I cannot get my laptop to recognize the QSI Programmer. The silabs driver cannot be installed manually, it seems. I have tried repeatedly and get some "program speak" message I do not understand. Any help would be appreciated.
John in Carolina
John:
It would be helpful if you would provide the "program speak" messages you are referring to. This could help those who are knowledgable to help with a potential fix.
Joe
Joe,
My laptop did not recognize the QSI programmer so I attempted to install the drivers manually as per the QSI instructions in the Q1a/Q2a Upgrade Installation Guide (Version 1.0.2, April 8, 2007). All goes well until I open the QSI programmer file in the device mannger, under "other devices." Quantum Programmer," and right click on "Update driver software."
The install begins, then I get the following message: "WINDOWS FOUND DRIVER SOFTWARE FOR YOUR DEVICE BUT ENCOUNTERED AN ERROR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL IT." Then on a different line it says: "THE HASH FOR THE FILE IS NOT PRESENT IN THE SPECIFIED CATALOG FILE. THE FILE IS LIKELY CORRUPT OR THE VICTIM OF TAMPERING.' I downloaded the driver files from QSI's site again today with the same result. I cannot imagine that it is corrupt from this site.
BTW, I used to live in McKeesport, back when the PCC's ran! I rode #56 and #68 routes often! I still remember the B&O roaring through downtown!
Thanks for any help or suggestions. I have written QSU twice and have yet to receive a reply of any kind.
John in Carolna.
trnjI have written QSU twice and have yet to receive a reply of any kind.
Suggest that you try calling them. There is a phone number on their contact page: http://www.qsisolutions.com/company/contact.html
Security in Windows 8 has been enhanced, by default it will not allow an unsigned driver to be installed. There is a workaround:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-can-i-install-hardware-with-unsigned-drivers-in-windows-8/
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks so much to Randy and others for the input. Alas, I've done "all the above" to no avail as yet. CalledQSI, left another message. No response as yet. Actually, having 6 LokSound decoder equipped engines versus 2 QSI, I probably will comandeer my wife's laptop with Windows 7 when I need to work on the CV's with these two other engines. I plan to put Loksound 4's in these two at some date in the future (the Atlas HH600 is a sweet engine). The ESU programmer is often updated and works like a charm, as do their decoders. Anybody want to buy a used QSI programmer for a good price? Ha Ha.
If you're just changing CVs, you should be able to program the QSI with your DCC system. You only need the QSI Programmer to load new sounds. Same with the Loksounds, although some of the more advanced function mapping stuff with Loksound is easier with their software then it is with JMRI.
The other thing to check, there may be an updated driver. Since it's reporting that it is a Silabs driver, it's liekly nothing QSI developed, they simply used the driver provided by the manufaturer of the chipset they used in their device. You might want to try that route - they might even by now have a Windows 8 signed version. ALways ticks me off, everyone blames Microsoft for things liek this, yet Win8 has been available for just about anyone to try out (not special MS partners or anything) for around 2 years now, and software aprtners had access for even longer. To not have your product ready, especially something relatively simple like a driver, after all that time is strictly on them, not Microsoft.
I just wish Atlas would do an HH900 so I could buy one, they are neat locos. Too many things to modify to make an HH600 into a 900. There's actually a nice book out on the HH series, I have a copy. Covers the development fo the loco, the prime mover, and the Blunt trucks. Has pictures of most all produced, as well as dispositions (at the time the book was printed).
Randy,
Thanks again for the response. I do program the QSI's on my layout, using my MRC controller. But I sometimes need to adjust the PDI's and other "tweaking." I think I will just use my wife's laptop when needed for this. I certainly agree about venders keeping in step with Microsoft developments. Have a good new year!
Ah, you have an MRC system, that explains a few things. I'd suggest the SPROG to make a standalong programming tracck that can read and write any decoder, sound or non-sound, and work with JMRI - thus giving you easy access to the more complicated options via dropdowns and check boxes instead of trying to figure out all sorts of wierd indexed CVs. For all but doing the complex function remaps on the Loksound V4 decoders that I mentioned, JMRI will be as easy to use for setting ANY decoder as the specific programs are for QSI and ESU. Still need the proprietary hardware for sound changes though.
Thanks for all your help. Yep, I bought a MRC Prodigy Express since my layout is a one-man, around-the-wall, operation. It works well but has some definite limitations. I also equipped an old Atlas S-2 with a MRC sound decoder---what a mistake! Now, that engine as an ESU decoder. Loksound decoders are complicated to be sure but the flexibility in adding and assigning sounds is a real asset. The VO600 is still a candidate for a new decoder at a later date.
I am going to order the SPROG. Thanks again.
BTW, I finally did get the dirver installed (supposedly--"installation successful" message) but still the programmer is not recognized. Now it is a moot point. In a pinch, my wife's older laptop will suffice. I have trackage rights in the laundry room. Now I need "computer rights"! Have a great new year!