Just Bought a GQ-4x4 Programmer and can't get it working..

[Amechanic]

Ok. I just broke down and bought a New GQ-4X4 Burner and I can't get it to work on my laptop.. I keep getting a message that I need an external power supply? My laptop is only 18-24 months old, running windows 10 and a 64 bit operating system.. I do not have a 3.0 USB port, only the older 2.0..  I was wondering if anyone else has had a problem getting a GQ-4X4 to work on there computers? The pdf manual is not very helpful and the same with there web sight..      I need  ....


Gary

[rokgpsman]

I had this happen on my GQ-4X when I wanted to program a certain type of eprom (can't remember which but I think it was an older style eprom). It would work ok on some p/n eproms, like 2732A for example but on another part number eprom it would give that error. I ended up buying an external 9 volt dc power supply and connecting it to the ext power input like they say, that took care of the problem. I think what is going on is that some eproms take more electrical current to do the burn, and that exceeds what you can get from a standard USB port. The normal USB 2.0 port only provides about 1/2 amp and the GQ-4X is using some of that for itself. (on newer computers the USB 3.0 port provides about .9 amp but that still isn't a lot).

I think the external 9 volt supply I got was something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/9V-1A-PSU-Power-Supply-Adapter-AC-100-240V-5-5mm-x-2-1mm-Arduino-Fast-Shipping-/171008515714?hash=item27d0e6de82:m:mmmZWoRG_qz9NktVMHOeABw

Here's the note from the manual. It doesn't say anything about some eproms or other devices needing more electrical current for programming but I know that some do.

[w4coj]

I also had to get a external power supply for mine, Haven't had a problem with it since.

[puckhead]

shouldnt need a PS for the computer to see the unit. the ps is for certain higher voltage chips. i have the same unit, it only works on one of my laptops. not my desktop, not my other laptop. no idea why

[Amechanic]

I think this company need to get there act together. They should state that you may need a external power adaptor. This is what I've heard back from there support test so far;

The USB driver 3.0 is referring to driver software, not the USB hardware version 3.0.
 
The USB driver 3.0 works on all USB port.
 
Please ignore the “APPLY EXTERNAL POWER” message.    That is the software bug.  We are going to release new version software to fix this problem.

They sent me a download like to try, but no difference... Still throwing error messages.

Gary

[rokgpsman]

I thought you meant you got the error when trying to burn an eprom. That's what happened to me. The programmer powered up and connected to the computer without any errors, I was able to burn several types of eproms ok. Their software ran ok.

But then on a certain type of eprom I was burning I got that error. After connecting the external 9 volt supply I was able to do those type of eproms. One of the menu choices in their software is to do a selftest and verify the different burn voltages the programmer uses for different types of chips. Without the external power supply mine would fail some of those selftests. Due to the note in the manual I figured it was due to my computer's USB port not being able to deliver enough power.
 
It is a popular low-cost programmer but doesn't do some things as well as other ones, although those others cost more. MCUmall does offer to replace it if there is a defect, you just have to contact them to get an RMA number.

[Amechanic]

I did run that voltage test last night, and it failed everyone!!! I send there support a copy of those test results. I'm still waiting to hear back..

[rokgpsman]

I did run that voltage test last night, and it failed everyone!!! I send there support a copy of those test results. I'm still waiting to hear back..

I agree, that doesn't sound right. Do you have another computer you could try it on just as a double-check?

[Amechanic]

Yea an old desktop computer that about 10 yrs old still running Vista!!

[rokgpsman]

Yea an old desktop computer that about 10 yrs old still running Vista!!

It's weird, but sometimes the older computers with a different version of Windows work better with stuff like this, might be worth the try, doesn't take long to install the cd software. It might avoid the trouble of returning the programmer and them tell you it works fine on their computer. And if it doesn't work on your older computer you'd have more evidence for them, could say you tried it on 2 different computers with different versions of Windows.

In a perfect world the GQ-4X would work on any computer, any version of Windows - but that isn't how it goes sometimes.

[Amechanic]

I had considered that, but just not done it.. I don't want to only have it work on the desktop computer since its old and could die at any time. If that happened I wouldn't have a place to use it. Maybe I just ended up with a lemon...

[Amechanic]

Well with help from my son and about 30 minutes of trial and error he finally got this GQ-4X4 to work.. It seems that there was or is a problem with the installation disk with the Windows 10 64 bit files.. I could not get the USB 3.0 drivers installed due to corrupt disk files.. He finally found the drivers at there web sight.. What a pain in the  .. I have sent the GQ support a detailed email with the problem...  Lets see what they have to say.. They really need to make a video and have it posted showing how to install their software... I would have never figured this one myself... Big thanks to my son Chris..

Gary