johnandjulie13 wrote: Hello Lee:I can empathize with your frustration. First, you don't need anything to download the files from the MTH website. Once they are downloaded, however, you will need to be able to decompress them. Let me walk you through it, and if you have a different result, let me know and we can see if we can resolve the problem.1. Go to http://www.mthtrains.com/2. Click on the picture (as seen below)3. You will be taken to a screen that describes DCS 4.0. The protosound 2 website is highlighted, click on it.4. You are now at the Proto Sound 2 website. About half way down you will see the following heading: DCS Software Updates. The third one down is the 4.0 upgrade. Click on the link that says Download Now!5. You will be taken to another screen that says "DCS Version 4.0 Software" Click "Add to Cart"6. Completely fill out the Check out section and click to submit order 7. After that you will be taken to another screen that will have the following link: "DCS Version 4.0 Software" Click on the link.8. You will now get to download the files, when you see the pop-up screen, choose save and save the file in a location easily found (I use the desktop).You should now have the files. If you can get to this point, you are well on your way. If you cannot get the files downloaded, let me know. Also, you will need a couple of additional files from MTH to manage the upgrade process. But first, let's see if you can get the 4.0 files to your computer.Regards,John
Hello Lee:
I can empathize with your frustration. First, you don't need anything to download the files from the MTH website. Once they are downloaded, however, you will need to be able to decompress them. Let me walk you through it, and if you have a different result, let me know and we can see if we can resolve the problem.
1. Go to http://www.mthtrains.com/
2. Click on the picture (as seen below)
3. You will be taken to a screen that describes DCS 4.0. The protosound 2 website is highlighted, click on it.
4. You are now at the Proto Sound 2 website. About half way down you will see the following heading: DCS Software Updates. The third one down is the 4.0 upgrade. Click on the link that says Download Now!
5. You will be taken to another screen that says "DCS Version 4.0 Software" Click "Add to Cart"
6. Completely fill out the Check out section and click to submit order
7. After that you will be taken to another screen that will have the following link: "DCS Version 4.0 Software" Click on the link.
8. You will now get to download the files, when you see the pop-up screen, choose save and save the file in a location easily found (I use the desktop).
You should now have the files. If you can get to this point, you are well on your way. If you cannot get the files downloaded, let me know. Also, you will need a couple of additional files from MTH to manage the upgrade process. But first, let's see if you can get the 4.0 files to your computer.
Regards,
John
John,
Here is my problem so far; I have done steps 1 to 7 successfully, it is when I get to step 8 or download the DCS 4.0 update that I run into major league problems!!
I will try again today!
Lee F.
I just went back to the MTH website; got to the point of downloading files, then a box popped up that said "WinZip Extractor" next it let me unzip only three files and will not let me do anything else! When I try to do anything else it will just repeat itself.
I have emailed Winzip company about this problem today, so I am waiting to see what Winzip says. Called Winzip on friday at their 1-800-number but all I got was a recording telling me to email them.
phillyreading wrote:John,I just went back to the MTH website; got to the point of downloading files, then a box popped up that said "WinZip Extractor" next it let me unzip only three files and will not let me do anything else! When I try to do anything else it will just repeat itself. I have emailed Winzip company about this problem today, so I am waiting to see what Winzip says. Called Winzip on friday at their 1-800-number but all I got was a recording telling me to email them. Lee F.
Winzip did all that it was supposed to do. Now you must run the DCS loader, select the files that Winzip extracted based on whether you are updating the TIU or the remote, and proceed following the on screen prompts. The important part of running winzip is knowing where the files were extracted to so you can find them when you run the loader program.
You do have the loader program?
Trying to update my avatar since 2020
MartyE and Kodi the Husky Dog! ( 3/31/90-9/28/04 ) www.MartyE.com My O Gauge Web Page and Home of Kodiak Junction!
Let me know how it goes. Whether you have a "zip" program or not, you should still be able to have the files downloaded to your computer. Once they are on your computer we can figure out how to get them decompressed. There are a couple of free programs on the web that you can use for file decompression.
MartyE wrote: phillyreading wrote: John,I just went back to the MTH website; got to the point of downloading files, then a box popped up that said "WinZip Extractor" next it let me unzip only three files and will not let me do anything else! When I try to do anything else it will just repeat itself. I have emailed Winzip company about this problem today, so I am waiting to see what Winzip says. Called Winzip on friday at their 1-800-number but all I got was a recording telling me to email them. Lee F. Winzip did all that it was supposed to do. Now you must run the DCS loader, select the files that Winzip extracted based on whether you are updating the TIU or the remote, and proceed following the on screen prompts. The important part of running winzip is knowing where the files were extracted to so you can find them when you run the loader program. You do have the loader program?
phillyreading wrote: John,I just went back to the MTH website; got to the point of downloading files, then a box popped up that said "WinZip Extractor" next it let me unzip only three files and will not let me do anything else! When I try to do anything else it will just repeat itself. I have emailed Winzip company about this problem today, so I am waiting to see what Winzip says. Called Winzip on friday at their 1-800-number but all I got was a recording telling me to email them. Lee F.
Hey Marty,
I have downloaded something but now my computor won't open it, says I have a corrupted file or something like that.
Why can't MTH just put out an update DVD or something and KEEP IT SIMPLE!!!!
I must have missed your response while I was typing in my last message. As Marty indicated, everything worked fine! The next step is to actually run the DCS loader program sto that the updated information can be uploaded to the TIU and your remote.
I consider myself to be somewhat technically proficient with computers, but this process is a little confusing to me as well. Don't get discouraged.
Since you were able to get the upgraded files from the DCS website. You now need to get the program that manages the updating process. This is called DCS Loader. Unfortunately, you will need to load the program twice. First, you need to load version 1.57 (I can e-mail this to you). Once you have the file on your machine, double click on it and it will automatically install.
You will then need to download version 1.83 from the MTH website (just like you downloaded the 4.0 files). Once that has been downloaded, double click and it will self-install. Once you are at that point, you can then load the 4.0 information onto your DCS equipment. Give it a try and let me know if you have any questions.
I don't see the DCS Loader version 1.57 on the DCS site, all they have is 1.83, do I need version 1.57 first? If so email me here or at my home email; chessie74u@yahoo.com
Thank You!! Just a note; all this download stuff is giving me a whopper migrain!!
I just sent it to you. Just so you know (and you may not care), the reason that you need both versions is that there is a file in 1.57 that is missing from 1.83. In any event, after you have downloaded both versions and have installed them (make sure you install 1.57 first) let me know and then we can walk through the upload process.
Thank You John,
I will keep you posted as to how things work out far as the upgrade progress.
I have the DCS loader version 1.57 & 1.83 downloaded, now what do I do?
I know it may sound stupid but this download process has been major time consumtion for me.
The process isn't easy, by any means. Unfortunately, this is what we have to put up with if we do not want to have obsolete technology for our trains. It would be cost prohibitive for MTH (or any other manufacturer) to design a system that could be updated easier. Even Lionel's Legacy system will have issues if/when they decide to update their system.
In any event, You have one more step before you can begin the actual uploading process. Now that you have Loader 1.57 and 1.83 installed, you need to unzip the 4.0 files again and make sure that they get placed in the "My MTH Files" directory within the DCS Loader folder (it should be C:\Program Files\MTH DCS Loader\My MTH Files). Once the files are in place you can run the Loader program. First you will update the TIU. Then you will update the remote. Do you understand all of the connections that need to be made?
Seems to me that MTH needs to package the update. Have the loader and updates all in one. The loader should have any files it needs and not have to resort back to 1.57 to get some. If you have the correct loader from a previous upgrade it should either write over it or ask if you want to replace it.
Make the whole thing self extracting. There is a lot to be desired with this process. Then again Lionel's solution has many questions to be answered.
Bob Keller
Ogaugeoverlord wrote:I think it took me three tries to upload the TIU before it clicked, a five times to load the hand unit. I didn't even need to use any blue language, either!
Earl
MartyE wrote: Seems to me that MTH needs to package the update. Have the loader and updates all in one. The loader should have any files it needs and not have to resort back to 1.57 to get some. If you have the correct loader from a previous upgrade it should either write over it or ask if you want to replace it.Make the whole thing self extracting. There is a lot to be desired with this process. Then again Lionel's solution has many questions to be answered.
Hello Marty:
You have an excellent point. However, we have to remember that we are dealing with two companies (both MTH and Lionel) that have financial issues and, as a result, have limited resources. Microsoft, which made $17 billion last year has issues in providing seamless software. If they can't do it, how can we expect two struggling small businesses to make it work? In the meantime, all we can do is help each out as best we can.
phillyreading wrote: John,I have the DCS loader version 1.57 & 1.83 downloaded, now what do I do?I know it may sound stupid but this download process has been major time consumtion for me.Lee F.
Oh by all means I agree we are all for helping out but if you are going to use this as one of the main areas of upgrade, you should make it as painless as possible. I believe a guy named Dave is their software guy. He should be able to "package" the upgrade. No as far as different computers. no one can forsee those issues.
But as you say...we are here to help.
My update went smoothy with one exception. And it was my own fault. The phone cord I used to connect the DCS handheld to the TIU was only a 2-wire unit. So I kept getting an "error messsage A". I checked the instructions on the MTH website written by Dave Hikel (a MUST download BTW) and I checked my phone cord and found the problem. Went out to Radio Shlock and bought the correct 4-wire cord and POOF....I was in business.
I also used something that has been under much debate and controversy with TOTAL success. My laptop doesn't have ANY serial ports. Most new laptops don't. Many guys have bought adapters that plug into expansion slots on laptops, but those adapters (especially the ones from Radio Schlock) have produced even MORE problems. So I went online and bought a USB-to-Serial ADAPTER CABLE for my comp. It cost me all of $9.95 INCLUDING shipping. I got it here:http://www.emtcompany.com/products/adapters/dxubdb9-usb-to-serial-db9-adapter-cable.htm
I got the short 16 inch version. They have a 6-foot version too. I used this adapter cable with port settings of 9600 bps, 8 data bits, parity none, stop bits 1, and flow control none. All these settings are adjustable after you plug the cable into the serial TIU port and the USB port in your computer. Just go into your device manager and look for Ports, Com and LPT and under it "Prolific USB-to-Serial Com port". Anyway, the settings I used were the default settings. I've never done an update using a conventional serial port, although I have one on my desktop tower comp. I wanted to find out if the laptop could be used, because it's a lot easier to bring the laptop to the train table, than the other way around I THINK the update speed was identical to what people are experiencing with a regular serial port connection. The TIU update went quite quickly. The handheld was about the 4 minutes that was predicted. I didn't have any problems holding my thumb down on the on/off button to do it. Dep
Virginian Railroad
Hello Deputy:
Are you running those PRR S2 Turbines on DCS 4.0 now?
I am glad that the cable worked for you. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for others. Your ability to set the data rate with that unit probably made the difference. I am glad that 4.0 is up and running. Enjoy.
johnandjulie13 wrote: Hello Deputy:Are you running those PRR S2 Turbines on DCS 4.0 now? I am glad that the cable worked for you. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for others. Your ability to set the data rate with that unit probably made the difference. I am glad that 4.0 is up and running. Enjoy.Regards,John
Hi John, Unfortuantely, no on the S2 turbines. The rec room is having some major remodeling done this month, and everything has been removed from there. I can't wait till they're done and I can get things set up. Dep
I just updated my DCS to 4.0! It took about 10 minutes and went very smoothly. I immediately tested it out and it works great. I love the "set" feature for boost/brake. DCS allows you to manually set the acceleration and deceleration for each engine. But you can only utilize these settings via the boost/brake button. However, previously, once you let go of the button the train would return to its previous speed. With the "set" feature, the engine will now stay at the speed that results from pusing the boost/brake button. This adds a little realism to running the trains and adds more play value.
Another new feature is the "auto coupler." Whenever a train starts out, the coupler slack sound is automatically played, again adding some cool play value. My only gripe is that the coupler sound is played if you use quick set speed or the thumb wheel. It does not play if you start the train using the boost button.
Finally, "quick set speed" is another cool feature. Now, instead of using the thumb wheel or the boost button, you can use the number keys to tap in a desired speed and the engine will automatically accelerate (or decelerate) to that speed.
While these features lack some of the coolness exhibited by the Legacy system, they are appreciated just the same. Good job MTH.
Will probally do the last step of the upgrade, transferring to the DCS unit, on tuesday or wednesday of this coming week, have too much going on right now! Currently I have 3.10 version of DCS, which I purchased almost two years ago.
Have been getting a messeage at start-up; needs maintenance. What does that mean? Do I need new batteries in the handheld unit?
Lee: I would try replacing the batteries and see what happens. That may be the problem.
I wonder if MTH will have an update that allows the use of the DCS controller to emulate all the functions of the Lionel Legacy controller on Legacy locos? That would put a MAJOR hurt on Lionel. I am not keen on investing big $$$ in the Lionel Legacy setup, no matter how nice it may be. Plus I have enough remote controllers to fiddle with right now.
Deputy wrote:Lee: I would try replacing the batteries and see what happens. That may be the problem. I wonder if MTH will have an update that allows the use of the DCS controller to emulate all the functions of the Lionel Legacy controller on Legacy locos? That would put a MAJOR hurt on Lionel. I am not keen on investing big $$$ in the Lionel Legacy setup, no matter how nice it may be. Plus I have enough remote controllers to fiddle with right now.
It can't. Lionel has blocked the serial port from any control over Legacy. Lionel's CTO says that access to the serial port is limited to TMCC1 protocol.
phillyreading wrote:Will probally do the last step of the upgrade, transferring to the DCS unit, on tuesday or wednesday of this coming week, have too much going on right now! Currently I have 3.10 version of DCS, which I purchased almost two years ago.Have been getting a messeage at start-up; needs maintenance. What does that mean? Do I need new batteries in the handheld unit?Lee F.
The only time the Maintenance message comes up should be when one of your PS2 engines has put on 1000 scale miles since its last maintenance. You can go into the engine menu and reset the maintenance interval.
I upgraded last weekend. It took me longer to find the cables than to do the upgrade! Once I had everything in hand, the process took me about 15 minutes. That includes the time I needed to read what to do with the files, where to place them, etc.
Joel
Joel,
I found the cables at Radio Shack, they were cheaper than Staples Office supplystore.
So far I have spent over an hour on the downloads and half an hour on setup for the cables.
phillyreading wrote:Joel,I found the cables at Radio Shack, they were cheaper than Staples Office supplystore.So far I have spent over an hour on the downloads and half an hour on setup for the cables.Lee F.
Hang in there Lee, you are near the finish line. Did you complete the update?
johnandjulie13 wrote: phillyreading wrote: Joel,I found the cables at Radio Shack, they were cheaper than Staples Office supplystore.So far I have spent over an hour on the downloads and half an hour on setup for the cables.Lee F.Hang in there Lee, you are near the finish line. Did you complete the update?Regards,John
phillyreading wrote: Joel,I found the cables at Radio Shack, they were cheaper than Staples Office supplystore.So far I have spent over an hour on the downloads and half an hour on setup for the cables.Lee F.
I downloaded or tried to download the program to my TIU from my computor this morning but kept getting: openning comm port 1, openning comm port 2, openning comm port 3. Retried about five times to load the TIU but is acting like there is a major problem.
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