Dear OGR
To update my CAB2 Base and Remote with the most recent software from Lionel, which I believe is Update 1.7, how would I do it? I downloaded Update 1.7 from the Lionel website. Question is - how do I load the update onto the modules that get inserted into the CAB2 Base and Remote? The modules do not fit in a USB port. (I loaded a pic of the modules. Looks like the modules have 4 prongs - no idea what kind of connector they need.)
Thanks
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@DILLI posted:Dear OGR
To update my CAB2 Base and Remote with the most recent software from Lionel, which I believe is Update 1.7, how would I do it? I downloaded Update 1.7 from the Lionel website. Question is - how do I load the update onto the modules that get inserted into the CAB2 Base and Remote? The modules do not fit in a USB port. (I loaded a pic of the modules. Looks like the modules have 4 prongs - no idea what kind of connector they need.)
Thanks
If I recall correctly the base connects to your PC with a serial cable (from a serial port on your PC to the base).
Then you can update the base's software directly. No need for the memory module for this part.
Next the module is inserted into the base and it is programmed with the update for the Cab-2. Then the module is removed from.the base and inserted into the Cab-2 to complete the Cab-2 update.
Mike
I use a DB9 serial to USB dongle for connection to the Cab-2 included serial cable. Then follow the update instructions above. The base is ver 1.60 and the Cab is ver 1.7, from Lionels’ website.
Those modules actually plug into the Cab 2 base! There’s a rubber boot over the connection, which you pull back. You download the update from Lionel website, then using Lionel Utility software, you extract the file onto the module (which is plugged into the base). Once that’s done (utility application will show progress and advise when it’s completed), you simply pull the module out of the base, insert it into the Cab 2 remote, then press and hold the set key while you hit the power button. Red LED on base will start flashing like crazy, and the firmware will be updated. As Patrick already stated though, the only 1.7 update is for the remote! The most current update for base is still 1.6. Hope this helps!
By far the easiest, no-hassle way to keep the Lionel Base and Controller up-to-date is buying pre-loaded Legacy modules from Charles Ro embedded with the latest Lionel software. The modules are $25 each. With Lionel upgrading the software so infrequently, it is a relatively small investment. With the modules in hand, the upgrades are painless, taking just a few minutes.
LEGACY MODULE 1.7 CONTROLLER UPGRADE
https://charlesro-com.3dcartst.../store_L37125UC.html
LEGACY MODULE 1.6 BASE UPGRADE:
I do have a conversion dongle for a DB9 to USB connection. I also have the DB9 cables that came with the Legacy Command Set 990, so now I understand how to make the connection between the computer and the 990.
I am confused, though, regarding the updates on the Lionel website. There are lots of updates loaded under the Support button. The last four most recent updates are listed in the following order on the Lionel website:
Which update should I be using? Legacy CAB2 Software Version 1.7 or Legacy System Utility Version 2.0?
Your help, please!
Thank you!
Let YouTube be your friend...nice tutorial from @Sean's Train Depot !
Thank you for everyone's help with this! I have learned a lot from everyone's contributions.
This video is awesome. So much easier when you can replay several times and watch what is going on! Thank you!!!!!
The Legacy System Utility is the application that needs to be loaded on your PC. Unfortunately, there no Mac alternative. Once that’s loaded and you run, the tool actually walks you through the steps. The only “hang up” that some folks have is with the comm port selection, but most often, the computer sees the connection to Legacy Base the first time around. BTW, the utility software is not just for updating hardware! While you’re in there, take a look at the different tabs across the top! You can edit locomotive / train names, accessory and switch names, etc. you can also assign the soft keys that each locomotive has, making it easier to control your locos. Most importantly, you can backup your roster to one of the black memory modules (black means it’s writable) to have in case of a “memory tragedy.” It’s all very cool!
Agreed! Pretty cool!
Thanks!
Since I have the LCS system, I connect my WiFi module to my home wireless network. That allows me to access the LCS application on any computer in my house. I can just pop a black module in the Legacy Command Base and sit at my computer to read/write it.
If you need black modules, how about a free source?
Everything worked beautifully. I updated the CAB2, first with Update 1.61 and then again with Update 1.70. Flawless operation, no issues whatsoever. I then did a Base Backup and saved that to my computer. Again, flawless operation. Not one problem. Kudos to Lionel!
**One question - I used the black module to do the updates. What are the blue modules for?
@gunrunnerjohn
Yeah, I like the WIFI option. But - since they don't do a lot of updates for the CAB2 and Base, I probably will just use the RS-232 dongle and USB port. It honestly worked absolutely flawlessly and took 2 seconds to do. I was impressed with Lionel.
My 990 came with three modules - 2 blue and 1 black. I used the black module for the updates. What are the blue modules for?
The blue modules have the "current" version at the time the set was manufactured. However, they're usually out of date by the time you get the set. If you follow my link, you can turn those blue modules into writable black modules. 
Interesting, indeed. Lol. Leave it to you to figure this out! Why am I not surprised? We need more people like you, my friend.
My blue modules would only be Version 1.6 because I bought my 990 back in December/January and that 990 was sold with Version 1.6. I just updated the CAB2 to 1.61 and then 1.7. (I like to go through each update separately and in order. Probably not needed, but I still do it.) There are no new updates for the Base - Version 1.6 is the most current.
I checked out your link about modifying the blue module. Looks like you "picked the pin off the pad for the two chips" on one of the blue modules. Is this complicated? How do I recognize the pin you picked off the pad for the two chips? I might be interested in trying this for the blue modules. Might as well make them writable if I can.
@DILLI posted:I checked out your link about modifying the blue module. Looks like you "picked the pin off the pad for the two chips" on one of the blue modules. Is this complicated? How do I recognize the pin you picked off the pad for the two chips? I might be interested in trying this for the blue modules. Might as well make them writable if I can.
From the other thread...
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Alternate method suggested later in the thread for perhaps greater reliability.
It was suggested that since there is actually pads on the board to ground the WP lead that would be more reliable. I haven't had a problem with the cut the lead method, but this is 100% bulletproof, so I have "updated" my method. The trick is to remove the small surface mount resistor that is in the right hand position (see picture below) and move it to the left hand set of pads that are now unused.
I actually removed the SMT resistor and just used a wire jumper for the left hand pads. Here's a couple using the "move the resistor" method. I used wire to jump the alternate location as it's much easier to position it and cut it than position the little resistor.
If I am understanding this correctly from your explanation and from looking at the photo, wouldn't I simply be heating the solder on the two ends of the zero ohm resistor in order to move it from one set of pads to another set of pads?
Correct, it's really as simple as that.
I am going to try it when I have a moment.
How did you get the modules apart w/o breaking them?
@DILLI posted:How did you get the modules apart w/o breaking them?
I had to work at that a little, that's the most difficult part. You have to work around the module cracking the cement that holds the two halves together. I used a small screwdriver and a tack hammer. I just went around "tapping" on it until I cracked enough of the glue to separate them. You may have a bit of one side overlap crack, but after the mod I just glue them together and all is well. I haven't lost one yet, and I've probably done at least 25-30 of them.
Old post. I know. I just received from Lionel the SW module for the handheld to update to 1.72. No instructions. So before I screw the pooch. What is the correct procedure for updating?
@Don Beck posted:Old post. I know. I just received from Lionel the SW module for the handheld to update to 1.72. No instructions. So before I screw the pooch. What is the correct procedure for updating?
Here you go Don. Short and sweet, courtesy of that MartyE character again. https://youtu.be/tP_j-rjLcZE
Easy
The LED will flash rapidly. Release the buttons. In a few seconds the cab2 will restart with the new update.
LOVE IT Thanks guys!
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