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Post by david1 on Sept 1, 2024 6:44:58 GMT
A buddy of mine has the base 3 now for a couple of weeks and he just can't get it to work. Not owning the base 3 on my part I told him I would ask here if there are issues with it.
He says Lionel told him there are issues but so far they have no fixes for it on the base 3 or the app and they really can't help him for now. Is it really that bad?
Dave
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Post by Traindiesel! on Sept 1, 2024 9:56:05 GMT
If it is that bad imagine the new hobbyist impression, who has been waiting so long to get into command control. It would have to be frustrating and not a good introduction to the hobby. Or even for seasoned hobbyists who have also been waiting.
I do hope that Lionel can correct any issues quickly and make the Base3 wildly successful.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Sept 1, 2024 10:26:11 GMT
I can't speak from personal knowledge because after reading around the subject extensively and seeing videos of people setting up and trying the Base 3 system I simply wasn't prepared to be an "early adopter" of it especially at the price point it has. However I am all too well aware of various limitations in the software that have yet to be addressed although Lionel says there will be an update later this quarter or year. In particular the procedure for adding engines from an existing roster is cumbersome (it currently has to be done one by one) and the lack of any Train Brake functionality are both off-putting to me. I fear that the latter might never be addressed and this feature will fall by the wayside. Bluetooth functionality remains limited (no startup or shutdown commands or lash-up ability) and simply isn't a substitute for a CAB2 at least where more fully featured Legacy engines are concerned.
On the upside the Base3 will basically work with a CAB2 and a CAB1L but after all this time in development I think that the result is disappointing. I think that the system is basically designed for the dedicated and experienced enthusiast and not newcomers. I am in the first category but am not convinced that I will ever get a Base3 unless and until I have to. This system was touted as one that would run any Lionel train and it probably can if you are willing to do without certain existing features but I am not.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 1, 2024 13:31:18 GMT
Reading all the issues of the Base 3 on the other forum, I’m surprised Dave Olson and Lionel didn’t do a better job vetting the App and the Base 3. But it is what it is. Tell your friend to hold tight. They will fix it, it’s only a matter of time.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Sept 1, 2024 13:52:28 GMT
A buddy of mine has the base 3 now for a couple of weeks and he just can't get it to work. Not owning the base 3 on my part I told him I would ask here if there are issues with it. He says Lionel told him there are issues but so far they have no fixes for it on the base 3 or the app and they really can't help him for now. Is it really that bad? Dave On his live feed this past Friday, Mr. Muffin noted that there are problems using the Base 3 with the Android OS which Lionel is aware of and is working on. An announcement of the fixes is forthcoming shortly. While it is my intention to get a Base 3 at some point, there was no wayI was going to be an early adopter.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Sept 1, 2024 14:14:49 GMT
... On his live feed this past Friday, Mr. Muffin noted that there are problems using the Base 3 with the Android OS which Lionel is aware of and is working on. An announcement of the fixes is forthcoming shortly. While it is my intention to get a Base 3 at some point, there was no wayI was going to be an early adopter. I might be in the minority on this point, but I don't care. I'm gonna say it anyway.
Although the "cool" factor might be high to control model trains with one's smart phone, I think it's a nightmare from a software maintenance perspective. That's the beauty of the CAB-2 / Legacy Base set-up. It's a closed platform with it's own remote. Once you open to the world, you're exposing the software/firmware maintenance to components outside your control. Smartphone operating systems change on a whim these days. I can't tell you how often my iPhone is alerting me to an IOS update that's available. And if you're writing apps that run on those platforms, it's a full-time job and then some to ensure your app is always gonna work with the latest IOS/Android updates along with maintaining backwards compatibility with older versions. Network issues can be a whole other world as well.
Bottom line. I just wanna enjoy the trains -- not debug computer/network issues.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Sept 1, 2024 14:33:26 GMT
... On his live feed this past Friday, Mr. Muffin noted that there are problems using the Base 3 with the Android OS which Lionel is aware of and is working on. An announcement of the fixes is forthcoming shortly. While it is my intention to get a Base 3 at some point, there was no wayI was going to be an early adopter. I might be in the minority on this point, but I don't care. I'm gonna say it anyway.
Although the "cool" factor might be high to control model trains with one's smart phone, I think it's a nightmare from a software maintenance perspective. That's the beauty of the CAB-2 / Legacy Base set-up. It's a closed platform with it's own remote. Once you open to the world, you're exposing the software/firmware maintenance to components outside your control. Smartphone operating systems change on a whim these days. I can't tell you how often my iPhone is alerting me to an IOS update that's available. And if you're writing apps that run on those platforms, it's a full-time job and then some to ensure your app is always gonna work with the latest IOS/Android updates along with maintaining backwards compatibility with older versions. Network issues can be a whole other world as well.
Bottom line. I just wanna enjoy the trains -- not debug computer/network issues.
Unlike what I presume is a majority of other members, I am not invested in any prior CAB version due largely to my time in MTH tinplate and currently in a temporary seasonal layout mode. In spite of Ryan Kunkel's off hand remark about a future CAB 3 remote, at my age patience is less of a virtue than it is wishful thinking. My intention is to use an I Pad of modest specs using only the Wi Fi signal generated by the Base 3. No cellular usage, or using the household network to connect to the outside world. That is about as close to a closed system as I believe I can reasonably get. Hopefully I will be less susceptible for the need to update the IOS to play nice with the base 3. Would I prefer a dedicated handheld in theory yes. But as I believe it is Adam states in his avatar you can be on the right track but if you don't move you will get run over or something to that effect. For me it is just about time to move.
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Post by trainman9 on Sept 1, 2024 15:32:03 GMT
There could be several factors in spite of all of the beta testing. One consideration is if the beta testing was done with production Base 3s or with factory samples. There could be a difference. Another, is the possibility that the China facility made substitutions of key components.
This is not unheard of since it happened on Mike Regans watch with a batch of Legacy Cab 2’s. In that instance, the Chinese factory made a substitution of a key electronic component resulting in a failure of the system and requiring Lionel to make the correction to the entire production run stateside once they got the correct component.
Lastly, are you sure the Legacy System is a closed system. I remember that Lionel released the software code and MTH used the information to coordinate the DCS system with Legacy Cab2. I think some other individuals used that information as well.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 1, 2024 16:37:16 GMT
There could be several factors in spite of all of the beta testing. One consideration is if the beta testing was done with production Base 3s or with factory samples. There could be a difference. Another, is the possibility that the China facility made substitutions of key components.
This is not unheard of since it happened on Mike Regans watch with a batch of Legacy Cab 2’s. In that instance, the Chinese factory made a substitution of a key electronic component resulting in a failure of the system and requiring Lionel to make the correction to the entire production run stateside once they got the correct component.
Lastly, are you sure the Legacy System is a closed system. I remember that Lionel released the software code and MTH used the information to coordinate the DCS system with Legacy Cab2. I think some other individuals used that information as well.
All the issues I've been reading is it's software/firmware related, not hardware. Tells me they didn't test in all environments or situations. With that said I won't be buying, Four digit engine addressing is not enough to give up with what I have now.
It is good those new to the hobby finally can get into command control.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Sept 1, 2024 16:54:38 GMT
…Lastly, are you sure the Legacy System is a closed system. I remember that Lionel released the software code and MTH used the information to coordinate the DCS system with Legacy Cab2. I think some other individuals used that information as well. By “closed”, I was referring to the current Legacy system having both a base and remote provided by Lionel. Perhaps not the best use of the term “closed”. My apologies. But now with Lionel opting to use smart phones as the remote, they really need to stay current with smartphone OS versions that are outside their control. That was my main point. And it’s one that will require lots of resources going forward to maintain compatibility across multiple smartphone OS levels. |
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Post by madockawando on Sept 1, 2024 22:51:47 GMT
I have a Base-3, so far, I have not had any problems. Could someone elaborate what problems people are having? Preferably from someone with first hand knowledge?
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Post by madockawando on Sept 2, 2024 13:43:22 GMT
Am I the only one on this thread actually using the Base-3? I was hoping to hear about specific issues so I could try to replicate them on my system.
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Post by trainman9 on Sept 2, 2024 15:30:03 GMT
Am I the only one on this thread actually using the Base-3? I was hoping to hear about specific issues so I could try to replicate them on my system.
From what I’ve read the issues are with the phone app and software and lack of some extensive Legacy features like the Trainbrake.
You would think that with all the beta testing and demos at some major layouts any issues would have been resolved. I don’t remember any interactive CAB3 demos from Lionel or any open Q&A sessions. When the Legacy system was in the design phase Lionel spent time with the TMCC demo group wanting to know what features we wanted to have incorporated into the system. I don’t think they did anything like that during the design phase of the Cab 3.
I know that Lou Kovatch was the designer of the ZW-L transformer but I don’t know if he had any input with the design of the CAB3.
This situation is very similar to when the TMCC system was first introduced. At the time most operators were conventional only. We learned a lot about the individuals who had issues when we did the TMCC demos in the early days of command control. Many of the people coming to our demo’s had little experience with command control. It was easier back then due to the fact that the systems had dedicated remotes making it a little easier for people to transition.
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Post by david1 on Sept 2, 2024 15:59:29 GMT
I would say a vast majority of the train guys here are command just not with base 3 yet because like me I think it is a waste of money when there are so many other ways to run your trains. Most guys want a remote not a phone.
I can run any Lionel engine with a cab 1, cab 1L, cab 2.
I know of not one person in my area who is into trains has a base 3. Besides why should we be the beta tester. Let the early buyers buy them and then when everything is working then buy it if you want it.
Dave
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Post by madockawando on Sept 2, 2024 16:22:26 GMT
Am I the only one on this thread actually using the Base-3? I was hoping to hear about specific issues so I could try to replicate them on my system.
From what I’ve read the issues are with the phone app and software and lack of some extensive Legacy features like the Trainbrake.
You would think that with all the beta testing and demos at some major layouts any issues would have been resolved. I don’t remember any interactive CAB3 demos from Lionel or any open Q&A sessions. When the Legacy system was in the design phase Lionel spent time with the TMCC demo group wanting to know what features we wanted to have incorporated into the system. I don’t think they did anything like that during the design phase of the Cab 3.
I know that Lou Kovatch was the designer of the ZW-L transformer but I don’t know if he had any input with the design of the CAB3.
This situation is very similar to when the TMCC system was first introduced. At the time most operators were conventional only. We learned a lot about the individuals who had issues when we did the TMCC demos in the early days of command control. Many of the people coming to our demo’s had little experience with command control. It was easier back then due to the fact that the systems had dedicated remotes making it a little easier for people to transition. I confess, that since I have a CAB-1L, I have not tried the Phone Ap yet. But if others are having issues, then I should try it for myself and see.
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