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

Hmmmmmm this comment is certainly going to get peoples attention.

Perhaps we will finally get a Vision Line Thomas the Tank engine

I am patiently waiting for the LCS hardware and for the next round of iPads.  I think this is going to be great for layout control!  much cleaner and simpler than switch panels.  Although I must admit, some people are master craftsman when it comes to control panels (i'm not one of them, but maybe i'll make a cool holder for the iPad, and as my layout grows perhaps I'll make a few holders at key points). 

all kidding aside, that would be cool!

Jon, another idea for the app. If we can have acc like the gantry crane displayed on our layout. And controlled by the lcs. Can you make a turntable track piece in the track library. then we can maybe click on that piece to enlarge it along with the connected stall and approach tracks.then just by touching up or down buttons or swiping the turn table track icon itself it will move it in either direction. You could also touch the approach track of choice and it would make it line up with that track. We could use the err mini commander hooked up to any turn table for the tmcc and a small transformer deticated to the turntable motor for power.This is just a thought. Could this even be possible to control this way with lcs app? Hope this gives you another idea for the next software upgrade.

One suggestion I would like to make if it is not part of the plan already is a "yard mode speed limit." 

I know you can set speed limits for engines on the Legacy remote, but it would be nice to have a seperate "Yard Mode" specific speed limit.  This would only work on the iPad and only when in the "Yard Mode."  This way, you could set it at a fairly low number and while using the iPad slider bar you could keep an eye on the engine while not worrying about going too fast and smashing into your cars.  Prefferably the "yard mode speed limit" would be set on the ipad and be unique to each engine, that way I could have a fairly low number for my legacy diesels and a higher number for something like my track mobile.  I think this would address one of the only problems I see with the iPad, no tactile feedback like you get from the remote.  However, I think iPad addresses the problem of the legacy remote, hard to remember what switch is what number.  just my 2 cents, happy railroading!

An exception is the switches (TMCC capable); these use a simplified command sequence and are system wide compatible...

Jon or someone, can you tell me if you have the LCS app and fastrack command control switches, does the iPad know what direction the switch is pointing? Through or out? In the videos it appears as if the iPad knows how a switch is aligned. Curious if this is true and or if only true with a certain configuration.

"Jon . . . .
You know I love your features."

Careful there, scrappy. This isn't that kind of forum!

 

Thanks Marty - I hope it does work that way and especially for command switches as that is what I use.

My layout is 18 x 30 ft with roughly 250 ft of track and 26 switches. I use TPC 400's to regulate power and SC-2's to control the switches. I've been using an iPad for several years, so I'm familiar with the various hand gestures used to zoom the display on an app. I've just downloaded the app but have done nothing more than review the info and have watched the YouTube presentations from Lionel and LCCA. So, questions: 1. Is the layout display going to be scaleable, or am I going to create my layout display in segments? 2. Will I be able to enter my engine roster from my CAB-2, or will I have to separately enter it into the LCS? 3. I assume this new system will be compatible with the TPC's and SC-2's. Correct? 4. Given age and mobility factors, York isn't really an option. Will there be an LA area presentation?

"1. Is the layout display going to be scaleable"

 

i think not...

 

"The concept we have is to create "Action Centers" that represent areas of the layout being controlled, not necessarily the entire layout.  We have seen folks capture their entire layout on one screen view; and those layouts typically were 12 x 16 at most. "

 

"I want Lionel's resources directed to where they will benefit operators like myself. "

 

That's the problem. I haven't seen Lionel's financials but I'm willing to wager that they're probably a lot like the financials of other specialty enthusiast companies which is to say not great. Their not too distant past is certainly filled with financial difficulties. Operators like yourself are older and I hate to say but you won't be around forever. At some point Lionel needs to start attracting a new generation of customers. Tapping into baby boomer nostalgia isn't a viable long-term business model.  

 

Personally, I prefer the older style controls though for different reasons. I work in the digital entertainment business so when I get home I like to get away from that sort of stuff which is why I got into trains and also also why I enjoy making wooden kayaks/paddleboards. That said, I love the idea of an iPad app as it would allow my 2 and 6 year old kids - as well as the 15 other kids on our block - to run the trains. This of course allows me to justify to my wife further spending on the trains! "Honey, I need that gantry crane for the kids!"

First I would like to comment that the iPad LCS app is a product that can be upgraded, with a new upgrade controlling accessories due by the time the WiFi module is shipping; and we will improve the functionality as time passes.  We have limited resources, and a good start.  Also, all folks can really do right now with the LCS app is build track plans on the screens, when the WiFi hardware is available, the complexion of the use will change.  Track entry is only a very minor, but necessary, step in using the LCS app.

 

Answers:

1) For now, model sections of the layout, just as you would do in physical control panels.   Simply scroll left to right to cover various sections of your layout that you are actively controlling.  By modeling sections of your layout, your level of detail will be greater, and easier to operate.  Especially when you are controlling accessories.

 

2) The engine roster is pulled in from the Legacy base.  Edits in the iPad LCS app will update the Legacy Base upon request.

 

3) Absolutely.

 

4) I would like to work with the clubs in various metropolitan areas  San Diego has a club that seems like a good fit.  I have not had time to reach out to them, but plan to shortly.

 

 

Relative to resources, we weigh the different projects and the costs.  We have not allocated a lot of resource (cash) to the iPad LCS app.   The growth of the product is there, and like any user interface, is tedious to develop.   Much of the work was done off hours by folks on my team.  The LCS app is not for everybody, and that is OK.  It is a bad assumption to believe that the iPad app is taking away from our loco feature development - simply not the case.

 

Locomotive features are driven by marketing and ROI (tooling costs).  Just as the iPad app is not for everyone, not every loco will please every persons expectation.  A balance must be struck, sounds, smoke, lighting, road names, etc are but part of the complexity we face to bring you products.  We hope you enjoy the final deliverable, and we strive to listen.

 

Folks, this thread is wandering off topic.  I would appreciate that we concentrate on the questions, and suggestions, for the LCS app.  Banging the drum about Locomotive Whistle smoke, etc. belongs on another thread.

 

Thank you.

Jon

 

Please reach out the the Angels Gate club located in LA area.  Matt Jackson can help.

 

Angels Gate     his email  mcjackson at earthlink dot net  replace the at and dot.

 

Great club and a bunch of good guys running Legacy and DCS.

true,

 

Jon - Can you answer if the app knows what direction a switch is pointing?  I know Marty said it looks like it does.  how does it know this and will it be true for only certain types of switches?

 

also, I guess my thought on Yard Mode speed limit didn't seem to gain much traction I thought it was a good idea but put on drawing board for me please

 

Hi Jon,

         Any chance of including a international tester? Hint hint

 

Regards

Nick

Simply scroll left to right to cover various sections of your layout that you are actively controlling.  By modeling sections of your layout, your level of detail will be greater, and easier to operate. 

 

I've not played around with the app to find the scroll function.  Pointer, please.  I have played with the app a bit since my last posting and really haven't figured out how to enter other than a fairly small segment.  Unless the segments are somehow joined, I think there might be a problem in controlling more than a single consist at a time.

 

Would the developers consider adding a pinch function to expand and contract the layout diagram?

 

I plan to give Matt Jackson (thanks for that contact) after I've had the opportunity to play with the app a bit more.

jrmertz - the LCS App will update the switch position when is "sees" a TMCC switch command.  If the turnout is moved manually, the LCS App will not know about the state change.

 

Carl - to scroll simply swipe the operating screen (not in edit mode) to the left.  A new blank page is presented to edit and build a new layout section.  After each page is saved, a new blank page appears to add to the scroll view list.

 

The scrolling is built into the iPad, just like adding a second screen for the apps themselves.

 

Fred, The switch does not give feedback to the LCS app; so it is not possible to sync the physical switch to the app.   However if a switch changes state via a command from a cab or another iPad, the LCS app can update accordingly.

 

 

Can it remember that position when powered down for the evening.  Example.  I have 2 switches 1 through the other thrown at the end of day 1.  When I relaunch the next morning will it know this?

 

I guess also if you have a session where the iPad isn't used, how does it "sync up" with the switch positions?

Could the iPad know a default switch position, this position would be defined by the user when they build their track plan.  All of these default switch positions would then create one long route.  When you power up your iPad the user could fire the "Default Switch Position" route, this would then artificially "sync" the iPad switches with the layout.

 

I'm pretty sure they cacn be accomplished now with a route on the CAB2, but might be easier to define in the LCS app (if possible).

 

Yep, I agree that could be a problem, which is why I think this Route should not fire automatically but fire when the user asks it too.  Also, this is not a new problem the LCS introduces, but just a fact of remote switches and routes (something might be on top of switch now and we could fire a route).

 

I think for really large layouts this would not be ideal.  For smaller and medium layouts, I think this would work very well.  This would just become part of my start up routine when powering up the layout, then if someone uses my iPad they should know all the directions of the switches.  I think even if the LCS doesn't make this route an easy add on, I will consider just building this route my own to accomplish the same goal. I would build this route right now, but sadly my layout has just been packed up as I am moving in the next couple of weeks

Regardless, it certainly is fun thinking of all the good, bad, and uglies.

Marty - I completely agree!!!

for my fulltime job I test software and help roll it out.  Often times during rollouts we run into unique scenarios that we need to find a cost effective way to solve.  Are they bullet proof? Nope they definitely are not, but they accopmlish the task effectively as long as you are aware of the nuiances.  This "Default Route" idea falls into this category in my opinion

 

My more hopefully suggestion is to have a yard mode speed limit.  I think that would be super useful, but I can't wait to get the hardware and test out the app!

Are the SC-2's intelligent enough to recall switch position? I suspect they aren't, but if they were, this might solve the switch position problem on initial startup. I suspect, though, that switches will be assumed to be in the open position unless the command base retains actual position instead of just having switch command setting sequences.

jon, once again, thanks for your active participation on this forum!  

The App, unless closed and released from memory (home button 2x, press the "X") will retain the last state of the switches.  A button to reset to a default route is possible.  Just remember, there is no feedback, thus a non-derailing switch operation will toss it out of sync again.  The ASC2 will be able to report the switch position, and it can remember and report status.

 

I am thinking we could make a new Sensing module device that monitors the switch and reports the state, much like the Lamps on the Fastrack switch change color depending on the position, the info is there to query.  Folks that want the real time feedback can have an option for detection in this way.

 

 

The Yard mode has a built in speed limit by default.

 

 

thanks for the feedback Jon!!!

 

Glad to hear about the yardmode speedlimit that will be great.

 

Sort of a bummer the command control switches won't give feedback to the app out of the box.  The best thing about them is not needing an ASC2 in my opinion.  But sounds cool that he app will remember things!  A new sensing module would be great, but i'm guessing that would involve wiring like an SC2?  In that case I think on my small layout I'd opt for a route and less wire mess.  A big layout would be a different story

Switch settings being retained by the app after initial setup should resolve the issue of a need to sense position at the switch level. If possible, I think it would be nice if the Legacy base could capture setting changes made using the CAB-2, and relay them to the app. I'd still like to see a layout expand/contract function using a pinch hand gesture which is found in a number of other apps. As an aside, I was a senior programmer/analyst for around thirty years prior to my retirement. But, that experience was in mid-range computers, so I've no background in coding apps. Still have good analyst skills, though.

ironic same name lcs was used by trains of america way way back! just saying is all.

 

soo

JZ-I think the pinch would lead to the ability of having a complete diagram instead of a segmented one. This would make the LCS/app control process more attractive-especially for use on larger layouts.

Can someone clarify something for me from the new catalog (2013 fall).

I realize to make this app work you need the wifi module. I also see a cable with a db9 end on it and power supply. Is that cable needed to make the LCS app talk to the legacy base?  Or will the LCS app talk to the legacy base with just having the wifi module?

Yes, one LCS Power supply and DB9 cable is required for every LCS installation.

Rudy

Originally Posted by Railsounds:
        Yes, one LCS Power supply and DB9 cable is required for every LCS installation.
Rudy

Thanks for the info Rudy!  That was my assumption.