THE LCS THREAD - Post LCS Questions, Info and Updates HERE

Is the connection icon green when you go into the roster?

PSU1980 posted:

Do you / are you using the router supplied by your cable company? If so, their maybe some conflicts. I know that when I set up security cameras, WIFI and Via Internet browsing, I had to make adjustments to the supplied cable modem / FIOS modem. I needed Tech support to help me open up the right ports which eliminated the conflicts when using the supplied applications.

I have not played with WIFI from either manufacturer so what I mentioned may not be of any assistance. It could be causing a conflict.

 

The problem with the camera's is that you are trying to look into your network from the outside world. So, port forwarding needs to be enabled to connect to those devices via a PORT. So, port forwarding is needed. The

provider also locks certain ports from being used....at all.  (443) secured port is typically open) But, if you stay internal to your network. Typically, there are no LOCKDOWNS on devices nor ports. Unless, you are running windows or other firewall software on your computer.....

davidbross posted:

I just hooked up my Lcs wifi to the y connector to command base and cab1. 

I downloaded the free Lcs software for an iPad. Everything works except that it won't download my engine roster. I can manually put engines in and run but obviously I would rather have them show up on their own. Thoughts?

David... does the LCS app display any error messages? To help debug, you could try reading your Legacy Base engines into the Lionel Legacy System Utility (LSU). The LSU software can connect to the LCS WiFi Module (same as the LCS app). If the LSU can connect and read your Legacy Base engines over WiFi, then that helps rule out some strange network issue. Or perhaps I misunderstood your issue. 

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...roductNumber=6-37125

No error messages. 

How can I check what version of legacy I am running on my base?  

davidbross posted:

No error messages. 

 

How can I check what version of legacy I am running on my base?  

Push the CTC button on the remote. The base and Cab 2 version will be displayed. You need to be at 1.52 or above. 

I figured out what is at least part of the problem.  My base and remote are on rev 1.3.  I am way behind on all of this.  I didn't even know about the utility software until last night.  Now I need to figure out what I need and how to update my remote and base. 

Flyboy62 posted:

Thanks Rudy.  Next Subject.  I am using the ASC2 modules to control 40 Atlas switches by providing a ground to the Atlas 6924 on-derail board.  I have this working with DCS but I am abandoning all DCS and going 100% Lionel.   Is there a limit to how many ASC2 modules can be daisy chained together?  Do I need multiple SER2 units to drive the modules?

dick

 

Flyboy62, you do not need a SER2 to run an ASC2. The ASC2 is connected directly using LCS PDI cables. 10 ASC2 modules chained together is fine.

Keith Levine posted:

 I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train. 

I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen.  Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?

Keith, regarding the yard mode issue, can you please provide a more detailed description of the problem, including if your head-engine is TMCC or Legacy locomotive? If it's TMCC, you may be seeing normal behavior.

An orange line in the throttle indicates a Speed Limit has been set for that engine or train. Does that explain what you're seeing?

Rudy

thanks Rudy.

Is their a limitation to the number of ASC2 units allowed on the chain.  I'm thinking 11 or 12 will be needed

dick

Railsounds posted:

Flyboy62 posted:

Thanks Rudy.  Next Subject.  I am using the ASC2 modules to control 40 Atlas switches by providing a ground to the Atlas 6924 on-derail board.  I have this working with DCS but I am abandoning all DCS and going 100% Lionel.   Is there a limit to how many ASC2 modules can be daisy chained together?  Do I need multiple SER2 units to drive the modules?

dick

 

Flyboy62, you do not need a SER2 to run an ASC2. The ASC2 is connected directly using LCS PDI cables. 10 ASC2 modules chained together is fine.

Flyboy62... here's a very crude diagram that may help (if needed). The diagram does not show power and common hooked up to the ASC2, so don't forget those connections. 

Flyboy62 posted:

thanks Rudy.

Is their a limitation to the number of ASC2 units allowed on the chain.  I'm thinking 11 or 12 will be needed

 

dick

 

 

A dozen ASC2's is fine. The total theoretical number of LCS modules you can chain together depends on which modules you are connecting. At the end of the manual for each LCS device, the current draw of the module is listed. 12 ASC2's is nowhere near the limit.

Railsounds posted:

Keith Levine posted:

 I find that the issue with Yard mode is fixed when you're addressing an Engine, but not fixed when you're addressing a Train. 

I also notice that when you address a Legacy Train, a light-orange vertical bar appears toward the right end of the slider screen.  Does this bar have any purpose other than to indicate that you're addressing a Train as opposed to an Engine?

Keith, regarding the yard mode issue, can you please provide a more detailed description of the problem, including if your head-engine is TMCC or Legacy locomotive? If it's TMCC, you may be seeing normal behavior.

An orange line in the throttle indicates a Speed Limit has been set for that engine or train. Does that explain what you're seeing?

Rudy

The Yard mode issue involves the direction of the locomotive varying based on the last direction of the loco before entering Yard mode.  It seems to me that, last week, when I posted about this, I found this to have been fixed when a Legacy Engine is being addressed, but not fixed when a Legacy Train is being addressed.  I just tried it again, and all I can say is that the direction function in Yard mode is working for both Legacy Engines and Legacy Trains!  If this was recently fixed with respect to Trains, thank you!

Also, thank you for explaining the meaning of the orange vertical line in the slider screen.  Although I didn't realize it, my Train did have a Speed Limit set for it; when I cleared the Speed Limit, the orange line disappeared.

I have been dealing with yet another issue with the iPad App.  My system has a BPC2 controlling 4 power blocks and 2 SC-2s controlling switches and accessories.  When I first set up the iPad App--which was just 2 or 3 weeks ago--I was running version 1.54 of Legacy.  It seems to me that the icons on the iPad App were operating the power blocks through the BPC2 and the switches and accessories through the SC-2s flawlessly.

A short while later, I updated my Legacy system to version 1.60.  Since then, the power blocks through the BPC2 continue to respond to activation of the icons on the iPad screen with absolutely no problem.  However, I often have to activate the icons for switches and for on-off and momentary accessory operation 2, 3, or more times to get the switches to throw or the accessories to turn on or off.  I know how to sync the icons with the switch or accessory status, and I do so.

Every time I activate the icons on the iPad for the switches and the accessories, the red light on the Wi-Fi module flashes, as it is supposed to, indicating that it received the communication from the iPad.  However, the red lights on the SC-2s do not always flash; of course, when they do not, no control of the switch or accessory occurs.  But, using the CAB-2, operation of switches and accessories through the SC-2s is flawless.  This suggests to me that the problem is not the ability of the SC-2s to receive communication from the Base in my set-up.

Any ideas as to what the problem might be?  Could this be a compatibility issue between version 1.60 of Legacy and operation of an SC-2 through the iPad?

Cheers!

Keith

What version of the Lionel LCS iPad app are you currently running? You can see this by going to the Settings/Preferences for the App.

Railsounds posted:

What version of the Lionel LCS iPad app are you currently running? You can see this by going to the Settings/Preferences for the App.

I'm running version 3.4x22.

I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent. 

One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.

However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.

Anyone come across this issue?

My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base. 

Nick

How do you make modules using wifi instead of through USB to Serial?

Ken M

Hi Ken,

Once you have your computer connected to the LCS wifi network. You can put a black module in the legacy base and use the LSU software as you would with a USB to serial cable. 

Details in the LSU thread by Marty. This has the LSU manual link to Lionel's website. This details the procedure.

Nick

Nick12DMC posted:

I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent. 

One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.

However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.

Anyone come across this issue?

My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base. 

Nick

I had a similar problem with my iPad and I believe I solved it.  Since I have a mail connection on my iPad it was continually attempting to contact my mail server which it could not because the WiFi unit was not on my network.  I shut down all programs on my iPad and then I was able to use the LCS with no issues.  I am going to ultimately put my WiFi on my network and at that point I believe the issue will go away since the mail will check real quick and then go silent.

Nick, give it a try

dick

Thank You Nick

Ken M

Flyboy62 posted:

Nick12DMC posted:

I am still having issues with my LCS system. However some of these are intermittent. 

One issue that is repeatable is updating engine data via wifi from iPad or LSU from a PC. I can create upgrade modules via Wifi with no problem.

However if I try to change engine data such as touchscreen lighting icons (e.g. Ditch lights) I get a save failure. Same thing with iPad or LSU on PC. It does not appear to be able to save to the Legacy Base.

Anyone come across this issue?

My theory is that there might be a fault within the Legacy base. 

Nick

I had a similar problem with my iPad and I believe I solved it.  Since I have a mail connection on my iPad it was continually attempting to contact my mail server which it could not because the WiFi unit was not on my network.  I shut down all programs on my iPad and then I was able to use the LCS with no issues.  I am going to ultimately put my WiFi on my network and at that point I believe the issue will go away since the mail will check real quick and then go silent.

Nick, give it a try

 

dick

 

 

Thanks Dick, Gave it a go but no dice.

I tried connecting the base via the USB serial cable. And I got a "Base NVM update failed". Tried changing the communication speed to slow and got the same result.

Might bare out my thoughts that the base has a fault. I wonder if this would effect the sensor track update if this uses the non-volatile memory in the base?

Nick

I have been having fun with Icab for a little while now.  I have experienced a few problems, and wondered if there are easy solutions.

Problem1:  Icab disconnects from the Lionel wifi.  This happens in certain areas of the layout, where I really need to stand for operation purposes.  It creates big problems when you lose control of expensive engines!  (The distance isn't very far from the wifi unit, but my layout is in my office basement and I have lots of filing cabinets.  I assume they are blocking the signal even though my home/office wifi broadcasts a signal right through everything).

Problem 2:  When it disconnects my phone then jumps automatically onto my home wifi network so I then have to go in and manually  connect to the LCS wifi all while the engines run uncontrolled.  (My solution has been to tell my phone to forget my home network, but that is a lousy solution as I always end up having to put the network back into my phone after running trains).

Problem 3: My home router does not have a WPS button.  I thought that I could solve problems 1 and 2 by running everything through my home wifi, which does reach everyplace in my basement, but I don't believe you can use the home wifi without a WPS button.

davidbross posted:

I have been having fun with Icab for a little while now.  I have experienced a few problems, and wondered if there are easy solutions.

Problem1:  Icab disconnects from the Lionel wifi.  This happens in certain areas of the layout, where I really need to stand for operation purposes.  It creates big problems when you lose control of expensive engines!  (The distance isn't very far from the wifi unit, but my layout is in my office basement and I have lots of filing cabinets.  I assume they are blocking the signal even though my home/office wifi broadcasts a signal right through everything).

Problem 2:  When it disconnects my phone then jumps automatically onto my home wifi network so I then have to go in and manually  connect to the LCS wifi all while the engines run uncontrolled.  (My solution has been to tell my phone to forget my home network, but that is a lousy solution as I always end up having to put the network back into my phone after running trains).

Problem 3: My home router does not have a WPS button.  I thought that I could solve problems 1 and 2 by running everything through my home wifi, which does reach everyplace in my basement, but I don't believe you can use the home wifi without a WPS button.

 

 

 

I think the obvious answer is to upgrade your wireless router/access point to a unit that offers WPS.  I have the same issue and that is what I am doing.  I have excellent wireless coverage in my train room since the access point is in the middle of the hung ceiling of the train room. 

dick

Dick - that may end up being the only solution, but it is not a good one for me.  Lionel cautions that there may be delays if you use another wifi.  In addition, I understand that WPS can cause security issues that I would want to avoid given the dual role with my office.  In addition, my copier and other items also utilize the same router.  I will need a technician just to reconnect everything.

Other suggestions?

davidbross posted:

Dick - that may end up being the only solution, but it is not a good one for me.  Lionel cautions that there may be delays if you use another wifi.  In addition, I understand that WPS can cause security issues that I would want to avoid given the dual role with my office.  In addition, my copier and other items also utilize the same router.  I will need a technician just to reconnect everything.

 

Other suggestions?

Then how about relocating the Lionel WiFi adapter to a higher elevation in the room?  As far as having to manipulate the recognized device; I guess you will have to continuing do that when you are finished with the WiFi. 

We have 5 access points through out our home and guest apartment each with their own name.  We are going to update them to either Cisco or Ubiquiti Networks devices which talk to each other as you transition around the home or office.  This will allow us to give the same network name to all of the access points.  We sell these to our computer customers.  Once installed I will try attaching the LCS WiFI adapter to that network and evaluate it's performance.  We have a fast network 100/1000 here and I doubt that our nominal traffic will impact the LCS system.  I will report back once we do it.  I believe we may be doing it this coming week.

dick

Dick - good thought, but I tried that already.  My building was built in 1890.  It has huge beams in the ceiling, and I think that they are affecting the signal when I put it up in the rafters. 

Can I simply get another Lionel wifi and hook it into the existing wifi unit to give me too overlapping broadcast areas?  I would need about 50' of connecting cord.

davidbross posted:

Dick - good thought, but I tried that already.  My building was built in 1890.  It has huge beams in the ceiling, and I think that they are affecting the signal when I put it up in the rafters. 

 

Can I simply get another Lionel wifi and hook it into the existing wifi unit to give me too overlapping broadcast areas?  I would need about 50' of connecting cord.

I don't think the LCS would support two units.  And even if it did as you moved around the room you would have to switch between the two access points.  Not a good idea.  What about putting a stand alone router in the train room and connect the LCS to it but DO NOT connect to your home/office network.  If your room is problematic you could even put two of Ubiquiti units that talk to each other at each end of the room (overkill I think). Since there would be nothing else on the network I would think there would not be performance issues.  The Ubiquiti Enterprise AP unifi units can be bought for $65 on Amazon.

dick

I just noticed that Lionel's website states that with the LCS App and SensorTracks, "you’ll receive real-time location updates when compatible locomotives cross over LCS SensorTracks."  This sounds cool.

I'm running the LCS App, but I don't have any SensorTracks yet.

Can someone who is using the LCS App and has SensorTracks confirm that you receive real-time location updates and explain how these updates display on the LCS App.

Keith

When a sensor equipped locomotive (or sensor car) crosses the sensor track, it reports back to the LCS application on your tablet.  If you've drawn your layout and positioned the sensor tracks correctly in the picture, you see which sensor track was crossed.

And it will also indicate direction of travel...

Very cool...

Thank you.

Keith

Hi Keith. Lou Kovac and Neil Young along with others were working on that project. I believe Neil has a patent on it. Lou gave the demo dogs the low down on the system. It was going to use infrared all over the layout so that if a train was getting close to another the system would slow down the rear train. They were also thinking about automatically putting a train in a siding so another could pass and then restart the engine in the siding. The sensor track most likely came from that work (sense the engine, ID it and send commands).

Train America also had a system that never got to market around the same time.

Looking for some help with a connection issue.

Here is the scenario:

40" length of test track powered by a CW-80

Legacy base and Cab-2 both at version 1.60

Wifi module connected to Legacy base. Set to "base" and "access point"

Home wifi is through an Apple airport but again, I'm using the above in access point mode only.

Apple iPad with current LCS software installed. It's the only application running at the time.

Connection establishes fine. Loco responds to commands fine via the ipad.

However, anytime that I edit the roster data from the iPad and update the base's info, I then loose by connection between the ipad and the wifi module. It seems that quitting and restarting the LCS app on the ipad is  the temporary fix.

Any suggestions as to why this would be happening?

Thanks,

Mike

graz posted:

Looking for some help with a connection issue.

Here is the scenario:

40" length of test track powered by a CW-80

Legacy base and Cab-2 both at version 1.60

Wifi module connected to Legacy base. Set to "base" and "access point"

Home wifi is through an Apple airport but again, I'm using the above in access point mode only.

Apple iPad with current LCS software installed. It's the only application running at the time.

 

Connection establishes fine. Loco responds to commands fine via the ipad.

However, anytime that I edit the roster data from the iPad and update the base's info, I then loose by connection between the ipad and the wifi module. It seems that quitting and restarting the LCS app on the ipad is  the temporary fix.

 

Any suggestions as to why this would be happening?

Thanks,

Mike

When you lose the connection, the green link in the upper right goes red, correct? At this point, I am wondering if your iPad is still connected to the Lionel access point network, or if your iPad has reverted back to your home network. Can you elaborate?

Thanks Rudy.

Once I successfully upload revised data from the ipad, I then might try to edit additional data and upload, however, I'll get the message that " the base is disconnected." The link will now be red.

If I try to just re-establish the connection by clicking on the link button, it will rapidly flash from red to green and back but never go back to full green.

I too was thinking that the ipad is trying to reconnect to the home network. Is there a way to tell it not to without completely deleting it from the wifi choices in the ipad settings?

Mike

I had this issue too.  I solved it by shutting down the mail app.  Apparently it was constantly looking for the mail server, which was not available, and kept using an excessive amount of bandwidth causing the LCS app to fail to maintain its connection.  Once I shut down all of the apps except LCS it worked perfectly and never dropped the LCS app.

dick

This video is very clear and helpful.  Thank you!

One question: The video states that Legacy engines know and can report their speed and fuel level.  I have the first Legacy SP GS-4 (6-11127), and I can't access this dialogue.  Am I doing something wrong (which would not be surprising)--or was this dialogue not yet present in Legacy when this engine was released?

Keith

The Legacy SP GS-4 (6-11127) locomotive does include preset speed dialog (press and hold a speed preset on your CAB2 to activate). However, it does not include speech related to fuel/water levels.

Not all SC-2s are the same--when it comes to using them with Wi-Fi and the iPad or other smart device.  Although it's mentioned earlier in this thread that the SC-2 will work fine with the iPad App, that's only true with SC-2s produced since sometime in 2013.

My SC-2s have always been 100% reliable when controlled from the CAB-2: enter the command and the switch throws or the accessory turns on or off.  However, when I set up the LCS Wi-Fi module and the iPad App, I found that the SC-2s were not 100% reliable when controlled from the iPad.  Sometimes when I touched an icon to throw a switch or, especially, to turn an accessory on or off, and the icon changed, indicating that it had been activated, no command was received by the SC-2s and nothing happened.

Lionel was extremely responsive and helpful in identifying what was going on.  My SC-2s were older, and they can't operate reliably with Wi-Fi and the iPad.  My understanding is that the older SC-2's timing in receiving commands is not totally in sync with the timing of the commands coming from the iPad and the Wi-Fi.

When I tried replacing one of my SC-2s with the "tuned up" SC-2 released in 2013--shazam!--everything controlled by that SC-2 worked 100% reliably from the iPad App!

The newer SC2 can be distinguished from the older one by the green lettering on the "Prog/Run" text by the Prog/Run switch.

I can't say enough how helpful Lionel was in helping me figure this all out.

Keith