I am working on a gateway that allows me to add external speed limits and momentum to the LC remotes and official app. As we know the LC app's momentum and speed limit settings do not apply to the non app based remotes. You can't just set the speed limit in the app and then hand a child the LC remote with a new speed limit applied to it. Same thing with Momentum. If we want to simulate a heavily loaded LC based freight train with momentum, the only current option is to use the LC phone app. My gateway will in theory allow me to implement those options as a master setting for all remote options. That way when you want to impose a speed limit for anyone who uses any remote it will be an option. With expansion interfaces I should also be able to have my gateway allow multiple remotes on one LC engine at the same time. Maybe allow you to designate a supervisor remote that overrides all other remotes. maybe you want multiple remotes to be able to trigger the horns and bells separately. Maybe you want a horn only remote that ignores speed input that you can hand to any kid without the chance of them creating a collision situation. All this is possible now that I figured out the code of these remotes. I am also trying to gauge interest in this type of gateway. Anyone interested?
Update 12-28-19
I got the first hard part started, I have replaced the original app horn pitch change slider so that I can play musical horns, This is just to demonstrate that I have taken control of the train without the app. This will be a critical function for my gateway project. maybe I should call it a gatekeeper project though. Anyway the next thing I am working on is the code to get the original LC remote to connect to my gateway instead of the original engine.
UPDATE 12-31-19
I just cracked the other half of my gateway project. I just convinced the official LionChief app and the official bluetooth remote that came with my train to connect to my own controller board. This was a critical step in building my gateway project.
Update 1-2-20
I did get the LC remote connected to my controller board while the same board simultaneously was connected to the locomotive itself. Things are progressing nicely so far. I will keep everyone up to speed on the new thread. I am also posting my quick progress reports to my YouTube channel playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playli...ja&feature=share
Update 1-17-20
LC Gateway project update number 3. I finally figured out the button intercepting and remapping code, see the video below for a demonstration. I have a lot left to do but I have many ideas. The next thing I want to try is turnout control from the LionChief app, Should be no problem at this point though.
Update 1-18-20
Added operation modes, and switch control to the official LionChief app. Progress is moving quickly this weekend.
Update 1-20-20
Big update today, I added accessory controls along with a method to switch between them all using the official LionChief app. In this video I control the power of two operating postwar accessories using the LC app. I also demonstrate the newly functional switcher loco mode. it makes it very easy to go forwards and back wile also switching accessories all from within the LC app.
I am working on setting up all the same functionality on the Bluetooth LC remote that comes with the train.
Update 1-21-20
Finally had a big breakthrough with the LC Remote. It is now talking to my Gateway board. https://youtu.be/YQC4aA-btDA
Now things are getting exciting!
Next up I will add the remote code to my main program and I will post a new postwar accessory video being controlled from the real remote and not just the app.
Next up I also am going to test a limited way to choose announcements on regular LionChief locos. It won't quite be legacy level of control but it might be better than default.
Update 1-22-20
As promised here is the demo video showing the LionChief remote controlling not only the current generation of LionChief locomotives but also some post-war stuff. https://youtu.be/Ie4wmCQ8vOg
I am also working on hardware to convert postwar locos to LionChief. I have two methods of attack for this problem. One is to regulate the track power via LionChief, and have a helper board to do electro-coupler control,lights and sound. And the other is to make a module that does it all on the locomotive side.
Updated 1-23-20
here is the demo video showing the LionChief remote controlling not only the current generation of LionChief locomotives but also some post-war stuff. https://youtu.be/Ie4wmCQ8vOg
I am also working on hardware to convert postwar locos to LionChief. I have two methods of attack for this problem. One is to regulate the track power via LionChief, and have a helper board to do electro-coupler control, lights and sound. And the other is to make a module that does it all on the locomotive side. I plan on starting with the track method since it will be easier to design and go from there.
Update:1-28-20
Track power control for postwar via LC remote works! Video here: https://youtu.be/ZABna2tu9bE
I also picked up my new Union Pacific NW2 LionChief+ loco from TrainLand and am ready to start developing consists using the LC App and Remote.
Update: 2-8-20
Dual locomotive control from the LionChief app is up and running!
I also figured out synchronization of speed at least at the low end. Arguably a very useful feature.
Separate loco control is coming soon.
Theoretically I can do 20 LionChief locomotives like this. No idea how many will work in reality.
Video below.
How does all this sound? Feedback appreciated.