Problem opening DCS 5.0 loader & DCS 5_00 software

Hi Mike... I'm guessing you can get the loader on screen ? then the problems start? (can't find tiu file?)

I'm the last guy you need helping but I'd delete  all and start over saving everything to the desk top.    Or stay tuned for someone who actually knows about computers and what the heck they're doing.

OK, I got into the loader, clicked on TIU, got all the messages then clicked START then I get: "critical error; no serial ports detected on this computer.." . I'm using a USB to serial port (on the TIU) cable, power in AUX power and the jumper cable as per instructions.

could it be that my laptop doesn't have a serial port?

you might have to do a usb ports search from the loader, there was a issue and you manually have to search for serial port from loader search feature it should respond with found usb serial 5, 4, 3 which ever serial port you are plugged into on your computer from the usb cable., try that ok

'Alan

p.s. make sure you follow the loader instruction exactly

I ran into the issue where it could not find the USB "serial" port where the cable was plugged into with version 5.0.  I reinstalled the drivers for the USB-to-serial cable and the errors went away.  I had upgraded the computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 but had not reinstalled the drivers since the update.

OK, thanks Bill & Alan, I have windows 10 so maybe the serial drivers aren't there. I'll check and download them. I was able to download the software on my REV L using the USB to USB cable but I have a REV G that only has the serial port so I have a USB to serial adapter which is giving me the problem.

thanks guys,

Mike

mountain482 posted:

I ran into the issue where it could not find the USB "serial" port where the cable was plugged into with version 5.0.  I reinstalled the drivers for the USB-to-serial cable and the errors went away.  I had upgraded the computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 but had not reinstalled the drivers since the update.

 You may have to do this (install the drivers) however I'm wondering  with the cable plugged in whether windows will find the new Hardware  on a  computer reboot. (shut down & restart)

Mike,

I have a USB to serial adapter which is giving me the problem.

You may need drivers specific to that particular cable.

It is not you.  Do an auto search for serial port.  Do this from the top of your loader.  Click options then serial ports then auto search for serial ports.

OK, got things resolved: I had two TIU's to update to 5.0; a Rev G and a Rev L. The Rev L wasn't a problem on Windows 10 with the USB cable but couldn't find the serial port (for the Rev G, USB to serial) even with downloaded drivers. What I did was take my old laptop with Windows 7 and load Ver 5.0 on it: loaded 5.0 fine with the USB to serial cable.

Special note to Barry: "Saved by the Companion....."  I had problems loading the 5.0 software on both my remotes. got 20 messages to hold the power button down......let it go....hold it down....let it go....... Read the loading remotes section in the Companion which told me to check the cable to make sure it had 4 wires; sure enough the handset cable I was using had two! I swapped it out for a 4 wire one and had no problem loading the remotes. Thank you Barry....

Thanks to everyone else as well, I have to check out the serial driver issue again on my Windows 10 laptop....

Mike

Mike, thank you for giving a nod to the book.  Barry put some serious time into doing it.  I feel anyone running DCS should have one to go to.  My copy sits in my workshop.

I am glad you got things to work.  I keep my older Windows 7 machine on my work bench.  It is for train work only and I cleared everything no train related  out.   It has all my MTH files and Lionel LSU to work with.

 got 20 messages to hold the power button down......let it go....hold it down....let it go....... Read the loading remotes section in the Companion which told me to check the cable to make sure it had 4 wires; sure enough the handset cable I was using had two! I swapped it out for a 4 wire one and had no problem loading the remotes. Thank you Barry....

Hee hee  Yes I received the same message even with a good 4 wire cable. We had 8 remotes to do and never got it right once  the first time.   They eventually all  loaded.

Marty, you know that Barry wrote the book in self defense; he knew that if he didn't that he would be up all night answering questions on the DCS forum......  

As it is, sometimes we get lazy and ask questions here anyway  to which Barry refers us back to the book .

My 23 yr old son who is new generation tech and smart phone savvy (just downloaded the app on his i-phone) thinks the Companion is a great idea (now I refer him to the book when he has a question....). We just purchased a wi-fi module. I did get him hooked when he was 13 with a proto 2 SP GS-2 for his birthday.... By the way, this is a chick magnet  as he invites his girlfriends over to "play with the trains".....  . I think this app is opening up the hobby to the younger generation.

my thoughts anyway.....

Mike