ESU LokProgrammer issue...

[JeffB]

Hi guys,

  I posted this on the Groups.io ESU forum, but I'm still on moderated mode, so I'm waiting for approval of the post.

  Anyway...  I figured I'd post the same query here, thinking that I might get a reply sooner.

  I received my ESU LokProgrammer today.  I have a fairly new HP laptop (I can give the specs if that helps) with an Intel processor and 16gb of RAM, running Windows 11.

  I downloaded and installed the Serial to USB driver.  It seems like it installed OK, but it's difficult to tell.

  I downloaded and installed the ESU LokProgrammer software.  It boots up just fine. 

  I connect the serial cable from the LokProgrammer to the USB port on the PC.  Plug in the power cord.  Call/boot up the LokProgrammer software.

  Try to read a decoder and I get the error message that the PC/ESU software doesn't see the LokProgrammer.  Tried various combinations of plugging in, powering up, etc...  No joy.

  I've read that some people have had issues with the Serial to USB port driver.  I'm not completely computer illiterate, but I'm definitely NOT savvy.

  Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?  Seems like it's a driver issue, but I don't know for sure.

  Any help would be appreciated guys!

Thanks...

Jeff

[ednadolski]

sometimes you have to tell it which (serial) device to use?

[JeffB]

sometimes you have to tell it which (serial) device to use?

I found the problem...

You are correct, you have to select the COM port for the LokProgrammer to connect to the PC.

The problem.  Basic stupidity and forgetting PC troubleshooting 101.  That is, Power down the device so that the changes/updates will load into the system!

Was playing with it for 10 minutes prior to sending this message and one to the Groups.io forum.

Very powerful/useful software for working with these ESU decoders.  Greatly looking forward to playing with all the settings!

I like that you can run the locomotive while using LokProgrammer to evaluate changes made to some of the settings.  That's a hugely helpful feature!

Thanks...

Jeff

[reinhardtjh]

Jeff,

Glad you got it sorted.  BTW, you are no longer moderated in the Groups IO message list. I just checked.

[JeffB]

Jeff,

Glad you got it sorted.  BTW, you are no longer moderated in the Groups IO message list. I just checked.

Thanks John...

Jeff

[JeffB]

Playing more with the LokProgrammer this morning...

Jeebus, this thing makes programming an absolute breeze...  Identified a sound that's active with F8 and deselected the sound slot from the sound/function mapping.  Downloaded the change to the decoder.  Right as rain.  So damn easy.

If you're running ESU decoders, and don't have a LokProgrammer, you're really missing out.  Someone in another thread called it a "game changer".  After only a few hours of playing with it...  You bet your a$$ it is!

Jeff
 

[peteski]

I like that you can run the locomotive while using LokProgrammer to evaluate changes made to some of the settings.  That's a hugely helpful feature!

And while you are running the loco using the Driver's Cab, you can also use the POM feature (on the right of the screen) to change any CV values "live".

Yes, LokProgrammer makes working with ESU decoders a breeze.  Many of use using ESU decoders also own the LokProgrammer.  The cost is usually less than a single sound-equipped N scale loco. - well worth the investment.

[TravelingCarpenter]

I agree about the lok programmer being extremely easy. When I read questions about using jmri to program esu chips, I want to bang my head against the wall.
Lok programmer for the win!

TC