DCS 4.31 Upgrade

Here's a quote from Andy Edelman at the DCS user's group meeting this past York meet. These were posted by Barry Broskowitz shortly after the meeting.

 

"A new version of DCS software is being developed that will address the following bugs currently in DCS 4.30: random loss of a TIU channel; Light/Smoke random toggling issue; Lash up volume settings; Lash up lighting settings.[Editors note - some of these are already corrected in the current DCS 4.31 beta.]

 

This version is being developed now along with the changes to the TIU code necessary to allow the new WiFi module to communicate with the TIU. The new DCS software will be released on or before the new WiFi box and the app versions have been released. MTH will announce a formal date for the release of the software, the WiFi box and the app on or before July 4th."

 

Full report is here: SUMMARY: 19th YORK DCS USER GROUP MEETING!!

Well, we're running out of July 4th, so the announcement should come soon...  Or maybe not.

 

I was thinking the same thing when I posted that and almost mentioned it. Maybe we will be getting an email any minute?  

 

Guess I could check their Facebook page, or maybe Barry will be along with an update for us?

Here I am waiting on the update.

 

Hope you hear something soon, before reaching critical mass.  

 

I am looking forward to trying out your mp3 sound device that's in the works.

So I will have to upgrade to 4.31 before I can run the wifi? I haven't yet upgraded to 4.3 because I was told that with that version I would lose the ability to "run silent", that is, I can select an engine, not hit startup, and run with no sound or lights. I like to do this while working on the layout.

Mike,

I haven't yet upgraded to 4.3 because I was told that with that version I would lose the ability to "run silent", that is, I can select an engine, not hit startup, and run with no sound or lights.

That's incorrect on two counts.

 

First, it only applies to later model (staring sometime in 2013 and later) PS3 engines.

 

Second, it is true with any DCS release, since it's a function of the engine software, not the DCS software. 

That is a function of some of the newest PS3 engines and not the DCS upgrade. I have DCS version 4.30 and several PS3 engines. Some of them run silently and some start up when the thumbwheel is moved, so not all PS3 engines do this using the 4.30 upgrade.

 

Edit: Barry replied while I was over checking my information before hitting the 'Submit Reply' button.

Thanks for the quick reply, Barry. So you are saying that

1. None of the new PS3 engines will have this feature?

2. Even after I upgrade to the latest DCS software any engine I can do this with now will retain that ability?

I can't remember who told me that, but I think it was here on the forum.

 

edit: rtr12, you replied while I was typing. I use the two-finger hunt & peck method.

Mike,

1. None of the new PS3 engines will have this feature?

No, that's not what I said.

 

I said that "... it only applies to later model (staring sometime in 2013 and later) PS3 engines."

2. Even after I upgrade to the latest DCS software any engine I can do this with now will retain that ability?

Yes, that's correct.

 

I only have a few PS3 engines so far. I will have to check them out to see which ones will do this. As far as I remember all of my PS2 engines will do it. I think my DCS software is still 4.0 or maybe 4.1, I can't remember. My TIU is an I3A. It still has the same version it came with.

I only have one PS2 engine. It will run in silent mode. All my other MTH engines are PS3. Some run silent and some start up and do not run silent. Mine are probably about half of each one. As stated the auto start up is a PS3 function, not a function of software in the TIU and Remote. It won't matter what version you have in the TIU and Remote. 

 

However, your TIU and Remote should both have the same revision of DCS software whatever that may be. I have a Rev L TIU and I upgraded my TIU and Remote to 4.30 a few months ago, I like to stay current. I had 4.20 previously. I don't recall all the fixes/additions, probably have to ask Barry for that info or find it on MTH's website. I figure the fixes & additions outweigh the bugs and stuff left behind so I try to always upgrade soon after a new release of either DCS or Legacy.

 

My layout has been running 4.31 beta for a long time.  I have no idea when and if MTH will cut it loose.  I run a Rev L TIU.

Marty, I hope you know how much I respect you.

This sounds like you're rubbing it in..... just a little???

 

Joe, not intended that way.  Just hoping MTH will cut it loose or upgrade.  Barry and I have had this for a while.  I have no way of knowing. 

I updated my work bench set to 4.3 and I like the fast reset after errors but my layout is still on 4.2 since I run a lot do diesel consist and I already have enough nonsense to deal with. I do long for the shorter error messages on the layout but I can deal

The silent start could be hit and mis. My Alco S2 released 12/14 has it, my WM 0-8-0 released on 11/14 does not.

Well, that ship has sailed.

 

John,

 

Captain Obvious strikes, again.

Andy also stated back in late April that the new MTH One-Gauge catalog would be coming out in a few weeks...that was like 12 weeks ago 

 

Think it's time to boycott all MTH products until say 2016 

Think it's time to boycott all MTH products until say 2016  

In your profile, you state that you're a:

 

"Certified MTH DCS Service Tech having preformed over 250 PS2 conversions of non-MTH locomotives"

 

The statement you made above, in a public forum, could cause some to question your ethics. It could also cost you your certification, as well as the ability to purchase parts at cost, or at no charge for warranty work.

 

One should not "bite the hand that feeds them".

 

I would have sent this to you via E-mail, instead of posting here, if you had an E-mail address listed in your profile.

 

If you remove the post above and E-mail me that you did so, I'll be happy to remove this post, as well.

 I know these dates, all of them, are just an educated guess that doesn't allow for real life situations that arise. I have no problem with them missing these dates.

 I just hope that it's not some kind of hack or trouble maker causing extra grief.

I know the system performs great and most of the time it seems that it's a software issue or compatibility issue. I run a computer program from Mark and the system performs much, much better just working with a single TIU. So I'm left to believe that the software in the remote has gotten too complex for the remote's capabilities??

 Of course, all the layout's problems complicate this type of reasoning.

I'm just hoping for the kind of performance I used to get way back with a 3.x version. It had bugs. I just knew how to get around them.

 I can't even imagine how much it takes to release a new program that works with all the old, the new products and the future expansions. So besides my grumbling, I am still a huge fan. At times, I would like to drive a steam roller over my remote to help it decide what to do.

I will not be so polite. I will get kicked out of here the next time you make any such statement. Just call yourself a few names for now to save me the trouble.

 There are already a bunch of guys who did this. If you want, go join them on the other Control topic heading.

MTH isn't the only model train company that misses dates, it's pretty common with most of them.  If you boycott every company that misses an announced date, you'll have very few products to choose from.

 

I'm at a point now where I have enough trains and if any of my preordered stuff is delayed by a month, 6 months or a year then fine. It just means I get to save more money and give my credit card a break.

Just the way it is these days and everyone is doing it, so it's already caught on. This will not be the first ship that has sailed leaving our train items behind. Probably won't be the last either.

 

On the brighter side, depending on how much stuff I pre-order the later dates can be a real blessing, so I'm not complaining. It can get ugly when a lot of stuff comes all at once, especially when I get caught carrying it all to the basement. Then I gotta dodge rolling pins and cast iron skillets while trying to negotiate the stairs. One item at a time is very good, also with a good passing of time in between items.  

 

There's a silver lining in every cloud.

I'm with catnap, I have more trains than I need, so delays in a product don't really get me all worked up.  Still waiting on the caboose to round out my VL-BB & PFE Reefer consist.

I agree, you can boycott MTH but then you'll be stuck with $900 es44ac loco sand a never ending supply of Berkshires. That's pretty bold for an MTH certified tech to make that statement publicly.

It might be the OCD but i like the idea of a new update.  I always enjoy updating any software and seeing the new features.  However I am hesitant with a new release of MTH DCS firmware updates.  Simply put my layout although only a 4x8 is running pretty good.  I am presently running only 3.0 protosound engines.  On the other hand I cant wait to download the new version but have the OCD controlled enough to wait.  HAHA  One thing is I am looking forward to reading what the new features will be.