How to Update a TIU?

I would wait for those more experienced as I’m very new to this but I believe if you’re remote is working well with the TIU then it is also at 6.1.  From what I’ve read they must be the same rev to communicate. Not sure where to look to find specifics on the TIU.  

I also just set up the WiFi. Very simple.

For the Mac have you considered a windows partition?  That was also relatively simple if you’re comfortable with computers.  I did that and it works great.  Was able to download the loader program and update the TIU and remote without issue.  

Was not aware of a 'windows partition' before.  Probably not necessary if a PC is still required as I have a neighbor that I can take my TIU over to use if still necessary,  Thanks for the input.  Am hoping someone who is updating to the new 'soon to arrive' MTH TIU Wifi will part with their older separate Wifi unit.

If "Older" TIU means anything before REV L, you will need a serial to USB adapter to connect the WIU.  The WIU was released with a USB interface that only the REV L TIUs have.  I use a SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable (you should be able to search big A with that description).  The same USB to serial interface will be required for any TIU to connect it to a computer without a Serial port, including modern Macs.

Ver 6.10 is the latest for the TIU.  I haven't had a remote in my hand in years now but if memory serves me the remote will tell you the version of the software is in the TIU and the Remote.  The latest firmware for the WIU is v1.1.  Most WIUs should have 1.1 loaded.  v1.0 was the initial release and it was updated due to bugs within a few months of the WIU's release.  To update the firmware on the WIU, the loader software is not needed.  The firmware update is applied with a web browser that can be run on any computer.

To run the loader software on my Mac I use VMware Fusion which allows you to run Windows on the Mac.  VMware was acquired by Broadcom last year and now VMware Fusion is free for non commercial use.
https://blogs.vmware.com/teamf...or-personal-use.html
This software provides a "virtual" environment to run nearly any modern operating system on your Mac and it installs just like any software (no boot camp or windows partition required).  In this case, the only rub is you will need a license key for Windows.  There are other software applications that do the same (Virtual PC and Parallels are 2 examples).  I use VMware Fusion because I work for VMware (now Broadcom) and while I may be biased, I do believe it is best of breed.

It is also worth noting that new Macs (since 2021?) do not use Intel processors.  These are knows as M1, M2 etc.  The MTH software will only run on Windows that is running on Intel processors.  The documentation says Fusion will work on M series Macs but 99% of software will not.

Hope this helps.

Tony V

Thank you so much Tony. Hate to admit that most of this is over my head but I will try to sort it out as I go along. How do I tell if I have the 'L' version?  Am also trying to add the Lionel base1 using a recommended cable but no luck so far with that. The TIU seems to work fine with my remote on several PS3 engine I have on a test track.

Another question I have is "Can I take my TIU to our club layout and easily hook it up temporarily to operate my MTH locomotives and then unplug it and take it home?"  No one has MTH at the club (barbarians) - they run Lionchief almost exclusively.  I used to have to take my 990 set with me to run any of my Lionel equipment for the last several years. That's why I've forgotten much of how to use the DCS system but I prefer it to TMCC/Legacy now.

How do I tell if I have the 'L' version? There is an ID tag on the bottom of the TIU.  It should say REV 'something'. If not, the REV L TIU has a USB connection on the opposite end the serial port is located.  It looks like this:

I am not the person to assist with connecting a Base 1.  I've only done it once and the one piece of advice I have is always remember to get the base 1 working with the native CAB controller before trying to use the DCS interface.
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Also, if you don't have a REV L TIU, the Base 1 adapter and the WIU will need to use the same port.  You will need a DB9 Serial Y Adapter, DB9 Male to Dual DB9 Female to connect both at the same time.
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Can I take my TIU to our club layout and easily hook it up temporarily to operate my MTH locomotives and then unplug it and take it home?

Can you?  In theory, you should just be able to connect it between the power supply and the track and it should work  BUT should you?  That is up to you.  If I knew nothing about the power and how the layout was wired I wouldn't.  With modern power, it should be OK (Lionel 180 watt brick, MTH Z4000 as 2 examples).  A post war ZW will out live all of us but it can also take out a TIU if you are unlucky.   IMHO, with the prices and availability of replacement electronics right now  you could be taking a chance.  Properly connected a ZW (with TVS's and fuses/breakers) works great, but if you are not sure...  Also, I believe some Lionel track power adapters attenuate the DCS signal.  That wont hurt anything but it also will likely mean your DCS signaling may not work.

Good Luck,
Tony V