Need to upgrade DCS TIU & Remote

The guys at NJ-HR can do it, they're pretty accommodating.

This could be a good excuse to finally see the layout. Thanks.

If you can read clear instructions, and are will to spend a few dollars for cables, it is not a difficult task.  The CURRENT Loader program on screen instructions are very clear.

I'm on a Mac.

I seem to recall that Barry Broskowitz had a workaround on that.

I did read that somewhere & I scanned through the latest Companion & didn't see anything. I'll check again.

Thanks

I just scanned Barry's book & came to the section on a Mac workaround, the following is a quote: "While it may be possible to run the DCS Loader Program on a non-Intel personal computer using some form of Microsoft Windows emulation, it is not recommended".

Although I'm a graphic artist I came into the computer world later than most. My focus has been on the software I needed to make a living, any computer related issues were always handled by IT. I'm recently retired and still use my Mac for freelance work & I'd prefer not to possibly screw that up as well as my DCS. Build a kit, paint & weather a model, build bench work, lay track, simple soldering, that's what I'm comfortable with.

I think the best solution for me is to continue running what runs until I find someone who's more savvy at upgrading the system.

Maybe a better solution is to buy a used laptop, if cheap enough, to update my TIU & Remote. Anyone know the minimum requirements?

I don't mind saying that I'm fairly ignorant about computers, especially a PC. Would this meet the requirements, see below. I already have the cables that are needed that I purchased over 10 years ago when I tried to upgrade then.

ironman1 posted:

Maybe a better solution is to buy a used laptop, if cheap enough, to update my TIU & Remote. Anyone know the minimum requirements?

You can upgrade DCS on most any Windows computer, I think if it Runs at least Windows 7, it's more than sufficient to run the DCS upgrade.

So the laptop pictured above should meet the need?

Ironman1, that Dell would work great. I'm still using a 2001 HP laptop with XP on it just for DCS upgrades and engine software loading. Only down side is the XP platform is no longer supported by Microsoft.

I have used my MAC.  But you have to run Windows on it.  It's a PITA.  MTH is the only reason why I have Windows on my MAC.

You would think with their great desire for us to use our cell phones to run trains that their "wonderful" APP would do this.

Have Fun.

Ron

Since Windows computers are many times more common than MAC computers, it's small wonder why they supported the app in Windows.

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

windows 7 is the best for MTh upgrades ! windows  10 sometimes does not work right with mth  downloads ? never had a problem with windows 7, and if you need it I can set you up on a window 7  I 7 laptop ! or I can reload your own windows & DCS software tiu remote and flash ps3 engines!

Alan

I've loaded tons of PS/2 and PS/3 boards with Windows 10, never an issue.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

HI Joe:  Please watch this video before you do anything....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17CpEt5iqlA

I am also a Mac User, I have never owned a PC.  Bought my first Mac in 1983 and buy a new one about every 4 years.  I had my son come over with his PC and he did the upgrades right in my train room. 

Hope this helps.   Gary

How would a phone wirelessly communicate with a TIU?  I do not share your assumption.

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I'm asking around my family for anyone with an old laptop with windows 7 they wish to part with. I will watch the video before I make any attempt.

RJR posted:

How would a phone wirelessly communicate with a TIU?  I do not share your assumption.

Hmmm.  A DCS wifi module maybe.

Ron045 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Ron045 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

Maybe you are right John.  I assume too much.  I assume that because MTH wants us to use cell phones as controllers that maybe they would drag all aspects of their system into the 21st century and not have us using a curly telephone cord from 1986 to update their own system.

How silly of me.

Ron045 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Ron045 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

Maybe you are right John.  I assume too much.  I assume that because MTH wants us to use cell phones as controllers that maybe they would drag all aspects of their system into the 21st century and not have us using a curly telephone cord from 1986 to update their own system.

How silly of me.

Curly cord is only needed for the DCS remote which has nothing to do with the WiFi and Modern app usage. 

I wouldn't rule out this feature being added in the future but as the update process works now it wouldn't be fully automatic unless some hardware modification comes to the TIU.

While I haven’t read all of this, we are happy to do upgrades for free. Just mail us your components, we will do the upgrade, and mail it back. 

Mr. Muffin, thank you for the offer & I may take you up on it. I've watched the updating video 3 times & it sure looks like it's easy enough to do. My wife uses our home computer for work & I'd prefer not to mess with it. Since the upgrades seem easy enough, I'm looking into buying a used laptop for this sole purpose & give it a try.

Joe

Joe, As stated above, Don't worry about spending too much for a used laptop, this software will run on about anything. If possible though, get one with a 9 pin serial RS-232 hardware port built in. Even though my Rev. L TIU has the USB port on it, I still use the 9 pin for the upgrades. I don't have to mess around with USB driver installs or my laptop detecting the TIU before installing.

Yes, my goal is to buy cheap. The laptop needs to be for only one purpose, DCS upgrades.

Ironman, there is a related use.  The contents of a remote can be stored on the computer using the Loader program.  So if you ever have to reset the remote, you merely restore from the computer and don't have to re-enter lal the data.  If you have several remotes, you can clone them so all are identical and don't have to enter data in each.

When we hear MTH should do this or MTH should do that, all it takes is money.  In an era when model trains as a hobby is declining, and tariff issues could raise production costs, a company must be prudent in incurring expense if it wishes to remain viable.  How many freight cars must be sold to pay one person a living wage?

Hi RJR,

I wasn't aware of the added benefit of storing & cloning the information, so having a dedicated inexpensive laptop makes plenty of sense. Believe me, after recently loosing my job at the age of 63, I'm aware of the cost issues associated with the hobby. I've avoided the upgrades since things were running ok until now & anything I can do myself to save money will be an added benefit.

Joe

Understood.

Alan Mancus posted:

windows 7 is the best for MTh upgrades ! windows  10 sometimes does not work right with mth  downloads ? never had a problem with windows 7, and if you need it I can set you up on a window 7  I 7 laptop ! or I can reload your own windows & DCS software tiu remote and flash ps3 engines!

Alan

Hi Alan,

I was reading through again & noticed your message above. Are you saying you have a laptop to sell?

Thanks,

Joe

Alan Mancus posted:

windows 7 is the best for MTh upgrades ! windows  10 sometimes does not work right with mth  downloads ? never had a problem with windows 7, and if you need it I can set you up on a window 7  I 7 laptop ! or I can reload your own windows & DCS software tiu remote and flash ps3 engines!

Alan

Just wondering but what issues have you run into using Windows 10? I use Windows 10 and Chrome and haven't run into any issues updating either my TIU (revision L) and remote or loading sound files to locomotives. I'm just curious if there is something I should be cautious of in the future.

Although I haven't actually came out and asked here, does anyone have a Laptop they are looking to get rid of that is capable of doing the DCS upgrades? I've been searching on ebay, Craigslist & asked family members and have come up short. Well, except for ebay, just not sure what will meet the requirements.

yes I have many laptops send me an email with your cell number n I'll call you! 

Hi Alan, just emailed you my info.

Joe

If you're still looking, here's something to look into; an Acer laptop for $150:

https://www.techconnect.com/ar..._date=20191028183610

I have appreciated this post because I too am a Mac user.  My local hobby shop (Aurora Rails) used to do the upgrades for me, but the owner recently passed away and upgrades are no longer being done there.  So, I am in the same situation as Ironman1.

we Bill if you need any upgrades done or train or  computer repair let me know!

Check your email!

Alan