TIU/Remote Version Upgrade Question

Bill,

what is the connectivity and are connections for the 1/8” Stereo Mini-to-Mini Cable

Inserting the cable prior to powering-up the TIU is what puts it into program mode. You'll note that when a TIU is powered-up with the cable in place, the red LED doesn't blink, rather, it just comes on steady as soon as power is applied.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book.

The stereo cable is used only for upgrading the TIU.  It is removed for updating the remote.  Kooking at your TIU from the input side, you'll see on the right side are two 1/8" jacks.  The stereo cable connects these.

Thanks Barry and RJR.   Just to make double dog sure -- I plug the stereo ends into both TIU mini-jacks.  Right?  Would have never figured it out.  Not intuitive.  Not mentioned anywhere I looked -- DCS Companion, MTH Website and OGR and general internet search.  Did I miss it somewhere in all of this?  Bill

The on screen instructions in loader program

RJR.  Thanks.  Clearly, I haven't installed the Downloader s/w yet.  Good to know it's covered somewhere.  Barry, might be worth covering this is in your DCS Companion. In that section that extensively covers the topic.  Just not the mini jack connectivity (unless I missed it?). Bill

Bill,

might be worth covering this is in your DCS Companion. In that section that extensively covers the topic.  Just not the mini jack connectivity (unless I missed it?

The book discusses the cable and refers to the on-scren instructions, which the book says to follow. With the introduction of the Loader Program 5.0 the on-screen instructions are much improved and very clear on the subject. The next update to the 3rd edition will incorporate the Loader Program 5.0's screen shots.

The book discusses that the cable is required, however, i believe that it would distract from the narrative to get into (unnecessary) details regarding its specific function. To date, you're the first person to ask what is the 1/8" to 1/8" cable's specific function.

Barry.  first person to ask?  Wow do I feel stupid.  Well, I "ain't" to proud to ask.  Better to ask than fry something.  I still think adding one or two sentences describing the connections to your lengthy, comprehensive, well illustrated and well written book would be helpful for the great unwashed masses living in the hinterlands with no one to turn to -- like me.  Whatever, I'm good to go.  Thanks (you too, RJR) for the quick responses.    Bill

Bill,

OK, "due to popular demand", i've added the explanation of the stereo cable to the updates for the 3rd edition:

"Inserting the cable prior to powering-up the TIU is what puts it into program mode. When a TIU is powered-up with the cable in place, the red LED doesn't blink, rather, it just comes on steady as soon as power is applied."

Barry,  wow.  Now instead of stupid I feel "special."   Redemption. 

Please consider adding the following specifics.  Maybe I'm obtuse but I simply found it counter intuitive to plug a cable into two jacks on the same device.  It's always been between two devices as long as I can remember.   And the TIU plug functions and labels make it worse. Like how can it possibly make sense to use a cable to connect the Proto Dispatch mic plug to the Proto Cast audio plug for upgrading firmware?   Naw, can't be -- makes no sense.  

Consider adding   ---- blah blah --- One end of the  1/8” Stereo Mini-to-Mini Cable (M.T.H. Part # 50-1009 or the equivalent ) is inserted into the TIU Proto Dispatch (mic) plug.  The other end is inserted into the TIU Proto Cast (Audio) plug.  --- blah blah ----

I'll leave the wordsmithing to you as the DCS Companion resident expert on the King's English .

Thanks again, Bill 

Bill, It is pretty clear in the instructions that pop up on consumer loader screen when updating a TIU.  There are plenty of devices that require a wiring change for programming versus operation.  Helps prevent inadvertent programing or locking out operation.  G

Bill,

Consider adding   ---- blah blah --- One end of the  1/8” Stereo Mini-to-Mini Cable (M.T.H. Part # 50-1009 or the equivalent ) is inserted into the TIU Proto Dispatch (mic) plug.  The other end is inserted into the TIU Proto Cast (Audio) plug.  --- blah blah ----

The following on page 140 of The DCS Companion 3rd Edition will have to suffice:

If upgrading the software in a Rev. L (or newer) TIU that has a USB port, and if that USB port is being used to provide power to to the TIU, be sure to connect the 1/8" to 1/8" stereo patch cable between the TIU's ProtoCast and ProtoDispatch ports before connecting the USB cable to the TIU,

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book.

Barry, good words IMO.  Thanks and over and out.  Bill

GGG.  Got it.  Agree.  Thanks.  Over and out.

Is thrre a serial port adapter to USB that could work with laptops for this ?

Yes.  Try a Gigaware from Radio Shacl, or another brand from Dell.

Really! Our RS closed up 

We have several on my area.  Better price on Dell web site, but shipping extra.

If you get one, be sure to install the drivers that come with it

Same cable can be used to connect wifi to pre-rev-L tius

Wow!  Your pf says you've been into trains since 1941. Did you serve in ww2?

So I've got to be able to do upgrades to tius.. I installed the drivers on my laptop but I need the cable. But please can you give me the step by step.. thx so much!

How about WW1?

Just jesting.  No, too young.  But I do remember hearing screams when the Western Union man came through, and gold, red, and blue stars in windows.

If you mean step by step to install the cable, just follow instructions on box.

RJR posted:

Kooking at your TIU from the input side...

I was just looking at this thread, and I wanted to know the official definition of Kooking.

That means you have fried the board!

GRJ, obviously you're a youngster.  Anyone over 40 knows that when you're looking at something as tiny as a TIU, without your glasses, it looks kooky.  Same thing happens when you look at a leyboard, er, keyboard.

Well I wasn't alive in 1941!