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

The BPC1 is not directly supported from the iPad LCS app.  You can still use the BPC1 in the LCS environment - using a Cab to control the power.  Only the LCS app won't show the status.

 

The BPC1 and the AMC1 are two designs I wish we could forget.  They use awkward key presses on the Cab's to activate, and the BPC1 is beyond complicated for most folks to connect up.

 

Originally posted by CAPPilot:

 

"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?"

 

Hoping someone has the answer to this question too.

 

Ron

The DZ2500 has no feedback to my knowledge for sensing position - so I don't know as of today.  I am looking into if the non-derailing feature can be sensed for feedback to the iPad.

Jon,

 

Thank you for the very quick reply.  I have over 50 of these switch machines, so I hope it can be worked out.

 

Ron

I installed the BPC1 years ago, and, yes, it was a bear--to say the least--to figure out how to connect it to toggle blocks on and off.  A number of years ago, someone on the Forum asked how to hook it up, and, based on my experience, I was pleased to be able to provide a diagram showing exactly how to do it, saving him a lot of time and frustration.

My concern with replacing my BPC1 with the BPC2 was that the BPC2 might be just as complicated--but different--to connect up, and I preferred not to have to go through the same kind of experience I went through with when installing the BPC1.  I assume that what you're saying is that the BPC2 will NOT be complicated to connect.  If that's the case, I would replace the BPC1 with the BPC2 so I can control and see the status of blocks on my iPad using the LCS app.

 

Can we expect the iPad LCS app and the BPC2 to be out anytime in 2014, or is 2015 more likely?

 

Keith

The BPC2 is a very simple device with 2 groups of 4 relays, with one common to each bank of 4 relays - just like the BPC1.  But that is where the similarity ends.  

 

The relays are triggered by AUX1(ON) or AUX2(OFF), per each TMCC TR or ACC ID; of which there are 8 IDs per BPC2. 

 

You can set the relays to power back up in the state they were in before power down of your layout.  Thus you can restore power to selected blocks automatically at layout power up time.

 

The status of the BPC2 will update the iPad screen when operated from a Cab.

 

It's nice to see the BPC get updated.  I looked at the original manual a long time ago and scratched my head raw trying to figure out exactly how I'd use it.

 

The one thing I liked about the BPC was being able to set up one input with 18 volts (brick to direct lockon to BPC) and the the other input connected to a TPC for conventional running. That way I could run a conventional engine on any track by selecting that input. Since I run all command now it's not needed.

 

Having the iPad show the status of blocks will be cool. Thanks Jon.

For those who are playing with the LCS APP, I have some questions:

 

I have a Kindle Fire right now but am looking to pick up a Wireless Only iPad or iPad Mini just for my layout for Father's Day!

 

Would either the normal or smaller iPad Mini work ok?

 

Other than the size differences, functionally it will work the same?

 

Also, any minimum memory needed? As would go with the 16gb as that would be less expensive, but may make it my reference device also so might go larger for the memory.

 

Please advise asap as I want to order this as yesterday!

 

Thank you in advance...

 

Oops also any iOS issues and could I get away with a iPad versus a iPad2 or higher?

Well I hope I got one that will work OK. (Since didn't get reply yet)

 

I got an iPad 2 with 16gb and currently with iOS 6.

 

I will advise once I receive it and get the Application Loaded.

Dennis

 

You should be fine.

Hi There,

 

Just a quick note to let you know we've posted a new video for the LCS SensorTrack. You can find it at this link.

 

Thanks,

Rudy

Director of Audio

Lionel, LLC

Video looks great

 

Thanks !

Hi Rudy,

I enjoy the video of the LCS track , but you use more less a cab-1 controller. 

It would be more helpfull for me anyways to see you program it with a cab-2 unit.

 

Thanks,Doug

Pretty much the same procedure. I didn't see anything unique to the Legacy controller. 

Nice beginner video, Thanks.

He use the Cab-1L (Legacy) remote.  The same buttons are on the Cab-2 remote.

Dan

I understand that the keypad and that are the same,I still have my Cab-1 from 97!

From the start of the video it states in print Cab-2 and Rudy uses a Cab-1L. 

 

I'm still trying to get use to the Cab-2  and I know alot people out there are too!

 

Do you have 1 of these and tried progaming it on a Cab-2?  Maybe it shows on the sreen that it's confirmed,I did'nt hear in Rudy's video that programing of the track was acceppted?  Maybe the Cab-2 shows that?

 

A wise man told me once,if you don't ask questions you get no answers!!!!

 

 

Doug

From the LUG meeting demo we did, there is no on screen confirmation. Just what happens withe LCS sensor track LEDs. 

 

But questions are a must to make sure everyone learns. 

Thanks for your question, Doug. Sorry for the delayed reply. In the video, I wanted to show both CAB-1L and CAB-2 in operation. In the case of the automatic CAB-2 update feature, I used the CAB-2. For the features that could be controlled either by the CAB-1L or the CAB-2, I demonstrated with the CAB-1L. At the start of each section, there is a "Requirements" screen which also specifies which CAB Remote is required for that particular feature. In most cases, either remote can be used.

Rudy,

   Will the icab app allow you to vary the track voltage if you have a ZW-L?

Lionel LCS iPad app was updated to ver 3.0 on Aug 26,2014.

Adds Pan and Zoom functionality lets you create a larger custom layout view. Pan while editing and operating your layout; zoom in or out from 25% to 125% magnification in the operating view. Both Pan and Zoom use 2-finger control gestures. Support for the forthoming LCS ASC2 hardware module includes control of 250 switches as opposed to the 99 previously possible.  LCS app now can fire exiting?? Routes.

 Revised help system.

 

Switch setting now work select TMCC or ASC2 addresses.  For a crossover i am going to set both switches to the same address to see how that works.

 

Need a bigger variety of track and switches.  

Dan

So im playing with the LCS app and it occurs to me that I need my layout on more than iPad. Will Lionel give us the ability to export the layout for transfer to other iPads? Its going to be a PITA to put the layout on 3 iPads

You can already do this using iTunes.  Transfer the DATA files between iPads.  I've done a couple already.  I'd have to sit down at my home PC to get the exact procedure.

The emergency stop on my LCS iPad app does not work. I am using 990 v1.52, LCS WiFi, a Legacy Powermaster, and a 180W brick. The emergency shutdown button works fine on the 990. Is anyone else having this problem?

I saw that happening at my LHS when they showed me the LCS on their layout.

You have to push and hold for 3 seconds. Mine works fine. 

i will give it a try.  I like the instant off of the 990. I can see why they might implement a three second hold to prevent accidental shutdown , but it might be too long.

A better way to handle that would be to confirm the press with a dialog. Cancel out to remove an accidental tap. Confirm to instantly halt the power. Less than 3 seconds and a recognizable pattern.

I suspect if it was instant, it would be going off quite a bit with a non physical button. This way you have to intentionally hold it. I think it triggers faster than 3 seconds but it is a press and hold. 

So MartyE, what you're sayin is, I can backup the app to iTunes and then load it onto other iPads? I am intrigued by your idea and will investigate this further

I saw that you need the SER2 unit to control a TMCC OTC. But can the ASC2 directly connect to the Operating Track? Trying to use the minimum devices possible.

I think so. It can control 4 switches or 8 accessories. 

Will the ASC2 be able to control the following?

 

Operating Track Section

Culvert Loader

Coal Loader

AMC/ARC Log Loader

Intermodal Crane 

 

thanks,

timmy

Watch this

http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/ASC2/index.html

There is no manual yet but this link will answer most of your questions.

Hi Timmy,

 

The ASC2 can operate any device that is currently controlled via an on/off switch. Think of it as 8 individual remote controlled switches that you could wire up to the power input of any accessory that got a physical switch on your layout.  You'll assign each of these switches a sequential TMCC Accessory ID and then you can operate them from a lionel cab remote or any LCS aware app, such as the LCS App for iPad.

 

The ASC2 is not needed in the case of the AMC/ARC Log Loader. It's already got command control built in. You can run that accessory with just the LCS WiFi and the free LCS App for iPad. There's even a custom control panel for that particular accessory and you can read about it here:

 

http://www.lionel.com/lcs/APP_...C_CMD_Log/index.html

 

An accessory that is already command-controlled does not require the ASC2.

Cool, so the Culvert unit and Coal Loader should work with the ASC2 as they only need an on/off switch.

 

The Operating Track uses 4 wires though, although it seems like it should only need an on/off switch as well. How could you wire this to an ASC2?

 

Guess the intermodal crane never has a chance to become command controlled.

 

I think the log loader does need to be connected to the SER2 dat and com output though for it to work TMCC. 

The manual, whenever it's available, should show you how to connect the Op track. Probably uses more than one output?

 

cjack, thank you for that clarification. You are 100% correct. Because the AMC/ARC uses a wired serial connection to the command base, an LCS SER2 will be required for Timmy's setup.

 

An accessory that gets its signal wirelessly, like a TMCC Command controlled switch, will work directly with the LCS WiFi and iPad-based LCS App and does not require an ASC2.

 

My bad!