Question on Legacy Software Updates

Other than the Lionel website and word of mouth, I have no idea. I seem to remember an email if you signed up for the newsletter but I can't be sure. 

The logical place would be  http://www.lionel.com/ you have to go there to get the update anyway.

#1.....He doesn't have a computer!

#2.....If he did have one, why would he go into the Website, if he didn't know one was available, see what I mean?    

Understood Fred, I'm not sure if Lionel even has the preprogrammed modules available for sale yet.

So unfortunately,he would have to access a computer to download the upgrade onto the blank modules currently available for the upgrade just like you did.

If he did had a computer he could go to the website to check for updates, seems a reasonable excuse to go there.

Worst case I imagine one could call Lionel once a year and ask if there have been any updates, and if preprogrammed ones are available they could be ordered over the phone.  His LHS should be able to help him with updates and availability as well.

At least you are able to help him with this.

BUT, how would he know he needed an update if I hadn't told him; see what I mean?

Technically the updates aren't necessarily "needed". 1.3 was probably the biggest leap, 1.4 was minimal change  and 1.51 adds a lighting menu, which is nice but is only useful if your loco has lighting features that can take advantage of this.

As I said earlier, he would have to contact his LHS or Lionel by phone and ask. Having said that, if he feels he has enough capabilities with 1.51 its not necessary to ever update just to gain a few "tweaks" he wouldn't miss or possibly not even use/need.

I myself am perfectly happy with 1.4. I have icons already controlling whatever lights my locos have so I'll wait for 1.6, or 1.7 or when some really "earth shattering" software change is made available.

But, you are missing the Point!!!  How would he know there was even an "UPDATE" available if I hadn't told him ??? 

The Lionel Legacy System registration form appears to imply that a registered user will be notified of product updates and such:

"In order for us to keep you up to date with product news and to send you free software updates, we ask that you register your product today"   The form should be included with the product so that the customer can mail it to Lionel and receive information by mail. Since the product was recently purchased, he would not know about updates.

Suggest the fellow member file the Legacy registration and the warranty registration.

Maybe this is the "CLUE" I was looking for (Lionel Legacy System Registration Form). I don't remember Filling one out, but I will ask him if he has!!!

Probably not, it was an on-line form. LOL!  

It's in the bag.

Its an online form as well which obviously doesn't help. But since my 2 legacy sets are part of the original batch, I was unaware they started adding the registration to them as well. 

Come on give me some REAL help.  I'm serious and he has a legitimate question and deserves an ANSWER!!

I believe filling out the form will not get you the information on the updates. I filled it out and I got the first set by the mail but that was it. No emails for the next updates. I expect it's just like most of the other electronic items; you have to check on the website. A lot of electronic items have firmware updates that nobody knows about. I know this doesn't sound like much of an answer but that's the way it works. How many people with smart TVs, Phones, DVD Players, Etc. even know there may be and update for them.

Ron

Fred

Seriously...  If the guy has no access to the internet and did fill out the registration form in the box it came in maybe Lionel will notify him but I am sure they ask for an email address on that form.  The LHS or friends is his only avenue. It's an electronic day and age.  I would suspect he would have to check in with those that do have computers to see if any updates have come down the line or call Lionel periodically and check.

Maybe you could suggest to Lionel that they add a line to the catalog description of the Legacy system what the current version is.

Without electronic access via the web there really isn't a good avenue other than friends and the LHS.

I know other than getting the initial 1.3 blue modules from Lionel, I've never heard another peep about updates, so I tend to doubt they send any notifications. 

C'mon Fred,

He doesn't need an update if his equipment is working properly and he's running his trains and having fun.

When a problem occurs he could then contact Lionel toll free from an analog rotary telephone or US Mail for a solution.

Everyone has provided enough real information for a really helpful answer. No need to shout with your BOLD type. You'll need to contact Lionel if it is the "why is it this way" answer that you want.

Marty,

I think you are on the right Track (no pun intended). That's the best answer I have heard. I think I will suggest what you mentioned to LIONEL.  There are still a lot of folks out there who don't have Computers. I am President of the Nebraska-Iowa Railroaders and out of 106 Members there are 20 who don't have Computers!

I appreciate everyones input and will pass it along to him.

Sincerely,

Fred

Lionel V1.3 Beta Tester

why don't you post the question for the Lionel users group meeting at York?

https://ogrforum.com/d...nt/14523222182857048

Bigdodgetrain,

Thanks, good idea. It's a done deal!!

Fred

And sometimes we even get some of the news from Lionel themselves on the forum.  Such as:  

March 11, 2013 11:52 AM

 

And sometimes we even get some of the news from Lionel themselves on the forum.  Such as:  

March 11, 2013 11:52 AM

 

---

The V1.51 is working as designed.  Select Diesel or Steam.  Electric is reserved for Lionel Legacy Locos only; as the commands are slightly different "behind the scenes" and as a result would cause side effects if Electric & R100 was allowed.

 

BTW: we will be releasing v1.52 in the next few weeks, few minor updates and preparing the support of the iPad Layout Control System app to be ready shortly.

 

jon

CTO, Lionel LLC

 

 

Ken

I'm on the forum every day and missed that!  have a link?

Here is the link bigdodgetrain    https://ogrforum.com/d...27#14804764808025627

Ken

Thanks Ken!

I just purchased my first Legacy 990 yesterday at my LHS (picked up my very first Legacy diesel at the Lionel Red Carpet Sale last week and I LIKE IT - Amtrak Dash 9 as I have only purchased MTH until this one) and discovered it came with v1.4 installed so I need to do the update.  My sealed box did not have the DVD/CD pictured in the earlier posting.  What is on the DVD and should I be concerned I did not get it? I have already downloaded v1.51 and will be looking for v1.52 before I attempt any upgrade. Also registered the 990 online so we shall see what good that does.

Also a question on modifying a blue module to writable status (per gunrunnerJohn):  Since this is my first Legacy and upgrade is imminent should I modify one of my blue modules or hang on to both of them just in case? 

Thanks

JB GPS,

The videos are now available in small bites at Lionel- #1 Legacy 101

It's always nice to have a fallback when doing any upgrade. I'd at least keep the set of the 1.4 until you you have 1.51 installed and working.

Instead of modifying just get a single black module, it's aLL you need, Not sure when 1.52 will be out, but there is no reason to wait, it's a minor bump where 1.4 to 1.51 added some nice features

@Moonman -  thanks guys.  I did find the online videos (and manuals) so good to know that is what the DVD was all about.   

@cbojanower - I will go looking for a black module and your answer is exactly what I was thinking.  Maybe after York my blue module collection will be growing and I can try modding one.  I'm only 20 miles north of York and once again looking forward to the week.

As a followup - I went to Barry's Train Shop (E-town, PA) and purchased a new black writable module (6-37125) for $16.95.  There are about a dozen left in stock if anyone is looking for one.  I also bought a set of "old" blue modules (v1.0) for $5.00. (They were quite puzzled when I asked if they had any and version did not matter.)  I will use the black module to upgrade and then experiment with modding the blue ones to a writable state for future use.