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@JamesR posted:

Dennis-LaRock and LT1Poncho,

I see that you are using Fire tablets for train apps, but your posts didn't mention Lionel apps specifically.

Are there instructions available somewhere on how to get Cab3 onto an Amazon Fire tablet?

Thank you.

Installing the Cab3 APP

Lionel’s Cab3 APP is available to download on both Android and iOS smart-devices.

https://control.lionel.com/cab3/installing-the-app/

Installing the Cab3 APP

Lionel’s Cab3 APP is available to download on both Android and iOS smart-devices.

https://control.lionel.com/cab3/installing-the-app/

Dennis, the Amazon Fire doesn't have the Play Store, they have their own app management.  You have to do an end-run around first.

How to Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire Tablet

Correct AGAIN John!    Yes,  you have to 'side-load' play-store on the fire tablet.  If you have ever added any play-store app to any device, you can side-load the play-store in a few minutes.  What do you want for 59 bucks!

Better yet... download the 'fire toolbox' to get rid of Alexa and all snooping algorithms from google/amazon and eliminate all the Bloatware.  Improves speed and prolongs battery life.

Last edited by Dennis-LaRock

Thanks to all regarding installing Cab3 from Google Play Store on Amazon Fire tablet. Between my first post about this question and this post, I was able to get it installed using the Youtube videos mentioned above. Thanks again.

Won't have to worry about getting calls as I did on the iPhone, but I had to put up a sign on the wall above the layout that says: NOTICE: Don't Say "Alexa"!  Hey maybe someday we will be able to say, "Alexa, send the Geep to pickup the milkcar on the back siding. Remember, the Polar Express doesn't stop for you and be sure to open the coupler this time!"

Thanks again.

@Reading RR posted:

Has anyone upgraded the Base3 firmware to Base3 Firmware 1.26 yet?   It says under additional notes

  • Base3 Version 1.26 is REQUIRED for using the Base3 System Utility (B3SU).

So I guess that means you have to use the Cab3 to do this first update?

I wondered how long it would take. First update has to be done with the App. Make sure you follow the instructions to do the update. The base must be in AP mode. Waiting to do mine when the app is ready.

I’m not sure if the either App is ready yet to do the update.

Last edited by MartyE
@Reading RR posted:

Has anyone upgraded the Base3 firmware to Base3 Firmware 1.26 yet?   It says under additional notes

  • Base3 Version 1.26 is REQUIRED for using the Base3 System Utility (B3SU).

So I guess that means you have to use the Cab3 to do this first update?

My testing shows that you can use the upcoming B3SU release to do the update to V1.26.  Just please don't use B3SU for *any* other tasks until the base3 is running on v1.26.  Once the Base3 is running on V1.26; then B3SU will be fully supported and all B3SU features will be functional.

Or if you are more comfortable to use the Cab3 app for the upgrade on the Base3, please go that route.

Anyone interested in reading here are the release notes…I’d advise reading the update instructions from the Power and Control website carefully.

From the power and control website.

Base3 Firmware version table

Release Notes:

  • Correct spelling error in BLE internal database
  • Fixed direction toggle speed reset in BLE loco
  • Allow BLE config updates needed for B3SU
  • Allow RF config updates needed for B3SU
  • Fix BCM to support base record writes needed for B3SU
  • Add BTMAC address to ID2 database and ID4 database records for ESB protocol
  • Change ID4 database management to use BTMAC to prevent duplicate entries
  • Add additional decodes to echo over Wi-Fi to sync Cab2 and Cab3
  • Correct sensor track update from clearing speed graph on user recording
  • Add ESB readback for Road/Num/TSDB on ID2 “SET” to update Cabs
  • Fix throttle updates on Cab2 that tended to cause speed graph to hop around

Additional notes:

  • Base3 Version 1.26 is REQUIRED for using the Base3 System Utility (B3SU)
  • No changes to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth firmware. Below versions are still current.
Last edited by MartyE
@MartyE posted:

Anyone interested in reading here are the release notes…I’d advise reading the update instructions from the Power and Control website carefully.

From the power and control website.

Base3 Firmware version table

Release Notes:

  • Correct spelling error in BLE internal database
  • Fixed direction toggle speed reset in BLE loco
  • Allow BLE config updates needed for B3SU
  • Allow RF config updates needed for B3SU
  • Fix BCM to support base record writes needed for B3SU
  • Add BTMAC address to ID2 database and ID4 database records for ESB protocol
  • Change ID4 database management to use BTMAC to prevent duplicate entries
  • Add additional decodes to echo over Wi-Fi to sync Cab2 and Cab3
  • Correct sensor track update from clearing speed graph on user recording
  • Add ESB readback for Road/Num/TSDB on ID2 “SET” to update Cabs
  • Fix throttle updates on Cab2 that tended to cause speed graph to hop around

Additional notes:

  • Base3 Version 1.26 is REQUIRED for using the Base3 System Utility (B3SU)
  • No changes to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth firmware. Below versions are still current.

I wish I understood everything that was said above!!  Way above my Paygrade !

Only my experience... using Cab2 & Cab1-L ...the Base3 has been pretty darned solid.  I haven't experienced any downside to it at all.   With the firmware update and hopefully the B3SU soon, will sort of polish it for me.  Cab3 on the other hand is decidedly wonky.  Aside from the myriad of issues that have been brought up, part of that wonkiness is definitely being unfamiliar with the application.  The precision and 'feel' with which you have to tap, slide or hold down the area(s) to perform a function one wants, is a bit frustrating.   It's hard to beat the tactile feel of the hand-held remotes.  I've ordered a couple of Blunami 4408s... so, I better get my app prowess up to snuff.

Last edited by Dennis-LaRock
@Fredstrains posted:

I hope when this is all said and done , someone comes up with a precise way  ( Step by Step) to upgrade the APP &  BASE3.  In a Language Us “Non Guru” Forum Members can understand!!  Which probably encompasses the Majority!

The app is updated through its respective store. The Base 3 can be updated through the app or B3SU. There’s no magic. Read the Lionel Power and Control website and follow the instructions. Right now there is a wait until the Apple version is ready.  The website is very clear how to do it.

Bit the bullet and spent a few hours on the BASE3 yesterday.    Able to load my engines using the black chip to transfer, one by on using access point only.    Working with the cab2 now.  Back to where I was with a Legacy unit.   That is it.  CAB3 app apple or android, and home wifi, not reliable yet IMHO.

Just tried the Base3 update via the app... no go.  Cannot get back to 'Network/Update' screen on the app.  I can get to the Network Settings/Update screens in AP or Network mode as long as I as long as I am not actually trying to update... go figure.  Hurry up with the B3SU!  Has anyone figured out how to bypass Bluetooth on Boot and go directly to the Base3 on Boot?

@VHubbard posted:

Able to load my engines using the black chip to transfer, one by on using access point only.    Working with the cab2 now.  Back to where I was with a Legacy unit.   That is it.  CAB3 app apple or android, and home wifi, not reliable yet IMHO.

As a test, I used the LSU v2.0 to input data to the Base3 for a few locos... those trains are all running just fine via Base3/Base2/Cab2/Cab1-L.

  Has anyone figured out how to bypass Bluetooth on Boot and go directly to the Base3 on Boot?

Until the App is changed that won't happen buy Dave thought it was a great idea via the TrainWorld Live Event.

@Bruce Brown posted:

Marty,

You would do a fabulous and an appreciated service for this group if you could set up  a table at York to update all our Base3’s  !!!!  😀

Lets see what happens.  If you really think its needed I will but I suspect once the App, both Apps can do it you'll find it unnecessary.

Just did my Base3 firmware. I should have recorded it. Android tablet gave no grief for this process and I followed the in-app directions. Once the firmware was done the tablet refused to connect to the Base3. It connected back again but worked only ONCE in AP mode. Rebooted Base3 to reconnect to my home network, no joy. Put it back in AP mode, tablet sees the Base3 wifi and connected to it but the app still refuses to connect to the B3. Switched it back and confirmed Base3 is indeed connecting to home wi-fi. For S&Gs I grab an iPhone which historically gave me a hard time detecting the B3 and it connected right away. Go figure.

If you're a little savvy you shouldn't have a problem. Not sure why the Android tablet decided to stop detecting the Base3 but I accept this for now, hopefully connection gremlins are fixed in the app update. Good luck everyone!

Gave it one more try... Uninstalled Cab3 and did a cold boot (i.e., turned OFF the Fire 7 (android) and then re-started).  Downloaded Cab3 app installed, downloaded Base3 v1.26 to the Cab3 again.  Went through the Base3 v1.26 update... no issues.  NOW, able to connect first time every time to either AP or Network (static IP), Base3 & WiFi configuration screens pop right up. Ran the trains for an hour... 0 issues.

Rock On

Gave it one more try...

I was also able to update the Base3 firmware via the CAB3 app on an android as Dennis-LaRock outlined.    I setup the Base3 Wifi settings for my home network.  Then switched to network.   Checked on the router and the Base3 was connected.   Then tried to connect with the CAB3 app.  The auto search did not work.   I manually set the IP address and it  then connected to the Base3.   The big yellow L lights up on the Base3 when you are connected.

When working in AP mode for the Base3 network, be careful.  Each time the Base3 reboots, my phone/computer would automatically reconnect to my home network.  I had to reset the network connection on the phone to use the Base3 network and then restart the CAB3 App.

Changing the Base name of the Base3 changes the name on the CAB2 display, not the network.

Getting the "swipe" for page change to work on the CAB3 app is a problem for me.  I now press firmly and swipe sort of slowly 1/3 of the way down the screen.   It seems to be more reliable, but still 1 out of 3.

Additional note, my SSID has letters, numbers and a period in it and the Base3 works.   

Now waiting for the rest of the updates.

Last edited by VHubbard
@VHubbard posted:

When working in AP mode for the Base3 network, be careful.  Each time the Base3 reboots, my phone/computer would automatically reconnect to my home network.  I had to reset the network connection to use the Base3 network and then restart the CAB3 App.

When Switching to AP mode... Change the WiFi connection on your tablet/phone (the Cab3 device) to the Lionel WiFi network.  Switching back to Network mode does not require changing anything to reconnect to the home network.

Getting the "swipe" for page change to work on the CAB3 app is a problem for me.  I now press firmly and swipe sort of slowly 1/3 of the way down the screen.   It seems to be more reliable, but still 1 out of 3.

FOR Base3/Settings/Connections Page - Swipe Down Between the Main Screen and Whistle Bell OR Between the Whistle Bell and Throttle... those are the sweet spots.

Last edited by Dennis-LaRock

The fact that there's such a discussion and disagreement about the swipe operation certainly suggests that maybe it's time to change that operation.  I renew the call for a simple button to change the screens.  I notice that there are some button presses that change screens, but the home screen requires a swipe.

The aux function screens all have a home button.

The Home screen requires the troublesome swipe.

How about a couple of arrow buttons?

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The fact that there's such a discussion and disagreement about the swipe operation certainly suggests that maybe it's time to change that operation.  I renew the call for a simple button to change the screens.  I notice that there are some button presses that change screens, but the home screen requires a swipe.

The aux function screens all have a home button.

The Home screen requires the troublesome swipe.

How about a couple of arrow buttons?

Patience.  But in my experience, the left hand side of the screen is 99% effective.

Photo Sep 03 2024, 10 16 16

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  • Photo Sep 03 2024, 10 16 16
Last edited by MartyE
@MartyE posted:

Patience.  But in my experience, the left hand side of the screen is 99% effective.

Well, patience for many folks here wore thin after a few years of waiting.

As for the swipe, not everyone has the manual dexterity to manipulate the screen interface, just because it's easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for everyone.  If this were easy and intuitive for everyone, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

@VHubbard posted:

When working in AP mode for the Base3 network, be careful.  Each time the Base3 reboots, my phone/computer would automatically reconnect to my home network.  I had to reset the network connection on the phone to use the Base3 network and then restart the CAB3 App.

I had the same problems with my Nikon cameras and their app. It has to do with having your primary network set to reconnect automatically.  Once you turn that off , it stops switching

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