Q Programmer: no communication
christophermcrane
My Quantum Programmer suddenly stopped communicating with the test track I use for programming. The first indication was not being able to read a decoder using the Q upgrade, same result using the CV manager. I get either 'cannot read mfg.' or a RS232 error. I've verified the 'track' was enabled and the programmer receives power. I am confused as to which is the correct SiLab driver for my WinXP system: the virtual port or USB, even though it is connected through a USB port. I have been unable to verify whether the driver installed has changed. I got to the point where I upgraded both the CVM and Q Upgrade to the latest available versions. I also uninstalled the programmer and drivers, and re-installed everything. The programmer worked fine one day, then not the next. Tried on both an aftermarket QSI decoder and a OEM Q3 decoder. I have seen comments about a resistor blowing in the programmer. Is there a way to test the hardware?
|
|
Benjamin Shell
Are you getting an error? Or does the programmer appear to be working on the computer side, but just doesn't seem to be doing anything? I'm guessing here, but if the resister is blown it'd be the later and the programmer would still be recognized by the computer, it would just be unable to communicate with the track. I've also been told to open up the programmer and see if the resister looks damaged. It's a large surface mount resister that's prominently visible--although I don't have a photo handy.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
|
|
Ed Sauers <dockside98@...>
Christopher, You should be using the the driver that states it's for SiLabs Drivers for Windows: 2k, XP, Vista 32, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 Ed Sauers
On 11/27/2016 11:09 AM,
christophermcrane@... [QSIndustries] wrote:
|
|
christophermcrane
Ben, yes an error it cannot read the mfg. Also a RS232 error.
the system sees the programmer and indicates it is working correctly. when querying it acts as though it cannot access the track. Ed, the link you provided ultimately gives you a choice of two drivers after unzipping: a USB and a virtual USB COM. I let the install choose the driver which it appears to do successfully. software appears to function OK. I suspect a hardware issue.
|
|
Ed Sauers <dockside98@...>
Christopher, What decoder (mfg/model) are you trying to program? Thanks Ed
On 11/27/2016 4:40 PM,
christophermcrane@... [QSIndustries] wrote:
|
|
christophermcrane
Before the communication interruption, I was testing both an aftermarket 4 amp Magnum and a 10 amp Titan. I was able to use the test cab to play sounds and the CV manager to read out CV values. I did attempt to change the horn selection on the Titan, but it would not change the setting. I followed the index chart for any items I attempted to read. Thanks, Chris
|
|
Ed Sauers <dockside98@...>
Chris, I think you need Jerry Pruss or Josh at this point..\ Sorry Ed
On 11/27/2016 6:58 PM,
christophermcrane@... [QSIndustries] wrote:
|
|
Nick
Chris,
From experience, it sounds like the current limiting resistor is blown. This happens if you are using the programmer to test the decoder and a short occurred on the programming track. I have done this more than once and from your description, this sounds like what happened. The resistor acts like a fuse. In the event of a short, it self-destructs instead of more valuable parts getting destroyed. Open up the case and look at where the outputs are located. It is located at the top of the circuit board in the center. It will be pretty obvious if it is blown. Mine usually has one side "lifted" or the resistor actually splits in two. It is pretty easy to replace if you can use a low watt soldering iron. If it is beyond your skill level, find a friend that is comfortable doing it. Jerry can probably tell you the correct part to get. I purchase them in bulk <grin> Regards, Nick Kulp
|
|
christophermcrane
Nick, from what I've gleaned from this group, I agree the resistor is suspect. I'll open up the programmer and have a look. Hopefully I'll be able read the values on the resistor. Thank you.
|
|
Bob Menzies <railscanner@...>
It will smell burnt
On Nov 28, 2016 3:01 PM, "christophermcrane@... [QSIndustries]" <QSIndustries@...> wrote:
|
|
sverker.runeson@...
Does anyone know the values for this resistor: ohms, watts, size? I haven't had it crash, yet, but I'd want to have a few replacements handy when it does. Sverker
|
|
Jon Heller
Take photo, it may have markings Jon Heller Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone
------ Original message------ From: sverker.runeson@... [QSIndust... Date: Tue, Nov 29, 2016 12:30 AM To: QSIndustries@...; Subject:Re: [QSIndustries] Re: Q Programmer: no communication Does anyone know the values for this resistor: ohms, watts, size? I haven't had it crash, yet, but I'd want to have a few replacements handy when it does. Sverker
|
|
Kevin Strong
Having a similar issue with mine. It appears to work with CV Manager on my XP laptop, as I can read and write CVs to it, but when I try to access it via my older version of "Q2 Upgrade" or the latest "Quantum Upgrade," I get the "cannot read..." error. I installed the software on my Win10 laptop, and neither CV Manager nor Quantum Upgrade appear to talk to the decoder. The computer is recognizing the little black box okay, so far as I can tell. Later, K
|
|
John Burkhardt
Hi Sverker,
I see you have not got a reply yet?
On the subject of the blown resistor I can remember way back when I had this problem on two units where I replaced a resistor but could no longer find the emails with the info on how to replace what, so I opened mine to have a look - the following info is given without warranty that this is what may cause your problem.
In the middle of the PCB nearer the coloured LED end is a 10 Ohm SMT resistor, considerably larger than any other resistor on this board. I have no experience in sizing this resistor in terms of wattage but would think that it is 1W or larger. If you can’t read the number 100 on said component then it is safe to assume that it is burnt. If you need I can take a pic and send direct.
HTH!
Thanks and regards,
John Burkhardt South Africa where the sun always shines, and steam still reigns!
From: QSIndustries@... [mailto:QSIndustries@...]
Sent: 29 November 2016 10:30 AM To: QSIndustries@... Subject: Re: [QSIndustries] Re: Q Programmer: no communication
Does anyone know the values for this resistor: ohms, watts, size? I haven't had it crash, yet, but I'd want to have a few replacements handy when it does. Sverker
|
|
colinseggie@...
Hi Guys , (John I dropped my cell phone and am busy trying to put it together)
John when you repaired my programmer you replaced what was there with a 1ohm 1watt resister and its been working ever since !! Regards Colin
|
|
colinseggie@...
SORRY GUYS cross with my phone 10ohm (Brown ,Black ,Black) 1 watt
Colin
|
|
sverker.runeson@...
Hi, I opened up my programmer and see the relatively large resistor we are talking about. It reads "2R0" which means two ohms, see the useful site i found: http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/smdcalc.php I measure its size to be 3.2 x 2.5 mm (0.12 x 0.10 inches) which makes it a smd-type 1210 . In total, at least on my unit, it seems to be 2.0 ohms 1/2 watt 1210 type smd resistor. BUT be careful: First, If this resistor is intended to function also as a protective fuse then it must NOT be Second, there are different internal makes of the same value smd resistors, But I can't be sure. If you try it will be on your own risk. Sverker
|
|
John Burkhardt
Sverker,
There seems to be a different component value used for different production runs. As Colin earlier confirmed I did definitely have to replace 10 Ohm resistors and mine is marked 100 meaning 10 Ohms in SMD parlance. The PCB in mine is marked 2006 although that could mean it is the design date of the board and may have nothing to do with the values of components used? Thanks and regards, John Burkhardt South Africa where the sun always shines, and steam still reigns! From: QSIndustries@... [mailto:QSIndustries@...] Sent: 30 November 2016 05:17 PM To: QSIndustries@... Subject: RE: [QSIndustries] Re: Q Programmer: no communication Hi, I opened up my programmer and see the relatively large resistor we are talking about. It reads "2R0" which means two ohms, see the useful site i found: http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/smdcalc.php I measure its size to be 3.2 x 2.5 mm (0.12 x 0.10 inches) which makes it a smd-type 1210 . For this I found the link: http://www.resistorguide.com/resistor-sizes-and-packages/ In total, at least on my unit, it seems to be 2.0 ohms 1/2 watt 1210 type smd resistor. Should cost close to nothing -- plus shipping ... BUT be careful: First, If this resistor is intended to function also as a protective fuse then it must NOT be replaced by one of higher wattage rating. Second, th ere are different internal makes of the same value smd resistors, and they might function differently when it comes to fuse action. Quite likely, this resistor is an ordinary type, which seems to be the "thick film" type. But I can't be sure. If you try it will be on your own risk. Sverker [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
|
|
sverker.runeson@...
Hi John, My programmer on the board reads (C) 2006 QSI, sure the copyright date. Why now 2 ohms instead of 10 ? Probably allows for more current on the output to track. I vaguely recall there was earlier discussion about its output, and a change of power supply capacity. Is this what we see here? Sverker
|
|
John Burkhardt
Hi Sverker,
Guess what mine has the same markings except that mine has a 38/06, which might be what you cannot read on yours.
It sure would be swell if Gerry, Kelly or Josh could weigh in!?
Thanks and regards,
John Burkhardt South Africa where the sun always shines, and steam still reigns!
From: QSIndustries@... [mailto:QSIndustries@...]
Sent: 30 November 2016 06:17 PM To: QSIndustries@... Subject: RE: [QSIndustries] Re: Q Programmer: no communication
Hi John, My programmer on the board reads (C) 2006 QSI, sure the copyright date. Why now 2 ohms instead of 10 ? Probably allows for more current on the output to track. I vaguely recall there was earlier discussion about its output, and a change of power supply capacity. Is this what we see here? Sverker
|
|