Sure, there's nothing sacred about the info in the orange module.

One wonders why you didn't use the LSU application to backup your base periodically, that would save you a ton of time.

You can also make a multi-engine black module with all the engine data loaded.  That way you can just scroll through them and load the data that pertains to the specific engine.

What he said!

Thanks, guys. I’ll make the effort to back it up once I get it rebuilt.   Thanks again. 

Rule 1- back up your data

Rule 2- see Rule 1

In fairness, your rules assume the value of the backed up data exceeds the cost of recreating it. Our family computers are Macs.  My work laptop does not have an antiquated 9-pin serial connector. So, even if I wanted to store train software and data on my work computer (which I don’t), I’d need a $30 cable that literally only has use for this one task. I suppose, I could buy a Windows-based family computer just to back up the data for my 20 Legacy engines, but that doesn’t seem overly sensible. So, the data has remained without back up with full knowledge that a crash would require some manual recovery (which has now happened). 

Might the FasTrack LCS Sensor track be useful?

Rider Sandman posted:

So, even if I wanted to store train software and data on my work computer (which I don’t), I’d need a $30 cable that literally only has use for this one task. I suppose, I could buy a Windows-based family computer just to back up the data for my 20 Legacy engines, but that doesn’t seem overly sensible. So, the data has remained without back up with full knowledge that a crash would require some manual recovery (which has now happened). 

You got the $30 cable with the Legacy system, did you lose it?  You can run a Windows emulator on your MAC as well.

The $30 cable is a USB adaptor for the supplied Y-cable. The supplied cable requires a PC with a 9-pin serial connector.  My laptops haven’t had such a connector in a few generations. My Macs don’t have it either. 

OK, I only pay around $12 for that converter, but that's another story.

Unfortunately the PC/ Apple technology has outpaced our hobbies. I've run into the same problems with new laptops. All of the old connectors (serial, USB, etc), are gone. I just had to buy a VGA to HDMI adapter so my daughter could hook a second monitor up to her HP laptop.

A slick piece for extra monitors is the USB to DVI or USB to HDMI adapters.  I've used the Kensington USB to DVI cable for years.  Here's a couple of low priced converters, and the page where all the Kensington adapters are located.  HP also makes a USB to DVI and a USB to VGA adapter.

USB to HDMI Adapter,1080P, $16.47

QGeeM USB C to DVI Cable Adapter, $13.99

Kensington Video Cables & Adapters

gunrunnerjohn posted:

OK, I only pay around $12 for that converter, but that's another story.

Makes sense. I suspected any of them would work, but only looked at the specific converter called out in the Lionel users manual. 

RSJB18 posted:

Unfortunately the PC/ Apple technology has outpaced our hobbies. I've run into the same problems with new laptops. All of the old connectors (serial, USB, etc), are gone. I just had to buy a VGA to HDMI adapter so my daughter could hook a second monitor up to her HP laptop.

It sure has. Not to get too far of the subject, but I think that is exactly why you’ll see the continued migration towards common technologies like Bluetooth and app-based tablets and smartphones. The Legacy system is chock full of custom and aging (or both) technologies that get more and more expensive to find on the commodity market at reasonable prices. 

Could you use Lionel’s wi-fi instead of a cable? A larger outlay, but you could also use it for all kinds of fun! I just saw a new Lionel wi-fi module on the bay for $105.