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I think a great offering from Lionel would be a pairable Multi Train remote for the LionChief line. Maybe eliminate the throttle wheel replacing it with a toggle button exclusive to the multi train remote.

 

I’d change all the engines on my display over to LionChief and LionChief  +  if they ever came out with this…..

 

LionChiefRemote proposed

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Unless I am mistaken, the LionChief technology is not frequency or amplitude modulated and thus channels are not the mode of operation.  2.4GHz R/C equipment, also known as digital spread spectrum broadcasts a digital signature from the transmitter that is uniquely recognized by the programmable receiver.  Thus, if Lionel is using off the shelf 2.4 GHz equipment, which I suspect they are, it's merely a question of having a transmitter than can be "bound" to a specific receiver as is the case for R/C equipment.  This is user modifiable for most R/C systems, and should be relatively inexpensive and not very challenging should Lionel want to implement it.  An R/C transmitter than can be programmed for 10 different airplanes is considerably cheaper than Legacy or DCS.  The locomotives already contain the basic receiver technology, so that cost is already accounted for.

Perhaps, and, most likely, I am in the minority here.  Why change something that was intended to be simple, easy to use, and practically foolproof?  If you want complicated systems that run multiple trains, switches and other stuff, there are plenty out there to choose from.  I just don't understand why some folks need to make complex issues for something that is not.

"I just don't understand why some folks need to make complex issues for something that is not."

 

To make a single remote than can control multiple LionChief locos should not be complex.  The locos will still respond to the remote than came with the set or loco.  It should require little or no modification of the locomotives being made, and it should be completely transparent to the user who doesn't want a single multiple loco remote.  If LionChief becomes the big success it looks to become, an optional multi-engine remote will suit some people well and won't have any effect on those who want to use the single remote for each loco.  That's one of the nice aspects of 2.4 GHz spread spectrum

digital communication.  It's simple, virtually bulletproof and inexpensive.

I think this is called TMCC/Legacy.
 
I agree with Bob.  The idea behind LC is a simple one to one system.  Intermediate and entry level.  KISS.  You want more then take the next step to Legacy or TMCC.
 
Lionel made a simple, easy to use system in LC and LC+.  It was never intended to be a complex multi-train control.
 
 
 
Originally Posted by Landsteiner:

To make a single remote than can control multiple LionChief locos should not be complex.  The locos will still respond to the remote than came with the set or loco.  It should require little or no modification of the locomotives being made, and it should be completely transparent to the user who doesn't want a single multiple loco remote.  If LionChief becomes the big success it looks to become, an optional multi-engine remote will suit some people well and won't have any effect on those who want to use the single remote for each loco.  That's one of the nice aspects of 2.4 GHz spread spectrum

digital communication.  It's simple, virtually bulletproof and inexpensive.

 

"It was never intended to be a complex multi-train control."

 

Perhaps I didn't explain it well.  All a multi-train remote would do is allow you to replicate the current LionChief remote for more than one engine.  It wouldn't necessarily have any additional functions, and it likely wouldn't require altering the receiver in the locomotive in any way.  For someone with three or four or more Lion Chief type locomotives, it would add a simple functionality at minimal cost, given the nature of readily available, consumer tested 2.4 GHz technology that is already in the loco and widely used in the hobby industry.  It bears no real resemblance to TMCC/Legacy or DCS in either expense or complexity.  Buy a $40 or $50 2.4 GHz helicopter if you want to see the same technology that is in your LionChief loco .

 

http://www.amazon.com/2-4GHz-R...opter/dp/B00762BMOI#

Last edited by Landsteiner

I don’t think making a multiple train remote for LionChief offerings is redundant or that complex of a concept. I’m pretty sure if it were offered there would be plenty of interest and may even open up an untapped market for industry. I’m a condo dweller with limited space. Our modest 8 X 5 display consists of 8 basic loops no switches and very little in accessories except for Miller Engineering Billboards and two beacon towers. There isn’t a lot of space for operating accessories and right now we run mostly conventional control. It’s kind of hard to justify a DCS or Legacy system for what we’re running.

I was thinking the LionChief engines would be an economical alternative to what in our  situation would be a bloated overweight control system with DCS or Legacy.

The main thing about the just go to Legacy argument for those of use that'd like a multi remote, or way Legacy-LC bridge is that Lionel isn't making these locomotives in Legacy, only LC/+.  The problem is that there are those of us that want the LionMaster level trains back.  LC+ is almost there, but doesn't play nice with your command system.  If Lionel were to take a LC+ locomotive and make it a Legacy equipped locomotive for $100 more, they'd be gold and I'd buy them.

Well I guess Lionel can make nothing but remotes for various systems and leave out the trains. So we'll have a LC, LC+, Cab1L, Legacy, and the multi-train LC along with the iPad, iCab as well.  

 

I get the desire and maybe Lionel didn't foresee the demand. I always thought 1 remote with one engine was a poor approach as you do need multiples but at what point does it end?  

 

Maybe they'll make something that will do as you wish. But the next guy will want to throw switches and accessories. So then what?   

Whats wrong with setting down one entry level "kid sized" remote and picking up the other for multi-train control?

 

The legacy remote is an entirely different story. Its so large and cumbersome, once you pick it up you gotta keep it, if you set it back down you may not be able to muster the energy to lift it again. Its alot like moving a refrigerator down a flight of stairs.

 

"Give us a simple, inexspensive remote control system......wait....not that simple." 

 

Last edited by RickO

I don't know what the objections are to adding a product to compliment the LionChief Line. I would think a multi train remote would help them sell more engines to those who don't have space, time or money to dedicate to a large layout. LionChief streamlines the effort to set up a model train, the engines are relatively inexpensive compared to the Legacy counterparts and the control system is confined to the remote and the engine.

 

No maybe I'm wrong and should plop down a legacy system in the middle of my lightweight mobile toy train display. I wonder how I would do that....

 

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