It's that time again! For the 10th Semi-Annual Legacy Users Group Meeting!
Friday October 19th, 2012 7:30-9 AM
Alexander’s Family Restaurant
840 Carlisle Road York, PA 17404 (717) 846-1041
One block from the Fairgrounds rear entrance. Downstairs banquet room (ask for Paula).
The Lionel Legacy Users 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!
Legacy Questions for the October 2012 LUG meeting.
Jon Z's answers in RED
- I'm interested in pushing for computer control of the Legacy System (especially if they go forward with the IR track feedback). I think it would be great to be able to run your trains from a laptop or tablet without having to use a 3rd party system.
and related,
- I would like to ask about possibility/likelihood of legacy control running on iPad/iPhone/computer.
>> All new product announcements are now presented via the Lionel Blog. I agree some control from the computer/tablet would be great, as evidenced by my iPhone demo a couple of years ago. We are planning to go forward with the IR Sensor track.
- I still find that I get better range from my CAB 1 than my CAB 2, particularly when I have a group of people in the train room. Background, this is a large train room with a maximum distance from a Hawking’s antenna, mounted at ceiling height, of about 25 - 30 feet. Any reason why and any solution?
>> Each new version of the Legacy Operating System has provided incremental improvements in the radio drivers. We have to live with the Legacy System hardware and the crowded 2.4G frequency spectrum; however we regularly evaluate how to improve the range and reliability. When V1.5 Legacy Operating System is available, the radio driver changes will improve the range.
- When will we Mac people get a black module?
>> This has been covered; we tried for a year to get MAC OS to run a version of LSU. This effort also delayed the Windows version of the LSU program release as well, which was disheartening. The basic issue is that the intrinsic serial port driver in MAC OS does not have useable hardware flow control, which is required. It is possible to run windows software on a MAC in an emulation mode to program black modules.
- What more can you tell us about CAB 1L?
>> At the York show, Lionel will demo this product, so I won’t say anymore than I have posted on the OGR forum. Sorry.
- Applying the combination Legacy motor control and sound RS with the Legacy utility, the ramp up and down should be automatically done by turning the red knob.
>> The RS sound system operation works differently than the Legacy Sound system operation. The RPM ramps are controlled by the CAB2 in Legacy mode, and by the RailSounds software in TMCC mode. Mixing and matching the selections are possible with LSU if so desired, with some limitations in operation.
- -I have Legacy engines DD35A and GP9 with the newer sound boards in a lash up. Applying horns or communications, not only the head engine does sound, but all in this lash up involved engines with newer soundboards sound with horn or communication together when activated; I guess that is not intended.
>> We have tried to duplicate this concern in our shop many times without success. If someone can give me the exact sequence they used creating the train; we may find out how this happens. In V1.5 we allow individual control of sounds over each loco in a Train. To a degree, this concern is mitigated, as you can set as many horns active (or inactive) as you wish.
- I'm running out of numbers.... Are there any plans to move to 3 Digits or should I just stop buying new Lionel engines and accessories?
>> We are limited by 7 bits of address in the protocol, 99 is the limit via our remotes and this will NEVER change. (note: 127 are possible with computer control).
- Is there anything new on the horizon that we can talk about or hint at?
>> no comment.
- What more can you tell us about the IR sensor that hasn’t already been discussed.
>> That would take a long time, the entire Lionel Layout Control Ecosystem is complicated, and the IR track is only part of the picture. Maybe best covered at the show?
- Any information we can share on new products in regards to Legacy.
>> no comment.
Product Suggestions or suggestions from the forum.
- How about a small circuit board we can install inside of rolling stock to open a set of electro knuckle couplers so we don't have to use uncoupling tracks?
>> This exists. We have a mini board with 2 coupler control available via Electric RR. The Mini Commander is one option, the other is smaller (about ½ the size of a Mini) - and for folks who contact Electric RR, we can provide the details.
- 4 aces steam engine in legacy.
>> huh? New card game? Since this is a product request it is better to be handled through Talk to Us or Lionel's Facebook Page.
- I propose a new engine type, pusher' or 'helper' for a dummy engine with sound such as an AC6000 super bass engine that is part of a lash up at the end of train as pusher or helper and can show the end of train light applying the front or back light of that engine.
>> ONLY Lionel Marketing makes product decisions. I am sorry I can’t help in this area, but please forward your ideas to the “TalkToUs” emails address.
- This may be a little late but in my opinion what the Legacy system needs that would make it much better is the ability to build new Legacy Commands by chaining together Legacy command sequences and assigning them to an Icon. The sequences would need to record both the commands and the timing of the commands much the same as the record function does now. This would open up a world of possibilities. It might be worth planting a seed for this functionality at the Users Group Meeting.
>> Thanks for the suggestion; I will keep it in mind for future Legacy System updates.
Some other info brought up...
- The CAB1L Quilling whistle accomplished by pressure on the horn button.
- Cab1L will do 99 trains.
- Customer Service videos will continue. Issues with products should be brought to Customer Service attention. It helps all in case of repeat issues. Also Mike feels that they would rather not have to work on a product that was already opened and attempted repair by the consumer.
- Mike also stated that if an attempt was made to repair something and it didn't go as planned please tell them that when asking for repair service. It could possibly help in getting the problem straightened out.
- Newer smoke unit chambers made of non metallic product. Should eliminate 2 blinks of Cab light which indicates resistor to case short.
- As mentioned in the forum, Orange modules are hoped to be phased out. Replaced by LSU, IR track, or manual entry.
- iPad application discussed briefly. Attendees encouraged to see it at the Lionel booth. There is info on this in the main forum and other posts.
- Announced 1.5 software upgrade. Briefly discussed new features including the lighting menus, improved feedback, and multi-engine module. Also discussed 1.5 would be available as download or as a purchase from customer service.
- More to follow as my memory improves! LOL!
A nice crowd!
Mike Reagan entertains and answers questions. Fastest draw in the west!
Mike really does love Elliot.
Some weirdo.
Cab1L
As always teh organizers of the Legacy Users Group would like to thank Lionel's Jon Zahornachy, Mike Reagan, Rudy Trubitt, and the entire Lionel team. Their continued support makes our job much easier.
Thanks to Alexander's and Paula for providing great service and food!
Thanks to all of the BETA testers whose work to make Legacy the best product it can be!
And thanks especially to all the LUG nuts out there who continue to enjoy the Legacy System and are willing to share their experiences, knowledge, and time with everyone!
Your organizers are Will Allen, Chris Bojanower, and Marty Eibeck! See ya next April!
