Windows 8 DCS 4.31

I am using a Lenovo laptop with 8.1 and while I had issues it did work.  Be sure that you downloaded the correct drivers from the MTH web site.  Even after doing that, after download the TIU's and switching to the remote downloads I had many instances of the software's  inability to find the TIU.  I ended up switching back to my 3rd TIU (from the 2nd) before I got my handhelds able to be upgraded with multiple windows reboots and turning the TIU on and off.

After contacting Radio Shack tech line and referred back to the Store Clerk and then referred to a local Computer Shop. The USB-A Serial cord will be a thing of the Past.  Cord will not work with Windows 8.

I contacted MTH and was told the Older TIU's used the USB-A Serial cord.  The new edition TIU-s use a USB to USB.  Fortunately, for me I still had my old computer that I used in the past for updates.  I have one TIU purchased in 2009 and put to use in 2012.  Another one was purchased in 2012 and was supposed to be the most recent version.  As with most Hobby Shops expensive items sit on the shelves.  So hang on to your Vista or Windows 7 computers.

To make a long story short.  I contacted MTH for help.  Not being computer savvy, I was not putting the downloads where I could not find them, such as the Desktop.  My daughter help me with the past download.  MTH tech walk me through it and problem resolved.

I just finished some testing. I used my windows 8.1 laptop for all the following: TIU "L" upgraded via the standard USB to USB cable and my C2B USB to DB9 serial adapter both times. On my attempt to update my "I" TIU, it failed the first time. (Could not find a serial port).  I then changed the usb port and it still could not find a serial port (rebooted laptop twice and TIU multiple times).  I then tried my 2nd "I" TIU and it found the serial port and upgraded my "I" and thenl my "H" TIU.  I tried my first "I" and that worked. It was interesting in asking the software to find the serial port it found the port. When I asked it to find the TIU I had issues and multiple reboots etc until it found the TIU. I most likely had the issue of finding the serial port because I had used the USB to USB and then the USB to Serial on the "L" TIU.  I had to move the usb adapter to another USB port before it worked.

WInrose46:

So I understand it,  If I get a DB9 Serial Adapter (USB to 9 pin Serial Adapter) added to the TIU I will be able to Download from Windows 8.

Does Radio Shack sell the DB9 Serial Adapter?  Was I in error or miss understood the new TIU are still going to have 9Pin port?

The Rev. L TIU has both a serial port and a USB port. Either may be used for software updating.

Several models of the Gigaware-brand USB-to-serial adapter will show this error message when you use them with a computer running Windows 8. Apparently some newer versions of this device can be made to work with (paradoxically) an older version of the manufacturer's software driver, but some older versions of this device are simply incompatible with Windows 8. Do an internet search on the words "Windows 8 Gigaware USB Serial" for further advice.

If you are going to buy a new USB-to-serial adapter, make sure the device is advertised (either on the packaging or the manufacturer's web site) as being supported for use with Windows 8. Adapters compatible with Windows 8 are easily found and are not about to be a "thing of the past" anytime soon - I just don't know if Radio Shack sells them.

Somewhere in one of the post on the forum there was a discussion of the type of USB serial adapter and Windows 8.1. I just went to "The Computer Place" in Gaithersburg MD and just picked up the first adapter I found (C2G) and tested to see what I could find. I am sure you could pick up one at Radio Shack. Partnumbers have been posted by members regarding the part number. Note that it may not be smooth and you might have to do multiple reboots of both devices, check that the mike cable is fully seated. Also in my testing it did not seem to mater whether the connections to the track and transformers were plugged in or not.  Also of if you have a fast computer and you are not running any other application that uses the serial ports you do not have to turn off all your running applicaitons (note that with nothing else running the operating system may be using more than 15 software applications so your word processor will most likely not have an effect on the DCS software - of course you need a computer faster than one used with the original Windows XP>