October 6, 2017 - The latest version (6.10) of the software used in the DCS system includes several new features detailed below. The software can now be downloaded from the M.T.H. website by completing the form to the left and the press the Download Software button at the bottom of the form.

The user MUST use the most recent DCS Loader Program, Version 5.00 to upload Version 6.10 into the TIU and Remote.

You can review the new features and fixes below as well as the historical fixes and features from previous versions. 

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 DCS 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 4.01 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 any 4.XX or higher software version.

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 5.00 to upload DCS Version 6.00 into the TIU and Remote. Earlier versions of the DCS Loader Program prior to version 2.34 will not function with the DCS Version 6.00 code.

Version 6.10 New Features

• Added Record/Playback In Super Mode
• Required For Wi-Fi DCS Premium App (Build 2.0.1 iOS and 2.0.2 Android)

Version 6.10 Fixes

• Addressed numerous fixes resolved with release of DCS WiFi Premium App (Build 2.0.1 iOS and 2.0.2 Android)

 

Previous 6.XX Version Releases, Features and Fixes

 

Version 6.00 New Features

• Added Legacy and TMCC Features Including Lash Ups
• Required For Wi-Fi DCS Premium App

 

Version 6.00 Fixes

• Improved "Quiet Packet" Performance To Help Ensure Locomotives Are In DCS Mode When Track Power Is Applied
• Improved Record/Playback Performance When Switches and Accessories Are Included
• General Performance and Stability Enhancements

 

Previous 5.XX Version Releases, Features and Fixes

 

Version 5.00 New Features

• Added DCS WiFi Support

Previous 4.XX Version Releases, Features and Fixes

 

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 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 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

  You'll find complete instructions for installing and using the DCS 4.10 Features by clicking HERE.

 

Version 4.10 Fixes

• 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 4.00 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
• 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

 

Version 4.01 Additions

• A Hold message is now displayed on the remote LCD when resetting a TIU

 

Version 4.01 Fixes

 

• Variable 1 on Rev G TIU not having any voltage output or DCS signaling
• When exiting PFA playing two coupler slack sound if the speed is changed
• Boost from 0sMPH would not play coupler slack
• Engine 99 is missing from Engien List - This can only be corrected if the remote is Reset. Cloning the remote will not restore engine #99
• AIU switch relays sticking intermittently
• ACC/DEC Rates changing intermittently when using Boost/Brake

 

Version 4.02 Fixes

• Corrects missing engine at address #1. Requires Remote reset to get engine location restored
• Corrects PFA Lash-up issue. Previously, the head engine would pull away at the end of the PFA sequence while the trailing engines would not move

 

DCS 4.00 & Later 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.

 

Previous DCS Software Release Features

• DCS software releases prior to version 4.00 and later have included a variety of features and enhancements not included in the original 2.0 release in 2002. Users interested in learning more about these releases can do so by CLICKING HERE.