Corrected DCS Loader instructions

The instructions for the TIU need modification, however, the instructions for the remote update do not, since the jumper cable is not used to update the remote,

the USB micro B also mentioned in Barry Broskowitz's book published a couple of years ago.

You are mistaken.

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition  does, indeed, specify the correct USB cable for Rev. L TIUs on page 132:

One cable that is always required is a 9-conductor serial cable or, for the Rev. L TIU only, a USB cable that has a Type B USB connector on one end and a connector that fits the PC on the other end.

Click here to see this cable on Amazon.com.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

No doubt old directions may be OK for remote.  I didn't try them after learning new method for TIU; just note that my alternate instructions also work for this type TIU with printer-type USB cable connection.

It's not a "printer-type USB cable", rather it's a Type B USB connector, as clearly stated in The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition.

ACtually, you're both right.  If you look at the picture way down in the following link, under connectors, you'll see that what Don calls the printer plug is "Standard USB" while the other he depicts is "micro USB."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

I don't have any Rev L's, but was there a change in the type of USB port used?  Also interesting that, since all USB connectors supply power as well as signal, this issue hasn't arisen before.  Was there a change in the internal wiring of the TIU?

From Wikipedia:

Types of USB connector left to right (ruler in centimeters): Micro-B plug, UC-E6 proprietary (non-USB) plug, Mini-B plug, Standard-A receptacle (upside down), Standard-A plug, Standard-B plug

Robert,

There have been no changes to the Rev. L's USB port or, as regards the USB power function, it's circuitry.

ACtually, you're both right.

Actually, my book is right.

The cable end in question is not a printer plug, rather, it's a TYPE B plug.

I'm surprised the TIU will work on 5 volts.  I thought it needed more like 12 or more.

Robert,

I'm surprised as well, and have forwarded that question to MTH R&D.

I've run a couple of the TIU's with the USB.  I don't know that it actually powers all the circuitry, but it's enough to power the processor.

I plugged in the USB and it connected to my computer.  The LED flashed out the proper code for TIU #1.  I then powered only Fixed #2 with a transformer and tried to add an engine.  When it powered up, it started in conventional mode, so it obviously didn't see a WD signal.  I tried to find it anyway, no dice.  If I power the aux or fixed #1, no problem at all.

In discussions with MTH, I learned the following.

The USB connection is only intended to allow upgrading the software in the TIU and the DCS Remote without the need for an external power supply. It does not power the DCS signal generators and therefore will not work for powering the TIU in a layout

That is what I figured.   Good to know updating TIU won't need a PS to.  G

Yep Barry, my experiment convinced me that was the case.  It's good to know they actually support using it to upgrade both the TIU and the Remote, one less thing I have to drag over to the computer for upgrades, the P/S.

Assuming mostclients have Rev L.  Forbulk upgrades as at York, it's easier to carry and hook up one cable (usb to serial) and a PS

The source of my incorrect initial cable choice: DCS O Ga Companion 2nd edition, purchased and downloaded by me in 2011, p. 132 under "4. Required cables and connectors": "...a USB cable that has a micro B make connector..."

That's different from what I called a "printer style" connector, or ordinary "Type B" connector as Barry corrected it above.  I bought a USB with the micro B based on that text, and found it didn't fit when I went to do the TIU update.  "Micro B" is repeated in Appendix C in the Revision L table section.

I now notice the picture on P. 133 correctly shows a "regular" type B connector rather than micro B.  Wish I had caught that discrepancy between words and picture at the beginning of all this!

The instructions in MTH's new DCS Loader still would have stymied me, though, save for you folks who kept helpfully questioning me until I tumbled to the fact the USB powered the TIU for the update, and therefore had to be connected AFTER the mini stereo patch cable.

For the less techie among us, it's important to clarify this connector stuff, so the confusion opportunities are minimized--speaking as one formerly confused!

BTW Google images provides a handy way to search on these terms and see a picture of each type connector.

You are so right about the details.  While it didn't take me any time to figure out which USB cable to use, and I have plenty of them, I can see where it would throw a non-tech type person.  The USB powering the TIU was another thing that I totally forgot I discovered on the first update, after than I just connected the cable first and then the USB, problem solved.

What I didn't realize was that you don't need the aux power for the upgrade of the Rev. L units, that's nice.

The source of my incorrect initial cable choice: DCS O Ga Companion 2nd edition, purchased and downloaded by me in 2011, p. 132 under "4. Required cables and connectors": "...a USB cable that has a micro B make connector..."

Unfortunately, you did not avail yourself of any of the free updates to the book that you downloaded, each of which has been advertise here on the OGR Forum, as well as via MTH's electronic newsletter and other announcements at York. If you had, you would have purchased the correct cable.

The reason that updates to the eBook editions of The DCS O Gauge Companion have always been free to purchasers of that edition, is to ensure that any errors and omissions, as are sometimes found in initial offerings of books as detailed as mine, are corrected in the purchaser's copy.

Typically, as long as new or corrected information can fit contextually into the current edition, that is where the new or updated information goes. It's only when new information is too voluminous to fit into the current edition that a brand new edition is published. For example, the first edition was 167 pages while the 2nd edition is 215 pages.

I'm expecting that the 3rd edition will be somewhat larger than the 2nd edition, as well.

As an irregular visitor to the OGR Forum, I sure enough missed the updates.  I've now downloaded the #14 version.  I need help identifying the "revision document" though, it didn't show up on the "Download Files" page. I don't find it in the table of contents, introduction or appendices in v14.  A steer to it so I can update my printed copy would be appreciated.

Barry, I don't recall any other author of my acquaintance giving his paying reader (2 copies) a tongue lashing for not knowing about an update.  Please stop that.

I need help identifying the "revision document" though, it didn't show up on the "Download Files" page. I don't find it in the table of contents, introduction or appendices in v14.

The Revisions document is a separate pdf that was included with the last upgrade forum post, which is long gone. However, I've attached it to this post.

I don't recall any other author of my acquaintance giving his paying reader (2 copies) a tongue lashing for not knowing about an update.  Please stop that.

First, if you call this...

Unfortunately, you did not avail yourself of any of the free updates to the book that you downloaded, each of which has been advertise here on the OGR Forum, as well as via MTH's electronic newsletter and other announcements at York. If you had, you would have purchased the correct cable.

... a tongue lashing, you've led a sheltered life.  

Second, how many authors whose eBooks you've purchased even provide free updates? Kindly take my statement in the spirit in which it was made, i.e., an explanation as regards how you could have avoided purchasing the wrong cable.

I've seen Barry's tongue lashings, this isn't one of them!

Yes.  Thanks for the link, now have the revisions to print.

I bought the first edition of the book and thus missed out on any updates.  This kind of information is good for those of us in that boat.  I was hoping revisions would be available to obtain without having to purchase a new book.  I had the electronic edition and spent extra to have Kinko print and bind it, and only have one PS3, no HO locomotives, so don't plan on re-purchasing it.

There were updates to the 1st edition and they are still available for download by 1st edition/purcgasers. Just re-download the book.

Tongue lashing was not exactly my thought.  The main final issue was that the information that was needed (cable end terminology, the order of cable connections for TIU updates to work) is not contained in any of the updates I've seen to date. A bit of humility was the thing I was missing here. Sorry to be so darned direct, but it's necessary.  I do thank each of you for the help that WAS offered.

Gentlemen,

   I have the 2nd addition, and I have never used the on line version, are there corrections and updated that I should write into my 2nd addition or is the 2nd addition up to date.

PCRR/Dave

I did not get updates for the first of your books barry but it is still plenty useful, I will remedy all that when your next one comes out.  chief

No, you have to start it.  Did it actually load?  Open your Windows Control Panel, and under Programs and Features, look for MTH DCS Consumer Loader.

If it's there, look in the C: drive under Program Files (x86) or Program Files and navigate to the MCS DCS Loader folder.  The MTH DCS Consumer Loader V2.xx.exe file should be there.

If it's the 32 bit version, it'll be in Program Files, there is only one folder for it.  It didn't say NetScape, but rather Net Framework.  You should have that on Windows 7 already.

There were updates to the 1st edition and they are still available for download by 1st edition/purcgasers. Just re-download the book.

  So how does one that is a 1st edition purchaser go about doing this update? Do you do this from the MTH website? If so where would one find this? The only thing I see is a link to purchase the e-book, but nothing on a re-download.

 I have tried emailing MTH and no surprise, but I get no response.

 I tried calling last Friday and again today and I get the endless recording on the parts and service extensions that runs for approx5mins then just hangs up.

 Not sure where to go from here.

 Scott

Scott,

If you have only a first edition copy, you are entitled to re-downlaod only the latest copy of the first edition.

You have to login at Shopatron. Your Shopatron password is the password of the book. Then click on the "Download Files" link to thee right of your book. Finally, click on the title of the book to download the latest copy of what you purchased.