Out of date?

MTH DCS Section of the website has the latest code now at 6.0.  If you want to go to wifi control you will need to update.  If everything is running fine for your purposes, no need to change.  Though 4.20 fixed some 4.1 bugs.  G

I'm with GGG on this. If its working good for you don't change! You can update anytime.

Our whole layout is also DCS 4.10, and everything still runs fine. I'm in no mood to remove the two TIUs and take them with the four handheld controllers, to the local hobby shop for up-grade to whatever the latest version is. We don't bother with "lash ups", nor do we have ANY plans for adding wifi control.

All sounds like good advice.  The only thing I could never get to work was the TMCC to DCS interface to run the TMCC with the DCS remote.  If 4.20 fixed that I would upgrade.  But others running 4.10 got it to work.  I will never know what was wrong with mine I guess.

Jim Katz posted:

All sounds like good advice.  The only thing I could never get to work was the TMCC to DCS interface to run the TMCC with the DCS remote.  If 4.20 fixed that I would upgrade.  But others running 4.10 got it to work.  I will never know what was wrong with mine I guess.

For what it's worth, we don't use DCS to control ANY TMCC/Legacy locomotives. I found it much easier to add the TMCC base, and then the Legacy base to the system. That way everybody can run their own locomotives with their own TMCC or Legacy controller (we have two Legacy controllers and four TMCC controllers to accommodate visitors).

One more question.  In this day and age when PCs no longer have telephone jacks, how do  you upgrade the DCS remote if you needed to?  Or is that done with a wire into the TIU?  I can't remember.

Jim,

In this day and age when PCs no longer have telephone jacks, how do  you upgrade the DCS remote if you needed to?  Or is that done with a wire into the TIU?  I can't remember.

I think that you're referring to the lack of serial ports on most, if not all, modern PCs. Current, Rev. L TIUs have a USB port to connect to all modern computers. Older, pre-Rev. L TIUs that lack a serial port may be upgraded using a fairly inexpensive serial to USB adapter cable.

To upgrade a remote, a commonly-available 4-conductor telephone handset cable is required.

This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 1st Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! Get the free TMCC & Legacy Addendum here!

I've only recently upgraded my TIU.  I haven't noticed anything different between the current Rev and the Rev that initially came on the TIU.  The only issue I ever had was creating "lash-ups."  Before updating, keeping a "lash-up" saved between a PS2 and PS3 (both diesels) was impossible.  After updating..... keeping a "lash-up" saved between a PS2 and PS3 is still impossible.  

Good to see you're back....

Actually the latest is 6.1.

Thanks again. 

Jim, just my $0.02 cents....update to DCS ver 6.1.  In addition to some specific fixes that are primary to each update, we always throw in some enhancements in stability, speed things up where we can, etc.  So, in most cases, each update further polishes the last.  

As for the lash up issues Mike, maybe move to the app.  I'm not entirely familiar with the PS2/3 lash up issue you're having but, in developing the WIU and DCS app, we found all sorts of anomalies in the DCS remote and TIU software.  We won't be spending any effort to improve or update the remote firmware but, the app and TIU are the path forward and so, you will see a lot of "legacy" issues, pardon the pun, resolved as we move forward.

MTH RD, given your position, your opinion is worth more than 2 cents. 

What is disturbing is MTH's stated position to phase out the remote.  Some of us like running trains, many at once, on the same and intersecting routes.  I, and many others, find it easier to use the remote than slide screens around to find where the desired action may be found.  Given that the remote exists, I doubt much expense would be required to keep it in production.  I am sure that unavailable components probably have substitutes.

If I ran one train at a time, or two trains on non-interconnecting loops, maybe I'd prefer the app.  But I rarely do that. 

My 12-year-old grandson, who has his own MTH DCS layout, loves to come and run mine. I got him to try the app, on a 7" tablet.  He couldn't wait to get back to the remote.

Jim, nice to hear from you... I am using ver 6.10 on my layout...  I have two TIUs and 2 WIUs...  so far all has worked well...  I use Win10 to do the upgrades...  I just installed a new router on my network and have not tried the WiFI app with that yet...  I would concur with MTHRD do the upgrade and then you will be current...  You know the pitfalls of using obsolete software!! 

Give me a call if you're interested; I would be willing to come up and do the upgrade...  I think you have my phone number; if not send me an email...  the email address is in my profile...

If some one could just provide a link to the DCS Version 6 software I am willing to give it a try.  I could not find it on this site or the MTH site.

This takes you to the page where it is listed. Scroll down to the DCS Updates Box.

DCS 6.1 Page.

Not a very good start to the day today.  I downloaded and installed 6.1 on my spare TIU and remote.   The TIU update appeared to install OK.  However, the remote update (while it appeared to install ok)  killed my remote.  By killed I mean it would power on before the update, but now it no longer powers up.  Yes, I installed the phone handset cord in the correct jack on the TIU.  Yes, I have fresh batteries in the remote.  This cannot be a coincidence.  My remote did not just break on it's own this morning. 

Any ideas would be appreciated. 

I've done 4 updates including my own without issue.  I know that probably doesn't help but I used the download at the same link provided.

Were there any error messages?

Jim,

I've seen this 3 times before over the past few years have and worked around it.

First, let the remote sit without batteries for about 24 hours. Then, replace the batteries and see if it powers up. If it does, retry the update.

"I've seen this 3 times before over the past few years have and worked around it."

Thanks Barry.  I will let you know.

Jim.

I've had it happen as well a few times.... The fix for me was.... go back  and load the original software (4.1) and the remote comes to life again..

I've also pressed just about every button repeatedly on the remote and the thing came to life.... go figure??

I had this happen a few years ago when I was doing an upgrade at York.  Embarrassing!

I was afraid he's shoot me so I said my name was Barry B.

Robert,

Jim, sometime after doing an upgrade the remote will look dead because the screen LCD CONTRAST is turned all the way down. When the batteries are weak, and the contrast is turned down, the screen will not be visible. Try adding a brand new set of batteries and power it up. You may have to look at the screen from an angle to see any wording. Then hit the menu button and scroll to SYSTEM. In system scroll to LCD CONTRAST. Press the thumb wheel then keep scrolling the thumb wheel upwards until you get the best contrast. 

I found my 10 year old laptop and back revved DCS to 4.02.  The remote works perfectly now. 

Barry: How do I proceed from this point?

Jim,

How do I proceed from this point?

Just do the 6.1 update again.

Re-loaded 6.1, exact same problem.  Remote remains dead.  Any other ideas?

I've also pressed just about every button repeatedly on the remote and the thing came to life.... go figure??

Yes it makes no sense , If you had a second remote you could try a remote reset by duplicating the presses.

If not

Start with removing one battery, and  put it back in , we now  know the remote is in the off position.

press s5 (turns remote on.

Press menu scroll down 2 clicks   which should be system

press enter

scroll down 4 clicks press enter  press enter

 scroll down 1 click which should be remote reset press enter     press enter again .... any luck???

As I have said before, resetting a remote is an absolute last resort, UNLESS you have backed it up to a computer.  Backed up data can be restored to a remote with upgraded operating software.

Jim, Are you certain that when doing the upgrade, the batteries don't get loose?  I would redownload from the MTH the 6.1 software.  It is possible that the file got corrupted.  I assume you are using Loader 5.0, which is mandatory.

Using a different remote  which is at 4.10, I am able to confirm the TIU is at Version 6.1.  I tried the remote reset on the blank screen and it did nothing.  I even followed along with my good remote to make sure my commands on the two were identical, and still a blank screen.

The good news ..The upgrade will eventually go even if means going back to 4.2 again,, We're still using  our remote that went blank  years ago.  ( more than once)

RJR   what's he have to lose with a remote reset?? it's not much good the way it is now.

Take a battery out to make sure the remote is in the off state,    turn it back on and start pressing keys frantically. maybe the soft keys and back up light.

I may have even gone back to a different loader at the time... can't remember

Gregg, all the data is still in the remote.  A reset loses it all.  Upgrading the software doesn't affect data.

Jim, are you using Loader 5 and not an earlier version?

Am I using loader 5 ?  YES.   I back revved again to 4.01 using my 10 year old laptop.  Reset the remote.  Reinstalled using my Win10 computer with Loader 5 and update files version 6.10.

Remote is still dead.

Jim, did you try following along with your good remote and do the steps to turn up the LCD Contrast?

Yes, that's exactly how I did it.

Where do you go from here??? take it to the club and let someone else  have at it....

Are you still flying RC planes? (hope I don't have you mixed up with someone else)

Yes, I am flying planes and helicopters.  No DRONES.  That's a good idea Gregg.  I have a friend here on the forum who lives next state over (Jim Q).  I'm going to throw myself at his feet for help. (:-))

Good luck Jim. Please keep us posted on the findings.