Heard the LCS system is going to be delayed, possibly at least a another year or more. Any truth to this or is it still expected in the next couple months?
Trying to avoid believing unnecessarily or unfounded rumors.
The new iPad LCS app is now available for downloading. It incorporates much of what I'd hoped for, such as switches and curves with 22.5 degree curvature. Love the two-finger rotation for pieces. The loco roster is upgraded, too.
My only wish now: In editing track, I wish I could move a connected section of tracks as a unit. It's hard to get all the layout right when first placing them. But it's a minor complaint. Lionel is doing great work with this LCS app!
Bob A.
Just downloaded the upgrade. Looks good so far. Looking forward to getting the WiFi module so I can try it out.
Nick
In editing a new track configuration with the new upgrade, two suggestions:
1. Be sure to save your work after every 5 minutes or so. I had the app quit several times, losing some work since the last save;
2. Don't place the track down to the lowest part of the editing display screen, because it will be partly covered up with the control panel at the bottom of the screen when you then go into operational mode.
Bob A.
Originally Posted by Nick12DMC:
Just downloaded the upgrade. Looks good so far. Looking forward to getting the WiFi module so I can try it out.
Nick
We're beta testing the Wifi Module and it works great, both with the iPad LCS App and Bob Krivacic's "Bluetrain" Android App (TMCC Cab1 replacement only). Have not tested the Ser2 module yet as I'm still reviewing the documentation. I don't know the release date, but my gut tells me that it's close as the system's performance is good, the hardware is nicely done, the user documentation looks good, and the LCS app has the look of a finished product. I'm hoping that an Android version of the LCS app will be released soon to take full advantage of Legacy.
The Bluetrain app now uses WiFi which greatly extends the operating range of the cell phone/tablet
Bill, I can't speak to expected delivery dates, but I can concur with Matt that the WiFi module seems pretty rock solid. We're deep in development of a couple of iPhone/iPad apps that exercise it pretty well, and I've been really pleased with it so far.
//Scott
We are looking forward to putting the system through its paces with our club.
Yep, can't wait to get my hands on some of the components and see how they work together. 
I've been waiting for some info on how to hook up Lionel's new LCS WiFi system. As mentioned in OGR run #270 go to www.lionel.com/lcs/FAQ. I found most of my questions answered here along with a layout diagram, showing modules needed and how to hook up this system.
Jack
Time for some updates - shipping schedule updates?
Beware Lionel still has the older ASC units in stock. I accidentally ordered four, the dealer doesn't stock them, they get them from Lionel when you order.
Will the older ASC units with an SEC2 unit work the same as a ASC2 unit?
Also, what is the status of SC-2? One dealer suggests they will be available in May.
I bought an Ipad so I could run the LCS app, while it is interesting there needs to be a lot more switches and track added to it. I have been able to set up "approximations" of different section of my layout. Is the software holding up shipping of the new hardware?
Dan
Originally Posted by Bob Anderson:
In editing a new track configuration with the new upgrade, two suggestions:
1. Be sure to save your work after every 5 minutes or so. I had the app quit several times, losing some work since the last save;
Which iPad and OS are you using?
cjack - I'm using an older iPad, about 2 yrs old (iPad 2?), running the latest iOS 7.1. But when I posted that note I was one iOS operating system version earlier. I believe, from other posts on this thread, that Lionel has fixed the bug causing crashes during track editing; they've posted a new version of LCS since then, but I haven't done thorough checkout of the latest LCS.
Bob A.
Yes. I'm using the iPad1 which crashes routinely in the browser. Just wondering if the crashing was Apple or Lionel. I can't upgrade this one to more than 5.x...guess I'm supposed to buy a newer one
cjack,
We use the iPad1 with iOS 5. This should work fine, and not crash. Did you download he latest LCS app?
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
cjack,
We use the iPad1 with iOS 5. This should work fine, and not crash. Did you download he latest LCS app?
Yes. I haven't used it much yet, I just wondered about the comment about crashing since my Safari crashes. I can usually avoid the Safari issue actually by waiting for the page to finish loading
I was wondering about the LCS modules because I am having the Detroit 3 Railers over for a meet at my house on April 12, 20+ guys and gals. I was hoping to have a working LCS to show them. Otherwise I don't have a problem waiting. Plenty of other things to work on.
Dan
We're working on a couple of LCS-related apps, and so far the only Legacy engine we've been able to test with is a GP-9. With all of the app testing, the poor thing probably has 1,000,000 scale miles on it by now. At any rate, we now need to work with a Legacy steamer to make sure sure we cover the steamer features. Could anyone suggest a low-medium priced (stop laughing, they're all expensive, I know...) Legacy loco that would have the "typical" set of Legacy steam features?
Thanks!
//Scott
Pricing on steamers is down all over the sponsors store. Might want to check them out. Just make sure you get one with the IR sensor.
OK, I've now found and read the new Lionel Track and Power catalog for 2014-2015. It lists the 6-81325 LCS WiFi module that I've been waiting for, and that module apparently requires a 6-81499 LCS DB9 cable w/ power supply. I go to the Lionel shipping schedule, and it shows the cable with April '14 shipping, but doesn't show the WiFi module at all. Does anyone know when the WiFi module might actually be shipped?
Bob,
Can't help you with the ship date, but the cable is definitely required.
//Scott
Inasmuch as I'm a die-hard Reading fan, I wanted a suitable Legacy-equipped Reading steamer, but could not find any readily available. LCS app development will therefore be happening with this as the guinea pig:
http://www.lionel.com/Products...neID=&CatalogId=
I'm blaming it on those Tom McComas videos....
Regarding the track layout feature on the Lionel LCS/ipad. I knew it would not record a legible route but I was Curious. So I activated my running app, placed my iphone on a flatcar, ran it around the layout & I was correct, it was not legible. To bad the GPS cannot measure in inches.
I emailed Lionel to ask when the 6-81325 - LCS Wi-Fi Module and the 6-81499
– LCS DB9 Cable with Power Supply were expected to be available, because I'm looking forward to using them on my layout. I received an answer almost immediately--which I think is fantastic customer service--but it seems that we have a little wait for these items:
"Unfortunately we do not have an estimated date of delivery for either of these
items. Once we have an estimated date you can check it here:
http://www.lionel.com/Products/ShippingSchedule/. You may also feel free to
contact us back also."
Keith
I am a little confused about the lcs system. It would appear that the lcs components are meant to replace the older tmcc components. Is this correct? For example, what does the asc2 give you over the sc2? Both allow the user to control accessories and switches via the remote. What new features am i getting with the acs2?
Most of the parts are just updated such as ASC to ASC2, it also has faster communication link.
The L81294 - LEGACY LCS SENSORTRACK and the L81325 - LCS WIFI MODULE are both new and have the faster com link.
Also, the L81326 LCS SERIAL CONVERTER is new and is use to convert the new com link to the old com link speed for compatibility so nothing will be obsolete.
Hope this helps.
Dan
There is a problem with the tags. The smaller the tag gets. The smaller the antenna matrix is inside the card. This hinders the read distance. One of the small size smart tags (key fobs) from HID has to be almost in contact with a prox/smart reader to function. You might notice how big the detectors are in the stores when walking out. I assume there would also be a problem with detection sensing. Lionel has 2 sensors in the track and the 2 infrared transmitters in the train. So, they can determine direction, There are also read time considerations with the HID prox/smart tags. Actually, a printable bar code might be a better solution.
Originally Posted by skantner:
I think I had thrown in (a while back) the idea of using passive RFID tags like Walmart, etc puts in merchandise to detect shoplifting. They are cheap and bendable to a certain degree, lending themselves to placement into almost any kind of freight or passenger car.
The current SensorTrack, of course, is infrared based, so what I'm suggesting implies different hardware, i.e. "SensorTrack-RF" as opposed to the current "SensorTrack-IR" that Lionel will be delivering Real Soon Now.
//Scott
Originally Posted by Joe Fermani:
I am a little confused about the lcs system. It would appear that the lcs components are meant to replace the older tmcc components. Is this correct? For example, what does the asc2 give you over the sc2? Both allow the user to control accessories and switches via the remote. What new features am i getting with the acs2?
The Newer modules, such as the ASC2, will have extended features including the ability to read back the relay setting on the module. Therefore if a Cab1 or Cab2 throws the relay, the module will send out the status to the devices such as the iPad so an update to the iPad screens can be shown.
Not that we did not support the older modules, such as the ASC, you just have some limits in functionality. If you are considering any accessory remote controls, or expect to use a smart device sometime in the future, you should consider the latest modules: ASC2, BPC2, AMC2, SER2, etc.
You make a good point on the antenna size - I had not considered that. The prox card system we use in our data center (not-RFID though) does work at about 1" from the reader, but I suspect the electronics cost of that kind of tech might be prohibitive in our world here. Hmm.....the mental search continues...
//Scott
Originally Posted by shawn:
There is a problem with the tags. The smaller the tag gets. The smaller the antenna matrix is inside the card. This hinders the read distance. One of the small size smart tags (key fobs) from HID has to be almost in contact with a prox/smart reader to function. You might notice how big the detectors are in the stores when walking out. I assume there would also be a problem with detection sensing. Lionel has 2 sensors in the track and the 2 infrared transmitters in the train. So, they can determine direction, There are also read time considerations with the HID prox/smart tags. Actually, a printable bar code might be a better solution.
Originally Posted by skantner:
I think I had thrown in (a while back) the idea of using passive RFID tags like Walmart, etc puts in merchandise to detect shoplifting. They are cheap and bendable to a certain degree, lending themselves to placement into almost any kind of freight or passenger car.
The current SensorTrack, of course, is infrared based, so what I'm suggesting implies different hardware, i.e. "SensorTrack-RF" as opposed to the current "SensorTrack-IR" that Lionel will be delivering Real Soon Now.
//Scott
Originally Posted by SantaFeFan:
Originally Posted by Joe Fermani:
I am a little confused about the lcs system. It would appear that the lcs components are meant to replace the older tmcc components. Is this correct? For example, what does the asc2 give you over the sc2? Both allow the user to control accessories and switches via the remote. What new features am i getting with the acs2?
The Newer modules, such as the ASC2, will have extended features including the ability to read back the relay setting on the module. Therefore if a Cab1 or Cab2 throws the relay, the module will send out the status to the devices such as the iPad so an update to the iPad screens can be shown.
Not that we did not support the older modules, such as the ASC, you just have some limits in functionality. If you are considering any accessory remote controls, or expect to use a smart device sometime in the future, you should consider the latest modules: ASC2, BPC2, AMC2, SER2, etc.
The ASC2 only does 4 switches...so...I guess I can reduce my 21 switches (4 SC-2s) easily to 13 switches (crossovers between loops). So that's 4 ASC2s. Ok...sort of.
Now...no SC-3 is coming out, eh? So I can be relatively comfortable pre-ordering the ASC2s?
One issue is the non-derailing function of the Fastrack switches, that won't be reflected in the layout map on the LCS from what I'm seeing.
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
One issue is the non-derailing function of the Fastrack switches, that won't be reflected in the layout map on the LCS from what I'm seeing.
I think that is being thought about...
from the LCS meet thread from Jon...
"I looked at the video, and it seems my response to question #8 not understood.
The answer I gave was directed specifically to the question of an insulated rail detection; I just embellished the response that the insulated rail section detector could also provide feedback to the LCS system for switch (turnout) position.
Currently, if you throw a switch from a non-derail even, the iPad LCS app has no way to update the screen to match the actual switch position. We will design a module this year to sense the position of the Fastrack Switch, along and the Atlas Non-Derail module, to report back the direction the switch is thrown.
The new sensor module will also be able to support insulated rail detection. We can have the iPad report occupancy with this information. Obviously without IR, not much else will be reported.
jon
CTO, Lionel LLC"
Jon,
Thanks for the info...
With this new sensor that is being developed for the Fastrack Switches, are all current, manual, remote and CC Fastrack Switches be able to use this new sensor?
I can't see how the manual ones would work, but the remote and command ones have a simple bi-polar position feedback for the indicator that would probably be used.
Jon stated above they are looking at a way to tell the LCS a switch's position after the switch was activated via its non-derailing function. He then said this was for the Fastrack switch and the Atlas non-derail module. What about the DZ-2500 switch machine with the DZ-1008 relay module?
Ron
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
I can't see how the manual ones would work, but the remote and command ones have a simple bi-polar position feedback for the indicator that would probably be used.
Come on John, something new to come up with! LOL
Magic eye? 
I was thinking about just adding a sensor of some sort that could sense the position of the linkage that activates the manual flag indicator or maybe something off of the switch of the rail?
If you added a sensor and emulated the +/- output of the indicator lead, it would probably work.
I have a BPC1 toggling power on and off to four blocks. I plan to get the
WiFi module and use the iPad app. If I add the SER2, will I get the same functionality as with a BPC2; specifically, will the BPC1 with the SER2 send out updates to the iPad screen?
Keith
Originally Posted by Keith Levine:
I have a BPC1 toggling power on and off to four blocks. I plan to get the
WiFi module and use the iPad app. If I add the SER2, will I get the same functionality as with a BPC2; specifically, will the BPC1 with the SER2 send out updates to the iPad screen?
Keith
Does anyone know the answer to this question???
Happy Mother's Day!
Keith
