DCS 5.0 Downloads

I have another question.  Do I need to do this upgrade?  What benefit does the upgrade offer?

WiFi for one

Mike,

Is it possible to download the software on an IMac?  Is it compatible with IOS operating system?

You can certainly download it to a Mac, however, to install it on a Mac you'll need to run a windows partition using Boot Camp, Parallels or VM Fusionware.

Do I need to do this upgrade?

Do you? Sounds like a personal decision.

What benefit does the upgrade offer?

Following is what's in it.  Then, make a decision that's right for you.

DCS Consumer Loader Program - Version 5.00

What’s New in version 5.00?

This latest version of the DCS Consumer Loader software is used to program the DCS system components (Remote, TIU), Load sound files (in Proto-Sound 2.0 and 3.0 locomotives) and backup and restore the DCS Remote handheld. To review the many changes to the loader, click HERE and below.

• Configures TIU when loading DCS Software Version 5.0 to function with the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU)
• Increased wait time on power cycle after loading Consume Package File. This accommodates the changed method of relaying information back to the user from the engine. The engines now use a Morse code audio response to indicate lading of software rather than lights. This is due to the software that supports Proto 3/2 engines
• Re-enabled Get Sound File From Engine. This can take in excess of an hour for the large PS3 sound files
• Added compatibility check for PS2 5V files attempting to be loaded into PS3 engines. The Loader no longer allows this due to major differences in the 5V sound files compared to the PS3 memory structure
• Increased reliability on Original HO PS3 Steam sound file loading 
• Loads Code Chain Files (DSP Firmware, FPGA, CV Data). This is the zip file that allows any Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotive (except existing HO steam engines) to be updated to run expanded DCC features. 
• Removed the Get Sound File From Engine icon. Previously this function of the Loader allowed users to retrieve a copy of the sound file from their engines. This proved to be very time consuming for customers. All of the latest sound files can be obtained from our website at www.mthtrains.com
• The Loader now remembers the last folder you explored to. This is especially handy if you keep all your MTH files in the same folder (for example, the MY MTH Files folder that gets created when you install the Loader program.
• Improves the sound file and code chain file loading by automatically adjusting the data rate for files that contain more than 50% zeros. The progress sub-bar will turn yellow to indicate a temporary data rate adjustment. Previously the Loader would try at the highest data rate, determine that an error occurred in the data transfer, then try the whole sector over again. In essence, the Loader is now much, much faster.
• Improved communication to support USB-to-Serial adapters.
• Improved speed.
• Improved error recovery (that means you can retry mid-stream on a sound file load without having to restart everything from the beginning).
• Runs on Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10
• Enhanced display features show DSP Code version (Service Center/Dealer Loader only), Sound file size (1MB/2MB), Engine Type (5V/3V/HO), Engine Board Memory Size (1MB/2MB), and Engine Address

   

  You'll find complete instructions for installing and using the DCS Consumer Loader by clicking Here.

  NOTE: Please uninstall any previous versions of the Consumer Loader prior to installing Version 5.0. 

  WARNING:
  2.20, 2.30, 2.34 and 5.00 are the ONLY DCS Consumer Loader software versions you can use to program Proto-Sound 3.0 Locomotives. Using any previous version of the DCS Consumer Loader to program a Proto-Sound 3.0 equipped locomotive will disable the Proto-Sound 3.0 electronics and require the locomotive be returned to M.T.H. for repair. You can learn more about the issues with this warning by clicking HERE.

  In addition, if you plan on operating your layout with the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU) and DCS App, you must reprogram your TIU with DCS Software Version 5.0 USING DCS Consumer Loader Version 5.00.

  To Use This Loader You Will Need:

  - A standard RS 232 cable, USB-Serial adapter, or a type A-B USB (for Rev L TIU only) cable which you can obtain from any computer or office supply store. - A STEREO mini-to-mini 1/8” audio cable available from MTH or many electronic stores like Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc. - An AC or DC Transformer. Z1000 bricks are the most versatile to use. - A PC running at least Windows XP. Mac users may find that running a Windows emulator might work.

  The below information details how the cables are to be used. 

  Cable Types

  Reprogramming The Remote 
  In order to reprogram the remote, a tether cable that connects the remote to the TIU is required. The tether cable MUST be a 4-conductor handset cord from any standard telephone. This is the cable that connects the handset to the base of the phone. Radio Shack and other electronic or phone stores sell these. The cable MUST BE 4 CONDUCTORS on both ends.

  Reprogramming The TIU 
  In order to reprogram the TIU, a standard RS 232 cable is required. This cable is to be connected between the TIU's PC Connection Port and a COM port on a PC. If your computer does not have a 9 pin RS232 Com port, but only USB ports, purchase/install a single 9 pin Serial port I/O card, SIIG model 16550 for desktop computers or SIIG model JJ-PCM012 for laptop computers. SIIG models have been verified, equivalent manufacturers single port card may be acceptable.

  The updated Loader program also will support USB-Serial adapters from most manufacturers.

  For those users that own the Rev L TIU’s (released in December 2010) you can use a type A-B USB cable. This cable will also supply power to the TIU’s processor so that you don’t heave to bring along a transformer to power the TIU when you load TIU or Remote code. NOTE – The USB cable does NOT supply power to ANY of the TIU’s outputs.

  The mini-to-mini cable MUST BE A STEREO model. You MUST NOT use any cables that have adapters. M.T.H. p/n 50-1009 or Radio Shack p/n 42-2497 are acceptable models.

  Making Cable Connections
  Follow the instructions below for hooking up the cables. The DCS Loader Program will prompt you step-by-step for each of the loading options as you select them.

  TIU (Remote Input) Ensure the 4 conductors in the bottom of the Remote are all parallel and NOT touching one another. IF they do when you go to load the remote code your remote will power on.

  TIU (Proto-Cast and Proto-Dispatch Audio Jacks)

  The Stereo mini-to-mini cable should be fully plugged into the Proto-Dispatch and Proto-Cast audio jacks on the TIU. When power is applied to the TIU, look at the red LED. It should NOT blink or flicker at all. It MUST remain on constant. This indicates that the TIU is in Program Mode. If the LED blinks then it means your mini-to-mini cable is not stereo, you have some other adapters on the cable, or you do not have the cable plugged in fully at one or both of the jacks.

  NOTE: When loading the remote code and prompted by the Loader program to hold down the power button on the remote, you should notice that your remote LCD remains blank. Your remote should not power up. If it does check the handset cord cable to ensure it has 4 conductors or inspect the jacks on the TIU and the remote to ensure no pins are touching or bent over. Also, you must remove the mini-to-mini audio cable PRIOR TO loading the remote code. You must also be sure to remove power from the TIU AFTER you have loaded TIU code.