Positioning Legacy Base

If you want to put it low, consider a hi-gain omni-directional 2.4ghz antenna.  You can find them with a few feet of wire so you can put the antenna up higher.

I am with (gunrunner john), possibly in the center of your layout, with a wifi gain antenna. Run this antenna at least to the top of the layout. With the Cab 2 upgrade 1.52, you should be just fine. You may email me for pictures. Happy Railroading.

Where would I find such an antenna?

Thanks

Here's a 9dB Hi-Gain Antenna.

Here's a 7dB Hi-Gain Antenna with cable.

It really depends on the size of the layout and the position of the base.

It's easy to find out if it'll be a problem.  Put the base where you intend to position it, then walk around with the CAB2 to all corners and send commands to the base.  If you get extended red lights on the cab, it's not communicating properly with the base.  For audio confirmation, just put an engine on the track and honk the horn as you walk around.  You'll quickly know if you're having a remote to base communication issue.

To use one of those replacement antennas do you just unscrew the old and screw on the new? Or do you have to get in the base and fiddle with the wiring? I am still waiting on my new Legacy 990 to become available so I have nothing to examine.  But, I'm sure it will be arriving any day now.

It's a standard reverse-SMA connector, just unscrew the stock antenna and screw one of the replacements on.  Since it's the same connector that's used for 2.4ghz WiFi products, there are tons of choices around for suitable antennas.

Thanks for all your assistance, its really appreciated.

Ran into a problem; connected the Command Base to the transformer (Post U), connected power supply and placed the controller in the base for charging. Blinking red lights came on, blinking at moderate speed and according to the instruction manual this indicated wrong battery type. I am using Everready AA; the manual indicates wrong battery type such as as alkaline batteries and my True Value Hardware store said those haven't been made in years.

Also, what is the best way to clean the battery contact points in the controller and I couldn't locate the Charging on/off switch on the underside of the base. 

Actually, alkaline batteries are the most popular primary battery available, and are certainly made in huge quantities currently.

Obviously, if you're going to want to charge them, you need rechargeable batteries.  The ones supplied by Lionel are 2500 mAH NiMH batteries.  I've used the original Lionel supplied GP batteries as well as the Tenergy Low Self-Discharge 2000 mAH ones with good results with the charger.

The charge switch is on the bottom right near the track connection binding post.

Thanks, that sounds almost too easy! Now if they would just put the assembly line or the freighter from China in turbo mode so I could get one...

The antenna: easy

The turbo shipment: not so easy.

As Trainman suggested, no need to buy an antenna unless you determine it is necessary. My Legacy base sits in a stereo cabinet beneath my layout and I have never encountered any signal issues.  When operating, the remote is never in line of sight with the antenna.  That said, I am never more than 8 feet from the base so a larger layout may be a different story.

Rick

Changing the channels usually helps the handheld to base communication as well. The higher channels tend to work better.