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Computer cannot detect LokProgrammer

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Computer cannot detect LokProgrammer
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, October 27, 2023 1:47 AM

Hi folks,

I'm trying to download my custom rotary snow plow train sound files into one of the pusher locomotives, but my computer isn't able to connect to my LokProgrammer.

I have used my Lokprogrammer successfully in the past to do exactly what I am trying to do now. All that has changed is that I have replaced the LokSound V5 decoder with a LokSound V5 Micro decoder and I have installed a Scale Sound Systems speaker. I know that the decoder is working because I tested it and I got the generic diesel sounds that are programmed into the decoder. The decoder is not the problem.

When I hook up my LokProgrammer I'm getting a message that the computer is not detecting it. The LokProgrammer has power, and when I plug it into the USB port the computer beeps so it is recognizing that something is there.

I have tried restarting the computer with the LokProgrammer both connected and disconnected. I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting the LokProgrammer. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the LokProgrammer software. I'm still getting the same message.

Any suggestions?

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • 1,046 posts
Posted by betamax on Friday, October 27, 2023 6:07 AM

Is this the same computer?

Has the operating system been changed or upgraded to a newer version?

There are reports that Windows11 has issues with the USB/Serial dongle. Your best bet is to visit the LokSound email list on Groups.io.

Loksound@groups.io

 

Tags: LOKSOUND
  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, October 27, 2023 8:56 AM

I would suspect the dongle, unless you have Win11.  Some people have no problems with Win 11 and some have no success.

If you solve your problem, be sure to update the Lokprogrammer software before tackling the V5

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
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Posted by rrebell on Friday, October 27, 2023 9:54 AM

Seems a lot of people are having troubles with Locksound these days, reminds me of the early days of DCC decoders, which is not a good thing.

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, October 27, 2023 5:11 PM

Hi betamax,

Nothing else has changed. It is the same computer with Windows 10. There have been some updates to Windows 10 so those might be the culprit.

One thing I haven't done is backdate the computer to a previous restort date. I'll give that a try tonight.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, October 27, 2023 5:15 PM

Hi Henry,

Problems with my dongle eh!?! Sounds rude!Smile, Wink & GrinLaugh

I'll have to do some research. I'm not familiar with the term.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Friday, October 27, 2023 9:53 PM

Turns out that I have a dongle but I don't think it has anything to do with the LokProgrammer not being detected. In fact, it isn't doing anything. It was used for a wireless mouse which I hated. I just never bothered to pull the dongle out of the USB port when I stopped using the mouse.Dunce

By the way, why is a wireless mouse still called a mouse? It's missing its tail. Shouldn't it be called a mole?!?Smile, Wink & GrinLaughLaughClownDunce Sorry, couldn't resist.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, October 28, 2023 8:51 AM

Problem solved thanks to a couple of very knowledgable chaps on the ESU forums.

For whatever reason, the LokProgrammer had de-selected the USB Com Port (I hope I'm getting the terms correct). With no port selected the computer couldn't 'talk' to the programmer.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,280 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, October 28, 2023 9:20 AM

Those 'specialty' forums can be particularly helpful for the types of issues that you encountered.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,057 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Saturday, October 28, 2023 11:55 AM

hon30critter

Problem solved thanks to a couple of very knowledgable chaps on the ESU forums.

For whatever reason, the LokProgrammer had de-selected the USB Com Port (I hope I'm getting the terms correct). With no port selected the computer couldn't 'talk' to the programmer.

Cheers!!

Dave

 

  So what did you have to do to fix the issue? Inquiring minds need to know.

     Pete.

  • Member since
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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Saturday, October 28, 2023 5:09 PM

Hi Pete,

wrench567
So what did you have to do to fix the issue? Inquiring minds need to know.

I am a computer dinosaur so my explanation is a little vague.

The LokProgrammer needs to have a Com Port selected so the computer can recognize it. For whatever reason, the LokProgrammer no longer had a Com Port selected. As soon as I chose a USB Com Port in the LokProgrammer program the problem was solved.

If you want a more detailed explanation let me know. I will set up the LokProgrammer again and identify the exact location of the Com Port selection window.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, October 28, 2023 5:16 PM

Here are some hints from the 'mothership' (or Mutterschiff if you prefer):

https://www.esu.eu/en/support/tips-tricks/lokprogrammer-software-v4/lokprogrammer-installation/

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,057 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Saturday, October 28, 2023 9:37 PM

  Okay. Just in case mine messes up some day. Knock on wood.

   Thanks Fellas.

      Pete.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Sunday, October 29, 2023 1:46 AM

gmpullman
Here are some hints from the 'mothership'

Hi Ed,

Thanks for sharing those instructions.

Am I naive or is ESU reqiring us to take an extra step when setting up the LokProgrammer? I don't recall having to select a Com Port on any other devices I have installed.

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 9:54 AM

Sometimes when you plug something into a computer, the program will recognize it automagically. But not always. I've had the same problem off and on with Decoder Pro. It will work fine for a few months, then for no apparent reason it stops working. Often as not, checking the port setting in the program solves the problem.

Stix
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 10:00 PM

wjstix
"automagically"

I would call it 'black magic'. How appropriate for Halloween!

If you haven't gotten the joke, read Stix's word again.LaughLaughLaugh

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,651 posts
Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 7:25 AM

Almost everything is plug and play these days, havent had to select a port in forever for other stuff.

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