Anybody know what the jack is for on top left of the old CAB-1 Remote? I searched the owners manual with a fine tooth comb and came up empty. Possibly a charging jack? Maybe for an external antenna?
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Sid from sids trains youtube shared in this video at about the 1 hour 19 min mark that the port is for the lionel big red button on the Cab2 so assuming the same for the cab1. Really cool piece of Lionel history / trivia.
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Well if that isn't the SILLIEST and LEAST USEFUL accessory I've ever seen!! LOL!
I would NEVER have imagined that! Thanks guys! I won't lose any sleep over this mysterious jack anymore!
@jpepe3691 posted:Well if that isn't the SILLIEST and LEAST USEFUL accessory I've ever seen!! LOL!
I would NEVER have imagined that! Thanks guys! I won't lose any sleep over this mysterious jack anymore!
It came about as an idea from Neal Young so that his son who is inflicted with Cerebral Palsy could blow the whistle etc. and actually feel like he was doing something proactive. The Big Red Switch activated the last action that was entered on the CAB1. Beside blowing the whistle, probably the most used feature, the button could also be used to ring the bell activate crew talk etc. Limiting yes, but considering the original audience for this seems to make sense.
Not such a silly idea now is it jpepe3691?
I concur with Charlie. It is a very useful Jack and a very good option to add onto your cab-1 or cab-2. At shows we set up a 2nd remote attached to the big red button and have kids, you g and old, press the button. Usually have the remote pressed at the whistle so the button plays that last command.
Jpepe, it is a very useful function and not as silly as you might have thought!
Agree it is a great innovation for handicapped people. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the trains with this.
@jpepe3691 posted:Well if that isn't the SILLIEST and LEAST USEFUL accessory I've ever seen!! LOL!
I would NEVER have imagined that! Thanks guys! I won't lose any sleep over this mysterious jack anymore!
sorry you were set up on that...they should have told you since you had no idea....all the best, Joe
Well if that isn't the SILLIEST and LEAST USEFUL accessory I've ever seen!! LOL!
Once you realize it was designed to enable a young boy severely afflicted with Cerebral Palsy to enjoy running Lionel trains with his inventive father who conceived of the device and entire Command Control system for Lionel trains, it won't seem so silly.
@jpepe3691 posted:Well if that isn't the SILLIEST and LEAST USEFUL accessory I've ever seen!! LOL!
I would NEVER have imagined that! Thanks guys! I won't lose any sleep over this mysterious jack anymore!
Not sure when it was last in the catalog. Friend says he thinks "Last Century?" Maybe about 2000? Unless you are a Lionel Foamer you'd never have known about it. Also nice for young children whose little fingers are trying to push the button on a remote someone is holding for them or anyone with fine motor skill difficulties I'd guess. Those with bad arthritis, etc. may have a hard time as well.
I think we can stop beating the poor guy up now. 
Obviously, that reasoning didn't occur to him, it's not like it's the first thing that springs to mind when you see it. Once you understand the genesis of the gadget, the utility becomes more apparent for it's intended use.
@Charlie posted:It came about as an idea from Neal Young so that his autistic son could blow the whistle etc. and actually feel like he was doing something proactive. The Big Red Switch activated the last action that was entered on the CAB1.
Not such a silly idea now is it jpepe3691?
Fwiw. I believe it was actually Cerebral Palsey that Neil's son had.
Autism is primarily a psychological disorder. Whereas cerebral palsey is severely physically, as well as mentally debilitating.
This disease more than explains the idea behind the " big red button".
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I think we can stop beating the poor guy up now.
I don't think anyone was "beating him up John.
Had the O.P. read the link you posted a bit closer.
He would have seen it was designed for kids, THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, and many pushbutton display applications.
@ADCX Rob posted:Once you realize it was designed to enable a young boy severely afflicted with Cerebral Palsy to enjoy running Lionel trains with his inventive father who conceived of the device and entire Command Control system for Lionel trains, it won't seem so silly.
Rob you are correct and I have changed my post to reflect the accurate condition Neals son, Ben, has. Rick also had the correction below.
Charlie
@RickO posted:I don't think anyone was "beating him up John.
Had the O.P. read the link you posted a bit closer.
He would have seen it was designed for kids, THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, and many pushbutton display applications.
OK- I'll concede that I should have played the video, and found out the purpose of the big red push button.
But, as soon as I saw the first couple of responses, and saw a big red button, reminiscent of the Staples "Easy Button", I didn't know WHAT to think. I stopped right there.
Maybe a promotional item for trade shows?
Can you at least give me that taken out of context, without playing the video, it was impossible to determine what possible use it would have?
Now, having played the video, let me point out that not even the 4 other experienced model train guys ever HEARD of that red button. Only Sid.
So, I'll admit I over reacted without delving into the subject a little further, but in no way meant any offense to other members. Hope this ends the Big Red Button topic.
OK- I'll concede that I should have played the video, and found out the purpose of the big red push button.
It's part of Lionel Command Control / TMCC history. It's intertwined with the relationship between Neil Young & Richard Kughn, and the transfer of ownership to Lionel LLC with Young & Kughn having minority stakes in the venture with Martin Davis & Wellspring.
Jpepe3691,
Ok with ending the big red button topic as you see it is a useful product that at a glance have you thinking what it is used for.
Now.. about that corny Staples easy button? Yes indeed it is that and I know it firsthand as I work part time at Staples. Sometimes I want to slam that button with some of the BS you put up with. Lol!
Take care and enjoy the trains!
I have a couple of more entertaining buttons on the shelf above my computer desk... 
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I used one briefly at a train show mounted to the side of the layout thinking it would be cool if kids could blow the whistle. Turns out many youngsters leaned into it blowing the whistle constantly. Easy to unplug, fortunately.
