This is the most confusing thing I’ve ever seen. Where is the free download located? What is it called? I’ve been all over the MTH web site but can’t seem to put this one together. Thanks for any light shed on this, Jake
You must add it to your shopping cart and fill out all the required info. . It appears you are purchasing it but it’s free.
I had to download each item seperately. You will need the newest loader and the 4.02 file. Calm down and take your time. [;)]
I am calm, nearly comatose. I simply hate computers, especially the one I"m on at the present. I long for the days of paper and pencils, and trains without computer chips. An entire DCS system just might be for sale here! If the old Lionel stuff would not run, a test bulb on the track at least would point the problem to the engine. Would my computer run better hooked directly to 220 volts or 5 gallons of gas? Jake
PS. It’s also why I shooot Fred Bear Archery recurves!
I feel your pain. My 2004 Silverado has a computer dashboard. The speedometer has just failed (A common problem and Chevy refused to issue a recall…just an extended warranty for it). I remember when a speedometer was just a cable and a bolt-in gauge. Now my whole dashboard has to be replaced because it’s all electronic.
The DCS stuff is pretty reliable in my expereice with it. Hang in there and if you need more help don’t hesitate to ask. At least it’s an at-home upgrade. That “other company” has already had a situation where people had to send in their brand new gear for a fix. [;)]
I worked as an investigator for years here in WV, mostly involved in the electronic end of wiring folks for obtaining info under the radar. I always worried about the stuff working, sometimes duplicated the whole mess to have a backup. I don’t trust electronics, I think they have the inate ability to play jokes on humans and have a really good time with the results!
The DCS actually works flawlessly. I did the downloads, does anyone know how to get the info into the handset? What should happen next? Thanks, Jake
To paraphrase a quote found elsewhere on this forum
“Don’t forget to stand on your left foot and hop 3 times while saying ‘DCS is better’”
Right back at you there, Deputy
You will need some cables and the instruction set from your DCS manual. You need a serial cable to run from your computer to the DCS (make sure the serail port can run at 56K) and a telephone handset cord to go between the TIU and the handset. I would strongly suggest doing an upload of your existing system as a back up and to verify that the software and communications links are function BEFORE trying to download the upgrade.
"That “other company” has already had a situation where people had to send in their brand new gear for a fix. "
You sure you don’t mean the initial DCS TIU’s that didn’t have fuses and had meltdowns? I think those went back to MTH by the truckload.[(-D]
“The DCS actually works flawlessly.”
Ball is back in your court [:P]
I wonder if they passed those defective transformers from Lionel en route? [(-D]
Fred: Go to the web page spanky listed above. Look for
-
DCS Loader Tutorial Article - December 26, 2007
It gives you detailed, simple instructions on how to install the new files. No need to hop on one or two feet either.
Now, Now, Boys. Lets not start a flame war. We all know one is better than the other, we just don’t know which one. [swg]
I know I know!!! 3rd rail!!! [(-D]
Hi John, how ya doin? I just located a brand new 3RD Rail Scale S2 turbine for a super cheap price. That, and hearing from you, is plenty to prevent a flame war from me. [tup]
“The Legacy actually works flawlessly”
I actually haven’t bothered to send my Legacy set back since I’ve had no trouble whatsoever with it, even with nearly daily use, since I bought it in early June.
I will send it back one of these days, but I’ve been having too much fun since then.
Plus, it will be a relief to have it upgraded and back in less than a week, rather than having to depend on 40 year old outdated technology for an upgrade.
I’m sure Legacy is a fine system…IF…you ONLY run Lionel. DCS runs BOTH. [:D]
DCS does not run Legacy equipment in Legacy mode, aka you can not run both. If you actaully want to run Legacy and DCS, you need both.
Also, Legacy runs everything but DCS, not just Lionel AND it runs the older equipment from ALL of these licensee’s better than the original TMCC equipment did.
Well no big loss for me and many others that DCS doesn’t run Legacy. Many of us aren’t that impressed with the Legacy system anyways [:)]
“Legacy runs everything but DCS”. That sounds impressive, but that’s like saying Legacy runs Legacy and TMCC, which is also Lionel. So what you are saying is Legacy runs Lionel, Lionel and licensed Lionel.
DCS runs DCS from MTH and TMCC from Lionel and other licensees.
“DCS runs DCS from MTH and TMCC from Lionel and other licensees.”
Well, to be more accurate:
DCS runs MTH and TMCC from Lionel if you have TMCC from Lionel. Otherwise DCS doesn’t control TMCC worth jack :).
Legacy and TMCC run Legacy and TMCC and DCS from MTH if you have DCS.
In other words, you want two systems, you need both systems. The only thing you can do with DCS is control TMCC (most of the functions and a few not emulated all that well) and basic Legacy functions with the DCS handheld, provided you can get the correct TIU to command base cable and the download of the newer 4.0x DCS. And provided you have the TMCC or Legacy command base. And if you’re willing to put up with the compromises that partial emulation provides.
Most people with more than one or two TMCC/Legacy locomotives choose to use the DCS handheld for their MTH PS2 locos and the TMCC/Legacy handheld for their TMCC/Legacy Lionel, Atlas, Weaver, K-Line and 3rd Rail locomotives.