are not engines. This would of course include rolling stock. It is good to see the cranes released again with a bit of a Legacy upgrade!
[JZ] We hope so, the general feel in our Marketing team indicates folks don’t want command controlled accessories. Please voice your opinions to Marketing if you wish to see more Legacy command controlled accessories.
What can you tell us about the LCS partner program? Is it gaining interest?
[JZ] We have a number of developers that are hard at work on developing Apps and Hardware. All aspects of the developer program are under NDA, and as such I am sorry I can’t go into more depth. We do spend as much time as possible for our developers to accomplish their goals.
Any thoughts of adding more random accessory sounds to the iPad app that may be paired with button and toggle switches to add more to those controls?
[JZ] As budget and time permit, we will expand the features of the LCS app. We are early in the release cycle for our modules and Apps. We will take a position to gather feedback for a bit before we commit more development efforts.
Regarding LCS, will we see additional modules that may do sound and lighting control of the layout as well? Realizing some of this could be achieved with current LCS modules are there any plans to bring out for specialized modules for these applications?
[JZ] We have lots of ideas for LCS and the development of more exciting applications of the technology. Ultimately our customers and Marketing decide what ideas become useful and produced. Keep the ideas coming and keep using the products and providing feedback. It does make a difference!
Any hints of what’s coming next?
[JZ] No comment.
It seems that folks have been very creative in adding the sensor track to existing layouts that include other track systems. Is Lionel still entertaining the idea of creating something that can be used with other track systems or is the market taking care of that?
[JZ] I have personally discussed the possibility of consigning electronics to other manufacturers who produce track systems. There is general agreement we will work together in the future to support the hobby with sensor tracks in their track systems.
We would like to thank Alexander's, Paula, and her staff. Lionel for providing us with a great command system but especially Jon Zahornacky Lionel CTO, Rudy Tributt Lionel Sound Specialist, Mike Reagan Lionel production, Phil Hull Customer Service as well as the many Lionel employes who contribute!
And finally we'd like to thank you the user for coming and sharing your Legacy Experiences.
The Legacy Users Group Organizers are Will Allen, Chris Bojanower, and Martin Eibeck.
Special Thanks to Dave Slie, editor and shooter and Chris primary shooter for recording the procedures.
And without further comment. The LUG meeting video. A new demo video of the LCS components will follow later this weekend. Sorry about the focus issues.
The LUG DEMO Board re-shoot!
