Marty how do I set up so switches etc work with LCS?
Assign them the same TMCC ID that the SC2 is using.
First make sure they work via you cab1, cab1l, or cab2.
Then using LCS, tap the gear icon while the switch is highlighted on LCS. Make sure it's in TMCC mode and then assign the same ID that is assigned to the switch on the SC2.
Thank you!!!!
Has Lionel announced any software updates for the LCS APP?
No they have not. It's been updated several time already. I believe once this year alone.
Is it true that the LCS for engines on IPHONE has more controls than IPAD?
Yep, the iPad was really for layout automation, and some of the more esoteric Legacy features don't appear on the iPad application.
Is there a different APP for LCS for an IPHONE 6PLUS ?
LCS works only on iPad. iCab will work on iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
I have an interesting issue with the WiFi adapter. I've had it connected to my home network for several months, everything worked fine and it would connect whenever I fired up the WiFi and Legacy base.
Suddenly, it can no longer connect using WPS to my router. I have not changed any parameters at all on the router, it's configured exactly as it was when the WiFi adapter connected previously. Other WPS devices are able to connect to my router, just not the Lionel WiFi. I can connect to the WiFi adapter if I switch it to AP mode, but I don't want to have to change networks all the time, not to mention lose access to the Internet while using the WiFI adapter.
Any clues on what to look for, or did my WiFi adapter just take a dive. Is there any "master reset" of this box?
I just added LCS to my Legacy Base/original CAB1 Base setup. I also have an original IC Controls TPC controlling track power from my KW and connected to the Legacy and CAB1 Bases via the "Y Adapter" and an original IC Controls serial cable. Given the TPC component, I had to get not only the WiFi adapter but the SER2 to ensure everything stayed connected.
See https://ogrforum.com/t...utility-v2-0-and-mac for an in depth "how to" regarding connecting the LCS WiFi to my all Apple infrastructure, including my Apple Airport Extreme/Time Capsule router and connecting the Legacy Utility V2 application via WiFi with the Legacy Utility running under Windows XP on a virtual machine via VMWare Fusion on a MacBook Pro running OS X.
I've gotten the iPhone iCAB app to connect to the LCS WiFi as well as the Legacy Utility V2 to connect to the LCS WiFi. I haven't run the trains yet as I need to get the TPC connected to the LCS SER2 to get the track powered up. The original IC Controls serial cable has a piece of plastic holding the serial connector metal plate to the plastic housing which hits the bottom of the SER2 module and prevents a complete coupling of the DB9 connector. The SER2 module DB9 placement isn't well thought out in this regard. I didn't want to destroy the cable so I'll get a new section of shielded cable today and make a wired connection from the TPC screw terminals to the SER2 screw terminals. At least the SER2 gives you the option of DB9 or screw terminals to make the connection.
So far I really like the overall setup and design of the LCS modules and the daisy chain architecture. However, I'm a little underwhelmed with the build quality. Only 2 opposite corners have screws holding the module together and the other 2 corners want to come apart as they are not otherwise held together. This doesn't make the modules feel "solid" at all. And far more concerning are the PDI connectors. These seem very fragile if you don't push straight in and pull straight out. It seems like you could twist them off from their circuit board insertions VERY easily. It certainly doesn't have the sturdy feel of the connector on the bottom of my smartphone or the USB port on my laptop. As part of a Christmas layout that comes out once a year I'd prefer to be able to easily disconnect the cables every year when I stored it. But I'm not sure what is riskier - the stress on the connector of plugging and unplugging or the potential twisting of cables left connected. That I'm even having to think about it is disappointing.
But overall, I'm REALLY liking the new functionality. And the WiFi connection to the Legacy Utility application might just be what I like the best. Once I can build a year 'round layout though I think an iPad control panel for the track switches is the killer application. I just don't have much ability to utilize that yet for a Christmas layout. But someday.....
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
I have an interesting issue with the WiFi adapter. I've had it connected to my home network for several months, everything worked fine and it would connect whenever I fired up the WiFi and Legacy base.
Suddenly, it can no longer connect using WPS to my router. I have not changed any parameters at all on the router, it's configured exactly as it was when the WiFi adapter connected previously. Other WPS devices are able to connect to my router, just not the Lionel WiFi. I can connect to the WiFi adapter if I switch it to AP mode, but I don't want to have to change networks all the time, not to mention lose access to the Internet while using the WiFI adapter.
Any clues on what to look for, or did my WiFi adapter just take a dive. Is there any "master reset" of this box?
John,
I wonder if you have to perform a new WPS pairing to your router once you switched it to access point mode? It doesn't look like there is a reset for the LCS WiFi module. You might try switching the LCS WiFi module to a different channel (see the instructions). I'd also power your LCS/Legacy infrastructure and entire WiFi network down, wait a minute or two for the caches to clear and then bring the WiFi network back up and do a fresh WPS pairing. If you get it paired again you might consider getting the IP address it currently has and configuring that IP address with a DHCP reservation in your router's settings. I had problems with the Legacy Utility searching and finding my LCS WiFi although not so with the iCAB app. It just seems like in this instance a more static configuration is helpful.
Are you a member of a local club or have access to another router with WPS at a friend's house where you could try to WPS pair your module with a different router that is already paired with an LCS WiFi module to narrow the culprit down?
I've tried pairing it many times. The router's WPS screen shows a success status after a short delay, but the WiFi doesn't show up in the connected devices, and of course it's not really connected. Following the exact same procedure previously with the same router it used to connect and show up as a GAINSPAN device.
I belong to a club, but the WiFi module we have there won't pair with the router either, but it never has. This one used to work...
After I had successfully paired it, I did do a DHCP reservation so I'd always know the IP address, but the reservation is moot if the pairing doesn't work! It would be nice if the WiFi device had a client PIN code so I could try the alternate procedure, but I don't see any evidence of that.
Does the green LED on the LCS WiFi module change after the router reports a successful WPS setup? I think mine went from a fast blink to a slow blink.
I'd take your router up to the Club layout and see if you can get that WiFi module to connect to your router. (Assuming it's not the same make model router as the one at home.) Not ideal since not connecting wouldn't confirm your router is the problem as you have no instance of the Club router connecting to an LCS WiFi module. On the other hand, if your router DID connect to the Club LCS WiFi module you'd know your WiFi LCS module has developed a problem.
I get a red LED briefly when I power the Legacy base/LCS WiFi up (all on the same power strip) but I haven't paid enough attention as to whether it blinks or does any sort of consistent behavior. It would be crude for this day and age (then again it's only come out and sports just 802.11b for crying out loud) but would a power on self test and report back be too much to ask for Lionel?
If all else fails I guess it would depend how long you've had that router. If it's been a few years I think I'd replace it first and get one that supports 5Ghz and 802.11n if not also 802.11ac. At least that way if you still have to replace the LCS WiFi module at least the the new router $s weren't totally wasted. I'd recommend the Airport Extreme if you already have an iPhone or iPad. That way you could be swallowed further by the Apple ecosystem. 
(Resistance is futile.)
Recommending an Apple device is a waste of my time, please some realistic solutions! 
My router is a new 801.11ac router, and I don't need a new router. The ONLY wireless device of any type that doesn't connect is the Lionel WiFi adapter.
I think you've convinced me you'll be sending your LCS WiFi module back to Lionel for warranty repair.
Forrest Jerome posted:"It would be nice if there was a way to select your layout or sections of track so you could move them as one piece."
agree with this!
how big is your layout sketch SeattleSUP?
BIG "Thumbs up" on that one! I have 12 switches, two loops and a yard. I can fit it all in on one screen, but it certainly would have been easier and less time consuming if I could have selected groups of track to move or delete. Not complaining as the App is great...but, it could be 'greater."
Ed
Can I hook up cab1, cab2 and Lcs?
davidbross posted:Can I hook up cab1, cab2 and Lcs?
Yes, Yes, and yes. I have all of the above components incorporated into my control package and all work as advertised. The components you need to get started will vary depending on how you currently power your layout. I use ZW's and TPC's so I had to begin with the Serial 2 module and related cables. I've added a couple of ASC2's to the mix for switch operation (Z-Stuff 2001) and am quite pleased with the ease of connection and programming. I've got the wi-fi module but don't own an I-phone or I-pad so it's a paperweight for now. The instructions are generally well written, even for the electrically challenged. The following link is the "cliff notes" tutorial.
http://www.charlesro.com/pdf/lcssystemsample.pdf
Bruce
After looking at the diagram I am more confused.
I I have an old zw cab2 and cab 1.
I thought all I needed was a wifi module and the ap. Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
davidbross posted:After looking at the diagram I am more confused.
I I have an old zw cab2 and cab 1.
I thought all I needed was a wifi module and the ap. Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
If only running command you do not need the ser2 module. You will need the power cable for the wi-fi module. I don't believe you need the sensor track, although I could be wrong.
Bruce
You will need the power supply cable. You do not need a sensor track unless you want the engine to display on the LCS app or load the Legacy info automatically. Other wise just a wifi module and power supply cable.
What are my software options other than Icab for my iPhone?
You can use the LCS software on the iPad. There is also Bluetrain for the Android that will interface with the WiFi module.
The High Rail App is currently controlling the Sensor Track and some other LCS components.
While the colorful info-graphic does provide a big-picture overview of an elaborate sample LCS system, I think the question about connecting CAB1, CAB2 and WiFi is more clearly answered by page 9 of the WiFi Owner's Manual:
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...648781325250WiFi.pdf
Attachments
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Also:
One power cable (LCS DB-9 cable with power supply) is required for your LCS installation. This item is sold separately. All other items (SensorTrack, SER2, WiFi etc.) are optional--just choose the pieces you need and expand later as you see fit.
Note that command users may want to add the SER2 module if they have existing serial accessories such as the TPC, original ASC or BPC.
Do I also need the power cable and a sensor track?
If only running command you do not need the ser2 module.
Another LCS partner product is the eTrain Command Console for Windows which includes an optional Android add-on app.
You can find a link for info here: http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSPartner/index.html
Railsounds posted:There's a new version of the Lionel LCS App for iPad available for download from the Apple App store. It fixes the issue with Yard mode.
Thanks,
Rudy
I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. 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.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
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?
Cheers!
Keith
I have a question for Rudy. I have a WiFi unit and SER2 wired to my 990 base. I was having issues with train stopping at odd times which I believe I have traced to the SER2 sending bogus data ('jabbering'). I have removed the unit and reinstalled several times so I suspect this is for Lionel Service Dept. Did I miss anything here?
dick
Flyboy62 posted:I have a question for Rudy. I have a WiFi unit and SER2 wired to my 990 base. I was having issues with train stopping at odd times which I believe I have traced to the SER2 sending bogus data ('jabbering'). I have removed the unit and reinstalled several times so I suspect this is for Lionel Service Dept. Did I miss anything here?
dick
Dick, I may have seen this issue. Does the little square orange light flash like mad on your Legacy base when you had the issue with the train stopping?
Do you have a sensor track in your setup? I have the sensor track and wifi and Ser2.
I pulled the LCS power wall wart when I had this problem and normal control resumed. You can tell the transmission is not coming from the Cab2 by switching it off and the orange light still flashes like mad on the base.
Nick
Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
Flyboy62 posted:Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
Dick, Makes sense from what I have seen with my LCS setup. I am in the process of fault finding mine with a lot of help from Jon Z.
Sounds like you may have found the culprit. That would play havoc with the sensor track which is the unit I have had problems with.
Nick
Keith Levine posted:I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. 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.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
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?
Cheers!
Keith
Keith, I'm out of the office, can you please re-cap the yard mode issue?
For TMCC engines, the dialog buttons present in legacy are replaced by the traditional commands present on Lionel CAB remotes. The engineer and tower keys are used with or without a leading AUX1 key press to trigger a variety of different dialogs. Rather than recapping the dialog usage here, I'll refer you to this video:
The restricted speed button is disabled because TMCC engines can't play that dialog scene--it wasn't built into that earlier generation of product.
Flyboy62 posted:Yes the activity light on all of the modules flash like crazy. In computer lingo we call that jabbering when a Ethernet port goes crazy like that. When I removed the SER2 all goes back to normal. And the scenario is repeatable which is why I believe the SER2 need a visit to Lionel.
I've not seen a case where an SER2 was causing trouble, but your observations seem sound. I would contact lionel customer service after the new year and ask them about swapping your SER2 out.
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
Railsounds posted:Keith Levine posted:I have version 3.4x22 of the LCS App for the iPad. 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.
Beyond that, I think it's neat that with a Legacy Engine or Train, the buttons for CrewTalk, TowerCom, AUX1, and the triangle icon ("Restricted Speed" TowerCom) are replaced with buttons for Hold, Green, Slow, and Stop. Two questions, though, about the buttons for a NON-Legacy Engine or Train:
1) What can AUX1 be used for?
2) The triangle icon for "Restricted Speed" TowerCom is not lighted as a functioning button. Is there any reason why it should not be operative?
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?
Cheers!
Keith
Keith, I'm out of the office, can you please re-cap the yard mode issue?
For TMCC engines, the dialog buttons present in legacy are replaced by the traditional commands present on Lionel CAB remotes. The engineer and tower keys are used with or without a leading AUX1 key press to trigger a variety of different dialogs. Rather than recapping the dialog usage here, I'll refer you to this video:
The restricted speed button is disabled because TMCC engines can't play that dialog scene--it wasn't built into that earlier generation of product.
Rudy, thank you for the clarifications. Also, I'll watch the Legacy dialog video.
The Yard mode issue involves the direction of the locomotive varying based on the last direction of the loco before entering Yard mode. In my experience, this has been fixed when an Engine is being addressed, but not when a Train is being addressed.
One other thing: 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
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?
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.
I am using the Lcs provided wifi so that is not it.
