Upgrade Legacy Control System

Is your command set an original that has never been sent back to Lionel?

The very earliest Legacy CAB-2's (hand controllers) were incapable of being updated in the field.  As a result those of us who had them had to ship them back to Lionel for upgrade to Version 1.2 before we could do our own upgrades.

Once they are at v1.2 they can be updated in the field to v1.3 by using a black writable memory module.

All later versions (after v1.3) including to 1.6 and 1.61 are upgradable without using the black writable module, simply by connecting the CAB-2 base to a PC, with an appropriate cable, and using a management utility (Legacy System Utility, Version 2.0, 6-37125) on the PC to do the upgrade.

You can find some details, and the CAB-2 software, here: https://www.lionelsupport.com/LegacyBaseReturn/

If you haven't already done so it would help to register your CAB-2 set with Lionel because the black writable memory module with v1.3 will be sent to you free of charge if you do.

Good luck.  It's not too hard.

Mike

Good luck with your upgrade Mike, it does not work that way.

I have the update, willing to share at no cost, maybe just shipping fee.

SantaFeBob posted:

My Legacy system is at 1,2. I would like to upgrade it to the latest release.  My understanding is the series of software upgrades to do this is upgrade in the following order:  1.3, 1.6 then 1.61. Where can I find the software for version 1.3?

Thanks 

Contact Lionel customer service.  They have been fixing Legacy systems under an unspoken warranty.  There is going to be a delay because of the coronavirus.  Once they upgrade yours from v1.2, you will be able do future upgrades yourself.

Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

All later versions (after v1.3) including to 1.6 and 1.61 are upgradable without using the black writable module, simply by connecting the CAB-2 base to a PC, with an appropriate cable, and using a management utility (Legacy System Utility, Version 2.0, 6-37125) on the PC to do the upgrade.

 

Mike

 

 

While you can make the modules with the PC connected to the Legacy system, you always need to have a base and cab module to upgrade a Legacy system. 

There is no way to upgrade the Legacy system directly from a PC. 

Danr posted:

SantaFeBob posted:

My Legacy system is at 1,2. I would like to upgrade it to the latest release.  My understanding is the series of software upgrades to do this is upgrade in the following order:  1.3, 1.6 then 1.61. Where can I find the software for version 1.3?

Contact Lionel customer service.  They have been fixing Legacy systems under an unspoken warranty.  There is going to be a delay because of the coronavirus.  Once they upgrade yours from v1.2, you will be able do future upgrades yourself.

No need for Lionel service, all he needs is a current set of modules to upgrade the software.  The original trip to Lionel was to install version 1.2, he already has that.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Danr posted:

SantaFeBob posted:

My Legacy system is at 1,2. I would like to upgrade it to the latest release.  My understanding is the series of software upgrades to do this is upgrade in the following order:  1.3, 1.6 then 1.61. Where can I find the software for version 1.3?

Contact Lionel customer service.  They have been fixing Legacy systems under an unspoken warranty.  There is going to be a delay because of the coronavirus.  Once they upgrade yours from v1.2, you will be able do future upgrades yourself.

No need for Lionel service, all he needs is a current set of modules to upgrade the software.  The original trip to Lionel was to install version 1.2, he already has that.

Thanks, John, you are correct.

How do I tell if my base and handheld is 1.2?  thanks

When you turn on the base and then power up the CAB2, press the red power button briefly,  It'll show the version of the base and remote.

Like John sez

My unit is an original and has been updated when they sent out the notice some years ago.  That's as far as my unit been updated.   I have contacted Lionel and they advised me to buy the 691MMBU003 version 1.3 base module and 691MMRU003 version 1.3 remote module at $10 each with a $10 shipping charge.   Unfortunately the Lionel store is closed because of the current situation. 

I should be register with Lionel since I did send the unit back for the original upgrade.

Free Black Modules for Legacy

Thanks Tom for the offer of the v1.61 modules.  What I need first are the v1.3 modules.

Actually, you can go from 1.20 right to 1.61.

Have an opportunity to buy an older Legacy Controller from a local antique shop. Owner knows nothing of item. Seems like new, just opened box. There are four (4) plug-in modules included, 2 white and 2 blue. I’ve read on this forum about updating with black modules. Does this mean it’s the earliest version that needs to be sent to Lionel for update? I use DCS and know nothing about Legacy.

Not necessarily, what does the label on the blue modules say?  If it's 1.2 or later on the blue modules, it doesn't have to go to Lionel.

not to hijack the thread but I'm considering jumping to command control. Would a Cab 1L set be adequate for starters? I have a small layout and can't see investing in a current Legacy set just yet.

Bob

Absolutely.

Bob,

I am a big fan of the Cab1L.  It is easy to use, costs less than full blown Legacy and does most things the average operator needs to operate Legacy and TMCC equipment.  It even has whistle quilling capability for those engines that have it.   I use one on my small home layout and our modular club uses a Cab 1L controller  with the original Legacy base.  I admit that the original Legacy  is nice to have for steam engines as there is more control of sounds like braking, engine load and power braking, and more sensitive quilling.

The Cab1L is the perfect way to put your toe in the water.

Respectfully,

Earl     

Thanks John, I’ll stop by the store Monday and see what it says.

@RSJB18 posted:

not to hijack the thread but I'm considering jumping to command control. Would a Cab 1L set be adequate for starters? I have a small layout and can't see investing in a current Legacy set just yet.

Bob

Bob, I was wrestling with (maybe) the same question as you for a few months.  I had decided I wanted to be able to control conventional locos remotely as well as an older Atlas TMCC I've had for a while.  I seriously considered getting a Cab 1L, but by the time I added a TPC or compatible Powermaster, the costs didn't make sense to me, considering at some point I knew I would eventually want to upgrade to the Cab2 with its additional features.  So I decided to wait and save some more money until I could buy the #990 base with remote plus a couple of the Powermasters to use with my existing PW ZWs.  In the end, I think I spent ~$250 more by waiting and didn't end up with the extra stuff I didn't really want in the first place.  Just my $0.02 worth of advice.

I bought the Legacy #990 first and never regretted it.  I also picked up the CAB1L/BASE1L set as a backup.  The bonus is that the CAB1L works with the full Legacy command system, so it's an extra remote.  I recently scored a good deal on the CAB1L/BASE1L for $100, so now I have two Legacy compatible smaller remotes as well as a couple of the CAB2 remotes.  I use one of the BASE1L command units on my workbench, so the CAB1L there serves double-duty.  I used to have an old CAB1/BASE1 on the test bench, that was retired.

Thanks for the comments guys. I think  1L would be my best option for now. Having remote control of conventional engines seems like a bit much for a 4x8. I can run conventional with my KW.

I have enough TMCC/ command equipment now that I want to take advantage of the features.

Bob

Hi all together,

concerning the question : ''Where can I find the software for version 1.3?''

An answer from the opposite side of the Atlantic ocean.

V1.3 had a bug that prevented a reasonable operation of Legacy in the 50Hz environment , as for example in use in Europe.

This bug was corrected in  release 1.4 that followed shortly after 1.3. As consequence 1.3 disappeared in the Lionel webside, so a download of this release was and is impossible.

Regards

Albrecht

@albrechtfutterer posted:

This bug was corrected in  release 1.4 that followed shortly after 1.3. As consequence 1.3 disappeared in the Lionel webside, so a download of this release was and is impossible.

Not sure why this is an issue.  If you have a version earlier than 1.3, as long as it's not 1.0, you can load any more recent version onto the Legacy system.  I don't have 1.3 around anymore, and I haven't missed it.