From time-to-time, Lionel will release firmware updates for the Base3. The Base3 has been designed in a way to allow you to update over Wi-Fi without having to use a memory module like the Base2 required or without having to send the Base3 to Lionel Service. Updating over Wi-Fi is called Over-the-Air updating, or OTA.
There are three separate processors or radios that you will be able to update:
Base3 Firmware. This is the heart and mind of the Base3. The core operating code. This firmware will be updated for bug corrections and to implement new features.
Wi-Fi Radio: This connects the Base3 to a Wi-Fi equipped device such as a smartphone with the Cab3 APP or your PC using the B3SU. This will be the least-frequently updated item as updates would only be needed to maintain standard Wi-Fi protocols. This code comes directly from the Wi-Fi module manufacturer.
BLE Radio: This operates Bluetooth-equipped LionChief locomotives. This firmware may be updated for bug corrections and to implement new features.
The Base3 can be updated using the B3SU, which is covered on this page. It can also be updated using the Cab3 APP. For more info on that, click here.
Note: If you are updating the Base3 using the Cab3 APP, the APP will download the latest firmware versions. If using the B3SU, you can download the latest firmware to your PC from the links below.
Only clear database record if paired BLE/RF loco exists when removing BLE/RF loco from system
DATABASE:
Add additional checks when setting Base Name via Cab2 to prevent database from being erased
ID2 and ID4 SET Processing:
Additional checks to prevent CAB2 data from showing “funky” characters when no data is received
Internal Database Management:
Add initialization for LC-Flags and BTMAC so that these fields are cleared when needed
Corrections to Factory DIAGS:
Needed changes to match the “Database”
PDI Port Diagnostics:
Added power checking and blink the LED above the port when power is overloaded or port is disabled based on if the ports are enabled/disabled via the GUI
BCM database direct Read/Writes:
Added the intercepts to make sure engines and trains are kept in sync when writes occur to the Speed, Train Builds, and 7 golden bytes, when modified. Affects ID2 only and is a critical fix supporting Cab3.
Change PDI port controls:
Allow for individual control of the PDI Ports and their respective enables. Enhance port assignment ranges. Links to “diagnostics”
Correct Wi-Fi Diagnostic monitoring as it failed to obtain a CID in all cases. Allows for complete monitoring of Wi-Fi traffic by a debug utility to develop clients like Cab3. This change allows extensive debugging support for code qualification
ID2:
Allow synchronization of data writes to Speed, Train Assignments, and 7 golden bytes to not use stale data from database. This only affects the GUI data “in-place” updates that occur without re-reading the record
Prevent random engine ID2 database record corruption when copying the head engine parameters on a train build. This is a critical fix.
Remove unnecessary queue management on track signal to improve bandwidth for ID4 transmissions
Improve recovery when client connections abort unexpectedly. Base3 will allow reconnect instead of flashing an error code or requiring a reboot to allow reconnection
Support ID4 database management to allow updates of Train records when updating engine records keeping the records in sync. Adds ALL database functionality to the ID4 database
Add “Reset” (numeric 0) commands to the Echo list for ID2 and ID4
Release notes: This is the initial release of all Base3 firmware. Future updates will include notes regarding bug fixes and newly implemented features. Check back periodically for updates.
Download the latest firmware to your PC from the link(s) above. While you can update to any version of the firmware that has been released, it is highly recommended to use the latest. Make sure you remember the file location where you downloaded the firmware to.
With the Base3’s power off, slide its NETWORK/ACCESS POINT switch to ACCESS POINT. Firmware updates cannot be done over a network.
While holding down the bootloader button on the front of the Base3 (a gear symbol), power on the Base3. The LIONEL lights at the ends of the Base3 will slowly flash on and off to indicate that the Base3 is ready for updating.
Connect your PC’s Wi-Fi to the Base3’s ACCESS POINT.
Open the B3SU. If it does not automatically connect, click “Configure” and enter the Base3’s default IP address, which is 192.168.111.1 and then click “OK”.
Firmware is read and updated on the Base3 Settings tab, which is the default tab when you open the B3SU. On the right at the top under “Base3 Firmware Upgrade”, the current firmware revision that is in the Base3 is shown. If it shows a number less than what’s available to download from above, then it’s time to update. If it is the same as what’s above, then you do not need to update at this time.
Click on “Browse…” and navigate to the new firmware file. Click on it and then click “Open”.
Click on “Update” and wait while the firmware is updated. You can monitor the update via the progress bar at the bottom right of the B3SU. Do not power off the Base3 or close the B3SU during the update. When the update is complete, the Base3 will automatically restart.
Reconnect your PC to the Base3 and open the B3SU. The new firmware version will be displayed.
Download the latest firmware to your PC from the link(s) above. While you can update to any version of the firmware that has been released, it is highly recommended to use the latest. Make sure you remember the file location where you downloaded the firmware to.
With the Base3’s power off, slide its NETWORK/ACCESS POINT switch to ACCESS POINT. Firmware updates cannot be done over a network.
Power on the Base3.
Connect your PC’s Wi-Fi to the Base3’s ACCESS POINT.
Open the B3SU. If it does not automatically connect, click “Configure” and enter the Base3’s default IP address, which is 192.168.111.1 and then click “OK”.
Firmware is read and updated on the Base3 Settings tab, which is the default tab when you open the B3SU. On the right under “Base3 Bluetooth Firmware Upgrade”, the current firmware revision that is in the Base3 is shown. If it shows a number less than what’s available to download from above, then it’s time to update. If it is the same as what’s above, then you do not need to update at this time.
Click on “Browse…” and navigate to the new Bluetooth firmware file. Click on it and then click “Open”.
Click on “Update” and wait while the firmware is updated. You can monitor the update via the progress bar at the bottom right of the B3SU. Do not power off the Base3 or close the B3SU during the update.
After the update finishes, your Base3 is updated and ready to go. You can double check the new firmware version using the B3SU.
