Version 5.00

Version 5.00 New Features

• Added MTH DCS Wifi support

Version 5.00 Fixes

• Corrected Super TIU DCS Signaling issue

Version 4.30

Because the memory assignments are dramatically different in software Versions 3.X and earlier, upgrading the code is required in both the remote and the TIU. The system will not function correctly if only one of the two components has been updated. In addition, if the remote and the TIU are currently running any version of 2.X DCS software, both must be reset using the appropriate System menu commands prior to uploading the Version 4.x software into the remote and the TIU. By resetting both components, all previous information and settings (engines, accessories, switches, etc.) entered into the remote and TIU will be lost and must be reentered by the user after the software update has been completed. Users upgrading from 3.x and higher will not have to reset the remote and TIU prior to uploading the new 4.x software.

There are two software files attached to the download. Both feature the same numeric code and should be used together (the appropriate file for the remote and TIU) when migrating from Version 3.x or earlier.

The user MUST use the most recent DCS Loader Program, Version 2.20 or greater to upload Version 4.30 into the TIU and Remote. Earlier versions of the DCS Loader Program prior to version 2.20 will not function with the Version 4.30 code.

Version 4.30 New Features

• The management of lashup settings has been completely rewritten to allow accurate and repeatable retention of settings. A new soft key, “FSV”, has been added as the first lashup soft key. This allows lashup settings to be changed and then retained from the time a lashup is created, through its operation, shutdown, and subsequent startups.
• When adding an engine that's already in the remote, the message "Engine in Remote" appears, the remote returns to the engine screen and displays the engine with which a conflict was found.
• A new TR screen soft key, “MSV”, allows setting a starting and ending voltage for "ALL TIU Tracks" just like individual TIU tracks. By default, "ALL TIU Tracks" start at 1 volt. Additionally, individual TIU tracks also start at 1. volt instead of the 5 volts as previously. This allows for more effective conventional engine control layout-wide.
• A new TR screen soft key, “MSV”, allows setting a starting and ending voltage for "ALL Z4K Tracks" just like individual Z4K tracks. By default, "ALL Z4K Tracks" start at 5 volts, witch is the lowest voltage available from a Z4000 transformer. This allows for more effective conventional engine control layout-wide.
• The following lists now also support direct access to entries by keying the item’s 1, 2 or 3-digit DCS ID#: TR List, Track Setup Edit/Delete, Accessory Setup Edit/Delete and Switch Setup Edit/Delete.

Version 4.30 Fixes

• Previously, if a PS2 or PS3 engine, when operating in a Super TIU environment, is made Inactive and is then attempted to be made Active, it would not come out of the Inactive Engine list unless it was on a track connected to the TIU with which it was last associated. The workarounds were either to perform a READ; delete and re-add the engine; or physically move the engine to a track connected to its associated TIU. This issue has been corrected. The engine now is able to be moved out of the Inactive Engine List and also to be made active.
• Previously, ”ENGINE ERROR" would result when attempting to add an engine that had the same DCS ID# as a lashup that was already in the remote. This issue has been corrected. The engine now is able to be successfully added to the DCS Remote.
• Previously, when operating in a Super TIU environment, increasing or decreasing speed by turning the thumbwheel faster than very slowly could cause speed to go change in the wrong direction or not at all. This issue has been very much improved.
• Previously, the time that “Out of Range” and “Engine Not On Track” messages were displayed was very long, as was the time that the remote locked-up while displaying these messages. The time that these messages are displayed have been considerably shortened.
• Previously, when editing a scene’s accessories or changing a Scene’s name, one could not scroll to the second Scene to select it if there was more than 1 Scene in the remote. It was necessary to select the Scene by keying its DCS number in the Scene list. This issue has been corrected. One may now successfully scroll to any item in the list of Scenes or, alternatively, still access an entry by keying its number in the list.
• Previously, if TIU #1 was in Super Mode, all TIUs were in Super Mode and if TIU #1 was in Normal Mode, all TIUs were in Normal Mode. This issue has been corrected. Any engine that was added to a TIU that is placed into Super TIU mode will operate on all of the TIUs that are in the DCS Remote, regardless of whether a TIU is in Super TIU mode or Normal TIU mode. However, any engine that was added to a TIU that is not in Super TIU mode, will only operate on tracks connected to the TIU to which it was added.
• Previously, sometimes, when attempting to select the System menu, a different menu was selected instead. This issue has been corrected.

Version 4.20

Version 4.20 New Features

• Adds support for larger engine board memory sizes (4MB or larger). The engines that use these new boards are the PS3.0 HO Diesels and the PS3.0 Steam/Diesels.
• Adds support for HO Pantograph operation.
• When loading either a PS3.0 HO Steam/Diesel or a PS3.0 Steam/Diesel engine you MUST have DCS 4.20 software installed in your TIU.

Version 4.10

Version 4.10 New Features

• Recover Engine – Allows you to recover an engine that has lost its address
• Engine in Remote message – prompts you with a message if the engine you are trying to add already exists in the remote

Version 4.10 Fixes and Improvements

• Corrects bug in engine add routine
• Read feature reliability improved
• Engine add routine improved to increase reliability
• If running the remote in Speed Operating mode – The remote will switch to Normal Operating mode when performing operations that require two-way communication with the TIU/Engine then switch back to Speed mode
• Corrects sticky relay issue on AIU

Version 4.0

The latest version (4.00) of the software used in the DCS system adds the largest selection of new features to the DCS system since it's release in 2002. We've described the changes to 4.00 below in two groups; New Features and Improvements.

Because the memory assignments are dramatically different in software Versions 3.X and earlier, upgrading the code is required in both the remote and the TIU. The system will not function correctly if only one of the two components has been updated. In addition, if the remote and the TIU are currently running any version of 2.X DCS software, both must be reset using the appropriate System menu commands prior to uploading the Version 4.00 software into the remote and the TIU. By resetting both components, all previous information and settings (engines, accessories, switches, etc.) entered into the remote and TIU will be lost and must be reentered by the user after the software update has been completed. Users upgrading from 3.X and higher will not have to reset the remote and TIU prior to uploading the new 4.00 software.

There are two software files attached to the download. Both feature the same numeric code and should be used together (the appropriate file for the remote and TIU) when migrating from Version 3.X or earlier.

The user must use the most recent DCS Loader Program, Version 1.83 in order to upload Version 4.00 into the TIU and Remote. Earlier versions of the DCS Loader Program will not function with the Version 4.00 code.

Version 4.00 New Features

• All mode includes MTH lash-up control
• Boost/Brake settings can be set to stay instead of always returning to zero
• Ability to play quillable Proto-Whistle Sounds (locomotive dependent)
• Adds Speed mode to remote to increase command throughput
• Adds Auto-Coupler Slack sound
• Adds Double-tap brake to send engine speed to 0 SMPH
• Adds TMCC Lash-up capability
• Adds Relative Speed control in TMCC mode
• Adds ALL Track control to TIU and Z4K Tracks
• Adds two softkeys for ALL Tracks to allow one-button power on/off of your Z4K and TIU tracks (TSV/TZV softkeys)
• Adds Remote Power down timer from 1-60 minutes
• Adds Remote Cloning Feature (requires Data Loader.exe)
• Adds Quickset Speed

Version 4.00 Improvements

• Improves TMCC interface on DCS Remote
• Improves Super TIU mode operation
• Improves E-Stop functionality in Track Mode
• Sped up Master Volume +/- operation
• Improves Remote Messages On/Off operation
• Improves Reset Remote feature

DCS 4.00 Operating Instructions

Users can learn more about the DCS 4.00 new features by downloading the 4.00 Addendum to the DCS manual. The Addendum is located HERE.

Version 3.10

The latest version of the software used in the DCS system adds a few new features to revision 3.0 and continues on using software control under the command of the remote control’s memory rather than the TIU’s memory. Initial releases of the software had both the remote and the TIU sharing the memory settings for various commands and operations of the DCS operating system. Now, with the exception of custom sounds, all memory functions will be stored in the remote.

There are two software files attached to the download. Both feature the same numeric code and should be used together (the appropriate file for the remote and TIU). If an alpha character follows the numeric code in either software file name, the alpha character simply denotes that the software contains a "patch" from a previous version that used the same numeric code. If your hardware was already programmed with software using the same numeric code in the filename, it is only necessary to load the patch into the appropriate device. Thus a TIU with 3.1 software will work with a remote programmed with 3.1 software. It isn't necessary to reprogram the remote with the remote software included in the download because nothing will have changed in its code.

Because the memory assignments are dramatically different in Version 3.X, upgrading the code is required in both the remote and the TIU. The system will not function correctly if only one of the two components has been updated. In addition, if the remote and the TIU are currently running any version of 2.X DCS software, both must be reset using the appropriate System menu commands prior to uploading the Version 3.1 software into the remote and the TIU. By resetting both components, all previous information and settings (engines, accessories, switches, etc.) entered into the remote and TIU will be lost and must be reentered by the user after the software update has been completed. Users upgrading from 3.0 to 3.1 will not have to reset the remote and TIU prior to uploading the new 3.1 software.

The user must use the most recent DCS Loader Program, Version 1.57 in order to upload Version 3.1 into the TIU and Remote. Earlier versions of the DCS Loader Program will not function with the Version 3.1 code.

Version 3.1 Resolves The Following TIU & Remote Issues

• Corrected voltage swap issue with Z4K remote controlled tracks.
• Corrected Track Signal speed going to zero when selected though the SYSTEM menu.
• Corrected E-Stop delay.
• Corrected missing icons when remote turns off or goes to sleep (icons are those items displayed in parenthesis in the upper right-hand corner of the LCD.
• Corrected Engine Reset issue with regards to operating pantograph engines.
• Corrected TMCC:32 error.

Version 3.1 Adds The Following TIU and Remote Features

• Added MOP softkey for Operating Pantograph Engines. Pressing this softkey allows the user to select either Manual pantograph mode whereby the user can direct which pantograph is up/down or Auto pantograph mode whereby the engine automatically selects the pantograph position based on direction.
• Added two new softkeys for Operating Pantograph Engines: FBS and FPR. FBS is a Boiler Start-Up sound and FPR is a Pressure Release sound.
• Remote Messages are now user selectable. In the SYSTEM\REMOTE SETUP\REMOTE MESSAGES menu users can set remote messages to be set on or off. This toggles the messages displayed when softkeys, accessories and switches are selected. All other messages are unaffected.
• Added Shut-Down procedure when remote is reset to ensure ALL memory is cleared

Version 3.00

The user must use the most recent DCS Loader Program, Version 1.30 in order to upload Version 3 into the TIU and Remote. Earlier versions of the DCS Loader Program will not function with the Version 3 code.  Be sure to factory reset the remote after updating to Version 3.00.  Be sure to either feature reset (preserve TIU address) or factory reset (reset TIU address to #1) the TIU after updating to Version 3.00.

Version 3.00 Resolves The Following TIU & Remote Issues:

• When E-Stop (Emergency Stop) is pressed all active engine speed readings in the remote LCD window are set to zero. Previous software versions retained the current speed setting even though emergency stop stops all locomotives.
• Lash-up anomalies, specifically the creation of “ghost” engine(s), have been eliminated by storing the lashup information in the remote’s memory rather than the TIU memory as in previous software releases.
• The correct battery voltage reading will be displayed for engines using the 3 volt Proto-Sound 2.0 system. Previous DCS software versions mistakingly read the voltage as low when queried under the Advanced/Info menu.
• The display of “TMCC:32” in the LCD window has been corrected.
• When the remote goes to sleep and is powered back on or if the remote is powered off and then back on again while locomotives are running, the last commanded locomotive speed settings will be displayed in the LCD window for each active locomotive. Previous versions of the DCS software incorrectly displayed a speed setting of 0 for locomotives even though the locomotives were clearly still moving.
• Accent and Eng sound volume settings reverting back to 70% after user edits has been corrected. Previous DCS software versions failed to save the user edits and the sounds reverted back to their default settings of 70% volume after the operating session was concluded.
• The Z-4000 matching voltage problem has been corrected. Previous DCS software versions incorrectly reset a second Z4K programmed track to the voltage setting of the first Z4K programmed track when the whistle button was pressed. The software change completely isolates each Z4K track when accessed using the TR button on the DCS remote.
• The use of the ALL function when operating in Super Mode was corrected. Previous DCS software versions would not allow users to start up or run ALL engines in Super TIU mode.
• Super Mode RF (radio frequency) interference issues have been corrected. Previous DCS software versions left users noting a distinct drop in RF throughput when using Super Mode.
• Proto-Dispatch and Protocast operation in Super Mode now corrected.
• Super Mode READ issue corrected. When READ was pressed in Super Mode on previous versions of DCS software, the engine association would revert to the current TIU and disable Super Mode.
• Corrected last route or scene in list edit/delete capability. Previous versions of DCS software prevented the editing or deletion of the last route or scene in the route or scene list.
• Lash-up PFA operation has been corrected so that all engines in the lashup leave at the same time and in the correct direction.
• Super Mode Track Signal test corrected. Previous versions of the DCS software presented “Out of RF Range” errors intermittently during the Track Signal test.
• Super Mode TMCC issue corrected. Previous DCS software users were noting that TIU’s programmed for Super Mode operation would sometimes not respond to commands destined for the TMCC command base connected to it.
• Lash-up Start-up direction corrected. Previously when a lash-up that had an engine facing the in the reverse direction was started up that engine would pull against the lead engine.
• Changed nomenclature for Custom Sound Record Menu. The menu now reads: DCS Remote Mic, Proto-Dispatch, Proto-Cast. PC is removed from menu.
• Corrected External Mic function when used in a multi-TIU environment. Previously, the menu to select a TIU did not function.
• Variable Voltage leak problem corrected. This was noted on Rev G TIU’s when the code for the Rev H TIU was made backward compatible. The voltage sensing is more sensitive on the Rev H and thus was much more sensitive in Rev G. Now when the TIU powers up it recognizes what version it is and uses the appropriate Variable Voltage sense.
• INFO corrected for lash-ups. It now only reads the head engine instead of trying to read all the engines in the lash-up thus creating a Check Track error.
• Separately controlled volumes (Horn, Bell, Accent, and Engine Sounds) now vary those volumes in only the head engine of a lash-up. Previously all engines in a lash-up were trying to adjust their volumes and Check Track errors were reported
• Accel/Decel rates now work with lash-ups
• Corrected Smoke Boost on the AX9 softkey for TMCC engines. Previously that softkey, when held down, would shut the remote off. As a consequence you can’t shuit the remote off from the TMCC engine control screen.

Version 3.00 Adds The Following TIU and Remote Features:

• Lash-up control settings moved to the DCS remote’s memory.
• Added separate Marker Light control for locomotives utilizing the 3 volt system.
• TIU code version can be retrieved and displayed on the remote’s LCD screen. Previous versions of the DCS software only displayed the remote’s code version.
• Locomotives, switches, and accessories can now be quickly accessed by using the numeric keypad in addition to the remote’s thumbwheel. For example, if the user desires to access a particular locomotive whose DCS address is known, pressing the ENG button and typing in the two-digit address will bring the locomotive into the active engine screen on the DCS remote.
• Lash-ups can now have their addresses and names edited once they have been entered into the DCS remote’s memory.
• Lash-ups can now be created across two TIU’s. Previous versions of the DCS software required that lashups all be created on the same TIU.
• Added Feature Reset to TIU. Now user can select Feature Reset (resets everything EXCEPT the address) or Factory Reset (resets everything INCLUDING the address, which gets set to 1).
• Lash-ups can now be recorded in a Record/Playback session
• ACC RATE and DEC RATE now also apply to the Boost/Brake button

 Version 2.21a

Resolves The Following TIU Issues

• Corrects issue where TIU's in Super Mode would incorrectly respond to the remote during Track Signal tests. Users would see an "Out of RF Range" error message.
• Corrects an intermittent problem where certain relays in the AIU may stick on power up.

Adds The Following TIU Features

• Added feature to enable/disable the external microphone. This can be found in the SOUND menu in the remote. When External Mic is activated the MIC button on the remote is disabled.  

Resolves The Following Remote Issues  

• Corrected error where Remote would display "Check Track" message when building a lash-up on a TIU set to Super Mode.
• Corrected error where "TMCC:32" was being displayed on the remote LCD. NOTE: If the error has been displayed previously (2.0 or 2.1 code) users must go into the SYSTEM menu and select REMOTE SETUP and then select RESET REMOTE to fully clear this error. Doing this will delete all contents from your remote's memory (switches, engine, accessories, etc.). This error is benign and thus if you have several engines and switches and accessories you may not want to reset the remote.
• Corrected error where "-1:" and below that "MTC" softkeys would be displayed.
• Corrected error where, when adding TMCC engines to the remote, the TIU address may go out of range (displaying an address above 5). This would be noted in the last screen that gets displayed after adding the TMCC engine to the remote (the screen is quick so you'd have to be looking for it).
• Corrected error where the volume would not decrease during a Track Signal test. Volume will now drop to 0.
• Corrected error where certain sound sets would not load properly using the Consumer Loader (not to be confused with the latest release of the Consumer Loader 1.1).  

Adds The Following Remote Features

• Added PS1 Start-Up mode. Can be found in the Track control screen under the softkey PS1. Pressing this will send 22VAC to the selected Variable track for 4 seconds then reduce voltage to 8VAC. LCD will display "Proto-Sound 1 Start-Up, Please Wait..." during this process. This allows older PS1 engine to be started-up and run successfully on the Variable Outputs of the TIU.
• Added MIN softkey to Track control screen. Pressing this will take the track voltage to the user set minimum (5.0VAC by default).
• Changed TMCC speed commands from Absolute to Relative.
• Added underscore "_" character to LCD character set. This corrected an error where a right curved arrow would be displayed in some engine names.
• Added feature where E-Stop now will send the Emergency Stop (Halt) command to the TMCC engines as well as Proto-Sound 2.0 engines.

Version 2.20

• Corrected error where TIU's in Super Mode would incorrectly respond to the remote during Track Signal tests. Users would see and "Out of RF Range" error displayed
• Added feature to enable/disable the external microphone. This can be found in the SOUND menu in the remote. When External Mic is activated the MIC button on the remote is disabled
• Corrected error where Remote would display "Check Track" message when building a lash-up on a TIU set to Super Mode
• Added PS1 Start-Up mode. Can be found in the Track control screen under the softkey PS1. Pressing this will send 22VAC to the selected Variable track for 4 seconds then reduce voltage to 8VAC. LCD will display "ProtoSound 1 Start-Up, Please Wait..." during this process. This allows older PS1 engine to be started-up and run successfully on the Variable Outputs of the TIU
• Added MIN softkey to Track control screen. Pressing this will take the track voltage to the user set minimum (5.0VAC by default)
• Corrected error where "TMCC:32" was being displayed on the remote LCD. NOTE: If there error has been displayed previously (2.0 or 2.1 code) users must go into the SYSTEM menu and select REMOTE SETUP and then select RESET REMOTE to fully clear this error. Doing this will delete all contents from your remote's emeory (switches, engine, accessories, etc.). This error is benign and thus if you have several engines and switches and accessories you may not want to reset the remote
• Corrected error where "-1:" and below that "MTC" softkeys would be displayed
• Changed TMCC speed commands from Absolute to Relative
• Added underscore "_" character to LCD character set. This corrected an error where a right curved arrow would be displayed in some engine names
• Corrected error where, when adding TMCC engines to the remote, the TIU address may go out of range (displaying an address above 5). This would be noted in the last screen that gets displayed after adding the TMCC engine to the remote (the screen is quick so you'd have to be looking for it)
• Corrected error where the volume would not decrease during a Track Signal test. Volume will now drop to 0
• Corrected error where certain sound sets would not load properly using the Consumer Loader (not to be confused with the latest release of the Consumer Loader 1.1)
• Added feature where E-Stop now will send the Emergency Stop (Halt) command to the TMCC engines as well as ProtoSound 2.0 engines
• Added error message that states you can't change a lash-up's address

Version 2.10

Resolves the Following TIU Problems

• When the DIR button is pressed on the DCS remote all TMCC engines stop
• When adding PS2.0 engines to the Variable 2 channel, the remote will display "NO ENGINE TO ADD" if any other TIU inputs (Fixed 1 & 2, Variable 1) have power applied.
• When a trolley or subway is added to the DCS system its name will come up "ggggggggg".

Resolves The Following Remote Control Handheld Problems

• When the Bell button is pressed and released the Bell comes on, when the Bell button is pressed and released again the Bell goes off. However, when the engine comes to a stop (Neutral) the bell is still ringing. When the Bell button is pressed the PFA sounds activate. This has been noted to occur at commanded track voltages less than 22.0 (no offsets are sent at 22.0).
• If a PS2.0 engine is added to a remote and it does not have a factory or custom name the engine can be run without any problems. However, if that engine is deleted from the remote and then the user attempts to re-add that same engine it can not be added to that same remote. If a second remote is used that engine CAN be added but the same condition applies if that engine is deleted.
• When entering a custom name certain letters in certain combinations the remote will return an "OUT OF RF RANGE" and "ENGINE ERROR" message. (ie: RK BERKSHIRE)
• Bell and Whistle do not work on TIU outputs powered as a Z4K track.

New TIU Features

• Give the user the ability to reset the TIU to factory. This would be commanded from the DCS handheld.

New Remote Control Handheld Features

• Allow the user to reset the remote back to factory, clearing all engines, tracks, switches, etc. from memory.
• Retains individual engine speeds after entering and leaving "all" mode as long as all speed (thumbwheel) was not changed.
• Scroll speed was increased in Track Mode to allow for easier control of output voltage control
• When adding a TMCC engine and the menu asks which TIU to add the TMCC to, the menu now correctly displays only those TIU's installed in the remote
• Boost/Brake rocker button was not active in Track Mode.

Version 2.00

• Initial public release

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