HC-2 and HC-2b revision 2.09 released

[G8B4Life]

HC-2 and HC-2b revision 2.09 is up.

Don't know what's fixed or new in this release, perhaps someone knows. Off to charge my HC's ready to update...

- Tim

[BruceRogers]

I've done all my HC-2/2b units. Cannot see any visible changes, no new button icons. Update was small taking only 10 minutes or less.
It might be possible that DB will work across the consist now, hoping test that this evening. I know it was in the works.

[BruceRogers]

What update 2.09 included.
Added the ability to update the program in the AM-1S and a few other minor improvements.

[CPRail]

Awww...
You had me all excited about getting DB to work across the consist.

[BruceRogers]

I was too! Hopefully he'll do it soon.

[KPack]

Just FYI, currently the dynamic brake button will partially work across consists.....what I mean by that is that pressing the button will drop all the prime movers down to notch 1, though only the lead unit's DB sound is played.

I've actually used this on my switching locomotives to simulate coasting.  I create a "silent" audio clip that has no sound, load it into each SD40-2's dynamic brake file, then when I press the button they both drop to idle, though the locomotives are still moving.  Works great for that, but I do hope that he'll eventually get real DB across consists, as well as a separate coast button.

-Kevin

[CPRail]

Now that is a neat idea! Thanks Kevin!

[CPRail]

Okay, this is weird. I went to update my tow HC-2bs tonight. One had about a half charge, while the other is full. Setup RPA for the download, plugged in the half charged one and away it goes. Part way through, my computer goes deedle deedle (sound of something connecting/disconnecting) and my HC-2b goes black screen.

Figuring that perhaps I over-estimated the charge and it was lower than half, I unplugged it, removed the update from RPA, reload the update, and plug in HC-2b #2. Sits there "waiting for internet" and does nothing.

Force disconnect it, wait for the HC-2b to say 'wah', close RPA, re-open RPA and start again. Same deal. Currently waiting for it to say 'wah' again from a forced disconnect.

Meanwhile HC-2b #1 is STILL black screen and won't light up, won't even charge.

I'm going to try HC-2b #2 one more time, but I'm doubtful. RPA shows all happy happy happy. I run high-speed internet from my Telco and the modem is all green.

What gives? Do I need to reset HC-2b #1? If I do that, do I loose everything on it (i.e. have to refind all the locos and reload all the sound files)?

Argh...

[William Brillinger]

Ian,

The reset will not lose the data. It's like a hard reboot.
But before you do that, leave the HC on the charger overnight and see if it wakes up.

If you are having trouble with both HC's it might also be the cord.
Make sure you are using the cord from RING.

- Bill

[CPRail]

Update:

Thanks Bill.

HC-2b #2 is fine and happy. Had to do a reset, but I've been running with it for the past 45 minutes. HC-2b #1 is sitting on the charger as per Bill's suggestion and we'll see what happens tomorrow. I still need to do the updates, but I'll wait until I know what HC-2b #1 is needing.

Always using the RP cords and plug ins, just to be safe.

Stay tuned for further updates.

[CPRail]

Today's Update: HC-2b #1 is still dead. It sat on the charger for over 24 hours with no joy. I tried the reset button. I also tried holding down the reset button for a count of ten, still nothing.

What's next?

[William Brillinger]

Call Ring.

[CPRail]

Sigh...was hoping to avoid that. I'll have to e-mail him, as his hours are right when I'm working. Maybe I'll get lucky and can try him on Canada Day.

[BruceRogers]

I just had to send an HC-2b back to Tim that a friend had the same issues with. I'm not totally sure what went wrong but I suspect it was the same issue. The HC unit wasn't fully charged before the software update was started, and the batteries died during the update.
I believe it's necessary to ensure the HC units are fully charged before starting any updates to them. I updated all 7 of mine (mix of HC-2 & 2b) with no problems at all.

[CPRail]

Bill has graciously offered to send it on to Ring on my behalf (I cannot stress how cool & helpful Bill is as a dealer!!), so we'll see what Ring says.