Wi-Fi Connection – Lionel Power & Control

BASE3 WI-FI CONNECTION

With the Base3’s built-in Wi-Fi, you can operate your model railroad using devices such as smartphones and tablets. Wi-Fi works with the Cab3 App for Android and iOS devices and also the LCS App for Apple iPad. The Base3 can create its own independent Wi-Fi network or join an existing one. Up to 10 Wi-Fi devices can be connected at once.

For information on configuring the Base3’s Wi-Fi connection using the Cab3 APP, click here.

The B3SU (Base3 System Utility) can aid in configuring the Base3 Wi-Fi to your home or club network. Learn about B3SU here.

CONFIGURING YOUR WI-FI CONNECTION

The illustration below shows the switch and push-button on the Base3 that assists in configuring the Wi-Fi connection.

A – ACCESS POINT or JOIN To NETWORK switch
B – WPS ENABLE push-button
C – Orange Wi-Fi Connection status indicator
D – Green WiFi Activity Indicator

Note: When using “Join to Network” mode, you may experience control lags due to latency in the network when the network is experiencing heavy traffic.

ACCESS POINT MODE

Access Point mode creates an entirely new network, with a SSID of “Lionel Base3 – NNNN”. The “NNNN” represents the last 4 digits of the Wi-Fi Radio’s MAC address which is unique to each Base3.

To select “ACCESS POINT” mode:

Slide the “ACCESS POINT / JOIN to NETWORK” switch to “ACCESS POINT”.
Connect your smart device to your Base3’s Wi-Fi network.
For example, using the “Settings” app on your iPad®, locate the “Lionel Base3 – NNNN” Wi-Fi service, and wait for the connection to activate.
Launch the App to control your layout.

JOIN TO NETWORK MODE

If your Wireless Router supports “WPS” (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), then you may add the Base3 Wi-Fi to your home network. Now your smart device can seamlessly access the internet and run your layout. However, if your home network is busy, you may experience latency (slower response to your commands) when using the JOIN to NETWORK mode of operation.

To select “JOIN To NETWORK” mode:

Slide the “ACCESS POINT / JOIN TO NETWORK” switch to “JOIN TO NETWORK”.

Press and hold the “WPS” push button on the Base3 for 2 seconds, and then press the “WPS” button on your wireless router. The devices will negotiate a secure connection.
Be sure your smart device is connected to your existing network.
Launch the App to control your layout.

Note: When using an App, you will be prompted to search for the Base3 Wi-Fi, after which the connection will allow the App to control your locomotives and layout. Locating the Base3’s WiFi may take as long as 5 minutes the first time, or anytime your home network configuration changes. Once the App connects, the orange “L” on the Base3 will be solidly illuminated.

WI-FI INDICATION LIGHTS

The Base3 has 2 lights related to the Wi-Fi system. The orange “L” logo light indicates the WiFi connection status. The “L” will be off when no clients have connected to the Wi-Fi. When one or more clients have connected to the Wi-Fi, then the LED will turn solid ON. The second is the green light bar. This flickers when there is Wi-Fi activity.

CHANGING THE WI-FI CHANNEL

In most installations, it will not be necessary to change the Base3 Wi-Fi’s channel. However, if you suspect your Base3’s Wi-Fi is in conflict with another nearby WiFi network, you may improve performance by changing the Wi-Fi’s channel. This is done using the Wi-Fi configuration menu in the Cab3 APP.