Lionel LCS WiFi on DC Wall Packs

@herewegOagain posted:

Stupid question time:

For my simple Christmas tree layout (DC wall packs and a LC+/Bluetooth loco) can I run LCS WiFi and a switch controller (ASC2) to control my Fastrack Command turnouts via the iOS app?

Not trying to do anything other than control the switches; the LC remote/app would still control the loco.

Or does the WiFi (no base) require an AC setup still? I can’t really see anywhere that clearly defines that requirement.

Thanks!1

WiFi Control your Layout from Tablets and Smart Phones. With LCS Wi-Fi, you can operate your model railroad using devices such as the Apple iPad®, computers, smart phones or other Wi-Fi devices. LCS Wi-Fi can create its own independent WiFi network or join an existing one. Up to 15 Wi-Fi devices can be connected at once. Each connected device requires software written specifically for the LCS system. Lionel’s LCS App is available as a free download for the iPad. In addition, Lionel has made the LEGACY & LCS protocol codes available to third party developers. A Base/No Base switch lets you configure an LCS system without a Lionel command base. Choose this type of installation if you are exclusively running conventional locomotives, but want iPad control over your switches. Or if you are using another type of locomotive control system, such as DCC, but want to be able to use BPC2, ASC2 or other LCS modules to control your layout. LCS Wi-Fi gets its operating power on the same cables used for data transmission. One 6-81499 LCS Power Supply and DB9 cable is required per LCS installation (even in a “no base” configuration).

Just tested Command Fastrack switches (I don't have an ASC2 currently connected) using the Lionel LCS App with WiFi in No Base mode.  The App connects and can throw switches (on screen).  My WiFi was joined to the office network so that option works in No Base mode.

Even if you have Command switches, you will need the ASC2.  The switches need the TMCC track signal to work, so an ASC2 will deliver the throw signals.

Add a STM2 to provide position feedback from the switches to the App.

With the ASC2, you'll need to provide A/C power to the box to drive the relays.  If the switch uses aux power, you'll need to provide that too.

Thanks a bunch. Appreciate you all; I knew this would be the right spot for this thorough of an answer!

You could also buy a command base and control them with the existing command capability, that way there's no wiring involved, and no issues with powering the switches.  Using the ASC2 you'll have to wire to each switch!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You could also buy a command base and control them with the existing command capability, that way there's no wiring involved, and no issues with powering the switches.  Using the ASC2 you'll have to wire to each switch!

Great catch. Thanks!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

You could also buy a command base and control them with the existing command capability, that way there's no wiring involved, and no issues with powering the switches.  Using the ASC2 you'll have to wire to each switch!

That is if a command base is available......

@bigkid posted:

That is if a command base is available......

After looking around, appears release delayed until TBD ‘23?

I'm using a CAB1 with the Lionel LCS App - all it takes is a null modem between a SER2 and the CAB1 Base.  I finally located my cache of DB9 connectors to solder up a connection wired as a null modem (pins 2 Rx and 3 Tx reversed).  I'm able to operate my switching layout using the Lionel LCS App to throw switches and the CAB1 to control a TMCC loco (the Beep), accessories, and switches.  A STM2 provides switch position feedback.  The switches are Command controlled so no ASC2 is needed.  The SER2 transmits switch throw commands to the CAB1 base which transmits the TMCC RF signal to the layout.

This is a fallback solution if my Base2 fails before the Base3 is available.

Nice!!! I always wondered if there was a good technical reason why the LCS documentation said bare minimum base was CAB1L, I was concerned there was a firmware handshake check. Heck, had I known this, I might not have gotten Legacy at the time. Again, this is great news!!!!

The Lionel iCab app works with the LCS WiFi no-base + CAB1 base for TMCC locos.  You will have to run Legacy locos as TMCC because (IIRC) the SER2 only outputs TMCC1 (FE) commands and blocks TMCC2 (F8 and F9) commands.

I tried High Rail with a TMCC loco from its cached engine roster.  No luck.  High Rail did find all of the LCS devices attached downstream from the WiFi.  The app's data retained sensor track ID's from layout modules not present so a refresh is needed.  I suspect a base has to be present for a refresh to happen.