Differences among various TIU revisions? Why is rev L best?

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Hi Rodger,

 

Here's a quick run through TIU history...

 

Rev. G - This was the original, released in April, 2002.  Unlike all later TIU's, the Rev G's had the black terminals on all four channels tied together.  They are also the only TIU revision without internal blade fuses and were vulnerable to shorting out with older transformers with slow acting breakers.  The G's can be identified on the outside by the lack of a revision sticker on the underside.  The G's also have a "ProtoSound 2" logo painted on the top of the case.

 

Rev. H1/H1A/H1B/H2/H2A - The "H" revisions added the blade fuses for auxiliary circuit protection and isolated the black terminals on each channel.  The G and H revisions all used 5 volts chip sets.  The various alpha numeric iterations within the "H" revisions represented minor hardware changes on the circuit board.  All "H" revisions came with an identifying sticker centered on the underside of the case.  The H1's were painted with the "ProtoSound 2" logo, but from the H1A on MTH switches to the DCS oval logo on the top of the case.

 

Rev. I/I1/I1A/I3/I3A/I3B - The "I" revisions moved from a 5 volt to a 3 volt chip set.  The various alpha numeric iterations within the "I" revisions represented minor hardware changes on the circuit board.  All "I" revisions came with an identifying sticker centered on the underside of the case.  MTH used a sans serif font on the revision stickers, which has often lead to confusion.  Many people mistake the "I" for a "1."

 

Rev. L - So far there has only been a single variation of the Rev. L.  The L uses a 3volt FPGA chip set with improved signal recognition, which effectively improves track signal quality.  The "L" also added a USB-B port, which can be used in lieu of the RS-232 port to connect the TIU to a PC for updating firmware and transferring files.  You can identify the Rev. L by the sticker and the USB-B port.

Dave, I've personally seen two different board layouts of the Rev. L boards.  I don't know what prompted the change, but there have at least been some board change of some kind.

 

What differences in board layout?   G

I'd have to take them apart again, but I noticed it on one when I had the unit apart.  I didn't think much of it at the time.

 

No numbers or letters after the "REV. L" as earlier TIU's had when changes were made?

One of my TIU's is at the club, the others just have an L.  I'd have to take them all apart to see which one has the different board.

Hello Dave,

 

Thank you for the extremely detailed answer.  I appreciate the time you must have spent writing it.  BTW, we met at York after the DCS app presentation.  I asked about typing information in rather than using the tiresome scroll button.  I was the guy in shorts, a blue shirt, and glasses.  Your answers at York were very helpful.

Thanks everyone for your information.  I guess the next question is:  If the TIU I currently use, i.e., version H2, is working OK, do you think there might be any advantages to upgrading to a version L?  

Rodger,

 

If your current setup is working, I'd say keep it.  One of the issues I've heard with Ver L is a higher failure rate of the variable channels.  It would be nice to get some better information on this, but so far just a few formulites have had this problem and the DCS gurus have said little.

 

This should not be an issue for those who run their TIUs in passive mode.

The mod that is was done to the initial REV L TIUs was the addition of SMD TVS diodes on the channels to protect the DCS signal.  Usually a REV L would have a silver dot added to indicate the upgrade.  I am not sure if the dot is included with the factory production now.

 

I would agree that keeping the H2 is fine.  If you start having more PS-3 engines you might consider the upgrade to the L.  G

Same comment as chipset.  I also have 2 Rev G's, original issue.

John,

 

As GGG alluded, I suspect what you noticed were not variations from the factory, but rather  "field mods" made by MTH Service.  One of the TIU's probably had been back to MTH for repair and the other had not.  We'll probably see these changes made permanent on the next batch of TIU's.  If so, they will likely be labeled something along the lines of " Rev. L1" or  "Rev. L1A."

Could be Dave, at the time I didn't think much of it, just remembered it when this topic came up.  Since all of them work fine, I haven't had the desire to pop the top on them lately.

 

Is rev. I3A a good deal for 210$?  I run tmcc and ps2 engines. Or should I just get the latest (which I do not think would benefit me all to much)?

T.I.A.

Absolutely not. I wouldn't touch a I3A with a ten foot pole. Why?    I went though 3 of them(I3A) before getting one that would put out a decent dcs signal.

Since a brand new Rev list MSRP is less than $200, why pay more for an old one?

This is why you should purchase a REV. L TIU.

 

From page 206 of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, page 206.

 

You just want to get your hands on my 2 Rev G's that have been working well for so long.

 

Wind chill -25 here this morning.  There's ice on the river so I can't take the boat out.  Guess I'll get the grandkids to run trains

Oh so only get it with the rev L one. Maybe I'll just buy it new then. Keep in mind I'm not running my trains all the time. Maybe twice a month when I have time due to senior year in college. I have a 5 track 8X12 layout with the MTH Z4000 and the cab 1 Lionel remote. I have several PS2 trains like the MTH UP 49er passenger and Burlington zephyr. I only have two or three tmcc engines. So my objective is to get the one that is listed as $350 new?

I always get a new TIU everytime MTH ships new sets...Sometimes I get a new complete set. The last batch of TIU's from last month just have REV. L on them and are loaded with 4.20 

If you are buying new, as Barry states there are very good reasons to buy the Rev L.  If your looking for old, and it works with no damage an earlier unit will work fine.  Some may have had issues, but most will work fine for what you want to do.

 

I certainly wouldn't pay a near new price for and older TIU though.

 

If later you get into upgrades and downloading sound files, you will need a TIU compatible with your computer.  My All in One computer only has USB ports.  No RS232 port.  So a new Rev L is required.  That is also a consideration.   G

Keep an eye out and you'll get a far better deal on the Rev. L.  I picked one with the remote up in the for-sale forum here for $125 shipped, so deals can be had.

 

GGG, I have had no problems whatsoever using the USB to serial cable I got from Radio Shack, on my Rev G's and Rev H.

 

GRJ:  $125 for a Rev L with remote, and they work.  That was a buy!

George,  now that Radio Shack is gone, you can obtain a usb-rs232 serial cable from Amazon.  I have Amazon Prime, so shipping is free.

Bruce, at this time many Radio Shack stores are not scheduled to close.  I'm not sure about their mail order business.

RJR,

   You are absolutely correct about many of the RS stores not closing, the one here in Penn Hills, Pa advised me that it's business as usual for them, and only certain things are on sale.  They wanted $24.99 for the 18/24 power supply for powering my TIU thru it's Aux port, so I ordered one off E-bay for $10.99, which is what I paid for my original one long ago.  This RS situation is a real mess no doubt about it.

PCRR/Dave

Looking at some of the above posts, I note that there may be some confusion.  While the TIUs are revised, there has not been any published revision to the remotes.  While I cannot say that there have never been internal changes to the remotes, if there were any they weren't publicized.  So if you want to always have the latest, you only need acquire a TIU.

 

The only obvious change is the thumbwheel changed, the new ones have larger serrations in the wheel.

 

Got it on the extra cable. That is an option and you can add that in to the cost it you chose to buy an older TIU.  G