I'm getting ready to purchase DCS for my layout. I was wondering if you must specify what version you want such as 4.02 or do you always get the latest? Also do you need to tell them the version of the TIU?

Would you recommend buying from the LHS near you at a slightly higher price than is advertised in OGR magazine?

Thanks for any feedback. Between this forum and the OGR video, I feel totaly prepared to set up the system and operate within a single Saturday.

Ken

Ken Click Here and call Jims TrainShop, He has the DCS System on sale for $239.00 this month. And He will sell You the latest Verison of the TIU, as for 402a you will probaly have to update both the Remote and TIU, via the MTH site, which is of no charge. But You must have the right cables to upgrade and look up Dave Hikel's post on how to up-grade, or on the MTH Web Site, written by Dave,unless you allready know how to do it.

Engine House Hobbies always assures that any DCS system they sell has the most current software unless the purchaser has expressed a desire for an earlier system. Regarding TIU hardware, I have found some differences between the three types of TIUs and as it relates to downloading of software. I have the most issues with one of the newer TIUs (Rev I that will not load from my Vista 64 box and my others have no download software issues. Rev I will download from my 2003 server box.) All four TIUs behave in the same manner on my layout.

Thanks for the feedback. I do have the tuturial from Dave on how to upgrade, but obviously have not performed any of these actions yet. In Dave's tuturial he mentions a part 2 for his tutorial, but I have not found that article in my search. Since my PC does not have a 9-pin serial port I will need to get some type of adaptor which Dave mentions would be described in Part 2. If there is a Part 2 could someone send me the link or article.

Ken,

One thing I found out to be a good move is to buy a NEW DCS from a MTH Dealer who gives you a detailed receipt in order to have the one-year warranty. My Remote thumbwheel failed twice and repairs were covered by the warranty.

I'm also glad I purchased with a credit card that has the benefit of extending coverage another year (two times the manufacturer's term). It looks like I might use this for another thumbwheel.

If you're uneasy about doing updates or need cables, then buying from an LHS that will upgrade your DCS devices is a real plus.

I understand Dave's Part 2 is in the works so he can cover the very recent version of software.

I'm using an XP PC with a built-in DB-9 serial port to do updates.
I've tried a few adapters I had on-hand with mixed results.
If you search this forum you should see what USB to RS232 adapters are working for other members. Hopefully members will post these adapters on this thread.

Tom

I worked with the new loader program at MTH the past 2 days while cert training up there and it works with usb to serial cable.

Thanks Tom and Va. I'll see if anyone lists a particular manufacturer for a while. If not I'll buy one and see what happens.

quote:

Originally posted by VaGolfer1950:
I worked with the new loader program at MTH the past 2 days while cert training up there and it works with usb to serial cable.

Paul

That's great news! That should help a lot!

quote:

Originally posted by VaGolfer1950:
I worked with the new loader program at MTH the past 2 days while cert training up there and it works with usb to serial cable.

Paul,

As Marty said - "This is great news" !!!

With a USB interface for the Loader it should be a snap to do updates & backups!


Ken,

You might save time/money and have an easier tool - if you can wait until the new USB Loader is fully tested & released.

If you have a laptop PC with a PCMCIA slot, I just read about a PCMCIA adapter that Bob at www.BobsToyTrainRepair.com posted as message # #106358 on the Yahoo Toy Trains Forum. I used 'forwarding' to email you the full text of this message (in case you're not a Toy Trains Forum member).

Tom

Tom, I think I will wait a little bit before attempting any updates on my own.

Thanks