FridayOctober 18, 20137:30-8:45AM
Breakfast @ 7:30 discussion begins @ 8am
Alexander’s Family Restaurant
840 Carlisle Road York,PA 17404 (717)846-1041
One block from the Fairgrounds rear entrance. Downstairs banquet room (askforPaula).
The Lionel Legacy User’s Group is not associated with Lionel Trains in any way other than sharing the enjoyment and trading of information related to operating the Lionel Legacy System!
• Welcome and introductions
• Reminder that each individual is responsible to order and pay Paula and her hard working staff for breakfast (plus a generous tip if you were happy with the service!)
Here the questions sent to Lionel posted on the OGR forum…
I copy them direct. Some are repeats.
· Since I won't be in attendance, would someone try to find out if the new LCS IR sensor track electronics will be offered separately so modelers of other track systems can use the LCS automation features as well? Or will we just have to rip apart a section of FasTrack?
[JZ] The LCS sensor electronics will be developed for other track systems. The IRDA receiver on the sensor track must be shielded properly or you can’t recover the data. Once can try taking apart the Fastrack unit, but your results may not be positive. We are shortly to have Fastrack versions in production; and we will start to integrate other track systems as time permits.
· My biggest question is if there are any more Legacy rolling stock projects - like operating freight cars or sound cars for passenger trains in the works?
[JZ] – YES! We are working on a Legacy station sounds car now, and please mention to marketing that other items are desired! Send requests to TalkToUs@Lionel.com
· Will the LSU software be updated to use the new wifi hardware that the LCS uses to connect to the base?
[JZ] – Yes! The time frame is sometime next year for an update.
· There was a thread on changing out the external antenna on the Legacy base to a larger antenna. And there was some discussion on that antenna not being in compliance with FCC rules. My question is, what harm am I doing by adding this extended antenna and am I violating some FCC rule?
[JZ] – Lionel cannot comment to FCC compliance for such changes, as that would require getting an antenna and running the tests. With the new Legacy O/S, it is doubtful a different external antenna than the one provided will improve the operation of the system. If you are having issues, make sure you are running the latest V1.52 software, and try relocating the Legacy System. My Legacy system at home quit working well after our utility company added a “SmartMeter” to my house. I had to relocate the Legacy system to restore operation. Many times in the WiFi spectrum there is competition with signals; so look around for devices to relocate or reorient to mitigate signal issues.
· I'd like to know is if Lionel (or a commissioned 3rd party) will ever publish an authoritative description of TMCC/Legacy implementation.
1. How does it ACTUALLY work? There's much confusion on this issue including the famous (infamous?) Mike Reagan video.
2. What wiring design and type is recommended?
3. A good discussion of the "ground plane" issue.
4. What should be avoided?
5. What troubleshooting techniques/steps should be undertaken to ferret out problems?
[JZ] Good question, however at this time I don’t have a good answer. This question could fill volumes of documentation; and may not be 100% applicable to all environments. Sorry, not much more I can comment about on this topic for now.
· The new TPC being designed with LCS will the ones designed in the ZW-L be compatible with the capabilities or a firmware update for the ZW-L to be similar?
[JZ] Overwhelmingly folks we have discussed the TPC2 with, prefer wireless over wired. As such, we plan to design and release a Legacy Power Master 2 with 400W capability. There is no current plan to release a 2nd generation TPC.
· LCS power supply - Is a single one good enough for unlimited devices or 20? 10?
[JZ] Yes, the supply will cover 99% of all installations. The IR tracks are 20MA loads, and we have One Amp available on the power supply. The WiFI draws about 300MA, and the ASC2, BPC2, AMC2, etc - will draw LT 50MA. If you run out of power, we have a booster supply concept in mind to address those situations.
· When will the manuals for the new LCS components be available on Lionel's website?
[JZ] As each device enters production, we will upload the manual. Over the next 6 months you will start to see uploads of the manuals. If we can move faster, we will upload them earlier.
· My basic question, if it already hasn't been added to the list, is what capabilities are available with the stuff like the sensor track to people that choose not to have an iPad and the LCS application.
[JZ] The IR sensor track has the ability to program the Legacy base with the pertinent information about the locos passing over the sensor track with the IR transmitters. The Sensor track also supports pre-programmed actions for the loco that passes over, and can support custom recording (one each direction) sequences.
· Will the wifi for LCS interfere with the wifi in our homes for connection to the internet?
[JZ] I am sorry, but there is no way to answer this question 100% correctly – however you can change channels on your home WiFi Router, and you can set the LCS WiFi to operate independent of your home WiFi networks.
· I have 20+ units of ASC's, OTC's, AMC's, TPC's, and I think I read some place that they won't operate with the ipad, is this true? If it is true so much for backward compatibility that Lionel always claims. Are there plans to correct this problem if I am correct?
[JZ] We are providing a SER2 to bridge from the new LCS system to older ICC controls designs. Unfortunately not all devices on mentioned will operate from the iPad; but we will preserve the Cab remote operating commands. We may, with time, be able to integrate more items with the iPad controls. The nice thing about the App, is we can update the App Store with a new version easily, and you will be notified of the update.
· with all the new equipment using DB 9 connectors and previous equipment using same I hope provisions are planned so ALL can interconnect and to be used.
[JZ] I do not understand this comment. (I pretty much think the above answered this question)
A couple from me…
· Is there any way to remotely trigger the record and programming functions of the Sensor Track? With some of these being possibly out of arms reach this will no doubt be a point to complain about.
[JZ] Yes, we have protocol in place on the IR Sensor Track to do just that. At some point we can activate this in the iPad interface.
· Any chance that the sensor track will allow TMCC commands to be sent to Diner sound car when built into a train. As of now I can fire accessories but is there any way of triggering the station sound cars to be part of that recording?
[JZ] Yes, we plan to add this capability before we release the sensor track software for production.
Some other notes and comments from the breakfast from memory! Please feel free to correct any mistakes!
· Mike, Reagan discussed the Big Boy.
§ It will be built to order. The number Lionel receives will be the number built.
§ Both Rudy and Mike stated the whistle will be correct.
§ Catalog due to release late January. Orders will be taken then. (Your dealer might take orders early)
§ Discussed the new features including the coal load.
§ Discussed but wasn’t sure if the time frame of the coal depletion could be adjusted to compensate for smaller layouts.
· Mike also discussed the videos series continuing as soon as space is made in NC.
· The new 990s are slated in January now. The holdup is a parts issue. Some of them did NOT meet Lionel’s standards.
· Mike made a point to say that his goal is to ship all 2014 Volume-1 product by December 31 of 2014.
· Rudy discussed the LCS platform.
§ The WiFi and IPad App are not needed to use the sensor track.
§ Discussed the various components of the LCS system including the SER2 which lets the user connect to devices using the serial connector. Also boosts the drive for the serial DATA.
§ 8-preprogrammed and 1-user action available per direction of travel.
§ Definitely looking into other track systems for sensor.
§ Discussed the possibility for freight cars with sensor to both enable non sensor engines to be compatible and as end of train.
§ Discussed using the ACC for future operating cars so as not to use up ENG numbers.
§ Discussed other platforms for the WiFi device including Blue Train by Bob Krivacic. A mention of a basic iPhone App for running trains. A lot of post discussion about 3rd party applications.
Special Thanks!
Thank you all for coming. We hope to gather some feedback on future LUG gatherings at York!
Once again please thank Paula and her hard working staff!
The Legacy User’s Group Organizers would like to thank Lionel, especially Jon Zahornacky, Rudy Trubitt, and the technology team, Mike Reagan and the entire customer service team, the BETA testers, and the others that we’re probably forgetting for participating, engineering, and designing the Legacy system and joining us this morning.
We would also like to thank all the folks at Lionel who have worked tirelessly to bring us the best
trains and control in model railroading!
We also want to thank the users who share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge so that the rest of us can enjoy Legacy to its full extent.
Thanks to Phil Monroe for the pictures!
The Legacy User’s Group organizers and your hosts are Will Allen, Chris Bojanower, and Marty Eibeck.
A small DEMO of the WiFi and Sensor track was available. We had a Lionel Locomotive traveling back and forth across the sensor track for approximately 20 minutes after the show. The accuracy of the recording is pretty good. Considering we had a 6' piece of track an very little margin of error for the engine to fall off the table.
A Small DEMO of the LCS WiFi and Sensor Track.
Rudy, Mike and Phil join us for the Breakfast.
