Need some help - creating a black chip, upgrading from 1.52, the iCab app vs the LionChief App

Here's where you can get a black module or more for free.

Free Black Modules for Legacy

The upgrade process is described here.

GunnreunnerJohn,

I hope you are liking the MTH remote I sold you.  Thanks for your help above.  I just went ahead and bought two black modules.  Will begin the upgrade process here shortly.  

I would welcome a reply to my other questions.

Thanks in advance.

John 

jbmccormick posted:

1. Is there a list of enhancements from Legacy 1.52 to current?
2. After creating a black chip what are the steps to upgrade to the current version.  I have a Microsoft based laptop and an Apple, laptop.  I last used the Microsoft based on when I did my last upgrade.  
3. Is there an "easy way" to down load the Legacy update using one of the Lionel apps?
4. I know when I am searching for a Wi-Fi network I see there is a MTH Wi-Fi address as well as the "Lionel LCS-1047" address.  Is the LCS-1047 for both Lionel apps?  If the LCS 1047 is only for the Lionel iCab, what does LionChief use?
5. Since I previously purchased the Lionel iCab app is there a reason I would want to use Lion Chief app as well?  I do not have any of the LCS bluetooth track installed on my layout.  I may or may not have some bluetooth engines, not 100% sure.
6. Any experience, positive or negative using the MTH Wi-Fi and either the iCab or LionChief app?  I know I will need 2 separate devices since they are on two wireless networks.  (I use the proprietary MTH Wi-Fi network for running my MTH trains)

Each Legacy update ZIP has the list of changes from the previous version.  There may be a composite list, but that's what I look at.

Once you have a black CAB and BASE module, it couldn't be easier.  The procedure is in every version of the Legacy System User's Manual.  It's nothing like the raindance upgrading the MTH remote, for instance.  Upgrading the Legacy BASE or CAB2 takes less than a minute, and it's a spectator sport, you just watch until it's done.

The Lionel applications don't download the updates, you have to do that using your chosen O/S.

The LC application is a method of running BT equipped locomotives anywhere with no other equipment, that might be one reason for having it.

For MTH and Lionel, I join the WiFi modules to my home network, that way I don't have to change any network settings on my phone, tablet, or computer.

Ok I need some help.  The LSU seems to only run from com port 3.  On my pc com port 3 is already taken.  Is there a way to change that on the LSU?

My PC is finding the other USB ports where I plugged the serial/usb port into.

Help - please.

John

My other option is a Google Chromebook - would that possibly work?  I know a Mac will not.

John

Scratch the Chromebook option...

the usb - serial cable is from radio shack and when I Googled it, there was a discussion on drivers.  Not sure how you have drivers in a cable but smarter minds than me can prevail.  Went to BBY to get a "new" cable and will try that out later and hope to get success.  Plan b is to borrow a friends laptop.

jbmccormick posted:

Ok I need some help.  The LSU seems to only run from com port 3.  On my pc com port 3 is already taken.  Is there a way to change that on the LSU?

My PC is finding the other USB ports where I plugged the serial/usb port into.

Help - please.

John

Hi John,

Not sure if someone has helped you already with this but in any case, the video goes over how to change the COM port in LSU at about 4:50 in the video GRJ sent you.

Also Eric Siegal made another great video that may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5L4xRpTTpQ

I hope this helps!

For what its worth, I did the upgrade less than 6 months ago and it was a breeze after watching Eric's video and of course the Legacy instructions are great sources of info as well.

Good Luck!

Daniel,

Thanks for the help.  I have the LCS wi-fi, so I am going to try that next when I get done here.  Eric's video talked about that and that seems like that is the easier answer.  Is there a password on the LCS wi-fi network - I can't remember, but I guess i will find out in about 45 minutes.

John

Success - worked great.  Both base and remote are upgraded. - woo hoo.  Eric's video is so so so so so easy - I love YouTube.

Now my remaining questions:

1. I know when I am searching for a Wi-Fi network I see there is a MTH Wi-Fi address as well as the "Lionel LCS-1047" address.  Is the LCS-1047 for both Lionel apps?  If the LCS 1047 is only for the Lionel iCab, what does LionChief use?
2. Since I previously purchased the Lionel iCab app is there a reason I would want to use Lion Chief app as well?  I do not have any of the LCS bluetooth track installed on my layout.  I may or may not have some bluetooth engines, not 100% sure. - Actually I know I have one now - it's a Christmas present, courtesy of Mr. Muffin.  I have several Atlas engines as well, which app should I use??
3. Any experience, positive or negative using the MTH Wi-Fi and either the iCab or LionChief app?  I know I will need 2 separate devices since they are on two wireless networks.  (I use the proprietary MTH Wi-Fi network for running my MTH trains (that is a different story)

I am just really happy with your guys help.  I can now also return the cable to Best Buy.

John

jbmccormick posted:

Success - worked great.  Both base and remote are upgraded. - woo hoo.  Eric's video is so so so so so easy - I love YouTube.

 

Now my remaining questions:

1. I know when I am searching for a Wi-Fi network I see there is a MTH Wi-Fi address as well as the "Lionel LCS-1047" address.  Is the LCS-1047 for both Lionel apps?  If the LCS 1047 is only for the Lionel iCab, what does LionChief use?
2. Since I previously purchased the Lionel iCab app is there a reason I would want to use Lion Chief app as well?  I do not have any of the LCS bluetooth track installed on my layout.  I may or may not have some bluetooth engines, not 100% sure. - Actually I know I have one now - it's a Christmas present, courtesy of Mr. Muffin.  I have several Atlas engines as well, which app should I use??
3. Any experience, positive or negative using the MTH Wi-Fi and either the iCab or LionChief app?  I know I will need 2 separate devices since they are on two wireless networks.  (I use the proprietary MTH Wi-Fi network for running my MTH trains (that is a different story)

 

I am just really happy with your guys help.  I can now also return the cable to Best Buy.

John

To answer some of your questions, lionchief app is for Bluetooth control of lionchief and legacy but through Bluetooth. The icab app is for the legacy WiFi module.

You will only use the icab app, unless you have legacy engines with Bluetooth. I personally use the LC APP when I go to my LHS and want to run trains without inputting them into his legacy remote.

I have only used the MTH APP, the only real plus to the MTH APP VS. icab is that in MTH using the premium app, you can also control legacy engines using the same app. No need to switch apps in order to run another brand train. Icab can only opporate Lionel stuff.

Hope this helps!!

Daniel,

Let's consider my new engine that I know is bluetooth, which app do I want to use?  I am not using the any other bluetooth features, well at least any that I am aware of.

The MTH question is more about how do the three play with each other or not.  Is there some interference?  I have enough iPads / iPhones that having two apps running same time is not a concern.  I have the MTH premium app and love it.

John

Ok think if it this way. You can technical use both BUT since you have the legacy WiFi module I would use the icab app as it is going to take advantage of your icab. Now say you go to a friend's house, instead of adding your engine to his legacy remote, if he has one, you can simply open the LC APP and connect to the locomotive via Bluetooth.

I see it as a convince for when you are not home.

They will play perfectly together, don't worry about that at all. Both systems will never interfere with each other. Use the app appropriate for the engine (s) you are running and you are good to go.

Thanks!

Daniel - thank you.

I'm excited to try this out tonight.

John

That was fun.  iCab is great.

Where can I get details on that.  I don't want to even remotely try to create my layout.  I just want to emulate my handheld.  I noticed a big difference between iPad and iPhone versions.

John

jbmccormick posted:

That was fun.  iCab is great.

Where can I get details on that.  I don't want to even remotely try to create my layout.  I just want to emulate my handheld.  I noticed a big difference between iPad and iPhone versions.

 

John

If you mean details on the mth wifi legacy integration, I would have to admit you to Barry the guru/book on how to set things up. It requires a bit of basic system architecture knowledge as well as some extra parts to make it work. Others including myself have discussed the items needed for that integration so let me know and I can help you with the details.

Daniel,

First  - thank you.  I am talking about difference between the iPad and iPhone version of the same app.

John