Lionel Base3

@LT1Poncho posted:

I haven't hooked up my Base 3 yet. In the process of removing Realtrax and replacing with Gargraves and Ross Custom. Anyway, I'm curious as to why it seems most people are connecting the Base 3 to home WIFI instead of allowing it to make its own network?? This is how I have run my DCS WIU for years without issue. I had many problems when I tried to connect it to the home WIFI in the beginning. Is there any advantage to connecting the Base 3 and WIU to home networks?? I can't wait to get mine up and running.

Mike

Really it just because when you go to use the app you don't have to manually switch to the Base3 network.  It just works.

But for those having home network connecting issues, the Base 3 network (AP) will always work.  Just people's preferences.

Mine works with my home network just fine.

@LT1Poncho posted:

I haven't hooked up my Base 3 yet. In the process of removing Realtrax and replacing with Gargraves and Ross Custom. Anyway, I'm curious as to why it seems most people are connecting the Base 3 to home WIFI instead of allowing it to make its own network?? This is how I have run my DCS WIU for years without issue. I had many problems when I tried to connect it to the home WIFI in the beginning. Is there any advantage to connecting the Base 3 and WIU to home networks?? I can't wait to get mine up and running.

Mike

I found it a hassle to keep switching networks so I had it join my home network.  That way as long as I'm on my home network I can connect to Base3.

@MartyE posted:

Yes you can run it off Base3 and the App.  I have been.  I hear there are some issues with ERR (Electric RR Upgrade) which I can't confirm as I don't have any engines equipped with ERR out currently but Lionel factory TMCC seems to be fine..

@Ohio Jeff posted:

Ok i got the tmcc engine to work, but it doesnt save it to the app or base.  I have 3 engines in the app First one is lionchief santa fe loaded no problem with pic and all info. 2nd loaded my lionchief + 2.0 csx np pic or info 3 rd one was a legacy us steel switcher and agian no pic or info.  i must be doing something wrong?

@Ohio Jeff @MartyE Gents, I can confirm I am having trouble with ERR based units (AC, Cruise, and mini) and some Lionel TMCC with custom editions of the ERR boards.

@MartyE posted:

I found it a hassle to keep switching networks so I had it join my home network.  That way as long as I'm on my home network I can connect to Base3.

Made my life easier doing this as well. Its a little tough without the configuration tool, but you can do it.

I did get mine to finally load

@MartyE posted:

I found it a hassle to keep switching networks so I had it join my home network.  That way as long as I'm on my home network I can connect to Base3.

Makes sense to me. I guess I use a dedicated Fire tablet and not my phone. Therefore, when I open my fire tablet it automatically joins the WIU created network. Hope it works that way for the Base 3.

Will the process of connecting the Base3/setting up the whole 9 yards work easier by using the B3SU (Base3 System Utility) once it's release on or about September 1st?

@R Whitley posted:

Will the process of connecting the Base3/setting up the whole 9 yards work easier by using the B3SU (Base3 System Utility) once it's release on or about September 1st?

In terms of adding engines that were loaded in the Base 2...YES

@Sean's Train Depot posted:

I used the Aux 3 on engines that used that feature (Strasburg 90 Ghost whistle sequence) and it works fine.

I don't have that car, but check to verify it is programmed correctly in the base 3?

Just to report I figured out the problem. It wasn’t the base3/cab3 after all. I flipped the switch underneath the car from “min” to “max” and it all works as it should.  I had no idea that switch could disable the aux3 sounds.  Thanks for your input!  Also, Thanks for your detailed videos.  They were very helpful.

I can't shake the feeling that the top of the Base3 was designed to have something stack on top of it one day. Did I miss news on that? The irony is the dip on the top perfectly holds a DCS remote.

... and the Cab2 remote.  What looks like softened and sagging plastic appears to be designed to hold a remote.

@Rollsington posted:

I can't shake the feeling that the top of the Base3 was designed to have something stack on top of it one day. Did I miss news on that? The irony is the dip on the top perfectly holds a DCS remote.

Well, it doesn't hold the Cab2 remote, lol.  And I doubt Lionel designed it for their competition, ha-ha.

@nightwolf00 posted:

Just to report I figured out the problem. It wasn’t the base3/cab3 after all. I flipped the switch underneath the car from “min” to “max” and it all works as it should.  I had no idea that switch could disable the aux3 sounds.  Thanks for your input!  Also, Thanks for your detailed videos.  They were very helpful.

Just curious since I don't have that car, is that documented in the Cars instructions?

@MartyE posted:

They're definitely associated with the phone.  Whether Lionel has a future plan to transfer these would be an @Dave Olson question.  Certainly is an interesting thought though.  I saw you added a ton of pictures in your video of all your accessories and such so I can see where this might have an impact.  I've done this with my accessories, switches, and blocks but mine pale in quantity compare to yours.

I wouldn't mind if once the Base 3 Sytem Utility is functional, it has functionality to capture the pictures with the roster when you make a Back Up......and, then allow you it to transfer it to another device......

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

I wouldn't mind if once the Base 3 Sytem Utility is functional, it has functionality to capture the pictures with the roster when you make a Back Up......and, then allow you it to transfer it to another device......

Peter

I think the major hurdle here is that the image would need to reside in the Base3, which they do not.  Storage to do that would be prohibitive.  The picture is truly part of the App.

Yesterday afternoon, for whatever reason, I had a poor WiFi connection in the basement where the app frequently disconnected with trouble reconnecting after a few tries while the trains were running.☹️I had to shut down track power. I noticed a low WiFi signal on the phone. Even the engine roster was slow to come up. The day before was fine. I then switched the base to AP mode and connected to the base’s WiFi and the app connected instantly, what a difference!
Is there a disadvantage to operating in AP mode vs. your home network? Should I purchase a WiFi plug in booster for a better connection in the basement?

Gene

@Genemed posted:

Is there a disadvantage to operating in AP mode vs. your home network? Should I purchase a WiFi plug in booster for a better connection in the basement?

Gene

Except for having to select the Lionel WiFi every time you go into the train room, not much.

The only thing I see, is according to the Power and Control site is when programming a 4 Digit engines and Bluetooth engines it pulls the picture from the internet.  So this would require a connection to the home network if you desire the image.  If you take your own I don't see an issue.

From the P&C Website...

Cab3 Engine Images

Lionel Engineering created an online database of all Lionel locomotives that are equipped with Bluetooth. This database holds a plethora of information about each locomotive including type, road name and number, features, and more. It also includes an image of the locomotive. This was done so that when the LionChief APP connects to one of these Bluetooth locomotives, the APP can reach out to the online database and pull down the locomotive’s image to the smart-device, displaying it on screen when connected to that locomotive.

This functionality has been included and expanded upon with the Cab3 APP.

@MartyE posted:

Except for having to select the Lionel WiFi every time you go into the train room, not much.

The only thing I see, is according to the Power and Control site is when programming a 4 Digit engines and Bluetooth engines it pulls the picture from the internet.  So this would require a connection to the home network if you desire the image.  If you take your own I don't see an issue.

From the P&C Website...

Cab3 Engine Images

Lionel Engineering created an online database of all Lionel locomotives that are equipped with Bluetooth. This database holds a plethora of information about each locomotive including type, road name and number, features, and more. It also includes an image of the locomotive. This was done so that when the LionChief APP connects to one of these Bluetooth locomotives, the APP can reach out to the online database and pull down the locomotive’s image to the smart-device, displaying it on screen when connected to that locomotive.

This functionality has been included and expanded upon with the Cab3 APP.

Thank you Marty, so far I’ve taken all pictures for the roster which I like anyway. Having to connect to the base WiFi could get old after a while, we’ll see. Because of the distance from my Xfinity WiFi router and the base, I probably would have to look into getting a booster for a better connection with near zero latency.

Gene

Consider a mesh network, here's one that gets good reviews.  I've been using the old Google mesh system for years, and it did wonders for my coverage.  Since I live in a four story 3500 sq/ft carriage house, WiFi was problematic on all levels with just the Verizon router.

I have the same system here and my winter home.  I also get a strong signal out to my boat dock and can update my simrad navigation system from there.  

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Consider a mesh network, here's one that gets good reviews.  I've been using the old Google mesh system for years, and it did wonders for my coverage.  Since I live in a four story 3500 sq/ft carriage house, WiFi was problematic on all levels with just the Verizon router.

Thanks John, but that’s a bit over kill for my needs. I’m thinking of just a plug in booster/extender to help the signal in the basement.

Gene

@Genemed posted:

Thanks John, but that’s a bit over kill for my needs. I’m thinking of just a plug in booster/extender to help the signal in the basement.

Gene

Might be overkill, but when you get it installed, you won't be tinkering with wireless connectivity anywhere in the house in the future.   I started with a range entender, then two of them, finally tossed all of them and went with a 4-station mesh network.  Best WiFi I've ever had!

@Sean's Train Depot posted:

Just curious since I don't have that car, is that documented in the Cars instructions?

It is documented that when the switch is in the minimum position, that the dialog and some motion sounds will turn off.  I guess that meant all dialog including the aux3 special sound.  It is not very specific, but now I know.   Thanks!

@MartyE posted:

I found it a hassle to keep switching networks so I had it join my home network.  That way as long as I'm on my home network I can connect to Base3.

Marty,

I was watching A VIDEO yesterday on UTUBE the PROCEDURE to Move my BAS3 WIFI to my "Home Natwork!!

I LOST IT and can't find it again on UTUBE.

HELP AGAIN!!

FRED

@Fredstrains posted:

Marty,

I was watching A VIDEO yesterday on UTUBE the PROCEDURE to Move my BAS3 WIFI to my "Home Natwork!!

I LOST IT and can't find it again on UTUBE.

HELP AGAIN!!

FRED

I'm guessing this one from Sean?

Well @MartyE, I guess I know what you will be doing all that extra time you have not upgrading base2. Helping Installing base3. Lol

Again between you and Sean amazing.  Lionel should really do something for you guys

@Ohio Jeff posted:

Well @MartyE, I guess I know what you will be doing all that extra time you have not upgrading base2. Helping Installing base3. Lol

Again between you and Sean amazing.  Lionel should really do something for you guys

Agreed! Huuuuuuuuuge help! Thank you

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Might be overkill, but when you get it installed, you won't be tinkering with wireless connectivity anywhere in the house in the future.   I started with a range entender, then two of them, finally tossed all of them and went with a 4-station mesh network.  Best WiFi I've ever had!

Thanks again John, our WiFi has been more than adequate throughout the house, garage and deck. It’s just an issue now with the base 3 being at the opposite end of the router in the basement. I was just running trains for a couple of hours on the base 3 WiFi with no problems.

Gene

Let's see if anyone has experienced this one and found a solution.  I have a TMCC k-Line / Lionel SD75 model # 2-11559.  I programmed it into the base 3 at ID 03 and the sounds all connected but it won't move.  Here are the steps I followed:

1) base 3 RF switch on program

2) Engine reverse switch on "Off"- this is the odd ball loco that uses a switch labeled reverse for program / run.  On is supposed to be run per the documentation I have.

3) assign the engine on CAB3 and fill out the engine roster information.  Assigned to ID 03 per instructions for TMCC locos. Sounds appear to indicate it connected to the BASE 3

4) Change switches to "run" position on the base 3 and the locomotive reverse switch to "on".

5) CAB 3 controls the sounds but the speed control does not operate the loco.

Suggestions are welcome

Hokie -

Don't put the RF switch into PGM. That's for RF LionChief only. The SD75 is TMCC. You only need to flip the switch on the loco for programming.

Any idea what electronics are in that loco?

Thanks, I re programmed and sadly the same result- it won't cooperate other than sounds.

Editorial note: I had included an internal picture (now removed) of a different locomotive- apologies!  I have not been inside the K-line- Lionel but the manual is attached below if that is useful.   I can open up the loco and post pictures if that would help.

here is the configuration screen

Cab3 App TR selection to control track power via a ZW-L. Has anyone been able to control track power via the ZW-L using the Cab3 TR key? I can control Track power 1-4 using the Cab 1-L and the Cab2.  I can't figure out how to do that using the Cab3 App. 

ToledoEd,

See Dave Olsen's reply to my question about TR addressing track power supply such as your ZW-L and Legacy Powermasters.  He says it is on his list to fix. Wish he had also said he estimates a fix will be in and where to find out that it has been fixed.

https://ogrforum.com/topic/cab3-and-powermaster-issue

I just had five trains running, controlled by the Cab3 APP and Base3!

This is great fun!

To add to the fun, one of the engines is a LionChief - now controlled by the APP or Legacy controllers for the first time!

Thank you @Dave Olson ! This is an amazing creation!

JamesR, thanks. Good to know they’ve identified the problem and will fix the App. I suspect they have their work cut for them.

@hokie71 This is the problem I have experienced.

After acquiring a CAB1L controller. I have confirmed that the CAB3 app is not generating the correct signals. Same locomotives and Base3 unit with no changes to roster setup.

@ToledoEd posted:

Cab3 App TR selection to control track power via a ZW-L. Has anyone been able to control track power via the ZW-L using the Cab3 TR key? I can control Track power 1-4 using the Cab 1-L and the Cab2.  I can't figure out how to do that using the Cab3 App.

Can you control track power to the ZW-L using the ENG button? That's how I vary the power on my ZW-L and Legacy Powermasters, by assigned them ENG numbers. Or, does the CAB3 app just not work regardless?

@GregR posted:

Can you control track power to the ZW-L using the ENG button? That's how I vary the power on my ZW-L and Legacy Powermasters, by assigned them ENG numbers. Or, does the CAB3 app just not work regardless?

I haven't tried it but I suspect not since the Cab3 does not send the correct signal.  Here's what Dave Olson told me:

"

Saw your post and tested it out. Turns out Cab3 is only sending absolute speed commands. Cab2 sends both absolute and relative when the ENG type is Accessory. The accessories use relative to determine direction. We’ll be able to fix this for the next APP update. Good catch.

Dave

Dave Olson

@ToledoEd posted:

I haven't tried it but I suspect not since the Cab3 does not send the correct signal.  Here's what Dave Olson told me:

Saw your post and tested it out. Turns out Cab3 is only sending absolute speed commands. Cab2 sends both absolute and relative when the ENG type is Accessory. The accessories use relative to determine direction. We’ll be able to fix this for the next APP update. Good catch.

Dave

Dave Olson

I would think that only sending absolute speed commands would break a bunch of things!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I would think that only sending absolute speed commands would break a bunch of things!

This is hopefully the fix for TMCC and ERR functions.