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

Hello jon, I currently run DCS and Legacy together. Will the new software work ok in that environment? I also use all Fastrack Command controlled turnouts and wyes. Will these still work with the new software? I notices there were no track sections for wyes in the app ... Thanks for any information..

Rick

I am confuse about LCS and have a lot of questions, some of them maybe stupids; my layout is 24'x52' and currently run a mix of DSC PS2, PS3 TMCC, Legacy and Vision line also about 30 Z-Stuff switches plus about 20 twin coil switch machines,of course Iam 100% command control guy, one of my questions is: Will all these locomotives, switches and about 30 accesories work with the new software? and how in the world connect or interface them with the software or LCS? Any tutorial in the future about how to use LCS?

I watched the demo at the open house and liked the way the sensor plus lcs was able to play back a routine.  I didn't get a chance to ask about this aspect.  Is the routine a recorded set of commands that were set up in the CAB-2 and then called up/played back by the lcs software or was the routine "built" using the lcs software?  I don't see a macro record function on the current app and I can't find any documentation on the CAB2 side to "name" a stored program the way you would a route?

BTW, I suspect a zoom function will just open another can of worms.  it is very, very, very easy to accidentally trigger events on a touch screen that you did't really intend to, especially if that screen has a lot of potential buttons scattered around on it.  It took a little getting used to but I've come to appreciate the swipe to the next screen aspect.  If you could easily incorporate a jump to control panel section on the bottom of the screen (like the photo thumbnails in the photo album app) or a list of "screen" names on the left or right side it could make navigating a larger layout easier.

Chuck, the SensorTrack record/playback functionality is entirely contained within the track itself. The LCS App and WiFi module aren't required to use this feature.

So the "sensor" is way more than a sensor.  It's a programable storage unit?  what are the limitations in terms of stored commands and how flexible is the programming sequence?  Can it handle if then else conditions, e.g east bound loco 7 throws switch to through and accelerates to speed x while west bound 7 decelerates and engine 10 maintains current speed?

Yes, The LCS SensorTrack is both a sensor as well as a preset & user programmable storage unit. Up to 250 time-stamped commands are stored in a recording. And you can create two different recordings--one when your engine or train passes from left-to-right, the other when moving right-to-left.

It won't do the logical conditionals you describe. The recorded commands are sent to specifically to the locomotive which triggers playback by crossing that SensorTrack. However, you can include commands for switches and accessories within each recording. Finally, you can set your custom sequence to play ONLY when that specific engine passes. Then you could automatically shunt a passenger train into a station siding each time it approaches, yet keep all other trains on the main line.

Great questions. You're helping get me ready for York!

-Rudy

Chuck, Rudy is correct that logical operations are not part of the programming; your scenario is plausible.

1) Record loco 7 eastbound, throw a switch, accelerate to speed X.

2) Record loco 7 westbound, decelerate to speed X.

Loco 10 will not be affected by the recordings for loco 7, maintaining current speed.

Thanks Rudy, Jon.  I look forward to getting the WiFi interface (the person doing the demo actually had me connect to the one at the open house, the iPad saw it with no problems) and I'm playing around with software and getting comfortable "sketching" areas that would be nice to have advanced control.

If you can work in a jump scroll or floating "section" index it would definitely make multi screen navigation easier.

Tell us more.....

I expect there are a number of software developers that would be happy to provide such a capability.  However that would require access and use of the Legacy command structure.  Is Lionel considering publishing the Legacy Command specification for third party hardware and software developer use?

Fred

Yes. 

When you say 250 time stamped commands, is that each speed step made?  IE from slow to restricted might be 50 speed steps.  Is that 50 of the 250 or is it considered 1 command.  Also same with using brake or boost. 

Or even holding down a whistle for a set amount of time?  Is that one command or multiple as you quill a whistle.

Ok, So I know that I need the LCS WiFi Module and the LCS Power Supply with DB9 Cable...but what about this SER2?  Since I have a number of ASCs in my layout, it sounds like I will need an SER2.  What is an SER2?  Is that another piece of hardware?  I don't see it specifically referred to in the Lionel catalog.

I may have missed the definition of this so I'm sure someone can set me straight!

Sorry it did not make the catalog...   The SER2 converts the new Hi-Speed PDI bus to the low speed DB-9 @ 9600 baud.  To interface to the ASC's you will need the SER2.

If you are looking for some ideas... how about a real fire in the firebox!

That would be cool.  

Only if I could also buy a real Fire Car to put out the blaze

What improvements can we expect as a result of the new high speed data bus? 

Each individual command must be stored and time stamped in order for the locomotive to behave the same way during playback as when the recording was made. So you're right, a given action, like a gradual slow-down, would require multiple commands to store (out of the 250 total).

Thanks.  I suspected as much but wanted to be sure.

Also, the sensor track is said to be "Directionally Sensitive" meaning a recorded sequence left to right can be different than right to left.

Is it truly dependent on the direction of travel regardless of if the locomotive is in forward or reverse?  Or does the locomotive need to pass over the sensor in the forward direction regardless if the travel is left to right or right to left to operate properly.

Does that make sense?

Yes, I understand what you're getting at. The forward/reverse state of the locomotive does not matter. If the train is heading "east-bound" or "left to right" SensorTrack will trigger the east-bound event, regardless of which way that locomotive's headlight happens to be facing.

  Cool.

It just occured to me that anyone who controls their switches and accessories with TMCC devices on the data cable will need the LCS SER2 module in addition to the WIFI module before they can get the LCS app to work. The WIFI module is available for ordering, however, the SER2 is not even listed. Will the SER2 device be relealesed at the same time as the WIFI module?

Yes, the SER2 will be available in a similar time-frame as the LCS WiFi. 

Hello All,

In anticipation of the upcoming York show, we've revised and expanded the LCS material presented on the Lionel website. Point your browser at http://www.lionel.com/lcs for all the latest details. And thanks for your continued interest!

Rudy

I like the idea that we will be able to finally write software to control not just TMCC but Legacy as well.  That sounds great!

I'm looking forward to the new iPad app operation of the layout..however I do find the layout user interface on the pad a bit clunky. Having to rotate the tracks to allow snap and not being able to move a block around. I always found RRTrack to be a bit time consuming for a onetime purpose but the iPad user interface tops that. Kind of like someone said...extra work to use the pad for stuff we do easier without it. I do however look forward to being able to operate switches without having to remember which number switch is where. This advantage is not lost on me. I'm in...just sayin'. 

Did Lionel get this wrong again? The LCS Sample Diagram explains TrackLink as "This 455khz radio frequency command control switch is carried on the track"   According to Jim Rohde (Lionel Sr. Electronics Engineer) who I've been corresponding with "For the Command Base the source is the earth ground and the return is the U terminal on the Base that is connected to the outside rail.  This means that the earth ground is acting as the transmitting antenna for the Base.  This also explains why putting earth ground wires on the layout helps.  The idea that the earth ground is the signal source is what normally confuses most people.  For most radios the earth ground is the return."  It seems that Lionel information keeps repeating the misinformation that the track carries the TMCC signal.

Thanks for the correction, Chris. I'll think about how I could re-word the description to be more technically precise, yet still convey the distinction to less technical readers between the new wired LCS system and the existing wireless TMCC command infrastructure, aka TrackLink.

Rudy.

I noticed odd wording with the phrase "like an Apple iPad™" used several times. Since the app is IOS only? Shouldn't it say i the wifi connects to an iPad, no like needed. Unless you are hinting at an android app or that LCS will hook to your PC wirelessly

Rudy,

A couple of small questions:

• Is TrackLink a new designation? Just curious, I don't ever remember seeing it before.
• How do you get to the LCS info page without the direct link? I can't find it.

"yet still convey the distinction to less technical readers between the new wired LCS system and the existing wireless TMCC command infrastructure, aka TrackLink." 

I see what you mean. One signal goes through the air and one goes through the wired bus. Could be confusing.

Lastly....do you think we could expect to see any 3rd party announcements at York? 

Chris....maybe that's a question for the Legacy Breakfast.

I think the Legacy Breakfast will be one the places to learn all about LCS from the experts.

"TrackLink" is not a new term, although I'm not sure how often it's been used in customer-facing situations (e.g. user manuals, marketing literature, etc.).

Right now, I think the direct link www.lionel.com/lcs is the best way to get there. And I'll leave any third party York announcements to the third parties :-)

The new info on the Lionel site is a welcome addition, I have a better understanding of what I will be able to do with LCS.

It needs to be a Legacy with a sensor.

Thanks, Marty. Yes, only a locomotive with the I/R transmitter will work with SensorTrack.