TIU software upgrades

I'd be glad to update the tiu n remote for you to 6.1 ver !

Alan Mancus

You don't really need a lot of "hardware" to do this, and then you'll have the capability to do any future upgrades.  The things you need are a curly phone handset cord with 4 conductors and a 3-wire 3.5mm stereo male to male jumper.  A nice to have item is the custom clamp to hold the remote button down for the remote update, you can make one with a clothespin.

And a Windows PC/Laptop......

Sure, who doesn't have that.   Even an Apple with emulation will do the trick.

Thank you everyone.

I have found someone close by that has offered to assist me.

Regards,

Bill

Bill I responded to your e-mail but not sure you got it.  Did you? G

Speaking of updates, 6.1 has been out a long time, is this the last one before the new WTIU and is the software different for them? 

@Ron_S posted:

Speaking of updates, 6.1 has been out a long time, is this the last one before the new WTIU and is the software different for them? 

What would new firmware release do specifically? The firmware on my HP printer is a couple years old and they haven't released a new one for it yet.

As for the WTIU, it's hard to say if the updates are the same or not.  It depends on how the device is built. My best guess is that the even though the two device are one, the TIU will still operate independently from the WIU, they just stuffed all of the WIU electronics in the TIU Case with the TIU components.  But, this is a best guess. Can't verify this until mine arrives and I dissect it.

@Ron_S posted:

Speaking of updates, 6.1 has been out a long time, is this the last one before the new WTIU and is the software different for them? 

The software will most certainly be different for the WTIU, it's a totally different electrical design!

OK....Here's the deal. I currently have two DCS remotes (v 4.2) and two TIU's (rev. L) purchased years ago. Everything works great and plays nicely with each other (PS 3's)

I just purchased a spare remote when I had a chance (don't ever plan to use wifi, at all). The new remote arrived today and is v 6.10.

Is the new remote going to communicate with the Rev. L TIU's WITHOUT going through all the updating of my other two TIU'S and remotes ?

As Bill (above), I do not want to purchase the stuff (connectors, etc.) and then try to fumble through all the "incantations" of updating on a Mac. Also, my layout os about a mile from my house and no internet. there.  I'll have to find someone to do it for me.

I can only run trains between doctors appointments at my age !

Guess I could just try it, but thought I'd ask here first...Seemed safer.

Thanks,

Jeff

The trouble is......

I don't think anyone here you can you a full correct answer. It may work until you ask the TIU to do something it doesn't know about. When you press a button on the remote with 6.1, the system (TIU with 4.x) may just lock up (the 6.1 remote) as it doesn't understand the command.

I fully recommend updating everything to 6.1 to insure proper operation.

I also recommend rebuilding any consist for those same reasons.

Anybody with the correct equipment can upgrade this stuff. Any nearby stores or friends? I don't see your location in your profile.

No...I live in. the "boonies"" of SW Georgia.

The closest place is about 100 miles away.

Hince,  the dilemma.....

Hi Jeff,

You'll be fine with a 6.1 remote talking to your 4.2 TIU's.  The only changes in the firmware since 4.2 have to do with HO engines and connecting to the WIU.  In fact, there aren't ANY functional changes to the remote firmware since 5.xx.

However, version 4.2 did have a few bugs when loading engines and running multiple TIU's in super mode.  The most serious of these bugs didn't effect all TIU's, so if you aren't having trouble don't worry about it.  If the opportunity ever arises to get your DCS hardware updated it would be a good idea.  In the mean time, run your trains and don't worry.

@Engineer-Joe posted:

The trouble is......

I don't think anyone here you can you a full correct answer.....

@Dave Hikel posted:

Hi Jeff,

You'll be fine with a 6.1 remote talking to your 4.2 TIU's.  The only changes in the firmware since 4.2 have to do with HO engines and connecting to the WIU.  In fact, there aren't ANY functional changes to the remote firmware since 5.xx.

However, version 4.2 did have a few bugs when loading engines and running multiple TIU's in super mode.  The most serious of these bugs didn't effect all TIU's, so if you aren't having trouble don't worry about.  If you opportunity ever arises to get your DCS hardware updated it would be a good idea.  In the mean time, run your trains and don't worry.

Always have to prove me wrong Dave!

Thanks, Dave.....That's what I was hoping for.  

I'm goin' for it !!!

(Thanks also to Joe....At my skill level,  AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION is never a wrong answer with all things computer......)

@Engineer-Joe posted:

Always have to prove me wrong Dave!

Thanks for the ego stroke Joe!  I know I'm not around much on the forum these days, but it's nice to drop in and lend a hand when I can.

Enjoy running Jeff!