Has anyone wore out their DCS system?

My first DCS(original version) crapped out at about the 8 year point.  Up to that point, it had given no problems.  One day,went to run trains and it was dead. 

No worries; retired it  and bought a new one. Better performance due to being a couple versions more current.  

I figure the first one cost $27 and change per year to own for those 8 years. 

I figure that I got my moneys worth.  No complaints. 

Stack,

If the TIU is an original Rev. G (unmarked on the bottom), losing a channel after several years isn't unusual. Every TIU after the original is much more robust.

Thumbwheels breaking after several years seems to be not too uncommon, however, after 10+ years of operation I've never experienced a busted thumbwheel. The only casualties on my 5 remotes has been a couple of battery compartment doors.

It sounds as if you also have a loose transceiver board in your TIU, remote, or both. This is an easy fix which, if done properly, only needs to be done once.

The earlier the software, the more bug it has. DCS 4.20 has very few bugs, and just about every one has a workaround.

Perhaps you would find some relief by:

• Reseating the transceiver boards in both the TIU and the remote
• Upgrading both devices to DCS 4.20.

What Barry said above is exactly what I had to do with my version G, The first model out. I had the same problem you speak of and what I did was open up my TIU and place a small piece of foam between the transceiver board and the case, problem solved.

As for the hand held unit, I had to replace my thumbwheel. But, that was due to me pressing down to hard on the roller wheel.

I went through a couple of key boards about fifteen years ago when I first started with computers, I was a real two finger banger!

I had to teach myself to develop a lighter touch with things. In your case it may be just plain ware, but your touch may be a little on the rough side as well.

In any case I plan on being at the next DCS group meeting at York where I hope to get Barry to upgrade my TIU to 4.2.

In any case I plan on being at the next DCS group meeting at York where I hope to get Barry to upgrade my TIU to 4.2.

We'll be pleased to upgrade your DCS!

I will try tightening down the boards in both units.  It is the original TIU/remote that went through the factory upgrade.  I did do a couple of software upgrades but don't remember what version the last one was, It's been a while!

Thanks,

Stack

I have never had a TIU issue and I was an early adopter. I have gone through a couple of remotes.

Scott Smith

Hey Stack don't forget to check for loose connections I found all mine loose on the mth terminal strip!! They where never tightened enough the first time. Notice I have not been  asking questions lately

Clem

It seems that getting your software upgraded to 4.20 is HIGHLY under rated. I've done this for a number of folks and it makes an exciting differance in features and performance.

You can do this yourself or if your not comfortable doing it yourself,  have an MTH service station do it for you. At any rate I think you'll love it!

doc

Stack,

   Barry offered to upgrade it, Stack box it up and send it to the man!

My hand held remote thumb wheel finally failed after 5 and a half years, I am waiting for the new hand helds to come out, will probably have the old remote fixed also.

PCRR/Dave