.dcst file will not open when trying to upgrade to DCS Version 5

gladstone23 posted:

Dear All,

I know that this is a difficult topic to discuss in the forum but wondering if anyone can help....Purchased DCS Wifi module at Greenberg show today...My DCS system is old ...not rev L for sure....never upgraded software... I hook up all the cables etc ...I get the serial cable to recognize TIU on Com 3...but when I  go to the next step of transferring software to the TIU I can not open the prompt for the .DCSt file...nothing happens when I click open file.... I have followed these instructions below....several times...do  I need to upload older software versions first before going to Version 5?  Thanks in advance...Robert

Step 1: Updating the TIU
 
**When updating to a different version of DCS software in your TIU and remote, you should always start by updating the TIU first.**

• Connect your TIU to the computer using either the 9 pin serial or USB cable (Your computer can already be booted up)
• Plug the 3.5mm stereo audio cable ends into the TIU's "Proto-Dispatch" & "Proto-cast" ports
• Connect the power supply to the Fixed 1 input port OR connect the Aux power supply to the Aux power port on the TIU
• Start the DCS Loader program
• Close out of any unnecessary programs or applications and do not use the computer while the update is in progress
• Click the load software to TIU Icon
• Carefully follow the instructions on the screen. (it will instruct you to connect the serial cable and 3.5mm audio cables)
• Then select the "*.DCSt" file (example: "tiu5p0.DCSt")
• The update process should start and will tell you when you are finished

Have you unzipped the file?  It is in a zip file and needs to be extracted before accessing it. 

I think what is happening is that no file is being downloaded at all...I just get a screen that  looks for the .dcst file and there is none to be found...Does anyone know if anyone is doing upgrades at the Greenberg who in Edison , NJ?

You must use Loader Program 5.0 to load DCS 5.0. The older Loader Programs won't see the 5.0 TIU and remote software files. This was intentional, since Loader Programs earlier than 5.0 will not upgrade DCS to 5.0 correctly.

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!

Most likely the file did download, just not unzipped like Marty stated, or it went to a location that the loader is not looking for by default.  You can select where you download and unzip the file too, you also can select where the program looks for the file.   G

I had trouble with my Windows 10 computer but I had no issues with a Windows 7 machine. Long story short, try a different computer? 

or a different browser, I had issues with Firefox, but Explorer worked fine.

All...thank you for the relies... I will try different browser....I am a Mac user and am very "rusty" in the windows environment...spoiled  I guess by Mac... I'll be back!

FWIW I used Firefox with no issues. 

I was thinking about  your replies about the browser....I have downloaded the Version 5 loader just fine...so , with the loader you are not really choosing which browser to use, correct?

I also use firefox, with no problems.  When you download the file from MTH, save it somewhere. If you right click on the downloaded file in Windows Explorer, a window will come up.  Left click on unzip, and it will ask you where to unzip.  I suggest a new folder.   Then go to that folder.  If you've already got Loader 5.0 operating, the code files should be somewhere on your computer.  Look under Program Files(x86) for MTH, and in the subfolder MyMTHFiles.

Here is a screen shot  of where the process stops...I do not see any files anywhere...any insight?

My MTH File folder is empty...

When you download the file where do you save it to?

Marty, ll I am doing is clicking the "start" box after following the instructions for hooking up the cables etc. ...I never  get to having the option of saving a file somewhere

Robert

gladstone23 posted:

Marty, ll I am doing is clicking the "start" box after following the instructions for hooking up the cables etc. ...I never  get to having the option of saving a file somewhere

Robert

Have you down loaded the version 5 file from MTH?  

From here?

Yes...I have loader 5 all installed and the program recognizes the TIU com port

gladstone23 posted:

Yes...I have loader 5 all installed and the program recognizes the TIU com port

But did you download the version 5 software, not just the loader. They are 2 separate files. 

I see what your saying...I thought by clicking the start button that would start the download process but nothing happens ...I just get the screen that I posted as a screen shot...so in answer to your question, I don;t think so...I looked all around in different folders etc.

gladstone23 posted:

I see what your saying...I thought by clicking the start button that would start the download process but nothing happens ...I just get the screen that I posted as a screen shot...so in answer to your question, I don;t think so...I looked all around in different folders etc.

Ok now we're getting somewhere. Download ver 5 software. It is a compressed file. Unzip it to a place where you know where it is.  Then when you run the loader, point the path to where the unzipped files are. 

 There are 2 files you must download from MTH.  One is the 5.0 consumer loader.  The other is DCS version 5.0  The latter contains the files for the remote and the TIU codes.  HAve you downloaded both?

What version is on the remote and TIU?  You say these are very old.  If they're version 2.##, aDvise, because there is another step you must take, which will have the side effect of wiping out all loco/switch/accessory data.

RJR posted:

 There are 2 files you must download from MTH.  One is the 5.0 consumer loader.  The other is DCS version 5.0  The latter contains the files for the remote and the TIU codes.  HAve you downloaded both?

 

What version is on the remote and TIU?  You say these are very old.  If they're version 2.##, aDvise, because there is another step you must take, which will have the side effect of wiping out all loco/switch/accessory data.

We already established he has the loader...he's missing the upgrade files. I think he's on the right path now. 

I realize that Marty, but did he download BOTH files?

RJR posted:

I realize that Marty, but did he download BOTH files?

From his response no. That's why I said he'd need to go and get the upgrade files. I would hope he is doing so. 

OK Marty...you are brilliant! I should have read the instructions PDF more carefully...sorry...so used to the plug and play nature of a Mac computer....I have sucessfully loaded the TIU software into my two TIUs!!!!...Now...trying to do the remote....having trouble....program keeps telling me to turn on the remote , hold power down.....turn off the remote, hold power button done....  over and over and over....does not look like it is working right.... Do I start with the DCS remote controller powered on or off? Thank you for your patience!

OK All....changed phone cords and it is working now....first cord was a 3 pin I think....thank you all so much!

Robert

Great Robert. Glad you got it going!  

Thanks again Marty!   My son and I successfully connected the wifi unit tonight as well...very enjoyable.