Trouble downloading DCS Loader 4.30

Jim,

First, the loader File is only one file and it's a Zip archive. Zit doesn't have a .pdf suffix.

Second, any file with a .rem suffix is update code for the DCS Remote.

You need to state every step of what you think that you're doing, exactly as you are doing it.

You do not open the .rem or .tiu files in windows.  Run the Loader program, which you should also have downloaded.  The DCS Loader program will find and open them after you started the Loader Program and selected an upload or download function relating to TIU or remote.

RJR & Barry, thanks I have it loaded.  Now the next step.  I have never updated either items.

Jim, before starting gather what you shall need: (1) cable to connect computer to serial port on the TIU.  If you have a Rev L. a USB cable will work.  If your computer doesn't have a serial port, a USB to serial converter cable.  (2) short stereo connector cable with 1/8" plugs at each end. (3) telephone handset cable. (4) means of powering the TIU.  (5) To make life easier for your thumb, a clamp to hold down the power button on the remote.

Before powering anything up, other than the computer, start the Loader program, select the function you want to perform, and follow the on-screen instructions precisely and in the order given.  Instructions will pop-up on the screen as program proceeds.  If the process fails at any power, power off the TIU and restart.

The instructions in the current Loader program are excellent.  You may have to aid the computer to find the correct COM port, although the Loader program should be able to fiind it if you have that option selected.  You have to know where on the computer you have saved the .rem and .tiu files, in case the Loader program doesn't find them where it expects them to be.

I have 1 Rev L, 13A and a very old one, seems that was updated in 2009 as a spare.  

 telephone handset cable

This is the curly one, and it must be 4-wire.

I have your book Barry and will refer to it throughout the process.  Just a little nervous about trying it the first time.  Does it matter if you never updated it before?

Do all 3.  Good practice.  Doesn't matter if never updated before BUT:  Before doing the Rev I and the older one, use the remote to determine which version is installed on the remote.  Barry's book will have this key sequence somewhere.  If any of the units have version 2.### installed, after updating  to any version 3.### or 4.###, a factory reset is required.  I know that's somewhere in the book also.

Be sure remote batteries are adequate.  Note that the on button of the remote must be held pressed while updating---it's in the pop-up instructions---which I why I recommended having the clip.  Takes about 5-10 minutes.  I got a spring-loaded gluing clamp, which when not in use I leave clamped over a large wooden block to stretch and weaken the spring.

Don't get nervous if a loading fails, just turn off the TIU, check your connections, and restart.  The stereo cable is used just for updating the TIU, and the phone cord just for the remote.

The hardest part for me was finding  the files after downloading from MTH. I now save them on my desk top. Good luck

I am a little apprehensive about it....like I am will all things tech. I will probably try it all on Monday......after I make sure I have everything I need.  I bought the latest tiu at the time and that is the one that say 13a, it has no usb port on it.  

Jim:  I recently posted in some thread the name of the Gigaware USB>serial adapter cable.  You should have absolutely no apprehension, because you can't easily irretrievably screw things up.

Don't be surprised if the computer hunts around awhile to find the comm port.  AFter the loader program starts, under options/serial port check "automatic"

Gregg:  That's a mental memory issue.  I think I used to have one of those but I forget where I put it.

I saved them to my desktop.  Then I will put them in a file there so I don't have to hunt for it again.

The TIU to computer cable, is that readily available?  I have everything else.  If it is available a part number and supplier would be helpful.  Thanks for all of the advice.  One TIU uses the USB and the other one needs the cable.

Jim, I posted with the last few days, on another thread, the details.  From memory: Gigaware 6' USB to serial cable.  Radio shack carries it.  Search gigaware on the forum search, within past week.  I'm notwhere I have the info.

Here's the one I personally use for both DCS and Legacy updates: Vantec USB to Serial Adapter - Model CB-USB20SR.  It's $12 with $2 shipping, and NewEgg ships very quickly as a rule.

Thanks RJR & gunrunner john, I ordered one.

John, Does this work with Windows 8.0 and .1.  I have seen a few with disclaimers they don't work with Windows 8.1.   G

Well, you got me there George, I have Windows 7.  I just installed it on Win 8.1 and it found the drivers and talks to my Legacy, so I guess the answer is yes.

John i also bought the same cable vantec and it works great, the first cable i bought even came with a cd to run for the drivers but i could not get that one to work, But this one you bought and told me about works great, i only wish the cord was a little longer!

Alan

I have lots of RS-232 cords, comes from working in the serial data environment for 20 years.