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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 12, 2024 1:33:26 GMT
Reading bits and pieces on the other forum where the thread is like a 100 pages long now.  I have a few questions for the folks on OGF. 1. Seems the base3 has no issues working with cab2 or cab1L remotes. 2. Are people having issues connecting the base3 to home networks? 3. Issues with IOS devices? 4. What is the firmware issue? thanks for you input, while I wait for your response, back to watching Star Trek voyager on Pluto  |
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Post by MartyE on Sept 12, 2024 7:57:04 GMT
Hi Gary
I'll answer the best I can based on my experiences. There is a lot of information out there some based on fact and some based on emotion.
First let me start by saying that the app roll out was not the greatest but it wasn't as bad as some make it out to be. There are issues to be addressed. I think anyone would be naive to believe that. From what I understand Lionel's staff working on this is not a big group. I'm not sure how they handled testing but I do know that several big clubs were involved. I just hope I can help based on my experiences and insight.
1 In all my use of Base3 with Cab2 and Cab1L I have only seen issues where the Cab2 doesn't track with the app. Other than that Cab2 and Cab1L have been solid.
2 Yes people are having issues. While it's easy to blame Base3 for all the issues, that would be unfair. The problem with adding devices to a network is there are a lot of unknowns to each specific network. WPS can work great in many cases but not all. Adding a device manually requires the user to have some minimal basic networking knowledge. I have a couple of Base3s. One I use exclusively on the layout and one sits next to me in my easy chair so that I can test things when questions come up. I've added the layout one on WPS and the easy chair using the app. Both went fine. I am in no way questioning those that are having difficulties. I don't know their situations. I can only suggest things to try and help the best I can.
3 The only issue I know of right now exclusive to the iOS device is the ability to update the firmware. I expect this to be fixed in the next app update. Of course there are other bugs but I think they are on both platforms.
4 The firmware issue corrects more stuff related to using the B3SU program. It also fixes a sensor track issue. The list is on the Power and Control website. The issue with the iOS app is it is not correctly connecting to the Lionel database to download the new firmware to update the Base3. Android users don't seem to have this issue.
Bottom line is yes there are issues. Dave Olson and his team are working through them. My biggest issue with any of this is as frustrating as these issues can be, we also have to present any and all information to Lionel via TalktoUs@lionel.com and let them know leaving the emotion behind. I completely understand that folks have been waiting for this. That is frustrating but it won't get better without some good dialog and feedback. I know some people feel I give Lionel a break and defend them. I guess I do to a degree. I also know that Dave and his team are working hard behind the scenes to make it all work. Nothing can be as disheartening as someone crapping on you as you are trying to help. While I 100% encourage folks to report, discuss, and talk about issues, I think we need to also remember that the way we do that is just as important to getting the updates done.
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Post by MartyE on Sept 12, 2024 9:32:14 GMT
BTW, I saw when Base3 first came out David (Rockymountaineer) mentioned Sean's Train Depot YouTube channel for his videos. Yes I read here daily. I second that recommendation. Lots of good information there.
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Post by madockawando on Sept 12, 2024 10:28:28 GMT
Doesn't the Base-3 have its own wifi network? I tried to get the App to work with my base 3 but the App does not see the Base-3. I used the Access Point button...
Meanwhile the CAB-1L remote works just fine with the Base-3
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Post by MartyE on Sept 12, 2024 10:38:09 GMT
Base3 does have it's own WiFi. The Base3 has to be set to "AP" on the front and you have to make sure your phone is connected to it in the phones network settings before having the App connect. If your phone is still connected to your home network the App won't find the Base3 in AP mode.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 12, 2024 11:28:05 GMT
Base3 does have it's own WiFi. The Base3 has to be set to "AP" on the front and you have to make sure your phone is connected to it in the phones network settings before having the App connect. If your phone is still connected to your home network the App won't find the Base3 in AP mode. That's the same as the DCS Wifi, so those who have DCS Wifi module should already be aware of that.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 12, 2024 11:29:10 GMT
Hi Gary There is a lot of information out there some based on fact and some based on emotion. One reason I didn't want to read through 100 pages on that other forum, and the reason I ask here. Thanks again Marty.
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Post by trainman9 on Sept 14, 2024 17:43:34 GMT
What’s the difference between operating the Base3 with the App versus using either a CAB2 remote or a CAB1L remote.
Also, it seems like sales of the Base 3 may have peaked since some dealers are discounting, Nassau Hobbies had them for sale for $409.00. It should be interesting to see what they are going for at York.
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Post by MartyE on Sept 14, 2024 18:24:39 GMT
What’s the difference between operating the Base3 with the App versus using either a CAB2 remote or a CAB1L remote.
Also, it seems like sales of the Base 3 may have peaked since some dealers are discounting, Nassau Hobbies had them for sale for $409.00. It should be interesting to see what they are going for at York. Right now the app does have issues that Lionel needs to address. Those aside, the biggest difference is feel. On a true hardware remote a lot of the functions can be felt to activate as there is a tactical button. The app is on a screen with no physical feel.
The App can do firmware updates, some memory module creation and I assume in the future add options and functionality that a hardware remote would be limited.
I have been using my Cab1L and Cab2 for all my videos since Base3 came out and IMO with those remotes it's very solid. I really can't tell any difference between Base3 operation and Legacy Base operations. I can also add in LC, LC+ locomotives and run them from the hardware controllers.
The App, I'm not going to lie, it will take some time to get used to when operating trains. It's a whole new feel. I am slowly getting used to it. Once they squash some more bugs I think it will be fine for those not opposed to using it. Hardware guys will prefer the remote.
As far as I know, Nassau is the only one discounting Base3.
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Post by MartyE on Sept 14, 2024 18:27:56 GMT
Also the Power and Control website Lionel put up is pretty good. It gets updated fairly regularly and is pretty easy to navigate. I often reference it when answering operational questions. Lionel Power and Control Website |
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Post by patapscovalleyrr on Sept 15, 2024 13:34:42 GMT
Marty, thanks for your support and inside on the Base3 and CAB3 app. It helped me get things setup and running.
I have large layout using the LCS for switches and power. I did my migration in phases. Set Base 3 and CAB3 app and tested running Legacy, Bluetooth and RF trains. The CAB3 apps take a little to get used to. So far it works fine but if my phone is set down and locks, I have to reconnect to the Base3. I look forward to the additional features and bug fixes in future update. I added one of my CAB2 remotes and tested it. I found it works pretty well.
Then I moved over the LCS over to the Base3. At first, I was not sure if the LCS app would connect to the Base3 and still used the LCS WIFI. I was able to have the LCS app on my iPad connect directly to Base3. The switches worked without having me program them into the Base3 but routes would not work until I programmed the switches. I was waiting for the BSU3 to move over my switches, but I decided to add the my switches and my routes. The CAB3 app also worked on my MAC laptop, so I used it to quickly program the switches / routes. The LCS app or the CAB2 / CAB3 works with my switches and routes. I have a few tracks I use LCS to turn off and in my yard. Currently, I can only control that in the LSC app. My gantry crane using the serial cable works best using the CAB2 remote.
The next step is to use my home network vs just the Base3. I was waiting for the BSU3 but will do this using the CAB3 app. I also want to test using DCS to see if I can control Legacy engine connecting the TIU to the Base3.
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Post by MartyE on Sept 15, 2024 19:20:18 GMT
IMO the best way is baby steps. I have my Legacy base available to hook up in case I run into an issue and just want to run trains. So far rge Base3 with Cab1L and Cab2 have been solid so literally the Legacy Base is just sitting there unplugged.
The LCS App works fine. I've been using since Base3 came out. The High Rail App connects as well but I have some questions about updating the info fromn the database that I need to talk to the developer about.
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Post by MartyE on Sept 18, 2024 9:49:53 GMT
Hey all I've been doing some clean up in the Legacy DCS section. Getting some of the broken links fixed and adding some new information. I know folks might not go to those sections much but wanted to give you a heads up.
I also started a Cab3 and Base3 Update History list that I'll maintain as updates are released. While these are also available on Lionel's Power and Control Site I thought this would be a good place to copy it.
When the DCS WiFi unit is released I'll create a thread for that as well. My TIU finally died so I'll be getting that too.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 18, 2024 11:26:17 GMT
When the DCS WiFi unit is released I'll create a thread for that as well. My TIU finally died so I'll be getting that too. I call dibs on your DCS remote. How much do you want for it?  
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I have a few questions for the folks on OGF.
