Forgive me with this question

There shouldn't be any reason why you could not do this.  The files are windows-based, so you could not open them on your Mac, but downloading a file from the internet is a universal operation and not specific to the platform operating system, so the file should copy to your disk, ready to be opened by a windows-based system.  Also, as you suggest, once you have downloaded the file, you no longer have to be hooked up to the internet to open the files and update your TIU with the windows machine.

I have not actually done this with the DCS files.  However, my situation is that I have Mac computers and internet access in my home.  My layout is in another building down the road.  At that location, we have a repair shop on the main floor and the layout is upstairs, and there is no internet access. I have a windows-based laptop there, to run auto diagnostic software.  I update this just the way we are describing here; downloaded at my home onto a flash drive with my Mac, then plug the flash drive into the windows laptop at the shop.

As for installation, you have Barry's book and you have this forum, so start reading and you will find the most important do's and don't's - like wiring configuration, TIU placement, etc.  Then as you get started implementing it all, bring your more specific questions here to the forum.  The expert DCS guys here are absolutely terrific, they have helped me and many others tremendously, walking us through the difficult parts step by step.

Have fun!

Jim,

1) with regards to installation, any hints or do's and donts? 

Read my book that you just purchased for a lot of hints and tips.

2) With the updates with the firmware can I download the new files put them on a disk using my Mac computer then open the files using a computer that is a windows based but not hooked up to the internet in my house????  

Yes, that will work.

3) I presently own the Lionel M7 LIRR rtr train set, is there anyway to install DCS into this train set ???

Yes, however, you would have to purchase a DCS upgrade kit ($150 if you join MTH's RR club, $180 if you do not) and install it it the Lionel set.

There will be a fit issue getting this into the powered unit, you'll have to remove some seats and perhaps block out the windows.  The existing reverse unit is smaller than the PS/2 board set by a significant amount.

Gunrunnerjohn,

   Man sometimes you simply amaze me with all this different technical knowledge on all this DCS trains stuff, thanks again for the education!

PCRR/Dave

Dave, I think this one is more mechanical.  Having seen the inside of one of these, it seem apparent that it would take some surgery to fit the board in.  I'm assuming you could disguise it by blocking out a couple of windows without too much problem.  I did note that this set has the very small and anemic motor that's in some other low end stuff, so I doubt I'd want to run this very hard.   I've replaced several of these in the past year, they're not that robust.

JJmagoo,  I have  DCS, rookie excitement, and dont care if any body knows, It

I have been running TMCC, for last yr, unable to sell of the Mth engines : I last

year, hit up Trainworld, for the TIU.   Just realizing this 2 months,ago (CRS),  I found

a seperate remote.  and now Have added 2 engines.   I run only 1 track In DCS, because, I have some conventional  engines.  Last night was the 1st Clickety -clack

session, because < I took 1 engine, out, and wanted to accomplish 1 thing.  I read

page 42 of the manual,  (success).  TAKE YOUR TIME,  I am still trying to figure out

how people hold these remotes, and practically make the engines accessories,and what have you all work at once (beats me).  Look at Barrys book or the manual, on just the 1 topic you want to do.   I made the mistake of wanting to do all at once

(AINT happening).  I did the routine all the while a conventional train was running around the ceiling--- Came away a much happier camper!!!!!!!!!! 

jjmmagoo,

   Good luck with your new DCS, I recommend keeping your DCS O Guage Companion track side as you build, Barry has been nice enough to let us copy his book once we purchase it.  I made a binder copy at kikos to keep track side as I built my larger layout, it really did come in handy, had notes and all written in it for my FasTrack layout construction & testing, these darn things have a tendency to walk off however, cause they really are nice.

PCRR/Dave