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Hi,

I've been running DCS over 15 years, almost from the beginning. Had the usual issues at first & eventually smoothed things out to run my trains enjoyably. I attempted to upgrade my system unsuccessfully many years ago & eventually took it to a local hobby shop. After 2 weeks & paying a few bucks, I thought my system was upgraded to the latest update at the time, ver. 4.20. All was good for many years. Only recently after experiencing more problems than usual, I checked the version I was running. 4.20 on the remote, 3.1 on the TIU. Forum members have suggested that I upgrade to the latest version.

Now for the million dollar question, I'm looking for someone locally who can upgrade my system, for a fee of course. I'd prefer not to add the extra risk of mailing if possible. I live in Yonkers, New York.

Thank you,

Joe Kunka

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I just scanned Barry's book & came to the section on a Mac workaround, the following is a quote: "While it may be possible to run the DCS Loader Program on a non-Intel personal computer using some form of Microsoft Windows emulation, it is not recommended".

Although I'm a graphic artist I came into the computer world later than most. My focus has been on the software I needed to make a living, any computer related issues were always handled by IT. I'm recently retired and still use my Mac for freelance work & I'd prefer not to possibly screw that up as well as my DCS. Build a kit, paint & weather a model, build bench work, lay track, simple soldering, that's what I'm comfortable with.

I think the best solution for me is to continue running what runs until I find someone who's more savvy at upgrading the system.

 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

Ron045 posted:
gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

gunrunnerjohn posted:
Ron045 posted:
gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

Maybe you are right John.  I assume too much.  I assume that because MTH wants us to use cell phones as controllers that maybe they would drag all aspects of their system into the 21st century and not have us using a curly telephone cord from 1986 to update their own system.

How silly of me.

Ron045 posted:
gunrunnerjohn posted:
Ron045 posted:
gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

The reason the application doesn't do the upgrades is pretty simple, you need a hardware link to the TIU and remote to upgrade them.

Phones have ports for hardwire.  The MTH WIFI device communicates with the TIU as well.  No reason why a phone, which is a computer, could not wirelessly upgrade the TIU.  We just have to assume MTH just does not want to program the APP to do that.

You assume facts not in evidence.  I suspect that they'd have to make significant changes to the firmware and boot loader in the TIU and remote to actually accomplish what you suggest is easy.  It's quite possible that the hardware design also precludes the ability to do the over the air update through the WiFi module.

I'm not going to argue this point with you, it's probably not going to change any minds.  Suffice to say that I've done some over-the-air updating using Ethernet, the devil is in the details.  It may well be possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath for it to happen any time soon!

I say this a lot, but here it is again.

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing!

Maybe you are right John.  I assume too much.  I assume that because MTH wants us to use cell phones as controllers that maybe they would drag all aspects of their system into the 21st century and not have us using a curly telephone cord from 1986 to update their own system.

How silly of me.

Curly cord is only needed for the DCS remote which has nothing to do with the WiFi and Modern app usage. 

I wouldn't rule out this feature being added in the future but as the update process works now it wouldn't be fully automatic unless some hardware modification comes to the TIU.

Last edited by H1000

Mr. Muffin, thank you for the offer & I may take you up on it. I've watched the updating video 3 times & it sure looks like it's easy enough to do. My wife uses our home computer for work & I'd prefer not to mess with it. Since the upgrades seem easy enough, I'm looking into buying a used laptop for this sole purpose & give it a try.

Joe

Joe, As stated above, Don't worry about spending too much for a used laptop, this software will run on about anything. If possible though, get one with a 9 pin serial RS-232 hardware port built in. Even though my Rev. L TIU has the USB port on it, I still use the 9 pin for the upgrades. I don't have to mess around with USB driver installs or my laptop detecting the TIU before installing.

Ironman, there is a related use.  The contents of a remote can be stored on the computer using the Loader program.  So if you ever have to reset the remote, you merely restore from the computer and don't have to re-enter lal the data.  If you have several remotes, you can clone them so all are identical and don't have to enter data in each.

When we hear MTH should do this or MTH should do that, all it takes is money.  In an era when model trains as a hobby is declining, and tariff issues could raise production costs, a company must be prudent in incurring expense if it wishes to remain viable.  How many freight cars must be sold to pay one person a living wage?

Hi RJR,

I wasn't aware of the added benefit of storing & cloning the information, so having a dedicated inexpensive laptop makes plenty of sense. Believe me, after recently loosing my job at the age of 63, I'm aware of the cost issues associated with the hobby. I've avoided the upgrades since things were running ok until now & anything I can do myself to save money will be an added benefit.

Joe

Alan Mancus posted:

windows 7 is the best for MTh upgrades ! windows  10 sometimes does not work right with mth  downloads ? never had a problem with windows 7, and if you need it I can set you up on a window 7  I 7 laptop ! or I can reload your own windows & DCS software tiu remote and flash ps3 engines!

Alan

Hi Alan,

I was reading through again & noticed your message above. Are you saying you have a laptop to sell?

Thanks,

Joe

Alan Mancus posted:

windows 7 is the best for MTh upgrades ! windows  10 sometimes does not work right with mth  downloads ? never had a problem with windows 7, and if you need it I can set you up on a window 7  I 7 laptop ! or I can reload your own windows & DCS software tiu remote and flash ps3 engines!

Alan

Just wondering but what issues have you run into using Windows 10? I use Windows 10 and Chrome and haven't run into any issues updating either my TIU (revision L) and remote or loading sound files to locomotives. I'm just curious if there is something I should be cautious of in the future.

Although I haven't actually came out and asked here, does anyone have a Laptop they are looking to get rid of that is capable of doing the DCS upgrades? I've been searching on ebay, Craigslist & asked family members and have come up short. Well, except for ebay, just not sure what will meet the requirements.

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