Hello, everyone,
It is hereby announced that the replacement of defective USB sticks for TrainController 7 and 8 will end irrevocably on December 31, 2022.
The following FAQ are intended to answer the most important questions in this context:
What is the background of this change?
Because of the hassle involved, we are gradually ending the delivery of USB sticks.
Are products other than TrainController also affected by this change?
No, this change affects only TrainController.
I use version 9 or 10 of TrainController. Am I affected by this change?
No, this change only affects TrainController 7 or 8. TrainController 10 no longer uses USB sticks at all. And the replacement of sticks for version 9 is still going on for the time being, until otherwise announced on this web site.
I am using TrainController 7 or 8. What happens if the USB stick used for activation becomes defective?
Then the same thing happens as in the case of a defect in a component that is no longer available, e.g. in a washing machine: the washing machine can only be replaced by purchasing a new one. Likewise, TrainController 7 or 8 can only be replaced by purchasing a license for TrainController 10, alternatively by changing to another product.
I'm using TrainController 7 or 8. What happens if I accidentally delete the data on the stick (e.g. by formatting)?
If the electronics of the stick are still working perfectly, the information required for activation on the stick can in most cases be restored remotely.
I am using TrainController 7 or 8. How can I protect myself against a future failure of the USB stick?
This is of course possible by purchasing an upgrade for TrainController 10 in good time; this also means that the model railway PC must meet the requirements for activation via the Internet.
You can find more information here.
I'm using TrainController 7 or 8. Can I still purchase the upgrade to version 10 after my USB stick breaks in the future?
The USB stick is usually required to order the upgrade to TrainController 10. A description of the procedure for the upgrade
can be found here .
But there is another possibility: As long as the USB stick is still working, executing these
instructions can also display a so-called
upgrade code in the program or on the Internet. If you don't want to order an upgrade yet, simply cancel the process after the upgrade code has been displayed. Make a note of the upgrade code! You can then use the code to order an upgrade to TrainController 10 even if the USB stick is defective.
I'm using TrainController 7 or 8. My stick has become defective after the above deadline. I have not purchased an upgrade to TrainController 10. I didn't display and note down any upgrade code either. What now?
You have let passed more than 10 years (TrainController 7) or 5 years (TrainController 8 ), respectively, without securing the future by purchasing an upgrade or saving an upgrade code. Now you unfortunately reached the "end of the road". Your existing TrainController version can only be replaced by purchasing a new full version of TrainController 10 now, or alternatively by changing to another product.
I don't like this change. Can't everything stay the way it was?
Unfortunately, leaving everything as it was is just unrealistic wishful thinking. This change is still much better than simply closing our company. Don't you think so?
