Cannot update handheld

It seems to be a problem with the TIU after it is loaded with 4.2.  Anybody else have this problem?  Is there a solution?  Thanks.

I'm trying to think back, I know some of us had a hard time finding the correct files after saving them to the computer. I had to save them to the desk top. Anyway   try turning off the computer and start over again with the remote download. I guess the software has to find the tiu before it can download the remote software. Keep trying

Two things...

First, make sure that the phone cord is 4-conductor.

Second, the remote should be turned off before you start the update. Then, when told to hold in the power button, the remote should stay off, as well.

Last, you must hold in the remote's power button until instructed to release it, or until the update is completed.

Gregg/Barry,

Thanks for the quick responses.

Gregg, I thought the same and did restart the computer twice to see if it might have been a problem with the Belkin adapter allowing connection to the TIU.  I tried with the handheld connected and disconnected, the TIU powered up per the instructions and then powered up first, plus several other ways.  No good; it seems once 4.2 is installed on the TIU the DCS Loader software can no longer find the TIU.  I'm going to try again tonight.

Barry, the handheld was off per the instructions.  I checked the software version on the TIU with the handheld after I updated the TIU the first time, and then turned the handheld and TIU off to get ready to update the handheld. I even had a little clip ready to hold down the power button when instructed to do so.

The DCS Loader finds the TIU for the TIU update (I assume whatever version that is loaded into the TIU is removed before the Loader attempts to load the current version), but does not find the TIU after 4.2 is installed and ready for the handheld update. 

 It sure sounds like you're not doing things in order?? The fact that it has found the TIU and then it can't, twice? Is there anything else you're unplugging, exactly??

 Do you have the light on the TIU before trying the remote update? Watch your steps carefully as it does make a difference. Even after updating, it should find it? Maybe you need a fresh download of the software?? Could it be corrupted?? I've seen that on sound files. sorry for the interruption guys!

Joe,

I could be messing things up, but I was especially careful to follow Barry's book and the instructions on the screen the second time.  I check the red light in the TIU to make sure it is on each time I plug it back in.

Reloading the software is a good idea if nothing else works.

Finding a small spring loaded clamp, or just a rubber band holding a small block over the power key is very useful for the process.  Holding the key down for five or six minutes gets amazingly tiring, it seems forever.

 Yeah, but John, he's not getting that far and he already mentioned he has that.

 I had this happen a long time ago. It was my computer's security blocking the port if I remember correctly. Maybe it doesn't like the change

One more time - is your telephone handset cable 4-conductor? Also, you must not have the cable plugged in between the ProtoCast and ProtoDispatch ports.

 What version of the dcs loader are you using? Not that it's going to help but who knows?  I know I ran into the same problem but  eventually got it to work. Try resetting the TIU if the remote can still communicate with it, Also reset the the remote.

and  Barry's questions re the 4 line curly phone cable?...

Barry,

Sorry, I should have answered your questioned on the phone cord.  Yes, the cord has four wires.  I’ve used all of the parts I’m using now before, except the Belkin, on three previous updates.  I did not consider the phone cord an issue since the DCS Loader program can’t find the TIU to start with, so the phone cord should not be a player.  Also, I have removed the cable between the ProtoCast and ProtoDispatch ports; did that after I updated the TIU .

Gregg,

All the software programs I’m using were downloaded off the MTH web site a couple of days ago and are current.

I’m going to re-download everything and try again.

Ron

Well, I uninstalled/installed everything again and tried different combinations without success, so I decided to try something else. I replaced the old TIU with my Rev L that was in storage waiting for a layout of its own. It is an early one so I was surprised to see that it had version 4.20 in it already.

I ditched the Belkin adapter and used the USB cord that fits the Rev L, and connected everything up to load 4.20 into the handheld. Everything worked as advertised and 4.20 is now loaded into my old TIU and handheld.

I wanted to upgrade to DCS version 4.20 because I just had George (forum member GGG) upgrade a Williams engine with a PS-2 kit with quilling whistle (plus a smoke unit), and I wanted to try out the whistle.  George did outstanding work getting everything into the small engine and making it work well, but I’m not sure all the effort in upgrading the DCS system was worth it – MTH’s quilling whistle effect is nowhere near as nice as Lionel’s.

Ron

 First off, you can't get a legacy upgrade as you know. It is one of the best systems out there for upgrading engines like that. Now you have chuffing sync smoke and the ability to change sound files to the correct one for the engine right??

 I think the PS3 boards will someday have more flexability in sounds and lighting options. It would be cool if MTH would have the PS3 boards audio in multiple channels. Not only for an extra speaker in the boiler and tender, the sounds could be more dynamic also??