DCS TIU Revision

[Anonymous]

Today I stopped by the hobby shop where I have the DCS set (remote and TIU unit) in layaway to make a payment on. After reading on another forum regarding the Revision issue, it came to me that the latest revision is I, and that both 'H' and 'I' were the better versions. I did ask the dealer to let me examine the TIU in the box so I took it out and had a look at it. I am not sure what the sticker exactly looks like but I was not able to locate one on the bottom of the unit. So I have a feeling that I may have the 'G' unit.

I did ask the lady how long has she had it in the store but she said that she wasnt sure. I figured out that the later revisions H and I had better built electronics and fuses and everything, so I am not sure if anyone out there still have any of the 'G' units. If so, did you have any problems using them?

I will still buy the set, so hopefully nothing will go wrong with it once I get to bring it home. If I find I have an older software version, then I will have that upgraded, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Chris

[jimhaleyscomet]

I have been running my DCS unit for a few years off a ZW with an external radio shack 15 amp fuse. Not sure of the DCS version but I have blown several of the external fuses when I had a short (no problem, I just replace the fuse). A couple of times the ZW circuit breaker snapped even before the fuse went (a "slow" short?) but that is unusual.

I never upgraded the DSC software either. I figure if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Jim H

[willpick]

If you are using a Postwar ZW or other PW transformer, inline fuses are a must have item to protect the TIU if you have a rev G TIU(like me). I am using a Z4000 on the fixed channels, and a LW on 1 variable channel. Only the LW is fused, as the Z4000's overcurrent protection is very fast. I did upgrade my TIU from 2.21 to 3.0, won't upgrade until they get up to 3.3 or 3.4

[spankybird]

I have had mine since early 03 and it is Rev H1. I use 3.0 software and have not had any problems.

[CSX FAN]

Chris

You can tell the difference real easy on the new I rev TIU. The graphics are different than the other models. It also comes with 3.1 software The I rev has the I rev sticker on the back . The G rev has no marking on the back but has the old graphic's. They could have any version of software in them. Turn on the remote what is the rev number when it first comes on? I have the old G rev units and like them better because it will allow simple TMCC operation, because of it's common ground buss. The I and H models are seperate grounds and have beefer busses rated for 20a. You can burn one of them up just as easy.

In any case inline fuses are a must. I recomend 10.a fast blow 32v. You can get them at radio shack.

I wrote 3 articals last year for CTT that has several tips for DCS.

Jamie

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSX FAN

Chris

You can tell the difference real easy on the new I rev TIU. The graphics are different than the other models. It also comes with 3.1 software The I rev has the I rev sticker on the back . The G rev has no marking on the back but has the old graphic's. They could have any version of software in them. Turn on the remote what is the rev number when it first comes on? I have the old G rev units and like them better because it will allow simple TMCC operation, because of it's common ground buss. The I and H models are seperate grounds and have beefer busses rated for 20a. You can burn one of them up just as easy.

In any case inline fuses are a must. I recomend 10.a fast blow 32v. You can get them at radio shack.

I wrote 3 articals last year for CTT that has several tips for DCS.

Jamie

If you can point me to those articles that would be great. I wouldnt be able to check the software version of the DCS set anyway until I finish paying it off from layaway first. I have read that usin an inline fuse is a great idea, but I dont have any soldering skills though to do it. Thanks for the tip.

Chris

[CSX FAN]

Chris

You don't have to solder anything, just cut and crimp the leads coming off the transformer output. Butt splice the inliine car fuse holders in place. I had articals in June and August 2005 CTT. online is the other one in July, It should be on CTT's web site still. These wiring methods where geared for the large layouts. I didn't know what size you layout is.

Jamie