MTH TIU

Well, he/she will need a remote also, and a cable to connect TIU to computer.  Assuming he/she gets a Rev L, the cable is one that is frequently used for printers, and is readily available. He/she should be aware that when operating conventional only, a TIU and a remote provides walkaround capability, allowing operation from a whole new perspective.  I did this before getting any PS2 locos to go with the DCS system that was given to me back when first released.  I would also suggest getting a wall wart or equivalent to power the TIU through the AUX port.

My understanding of the DCS system is that when you are using the Track Interface Unit or TIU it acts as the computer that reads commands delivered by either the hand held remote or a cell phone or ipad or computer connection to a wi fi unit.  If your friend gets the TIU with the hand held remote he can connect to any appropriate power source and once connected to the track he has the control he seeks. 

However, I am not sure what you mean by your friend's desire to change sounds on his MTH locomotives.  The TIU unit will allow him to trigger a variety of sounds, in sequence or separately and he can program certain sounds by creating a macro, but actually changing the sounds of one unit to another or from one type of sound to another is a function of a download through a computer and a connection to the TIU.  My limited understanding of that is it is highly dependent on which locomotives or diesels he chooses to change sounds with, which are still available on the MTH website and what type of system is in the locomotive or diesel he wants to upload the sounds.

Basically, he wants the ability to switch sound files on his locomotives. He doesn't want the remote, and wants to buy the TIU by itself. He takes no interest in the remote and won't in the future. The only reason is wants a TIU, again, IS NOT FOR OPERATION, but for changing sound files. Is this all that is needed to do so? 

ES44AC posted:

Basically, he wants the ability to switch sound files on his locomotives. He doesn't want the remote, and wants to buy the TIU by itself. He takes no interest in the remote and won't in the future. The only reason is wants a TIU, again, IS NOT FOR OPERATION, but for changing sound files. Is this all that is needed to do so? 

No, he needs a serial or USB cable to connect the TIU to the PC depending on the TIU model. If it is a serial port model, the PC must have a serial port, or he needs a Sabrent Serial to USB converter. He does not need the 1/8 to 1/8 cable until he needs to upgrade the TIU firmware. The remote is not needed. 

Oh, he must have a PC to download and run the DCS Loader program.

George

What computer does he have.  If it is USB port only he can go with Rev L tiu and a standard USB cable he may have will work.  So he would have all the hardware he needs.  If he has Serial data ports available he can go that route and any TIU can work.  Or he can just get a USB to serial cable and use that with any TIU.

Frankly, I probably have an old TIU that would be perfect for this, as he needs just Fixed one to do what he wants.  E-mail is in my profile.  G

Thanks for the help. G, thanks, but would prefer to buy new. I will check and see what computer he has.