New WTIU Firmware - Issues Updating

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

I have loaded the new firmware that came out for the WTIU and I'm still getting a bad buzz from the variable channels using my ZWL. I haven't had time to test the signal strength of fixed 1 & 2 yet.

Has anyone else loaded the new firmware and have any improvements in performance?

OK scratch that, I checked and my firmware didn't update. Tried two more times with no luck.

I know this is a known issue so I'll search up that thread.

How did you do the update?  I think the release issued should be done through the LuCi web interface.

@H1000 posted:

How did you do the update?  I think the release issued should be done through the LuCi web interface.

yeah I've tried through the LuCi interface on ipad, iphone and PC .... none worked.  It just won't update.  I've tried multiple different restarts etc and nothing seems to work.  Very frustrating experience.  Anyone have any ideas?

I'm not sure why there is a "Firmware Update" button in the app if that does nothing?

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

yeah I've tried through the LuCi interface on ipad, iphone and PC .... none worked.  It just won't update.  I've tried multiple different restarts etc and nothing seems to work.  Very frustrating experience.  Anyone have any ideas?

I'm not sure why there is a "Firmware Update" button in the app if that does nothing?

I don't have the wtiu or tried the new download.

It just sounds like you're trying to update the app and not the WTIU. I'm probably way off here. I'm just guessing.

Where's the update button?

see page 11 of the instructions

https://ogrforum.com/topic/new...oad-here-3#lastReply

@Engineer-Joe posted:

I don't have the wtiu or tried the new download.

It just sounds like you're trying to update the app and not the WTIU. I'm probably way off here. I'm just guessing.

Where's the update button?

https://d2frr7198pxftr.cloudfr...12/DCS%20WTIU%20User's%20Guide.pdf?VersionId=YjXWFjc_0TL9r4VsiiGTS5mEWBribyYj&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0yGEG3a7jm7gJ3q6IS-m5VuvoSj27lo88moDw9BhplOR-_0q9hUPFTNxk_aem_zRM2oNqahBZ7FM0upzbdwA

see page 11

I'm using the directions provided with the WTIU Firmware update today.  I put the WTIU in WTIU Wifi mode (not connected to my home wifi), connect directly to that with my device (I've tried multiple), then I open the LuCi interface and go through the steps for the firmware upgrade.

Interestingly, LuCi says my firmware version is updated to the correct version v1.2, but in the DCS app the WTIU firmware is still listed as the old version V1.06.

Hmmm

Vernon has got his working

https://ogrforum.com/topic/new...5#188944943947912415

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

I'm using the directions provided with the WTIU Firmware update today.  I put the WTIU in WTIU Wifi mode (not connected to my home wifi), connect directly to that with my device (I've tried multiple), then I open the LuCi interface and go through the steps for the firmware upgrade.

Interestingly, LuCi says my firmware version is updated to the correct version v1.2, but in the DCS app the WTIU firmware is still listed as the old version V1.06.

My guess is, that there may be different firmware sections.

the old WIU and TIU had completely separate firmware versions, so I would not in the slightest be surprised there may be a WIFI module and LuCi firmware version and that could be different from the WTIU application firmware that rides on top of the system.

This fact also easily answers why the app firmware says up to date- however we know in the LUCI interface there is a separate firmware update version 1.2.0

But hey- let MTH R&D explain this- it's their system.....

I posted this from another thread on the forum:

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

Interestingly, LuCi says my firmware version is updated to the correct version v1.2, but in the DCS app the WTIU firmware is still listed as the old version V1.06.

The APP listing the version as 1.06 is the current version that was released today. Congrats, your WTIU firmware was upgraded successfully!

@H1000 posted:

The APP listing the version as 1.06 is the current version that was released today. Congrats, your WTIU firmware was upgraded successfully!

OK wait so the right version is 1.06 even though the file I download is named 1.2?

Ok if that is right and I'm updated, then I'm getting just as much buzzing from the variable channels using my ZWL as before, maybe even more. That's a bummer, I was hoping this update would fix that.

@ArtsModelTrains posted:

OK wait so the right version is 1.06 even though the file I download is named 1.2?

Ok if that is right and I'm updated, then I'm getting just as much buzzing from the variable channels using my ZWL as before, maybe even more. That's a bummer, I was hoping this update would fix that.

Yes, apparently LuCi reports the version differently than the DCS app.

There isn't a firmware update in the world that will ever fix that buzzing. That's caused by the modified sine wave output from the ZWL and the WTIUs variable channels modifying the sine wave even more to vary the voltage output (unless your variable channels are set to FIXED, then it's just the ZWL).

So just wanted to confirm, I just did the update, inside the DCS App it now says, v1.06(before update it was v1.04), inside of the LUCI webpage interface it does say v1.2 after update on the status screen. Agree that the mismatch is a little confusing/misleading.

yeah this is super confusing, considering the MTH site calls the firmware 1.2.

Hi all.  First, sorry for the update version confusion.  The app is reporting the version of WTIU code itself and not the full update image.  This is something we are planning to change.  The WIU, DCS Explorer, etc., both report back the (download) version and the WTIU should do the same.  In the meantime, if you update v1.2.0 and then readback the version number using the app, v1.06 is correct.  You can see the actual downloaded firmware version (v1.2.0) in LuCI.  When you first login, it is shown on the home page.

The initial update prompted by the app was hard-coded as we expected the WTIU would require an update out of the box.  The timeframe between production and reaching your layout was about 3 months and we were still working on things.  Even now, we continue completing new features.  One of the new features is an elegant update process.  That is, the app will go out to our website on occasion and notify you if there is an update available.  Then, just tapping "install" will get it done.  We just didn't have time to implement this prior to release.  You will not need to use LuCI thereafter although, she will still be available.

The 60Hz buzz in the variable channels is not a firmware issue.  This is caused by the severely chopped AC waveform put out by the ZWL.  We are looking into how we may be able to improve or eliminate this mechanical noise prior to the next run of the WTIU which is coming soon.  Also, we will see if there is something that can be done in the field for those that it really bothers.  The buzzing is no doubt a nuisance but, harmless and varies from nearly inaudible to annoying depending upon your particular WTIU.

The apps are both in the process of being refactored.  Over time, they have become a little stale when compared to updates to both iOS and Android operating systems.  This is not uncommon, it was just too much to take on prior to getting the WTIU out.  So, now, we are going through that process and expect significant improvements in performance and stability once completed.  In particular, the Android app has some known issues that can cause instability when combined with certain hardware (thousands of different devices) and Android versions (hundreds of different versions).  That said, once we bring the Android app fully up to date as if it were written today, we should see significant improvements overall.  Hang tough, we'll get you there.

We have no doubt after some time in the wild and enhancements by MTH along the way, the WTIU will be the most stable and reliable digital control system available for model railroading.  This is complex stuff and some tweaks are to be expected so, again, please be patient with us as we are indeed on it. 

Thanks!

Thanks Great update.

How many updates to the WTIU have there been since it was 1st released? I bought one that is sitting in a box waiting for a layout to be built, but wonder when it is time to set it up will I need to do multiple updates or just the latest release?

@Mooner posted:

How many updates to the WTIU have there been since it was 1st released? I bought one that is sitting in a box waiting for a layout to be built, but wonder when it is time to set it up will I need to do multiple updates or just the latest release?

There have been two. One was available on the release day, and now this one. You should be able to skip the first release and install version 1.2 released yesterday.

@H1000 posted:

There have been two. One was available on the release day, and now this one. You should be able to skip the first release and install version 1.2 released yesterday.

Appreciate the quick response.

It would be helpful to have a relative signal strength or quality value for the "HOME" WiFi connection. When using HOME (instead of "MTH") I can't tell if some of my operating issues are due to a weak signal and errors between the WTIU and my home router.

Hey Mooner, @H1000 is correct.  You can load the latest version available when you are ready to install and run the WTIU.  I would expect a couple more updates coming in the next 6 months.  We are adding the automated firmware update process, streaming sounds, downloading sound files to engines, and a few other things.  Of course, we'll find and fix a couple more bugs along the way as well.

@Bruce Brown posted:

It would be helpful to have a relative signal strength or quality value for the "HOME" WiFi connection. When using HOME (instead of "MTH") I can't tell if some of my operating issues are due to a weak signal and errors between the WTIU and my home router.

If you are standing next to your WTIU and your phone is connected to your home wifi network and you can surf the internet or send/receive email, etc., normally, then the signal from your home router to the WTIU is absolutely fine.  Essentially, if your WTIU is within ~50' of most modern routers and there aren't any unusual materials or construction elements in your home, you should not have any wifi signaling issues.  There are free apps you can download that will report wifi signal strength using your phone.  If your phone sees the signal, then the WTIU can see it as well.  I hope that helps.

@Bruce Brown posted:

It would be helpful to have a relative signal strength or quality value for the "HOME" WiFi connection. When using HOME (instead of "MTH") I can't tell if some of my operating issues are due to a weak signal and errors between the WTIU and my home router.

This can be done in a few ways.

Most home routers will show you what devices are connected and the signal strength of the device in its own web interface.

This information is also available in the LuCi web interface of your WTIU:

Another determination, if your WTIU/WIU has good signal strength to your router, is by simply holding your phone next to the WTIU/WIU when (your phone) is connected to your home router. If your phone has good signal strength, most likely the WTIU/WIU has the same or better signal strength as it has a better antenna than your phone.

Thank you @H1000 and @MTH RD for your suggestions.

Thanks,

I was able to update the firmware after reading through this thread without a problem.

John

Will there be some tech documents for the ASC discussing the repairable components it they fail.  For example VAR channels?  What is the mechanical buzz, a relay?  G

Good evening, everyone!  I updated the firmware on my WTIU last night.  Before the update, I seemed to only be able to run my 180 watt powerhouses through the variable channel(s) of the WTIU.  Post update, I seem to be getting a rapidly blinking red light as seen in attachments when i attempt to run power through the fixed channel(s).  Anyone else experiencing this?  If so, how did you fix it?  I did confirm that the update was performed successfully per luci and mobile app.

Thanks,

Karl

@Karl L posted:

Good evening, everyone!  I updated the firmware on my WTIU last night.  Before the update, I seemed to only be able to run my 180 watt powerhouses through the variable channel(s) of the WTIU.  Post update, I seem to be getting a rapidly blinking red light as seen in attachments when i attempt to run power through the fixed channel(s).  Anyone else experiencing this?  If so, how did you fix it?  I did confirm that the update was performed successfully per luci and mobile app.

Thanks,

Karl

Odd & curious question, are your PH180 transformers in phase?

All the power inputs & outputs are supposed to be separate and independent of each other in the WTIU/TIU (except the REV G TIU) but perhaps not in the WTIU. Could a phasing issue be causing this??? (I'm just spit-balling a theory here)

If you unplug everything from the outputs with only the PH180 bricks plugged into the FIXED inputs, does the same thing happen with the RED light?

Hi, H1000

Thanks for responding.  I’m open to any suggestions.  I removed the bus wires (outputs) as you suggested and plugged the bricks into the fixed inputs and got purple lights.  When I reconnected the bus wire to fixed out 1, still got purple lights.  However, when I reconnected the bus wire for my second block into fixed 2, I got the red light, as indicated in my photos.  You may be onto something but when I retested this theory, I immediately got the red light on fixed 1.

Thanks,

Karl