Updating the DCS TIU and Remote Software

[@ryanjohnson4751]

Thank you very much. Your video was very helpful. I got my DCS all updated and ready to go.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

MTH DCS3.2.3v is on line now

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Thanks for the heads up John. Looks like this is the update we've been talking about for the App driven software.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

@@marcsoscaletrains yes sir, I already uploaded and tried it out, works great but not sure if there are any new features or they just fixed the lashup bug

[@marcsoscaletrains]

@@conductorjohnmthtrains2239 Addressed issues regarding: * creating lash-ups * adding legacy engines * data import/export

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

@@marcsoscaletrains are you going to get the wtiu when it comes out or wait and see what all the fuss is about?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

@@conductorjohnmthtrains2239 Oh I'm definitely getting the new WTIU. Do I need it???? Well no, but I love keeping up with the technology. I've had it pre ordered with Legacy Station ever since they announced it. I'm also picking up the new Lionel Base 3 system in April when it gets released. I've had that pre-ordered from Gargraves in Rose NY. I live about 2 hours west of Gargraves and love the place. I haven't posted much lately, but I'm building a new layout located at my home and I'm using all Gargraves and Ross.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

I have dcs premium app. All of a sudden it won't let me create lashups? Using my phone and mainly my ipad. I restored app, reset tiu, reset remote & engines nothing works- pissed. Newest app version v3.2.2

[@marcsoscaletrains]

It’s an issue with the updated app. In January they are supposed to release another version that will correct the lash up issue you are seeing.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

@@marcsoscaletrains will I have to update my remotes, tiu and wiu again. Or just upgrade the app when it's available. My tiu and remotes are 6.1ver.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

@@conductorjohnmthtrains2239 should only need the app. Update. Not sure if they will release anymore remote updates. Once the new system hits the streets it will be all app driven. I’m thinking I might like the app best anyways. Not 100% certain I’ll like it better, but my gut says that’s the way to go. Instant updates and easy fixes. We’ll see how it goes.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

@@marcsoscaletrains also I use ethernet & wps so app is on home wifi. But almost everytime system is turned on I have to unplug tiu cord & plug back in to get tiu signal. Tiu is set to mth

[@marcsoscaletrains]

I’ve been using the MTH network myself as it seems to work best. I use an ipad for the wifi control. Using a phone isn’t great because it port much limits the phone to only calls. Im hoping this is addressed with the new DCS system coming out this summer. We’ll see.

[@fmartino100]

Hi Mark, I've planning to upgrade to 5.0 for a while now and now you have given me the courage to try...Thanks, Frank

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Thanks Frank. Give it a shot!

[@vancegrozier6019]

Thank you very much for taking the time to put this video together and post it. I updated my DCS TIU flawlessly and quickly thanks to you. I can't thank you enough. Now I just need to figure out a way to afford to go Wifi with my MTH engines :)

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Glad to hear it helped! Definitely go Wifi its a blast and a great way to run the trains. Marc

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Thanks Vance and sorry for the late reply. Hopefully you figured out a way to get the WiFi. Its a cool addition to model railroading.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Hey Mark: well this premier app is pretty cool!. A little confused on the inactive list, in order to move engines to active use Recycle icon upper left right?so why have inactive list at all , you can’t touch engine identity in inactive list to move it doesn’t do anything, maybe I’m crazy IDK

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Naw you're not crazy. Its always been like that. If the system (TIU) doesn't recognize a previously loaded engine it puts it into the inactive list. Makes it easier to recognize the engines that are currently active. This way you don't need to search through all your engines to find the one you want to control. Sometime model RR's have multiple models of one engine with different road numbers and its a good way to detect the engine that is currently running on the layout.

[@guyholloway8677]

Great video Marc. Thanks for the help with mine a while back.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Glad you got your setup working. the train community is a great thing isn't it?

[@guyholloway8677]

+Marc's O Scale Trains yes it is a great community

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Very helpful Marc! I'm planning to do mine this weekend 👍🏼

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Do you know if the tiu can be powered from one of the inputs during the update? I don't think I have a transformer with that ac adapter on the end.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+PghTrainFanatic hey Nick, I'm pretty sure you can, I just have a few bricks and used that to power the tiu. if I remember correctly, early on when I did other updates I had the z4000 connected to fixed input one and disconnected everything else.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Perfect. That's what I'll do then. Just disconnect everything except one of the fixed inputs. Thanks Marc. Seriously this was a lot of help because I've never fooled around with my MTH system like this before.... just run and fun lol

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+PghTrainFanatic let me know how it goes for you Nick.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

+Marc's O Scale Trains I updated the tiu this evening and tested out the mth wifi app. All went great and I felt like I knew something before doing it thanks to your video Marc. Thanks again!!

[@FrankGrimaldiRR]

Thanks Marc. Very good video. I have 2 TIUs and a Mac computer. So I took one TIU train store for updating ($35 cost). Should be done next week. But with your video I plan on finding a friend with a PC laptop and doing the second TIU myself. Thank you.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hey Frank, definitely find a friend. I hate to see the $35 charge and wait time on your first tiu. most good train stores will do it for free even if you didn't buy it from them and they should do it while you wait. the total process takes less than 6 minutes. let me know if you end up doing it yourself and how it turns out. Marc

[@billwardsr7811]

Thank you Marc for an excellent presentation on how to update the DCS systems. Years ago I had a serial port on my Sony PC; and updated the DCS. Three+ years ago I bought a USB to serial cable from Radio Shack, but it did not work with my Legacy or DCS. A new USB (2.0) - Serial finally worked!Your step by step instructions are most important - specially for anyone updating for the first time. Many thanks to you for creating this video and helping so many!Bill

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Bill Ward, Sr , thanks for the nice comment. I'm really glad it was helpful. Marc

[@ralphm124]

Thank you so much. I just finished my update. This video made all the difference.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Big Ralph so glad it helped. Enjoy the new update! Marc

[@FrankGrimaldiRR]

Thanks Marc, you gave me an idea. I use all four channels on the TIU with 8 engines. When I only turn on one loop at a time and refresh I can get the active engine on that powered channel to work. I can then add the other engines one loop at a time. Not great, but works.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

that's kind of how i do it. anytime i turn on a siding i have to refresh the engine list to find the engine on that siding. once the power is off the engines go of the active list.

[@ronaldyoung8991]

trouble is cant get it on my computer

[@dkw6227]

Thank you for having such a well explained and complete video of this process!!!!

[@James-Railyard]

Will the 9pin serial to usb allow the WIU to connect to the older TIU’s if they have the newest software?

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Hey Marc, how's it going. Just wondering on these ATLAS E8s I just picked up, Not sure how to configure the motor direction switch or headlight on back of engine. They have F motor R switch? Not sure if you've seen these engines yet?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hey John, sorry wish i could assist. The E8’s look great. My guess is if you are running the engines in an aba unit configuration and you would set the switch accordingly to where the engines are. I’ve called Atlas in the past and they have been pretty helpful. Let me knot how you make out. Marc

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

@@marcsoscaletrains I just lashed them up AA Fwd Rev. no problem they run great. They actually sound like E8's

[@MartyLJ57]

Thank you for posting this video. Now I need to head out to purchase the cables.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+Marty Jeruzal It's just that easy. have fun. :)

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Just picked up all of my DSC equipment from 6.0 upgrade. All wired up back on layout. We’ll see how it goes.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Sweet. Good luck and enjoy.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

What cord would I use to up grade my WIU?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hi John, I believe its a usb cord.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Ok, thanks Marc. I took all of my equipment to my local train store and let them handle it. I’m getting Wi-Fi at home this week and getting all the electronics I need to do upgrades. I also want to learn how to change sound files! My CSX GP 40’s, OHIO CENT. Have lousy sound. Need to put like U30C sound in them. More Robust. Thanks for responding. The next upgrade maybe 7.0 I do it myself. Maybe you could do a tutorial on Sofware upgrades to!!!! Thanks bro-

[@marcsoscaletrains]

@@conductorjohnmthtrains2239 sounds good. Sound files are really easy too.

[@billroe6864]

Has any only lost cab lights using dcs ? I lost lights on two locomotives and can't get them back on I hit the button to turn them on didn't work

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Nice video mark, if I only had a laptop. I was told to bring my wiu to have it checked to see if it has the 6.0 version on it . It’s brand new? I guess I’ll take it along with tiu to have it done. I’m getting Wi-Fi at my home next week. But does that sound right. I know the tiu needs to be updated but a new wiu?

[@JimBee-j5s]

Is there a dcs premier 3.2.2 upgrade to fix bugs ?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

So far I’m just aware of an update for the MTH app coming out sometime this month. Not sure if they are doing any for the other DCS components.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Looks like the update is ready to go from the MTH web site. Give it a try.

[@mediadesigncorp]

Great tutorial. Your step by step instructions were very helpful. Thanks for doing this!!

[@dalemasters8367]

Thank You ,were do I find the update software at ?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

WWW.protosound2.com

[@TomedysTrains]

Very informative video on how to update MTH's TIUs. I have a question (with a follow-up question) for you about DCS. If you have two MTH DCS remotes (and TIUs), can you swap locomotive rosters between them? For example, if my remote is worn out or dies, can I use the other remote(s) I have to the existing TIU where I have all of my locomotives programmed? If so, how do I do it?

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Hi mark, I was just informed by another train guy that I have to upgrade my tiu to create lashup using Wi-Fi. I have 5.0 tiu now?

[@alcoc4201]

Hi Marc, just discovered your videos on KZbin. Really liked the grade crossing details on your last layout update. Those kind of details really make a difference. Anyway, i was just reading through Barry Broskowitz' DCS book just the other day looking to see how to do the TIU/Remote update and I kind of chickened out. After watching your video however, definitely going to give it a try so thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. One more thing, you mentioned that you got the needed cables at a local train dealer? Just wondering which one (I reside in Tonawanda). Seems all the local Radio Shack stores have closed up.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hello there, glad the video helped. I bought that cable from Aurora Rails in East Aurora. you can get them at Wal-Mart or best buy. I just happened to be there and asked if they had any. don't hesitate to contact me if you need any help. Marc

[@jonathanomgitsme]

Thanks for this! Lots of steps, and this made it easy. Now on 5.0 and ready for wifi!

[@escape150]

Great Video Marc…..I actually had my Hobby store show me how to do it but you did an excellent job explaining it….Like you said it is really easy to do…..Thanks for posting this for people to see…..Ron

[@SRRC245]

escape150 Okay thanks!

[@outlaw2191]

Marc, do you have WINZIP loaded on your computer and if so what version? My TIU is like yours and I have windows 7 but can't complete the upgrade without WINZIP. Also I noticed a black wire protruding from your TIU next to the "U" what is it for? Should I add one to mine and if so where do I connect it?

[@fgraia]

Marc/community I'm having trouble with the download of the mth dcs 5 program. On my computer after it downloads and i have connected the TIU and upon clicking the start button on program i get a dialog box "select a TIU file, then file name *.DCSt and when I click on Open, nothing happens. can you help with what to do at that point? I have tried repeatedly to load , unload and reload software but get the same stumbling block each time.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Instead of hitting open did you try and double click on the software? Just trying to figure out why its doing nothing. Also, try putting the program right on the desktop and when you go to access the file try it from there. Just thinking of a couple options. Also, as simple as it sounds, restart your PC and try again.

[@fgraia]

@@marcsoscaletrains Have you seen this file issue at all?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

@@fgraia Not that I recall.

[@MemoriesRR]

Really great explanation and demonstration. Thank you.

[@Preachb52]

Just what I needed. Thanks for the info.

[@SRRC245]

does it matter what system you use for aux input? Can you use a bachmann power supply that outputs AC16volts?

[@marcsoscaletrains]

SIRR Productions as long as it is a fixed voltage supply you Should be good.

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

I don't use MTH, but I'm going to share this with my friends that do and don't know about your video or watch KZbin.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

DennyDreadBassMan .........very cool. thx.

[@FrankGrimaldiRR]

Got my TIU updated and connected the MTH wi-fi module using the MTH network. At first it worked great, updated the software from the free app version. Then when I turned off the system and restarted all the engines were in-active and I cannot get them in active mode. I tried refresh button not the app but after a few seconds it times out. I get no where. Have you experienced this problem and or do you have any suggestion on how to fix it.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+Frank Grimaldi No Frank not really. Anytime I open the WiFi app (Android based device) I have to refresh to let the app know what engines are active. But I haven't had an issue yet where it didn't refresh. Just a thought, close the app, restart your device and try again. I would also turn off the power to your wifi and let it boot up again before you open the app. Just make sure you wait until the white LED is lit on the unit. Marc

[@steveashcraft718]

Marc, I downloaded the software and unzipped it but I can't open and run the software. Any idea what I did wrong? I ended up delating the software because it kept making different folders none of which I could get to work. Thanks, great video

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Steve, If you downloaded the most current version of the DCS Loader program you should be able to open that program first. Make sure you are looking for the loader program on your desktop and not the actual remote and DCS updates. Marc

[@steveashcraft718]

Marc, should I download both programs to the desk top? Almost had it working but could not find the software for the TIU. The loader program came up fine. Thanks for the help.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Steve Ashcraft yes, you should have the loader program current and then the latest tiu/remote updates. Make sure you follow the exact same steps I did and you should be all good. Never hurts to restart the computer once you get all the current programs.

[@steveashcraft718]

Marc, just thought i'd let you know I got everything working and TIU & remote updated.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Steve Ashcraft, fantastic!!!!

[@trainlover9943]

Great video, Marc! Have you had any issues with the serial cable drivers? I have a newly updated windows 10 computer and the serial cable I have keeps giving me problems. I can't figure out what's going on.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

no Matt I haven't. I have Windows 10 too. but I remember something on that. make sure your software knows the port your serial cable is on. are you using serial to usb or 9 pin to 9 pin?

[@trainlover9943]

+Marc's O Scale Trains Serial to usb everything I use it, it'll say "driver error".

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+Matt-Trainlover9943 driver error sounds like something to do with your cables software. My USB to serial cable came with a driver that I had to update to the newest software. I was told the cable I used was recommended by MTH. but again I don't know who actually recommended it from mth or if that statement has any validity.

[@trainlover9943]

+Marc's O Scale Trains I'm thinking about just purchasing a new cable and that should clear up my issues. I'll try to find the one you have.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

+Matt-Trainlover9943 let me know if that works I'm interested to see how it turns out for you. try e bay if you can't find it locally.

[@Vincente8791]

had to go back and watch this again as you need a hand set phone cord. LOl. Good vid thank you

[@roundsaturn31]

Nice job bro, thank you!

[@ronaldyoung8991]

Can someone send me a copy of the program so I can put it on my computer loadup my TIU and remote as shown in this video as I cant download it and unzip it

[@Owen-jb2el]

I have the same system as you, now I need to buy a brand new system for my trains (they work fine I just want something new). I can’t update it anymore now because of old technology. Haha.

[@tracyhartnett2834]

Can the soft ware form MTH be download to Linux computer or do you have to have a Windows computer for the updates on the TIU for you lay out. because i do not own a windows computer system in my house we own only Linux systems and the their is now hobby store closed by there are 2 to 3 hours a ways from me.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Not positive on that operating system. Might be a good question to ask on the OGR forums. There will be several folks that can offer assistance there.

[@boto53]

Thanks for a Great video Very helpfulRudy :)

[@H60HAWK]

Thank You, your instructions were great and this worked exactly as planned for me. I noticed that MTH has a 6.1 Version available. Have you updated your TIU's and Remotes to 6.1 Software?

[@gubernator11]

Great and easy video - it really helped. Do you have a video on cloning your DCS hand held remote control as I have 3 remotes. Thanks Marc - Sue Watson

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hi Sue, I never did a video on cloning remotes. I may need to do that in the near future. Although it appears that smart phones and tablets are really coming on strong and replacing remotes. Marc

[@likosjo]

Thanks, Marc, for the great instructions. I tried blindly to update TIU+remote and it worked immediately, both devices responded according to your video instructions. I appreciate your effort explaining complicated things the easy way for dummies like myself. I wonder if there is any iMac or Linux version of that kind of software...

[@thomascoe8151]

Great information, Thanks Marc

[@escape150]

Hey Marc, did you update your DCS firmware to version 1.1.....There was an update for MTH DCS app and now it won't work properly. I guess if the app updates you have to update the firmware to make it work. Looks like you need to be a computer genius for this update. Have you tried to update yours? Thanks Marc....Ron

[@marcsoscaletrains]

ron, I haven't done that update yet.

[@bobcarpenter3413]

Perfect! Just finished my update.

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

How old is this video? I haven't seen a Radio Shack in years. There is no Radio Shack any where near me.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Almost 4 years now.

[@rraddena]

Hey Mark, just came across this video and just realized that I have not updated software since I bought this back in 2010, yikes. So, thank you. I am not an advanced train collector so my layout is very basic. I have one TIU that is connected to rwo separate tracks. The problem that I have is if I am running my MTH locomotives on the second track, when I try to use the controller it's coming back and saying that my engine is not on the track. I don't understand this so could you send some light on what I should do? I figured that if both tracks are connected to the TIU on different fixed outputs then this should not be an issue. I'm stumped.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

rraddena its not the track or tiu. That is connected correctly. Did you update to the current software? Is it s ps2 or ps3 engine? First delete the engine out of the remote and reload the engine. Make sure you have good connectivity from the tiu to the track. The system will be looking for the engine via the center rail so make sure yoy are in a good clean section of track. You can also hook up the remote to the tiu via a regular old phone cable. Give this a try and see if that works.

[@rraddena]

Marc's O Scale Trains Before I saw this video, I did delete the engine(PS2.0) and tried to reload but to no avail. The connectivity is good because. The loco starts up as if in conventional. I can also run my lionel legacy subway with all bells and whistles. I have not upgraded yet.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

rraddena i would definitely do the upgrade to correct any bugs in the system. Even if it worked before. I'll bet that corrects it.

[@rraddena]

Marc's O Scale Trains Will do that. Thanks for the replies and have a Merry Christmas!

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Reply back and let me know how you make out after the update. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@escape150]

Marc,Ii successfully updated the Firmware on the DCS WiFi Module…..Actually it was really easy……If anybody updates the App at the App store, your wifi will not work until you update the firmware to 1.1.0

[@marcsoscaletrains]

good to hear ron. I'm not seeing any update available for my wifi app. it says I'm good and no updates are needed.

[@marcsoscaletrains]

actually I'm at 1.1 so that's probably why. :)

[@victorpanda7639]

Marc, I'm on DC 2rail but no layout yet. Just got DCS remote set but dont think I'll do ipod connections because it's too tedious for me. ipods tend to need small fingers to poke into stuff. l wish Ikept my Blackberry... Anyhowl ipods aren'taccurately poking as demonstrated here... Oh, what'sin that cup behind your computer? Lol.

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Marx. - My son came over to do my upgrade, because I am a MacUser. Do you belong to the OGR Forum. If so you should post this video. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@marcsoscaletrains]

Hi Gary. yep I'm on the forum, not as active as others, but I'm in the mix. :) :)

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Marc - 6.0 came out today. Here we go again. I have the telephone headset wire, The mini-to-mini stereo cable, but I use a USB to printer cable. Are you ready? • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@marcsoscaletrains]

trainroomgary.... let's do this..... :) :)

[@trainroomgary]

Cool - I will watch for your video. Matt Train Lover 9943, may do a video. My son is an automotive engineer, he will have to help me. I am Mac User, this process works better with a PC. 😎 He did my 5.0 Upgrade. Gary 🚂

[@ronaldyoung8991]

I have all the leads

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

After using the app on my phone using the old remotes is king playing “PONG” , remember that game , I think it was called Atari!!!!! OMG I am old.

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Thanks buddy, I just subscribed your channel- forgot hahahahahahaha! I’m old

[@conductorjohnmthtrains2239]

Never mind!! Haha I have the premium app I have to have 6.0

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

How old is this video? I haven't seen a Radio Shack in years. There is no Radio Shack any where near me.