Hey everyone. I'm new to this forum, but definitely not new to the hobby. I recently purchased the ESU LokProgrammer so I could come out of the dark ages, and start anew in our wonderful hobby.
So, just a heads up, and I know this may be pretty uncommon, and you're probably not going to believe it when you realize what I had to go through to find something so stupidly simple, yet completely unrelated, but I had a software issue with the ESU LokProgrammer software, or so I thought.
I installed the drivers (FDTI for Win 7-8.1) and software (4.4.25) just as Matt's very clear and comprehendable instructions stated and voila! I was ready to work on my first sound project. I downloaded a sound file from the ESU website, opened it (which opened the programmer), and started hacking away at what I did and didn't want. Finally, it was time to write all those goodies to the decoder and my LokSound Select would have a new lease on life. I clicked the "Write Sound Data" button, it went through its processes, then BOOM! The following error message appeared "Access to Port Denied".
Just my luck. My first LokSound decoder gave out on me, now this is too? What gives?!?! I tried everything. I sent an email to Matt, from ESU, begging for help. I just spent a fortune! I'm a Mac guy, so this gives you a bit of an idea as to what I spent to do these modifications. A new PC running Windows 7.
I was fortunate to receive help from Ron, the software guru there at ESU USA. Together, we tried everything. We ruled out hardware, software, and even decoder firmware! The message kept popping up, still! I tried everything, again, after all of that troubleshooting from reinstalling and upgrading to Windows 7 Professional, updating all of the drivers, and tried calling the laptop's manufacturer (Acer). I kid you not, I threw in the towel, but turned back and gave it my FINAL 27th college try. This time... Without the laptop plugged into its power supply and running solely off battery power.
Here's the part you're not going to believe: IT FINALLY WORKED!! No error messages, nothing at all except a nice, clean sound file install. From what I've been able to deduce, somehow, the power adapter for the laptop blocks the COM3 port when the laptop is charging. Why? I have no idea. I was able to directly relate this error message to the power adapter/cord/plug every time.
Sorry for the epic story, but, just in case you ever receive this message while trying to write a sound file, try unplugging your computer's power supply (laptops only) and try again. Make sure you keep it unplugged for the entire duration of programming. As soon as you plug it in, your install will fail and produce the "Access to Port Denied" message. It definitely is a pain in the rear to have to do it this way, but It worked for me, maybe it will work for you?
Cheers.
[NOTE: Edited by Forum admin. Please avoid using vulgarities, even mild ones. Thanks.]
That's a new one to me and I've been working with computers since long before the IBM PC. A USB port, blocked by the power adapter. Is the adpater for this laptop a USB type instead of the more typical laptop with a dedicated power port?
Access Denies is common when using JMRI under Linux because usually by default your user account does not have access to the USB port and you have to specifically allow it. But not on Windows. Maybe a different USB port on the laptop works while the power adpater is plugged in?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hey Randy
Do you think there's a way to enable that port? The charger I have is a replacement charger and not the OEM charger that came with the laptop. The laptop is a standard Acer Aspire 5560G and not a 2-in-1 type, I.E. a Tablet or a Chrome book Do you think there's a way to check those parameters when the power adapter is plugged in?
I've tried all three USB ports on the laptop, but still got the same Access to port denied error message.
Sean