Is there a short answer to my DCS problem

I'm no expert on DCS, TMack, and hopefully some such experts will give you the advice you need, but I got a DCS remote unit and TIU about 3 years ago, got Barry Boscowitz' Bible on DCS, worked hard for 3 weeks during Covid to re-wire my layout and install DCS using the star wiring system, and my DCS has worked like a charm ever since.

I'm not sure, but since it sounds like your DCS remote and TIU are old, you might have an old version of the TIU, which I believe can be upgraded to the L version, which is the latest version that is much better than the old version. and that can be done relatively economically. Again, hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in soon about this.

By the way, the issue of the various versions of the TIU was discussed on another recent thread, so I suggest you do a Forum search for it.

I love the DCS remote unit/TIU system, and from what I understand, it's no longer made, so if your system can be upgraded and installed properly, I think it is very worth your while to do so.

I only use the basic functions of my DCS remote and TIU, which includes adding PS2 and PS3 engines, read engine, start engine, shut down engine, speed control, horn, bell, and electrocoupler, and I only run one MTH PS2 or 3 locomotive on DCS at a time. I could be wrong, but I think that limiting my DCS use to these basic functions helps keep my DCS system trouble free.

Also, although I have the DCS App on my smartphone, I don't use it; I only run locomotives on DCS using my remote unit.

One more thing: I know nothing about the DCS WIFI system.

Hope this helps, and hope you get others more knowledgeable than me to chime in. Arnold

The tiu needs the latest version 6.1 for tiu n remote! ho, what happens when you your tiu are shot. when you power it up do you get led blink one time or do you have a direct short! with more information maybe we can help you!

Alan

Does your tiu have a version # sticker on the bottom? What is it?

Updating your tiu to version 6.10 will allow you to operate you tiu using your phone, after you buy a wiu and a USB to serial cable.

The wiu is a current and still I production product that's around ~160.00, the cable (USB to serial)can be bought on Amazon for under 20(it's not an mth product)

Or...

The new wtiu will be out supposedly in 2-3 months which is basically the tiu with the wiu built in, and appears to have a ~400.00 price tag.

To move to Lionel, you'd probably want to wait for the base 3 to be released, which is ~500.00, and uses a phone app to control.

Lionel doesn't currently produce a base, much like mth at the moment. Anything you'd need to go Lionel would be used and extremely expensive due to the scalping(much like discontinued mth dcs items).

Nice layouts!

Like you, I recently got my dcs/tmcc back out only to find what all has changed.

My tiu's are I3a versions, one remote is an original, the other is much more current, everything works as it should. I did get a wiu, since getting everything out. And I've purchased a new Lionel lionchief plus 2.0 and legacy engine. Lionel's engines are pretty impressive. Both operate fine with my original tmcc and dcs for that matter.

My mth engines are all PS2, some 3v, some 5v.

You have a lot to catch up on🤣

What about the remote is shot? They can often be repaired.

If the TIU is still functioning, yes you could pick up a WIU and use the smartphone app to control your trains.

I see that you're a 3-rail Cat.  I'm a 2-rail modeler, and I have an older TIU version. It works with my iPhone 13, no problem.  The new Atlas (with the MTH systems) engines also work well with the MTH DCS system.  The DCS system picks up the Atlas addresses quickly.  I also have a separate power source for my DCC engines.  Hope this helps a bit.

@TMack posted:

I am just crawling out from under my rock.  I have been away from the hobby for the last 10 years.  I dusted off my TIU and remote and my remote is shot.  

What is the deal with MTH and DCS?  Should I bother sticking with it or should I just move to Lionel.  I dont have a ton invested in my DCS or engines.  

Can I use the old TIU with the new WiFi unit (WIU) and control through my phone?  Mine is pretty ancient.  

What is the exact rev of your TIU?  Also, it's quite possible to repair remotes, it really depends on what the exact issue is with yours.

The WIU will run with any vintage TIU, the TIU just has to be updated.  All versions of the TIU and remote are compatible with the current TIU and remote software.

As for converting, I run both since there are a bunch of MTH products that Lionel never made and will likely never produce in the future.  MTH does take a bit more care and feeding, especially wiring a larger layout, but once you accomplish that, both command systems will serve you well.

@TMack sent an email to you on this.

walt

@walt rapp thanks I responded to your email.

@rplst8 That RF board is certainly loose and I am not sure how to fix that.  

What is a pain in the neck is the wiring around the thumb wheel.  It makes it difficult to get the case back together and seat properly.

@gunrunnerjohn. Mine does not have a sticker,  I bought it used and the remote was abused.  My TIU does not have a USB port only a RS232 serial port.  

If you have no sticker on the bottom of the TIU, and no USB port on the side, then you have the first version: Rev G. Do upgrade it to version 6.10.

A few items to be aware of with this particular rev:

1. There are no fuses inside! Recommend that you get fast acting 10amp CBs for each output you are using. Install them on the output side of the TIU.

2. The wires from the circuit board (CB) to the female banana sockets are held on with nuts. These typically work loose, heat up, and cause big problems. Open the case (pull 6 screws out of the bottom) and snug up EVERY connection!

3. Unlike all the other TIU Revs , all the Black (common) connections are internally connected. (one CB trace for everything) Do NOT be tempted to have just 1 connection in and 1 connection out! The trace is too thin to handle the current and you are likely to destroy it. Far better to jumper around the board with a heavy gauge wire and have multiple commons to your layout.

Chris

LVHR

@lehighline

Thanks for the tips,

If you have no sticker on the bottom of the TIU, and no USB port on the side, then you have the first version: Rev G. Do upgrade it to version 6.10.  -I knew it was old, just not how old.  Remote is at 4.1

A few items to be aware of with this particular rev:

1. There are no fuses inside! Recommend that you get fast acting 10amp CBs for each output you are using. Install them on the output side of the TIU.  This is how I had it setup on my last layout.

2. The wires from the circuit board (CB) to the female banana sockets are held on with nuts. These typically work loose, heat up, and cause big problems. Open the case (pull 6 screws out of the bottom) and snug up EVERY connection! Thanks

3. Unlike all the other TIU Revs , all the Black (common) connections are internally connected. (one CB trace for everything) Do NOT be tempted to have just 1 connection in and 1 connection out! The trace is too thin to handle the current and you are likely to destroy it. Far better to jumper around the board with a heavy gauge wire and have multiple commons to your layout.  My OCD will force me to not rely on one common connection - LOL.

@TMack posted:

2. The wires from the circuit board (CB) to the female banana sockets are held on with nuts. These typically work loose, heat up, and cause big problems. Open the case (pull 6 screws out of the bottom) and snug up EVERY connection! Thanks

Actually, the Rev. G is the only one for which this is not true.  Although the nuts can come loose, the internal connections are actually soldered to the end of the terminal itself for the Rev. G TIU.  In truth, the Rev. G is the only version that the nuts coming loose are only a minor annoyance and not a potential major problem.

@lehighline posted:

If you have no sticker on the bottom of the TIU, and no USB port on the side, then you have the first version: Rev G. Do upgrade it to version 6.10.

I don't know when the USB port was added, but I do know the Rev I3a and I3 do not have USB, nor did the Rev H(which was Rev after Rev G).

Rev. L is the only TIU with the USB port, none of the earlier versions had USB.