dcs upgrade

do I have to install the dcs 5.0 upgrader to install the tiu wifi upgrade ?

Yes, you must have DCS 5.0 in the TIU to use the DCS App.

do I have to power my tiu?

Yes.

I have a rs232 to usb cable, will that suffice?

It should, if it matches the USB port on the WIU.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

ok, I finally got win zip to operate...

but when I download the v5.0.o.exe and the dcs5_00(4)exe

I do not get any prompts except the files were unzipped...one says 3 files were unzipped, the other says 2 files were unzipped...

so now what?

Find the location on computer to which they were unzipped.

it puts it in a user temp file, can I put it on the desk top? or will that interfere with it?

and as a bonus I am getting adware crap..possibly from the download of mth, since it is the only thing other than winzip I downloaded..

I  saved mine to the desk top. I've always had to do it that way with DCS  else I can never find anything.   No comments.

this should not be this difficult.

as usual mth leaves me wanting.

i open the application file or the winzip file it brings up the winzip extractor dialog box..

my choices are unzip, run winzip, close, about and help..nothing more..

whats the deal???

I save the downloaded files to a downloads folder.  Then in Windows Explorer I right click on the file and a menu appears that includes "unzip".  I left click that and it asks me to where do I want to unzip the files. 

When I run the loader program, it has me seek out the proper file, whether TIU code, remote code, or a remote backup.  Usually it wants to search in a MY MTH Files folder in the Loader folder under Programs(x86), but I have it find the files elsewhere.

I've never gotten adware when downloading from MTH.

this should not be this difficult. as usual mth leaves me wanting.

It isn't "difficult" at all. It simply requires that one is familiar with how to use ones own computer.

With all due respect, since this process, from MTH, has been working just fine for about 12 years or so, and no one has ever reported any "adware", I'm inclined to believe that the problem isn't of MTH's making.

it must be my unfamiliarity with my pc, it OBVIOUSLY CANNOT  be any other issue.

I see.

yet I can open any other zipped file, when it says it has unzipped them, they open ...

I deleted all of the mth and am starting over.

so, now I have the remote5p).dcsr in my winzip...and  on my desktop.

letrs see what happens.

could it be an issue with firefox?

Drummer, I use Firefox and have had no problem, using the method I described above.  Sometimes Windows Explorer will show the files that have not yet been unzipped.  Are you having any problem getting the Loader to load & run?

If you want, I could try to email you the unzipped code files.

well well well, I used the big blue E and it worked ...what do you know.

I guess it was not a PICNIC issue after all as was assumed.

This link is for DCS National WiFi Days, of Participating Dealers. I was told today my my MTH dealer that this list will be growing in size. It will show you what hobby shops will do it for free. Just click the blue colored link below.

National MTH - DCS - WiFi Day is Saturday, January 23rd, 2016

I did my upgrade to 5.0 with help from Barry and my son came over and did the rest for my layout, it was an excellent father and son activity for O-Gauge Railroading.  You will need 3 cables,

1. USB Cable to Type B USB - On old computer to printer * Check Barry's Book, this is just an outline.

2. Telephone headset to base - Old phone in garage.

3. 1/8" to 1/8" Stereo Patch Cable - In junk wire box, from my sons garage band days

trainrroomgary, thanks...

IO am reading Dave Hikel article on using the dcs loader.

do I need to plug in the stereo patch cable to the tiu for all upgrading , or just sound files?

I have my wiu, my tiu, my trains..waiting is one thing I have not bought.

1drummer posted:

trainrroomgary, thanks...

IO am reading Dave Hikel article on using the dcs loader.

do I need to plug in the stereo patch cable to the tiu for all upgrading , or just sound files?

 Start with the tiu first...... Only use it for the tiu upgrade . Remove it after the tiu is upgraded...

I would add something I've reiterated before:  Follow the on-screen instructions precisely in the order given.  If the action fails at any point, turn off power to the TIU before making another try, and follow the on screen order of actions.  Before starting any process involving the remote, be sure it has fresh batteries. 

I'll add, based on personal experience doing upgrades at York, if you're using the AUX port to power the TIU, be sure it solidly holds the plug.  If it doesn't, feed the TIU through FIXED 1.  No telling what can happen if you lose power during a programming process.

When loading a sound file to a loco, the Loader will occasionally misread the type of PS2 in the loco (5-volt or 3-volt).  That info is essential because the Loader program wants to only load the correct file.  If it does misread and stop the process, recycle the TIU and try again, and again, and again.  Eventually, it reads it correctly,

so I was able to get my tiu upgraded...

Do I have to also upgrade my remote? to 5.0 in order for it to work?

I have an issue getting it done..I can plug in the tiu to the pc via usb..

pc sees it...

but will not communicate...

do I have to remove the audio connection on the tiu to upgrade the remote...it is not specific...in the dcs loader instructions

yes remove the stereo 3.5 mm cord between the mic proto dispatch and the proto cast audio, power down the tiu and connect the phone cord to the remote and the remote input on the tiu then power up the tiu and tell loader to send remote 5.0 file from your computer where you stored the file. when you power up the tiu then start the dcs loader program to send the remote file to remote and follow the computer onscreen instructions to the letter, you might want some kind of clamp to hold the remote button down WHEN INSTRUCTED TO DO SO, but not until. if you do it by hand you will have to hold the button on button down around 3 to 5 minutes, I have done that but your finger will get tired, DO NOT LET THE  BUTTON UP OR RELEASE UNTIL YOUR TOLD TO DO SO THEN. you can release the button!

It's not hard and good luck!

Alan 

You don't HAVE to use a USB cord to upgrade when a Rev L is involved.  The same USB to serial cable used with earlier version TIUs works just fine.

Nothing is "that hard"...unless there are gaps in the instructions.

No where did I see "In order to upgrade remote, remove audio plugs"

Nor did I see, close ALL PROGRAMS, which evidently is the issue I had.

But thanks for the attempt to assist, and the left handed rebuff.

please let us know how you made out!

Alan

Drummer, nowhere in the instructions for upgrading a remote, or for uploading or downloading a sound file, does it say to connect the stereo cord.  The instructions each are separate, and should be literally followed. 

I don't have my DCS loading stuff set up, but after sending code to the remote, does not the instruction say to remove the stereo cable and recycle the TIU?

you asked if you needed to keep the stereo cord connected and I told you no and disconnect it. you only need the computer connected to your rev l tiu and a 4 pin phone cord connecting your tiu to your remote, that's all. then power up tiu as before as I previously suggested, should be simple to do as Barry has said. email me with your phone number and I will walk you threw the steps OK!

Alan

but after sending code to the remote, does not the instruction say to remove the stereo cable and recycle the TIU?

yes, indeed they do.

Thanks, Barry.

re stereo cord...if you upgrade the tiu and then the remote as seems logical, to do all at the same time, since you are going to have to disconnect the track...the instructions should be more explicit...

and these are the instructions I followed...see mthdsc1 file

so...thanks for all your "hep" 

the job is done.

now to see if it works

.the instructions should be more explicit..

Those instructions appear, to me, to state exactly what has to be done and, if followed exactly, would yield a good outcome.

Also, you neglected to indicate the "Completion" dialog box that comes up at the end of each process, which instructs that the TIU power should be cycled and cables removed.

I'df be interested in knowing how would you improve upon these on-screen instructions to make them more "explicit".

First I would add them to the help button on the uploader.

And, as an experienced technical troubleshooter, and instructor of some note, I know it is just as important to tell a person what not to do as it is to tell them what to do.

A picture of connections required at the beginning of each device program would be nice, so that each cable is defined.  And a notice that says, "If you just programmed the TIU and are now attempting to program the DCS remote, the Audio patch cable is not required, remove it now"

When I was a Technical Troubleshooter for the old AT&T(Capital Letters), we were taught to never prejudge the customer. Tell them that we will be explaining every step, in minute detail, and this is so we can visualize every action of each step as they perform it.

For practice, we had to look away from our training partner, and describe an object, so the other person could draw it.

We could not use the name of the object, but could answer any question, and use any descriptive term to convey the item.

Try telling someone how to draw a "stress ball" that looks like a puffer fish crossed with a frog.

I guess my biggest concern is I know how much money I have invested, and do not want to be guessing if I am doing it correctly.  It took me a while to buy all that I have, and I do not want to pay for it again because of an error.

Again thanks for all the help.

I had to clear all my engines from the DCS remote, because I had no control over any of them.  When I reconnected my TIU and powered it on, all my engines started, and 2 started moving...

So I had to move each one to the program track, and redo them.

So I did not get to test the WIFI yet. But it did power up, and 3 lights were on.  A good sign.

Also, the completion box, I do not recall seeing it say to remove audio cable.

I guess my biggest concern is I know how much money I have invested, and do not want to be guessing if I am doing it correctly. 

Then you should protect your investment and purchased The DCS Companion 3rd Edition, if you haven't already done so.

Good morning,

I know that you need the Version 5 Consumer Loader to upgrade both TIU and Remote to operate with the Wifi setup.

Is there an equivalent Dealer Loader Version 5  because I cannot find it. Can you help me find it?

Thank you.

1drummer posted:

...A picture of connections required at the beginning of each device program would be nice, so that each cable is defined.  And a notice that says, "If you just programmed the TIU and are now attempting to program the DCS remote, the Audio patch cable is not required, remove it now"

Two simple yet really helpful suggestions!

I did my first TIU/Remote set.  Headed for the second set, but I can't find my second remote!  I only use it in my train room and the adjoining basement area, but...  Any suggestions as to where to look?

MTH needs to add a "Find Remote" button on the TIU !

Ed

Good Q&A as I am about to do the upgrades.

I know that you need the Version 5 Consumer Loader to upgrade both TIU and Remote to operate with the Wifi setup.

Is there an equivalent Dealer Loader Version 5  because I cannot find it. Can you help me find it?

Yes.  No.

Reason for second answer is that only techs are given access to it.  It's not needed for an upgrade.

Good Q&A as I am about to do the upgrades.

If you read and follow the instructions literally, you should have no problem.  I'll bite my tongue before I say something that shall offend others.

Some info for you all - I had a bout with adware with Firefox.  You can fix that fairly easily by going to their help option.   It tells how to fix a whole bunch of things.  I did it probably 9 months ago or so, but you should be able to find the page w/o too much trouble.

Bob

I used 1mobile market, to get MTH WIFI app on my Kindle.

It works just fine, for 3 trains.

How can I get the upgrade for my Kindle app..perhaps MTH should put the upgraded app as a purchase app, if they already do, where might I find it?

I upgraded on my Apple phn.  But haven't tested it yet.