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You need to connect the stereo cable between the two jacks before powering up the TIU for the TIU update. Remove it for the DCS remote update. Make sure you power cycle between each of the updates.
Yep, the only two jacks that will fit a 3.5mm stereo plug. 
yes, that's what George meant to tell you. connect (mic) to (audio) on bottom of TIU, between the 2 jacks is a AIU input! OK
This connection and the TIU USB must be connected before you power up the TIU. Also do you have REV L,that is the newest one out.
You must connect the TIU USB to your Computer USB , ounce you have these connection made up and your computer is ls ready up n running, Then power up the TIU threw aux power input from your train power supply you can use a rail king power supply if you already have one!
Important thing to remember the REV L TIU will only talk to your computer threw the USB connector on the TIU i had the same problem and ounce i was told about the usb only it worked ok for updating TIU software or loading the sound files into the engine!.
Hope this helps you!
Alan
Actually, you should only connect the USB AFTER connecting the stereo cable, the USB power is sufficient to do the upgrade, and it brings up the logic.
The Rev. L TIU will upgrade through the serial port, but why bother when you have the USB port.
You'll want to be prepared with something to hold the power button on the remote for the upgrade, you have no idea how long five minutes is when you have to hold the stupid button down for the entire upgrade! 
I have a little spring clamp that I clamp it with to hold the power on for the upgrade.
John is correct. The audio jumper, which puts the TIU into Program Mode, must be the first cable connected to the TIU before it is powered up in any fashion, including via the USB port.
Further, the cable must be removed, and the TIU must be powered off and then on again before updating the software in the remote. The cable is only used when updating the software in the TIU.
All of this is actually in the current edition of The DCS O Gauge Companion, if you read it carefully. However, it isn't really as clear as I would like as regards using the USB cable. The 3rd edition will clear this up.
The Rev. L TIU will upgrade through the serial port, but why bother when you have the USB port.
Why not? Already having a ESB>serial cable, and the TIU sitting on the layout and being fed through AUX, what difference does it make? No faster, is it?
Agree on the spring clamp.
Mike, follow the steps the Loader program lists on the screen in strict order. If an action fails, check the hookup, turn off the TIU power and start from scratch.
John your write about the power up sequence after mic and audio is connected first. But i have REV L and it would not work threw the serial port at all, it kept jumping from port to port not finding any port, and i used a brand new serial to usb cable, the only way i could get it to talk to the computer was to use a USB FROM COMPUTER TO USB IN THE TIU THEN EVERYTHING WORKED PERFECTLY. i talk to many people about this and i met one guy on the forum in which he had the same TIU REV L , ounce i got rid of the serial to USB and went straight from USB TIU to USB computer it all worked perfectly, has something to do with the new TIU REV L works. that's all i know. Alan
Why is it so complicated to update the tiu. It shouldnt be this hard.
John your write about the power up sequence after mic and audio is connected first. But i have REV L and it would not work threw the serial port at all, it kept jumping from port to port not finding any port, and i used a brand new serial to usb cable, the only way i could get it to talk to the computer was to use a USB FROM ...
That happens to a lot of folks with all versions, but it's not because the update won't work there, it's usually an issue with the USB<->Serial adapter drivers.
Alan,
That happens to a lot of folks with all versions, but it's not because the update won't work there, it's usually an issue with the USB<->Serial adapter drivers.
John is absolutely correct!
The problem is not with the TIU. It's either the PC or the operator. Every serial to USB cable is different and most have their own driver software. If there is driver software for the cable, it must be installed!
Further, you should also cycle TIU power before attempting to use the TIU with a PC.
How new are you to DCS? There seem to be large gaps in your knowledge that you're attempting to fill based on past experience that isn't DCS-related. If that's the case, it might be good if you stopped making assumptions and attempted to really educate yourself regarding DCS.
Bigdogjeff. The problems I have encountered all are either WIndows-related (not MTH) or operator error, like forgetting to power up the TIU.
I have never had a problem related to the USB>serial cable. You must install the drivers, as Barry says in italics.
I actually did have a Serial<->USB adapter that I couldn't get the update to work with. Don't know why as Windows liked it, and I could use it with the Legacy for updates. I bit the bullet and spent around $12 for the Vantec CB-USB20SR adapter and it works like a champ for both DCS and Legacy.
Spendthrift!!!!
The update went well. Now running ver. 4.30. Thanks again to all who replied.
Does anyone know if these laptops would work for doing DCS upgrades? They are cheap for a laptop and I thought about picking one up just for upgrades since I am a Mac guy.
If you have a TIU of a vintage before Rev L, you'll need either a serial port or a USB to serial conversion cable. Many years ago I bought my wife a tiny netbook, which I have since replaced with e real laptop. The netbook, with the conversion cable, does the job, so I can't think of why these wouldn't. In fact, you might be able to find a used laptop dirt cheap. One running XP will work.
Does anyone know if these laptops would work for doing DCS upgrades? They are cheap for a laptop and I thought about picking one up just for upgrades since I am a Mac guy.
It run Windows 8.1 and has a couple of USB ports, so I don't see why it wouldn't work.
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