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This page contains technical support for the Mistral Keypad Test System. Stingray Keypad Test System tech support is also available.

Topic Applies To
Downloading Software All Versions
Unable to install / update driver on Windows 10 or Windows 11 All Versions
"Language Not Supported" Error When Installing Software All Versions
Mistral Not Recognized Or Shows Error When Plugged In Under Windows 7 and Windows 8 All Versions
Program Starts To Run But Immediately Quits V3.0.0 - V3.1.2
"Password file has been corrrupted." Error All Versions
System Stops Working And Reports Pod Not Found All Versions
Pod Is Not Detected By Mistral Software All Versions
Mistral Fails LEDs With Zener Diodes All Versions
Repairs and Technical Support All Versions

Downloading Software

  1. Click on the link for the file you want to download.
  2. When your browser asks, choose "Save this file to disk" and click "OK".
  3. Change the "Save As" location to the Desktop and click on "Save".
  4. When the download is complete locate the file on your Desktop.
  5. If you've downloaded a "zip" file, double click on it or use a zip utility to open it and run the "install.exe" program it contains. Files with the ".exe" extension can be run by double clicking on them.

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Unable to install / update drivers on Windows 10 or Windows 11

In Windows 10 / 11 a Vulnerable Driver Blocklist is enabled by default and can cause issues with Omniguard, Accessor and Mistral drivers.

With Admin privileges the driver block list can be disabled in Windows Security by opening "Windows Security" and selecting the "Device Security" tab.

Click on "Core isolation details" and then toggle off "Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist". If a prompt appears click "Yes" to approve. Visit the Mistral Software Downloads page to get the latest driver version.

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"Language Not Supported" Error When Installing Drivers

If you get a "Language Not Supported" error while installing the software make sure you are installing the latest version from the Mistral Software Downloads page. If after installing the latest software you are still having trouble, download the drivers, unzip the file and run "dpinst64.exe" or "dpinst32.exe".

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Mistral Not Recognized Or Shows Error When Plugged In Under Windows 7 and Windows 8

If your computer does not recognize the Mistral when using Windows 7 or Windows 8, or gives you an error when the Mistral is connected, download and install the latest version of software from the Mistral Software Downloads page. If after installing the latest software you are still having trouble, download the drivers, unzip the file and run "dpinst64.exe" or "dpinst32.exe".

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Program Starts To Run But Immediately Quits

When you launch the program, the opening "Mistral" screen is displayed but the program disappears as soon as the main window opens. The program runs without the pod connected.

The latest version of the Mistral pod, which has a black case instead of the original blue case, requires V3.1.3 or later of the software. Visit the Mistral Software Downloads page to get the latest version.

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"Password file has been corrrupted." Error

This error message is displayed when the program is started. File editing is disabled.

This problem is the result of the program not being properly installed. Whenever you install the program or move it to a new computer you need to run the setup program. If you just copy the files from an existing installation you will get this error.

To correct this problem download and run the latest installer.

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System Stops Working And Reports Pod Not Found

The pod was found when the Mistral program was started but later is reported as lost. This problem can occur when starting a job or any time during a job. The power LED on the front of the pod changes color from green to orange when this error occurs. In some rare cases the computer may actually reset.

If the computer has not reset, you can disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable. The power LED on the pod should turn from orange to green and the test can be continued. If a part was being tested when the communication failed, you should press the "Retry" button.

This problem is caused by static electricity being discharged through the Mistral pod case. To prevent this problem (and protect your pod from damage) it is strongly recommended that you use the Mistral only at a static-safe workstation.

The most recent Mistral software has improved detection of communication problems. Visit the Mistral Software Downloads page to get the latest version.

If you continue to have problems with the Mistral pod connection being lost, call Tech Support at 206-241-9395 or email us to discuss possible solutions.

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Pod Is Not Detected By Mistral Software

  1. Verify that the USB cable is connected to the computer and pod and that the pod is turned on. The "power" light on the front of the pod should be green. If it is orange, the USB cable is not connected properly.

  2. If the "power" light is green but pod is still not recognized, there may be a problem with the Mistral USB drivers. Please see the online help for information on troubleshooting the drivers.

  3. If the pod is still not detected, the software may not have installed correctly. The most likely cause is that the installer was unable to load all the necessary files because some of them were in use or virus protection software was running. To correct the problem, perform the following.

    • Remove any items in the Startup folder that aren't needed by doing the following.
      • Right click on any open space on the Task Bar.
      • Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
      • Select the Start Menu Programs tab.
      • Click on Advanced button.
      • Click the "+" on Programs folder.
      • Click on the Startup folder.
      • Drag items from the folder on to the Desktop
      You will need to open the Startup folder again and replace the removed items after installation is complete.
    • Restart the computer.
    • Disable any virus protection software.
    • Install the Mistral software again.

    If the program still doesn't recognize the pod after performing the above steps, try running the installer again and selecting the "Replace same version or older" in the "Select Installation Method" window.

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Mistral Fails LEDs With Zener Diodes

An increasing number of LEDs are being produced with built-in Zener diodes. This diode protects the part from excessive reverse voltage. It also increases the reverse leakage current of the LED, which can cause the Mistral to fail the keypad. Beginning with V2.0.5 of the Mistral software, we've added the ability to disable the reverse leakage test for an LED. If you are not concerned about the reverse leakage, you can now uncheck the box beside the "Rev. Leakage Test Volt" in the Properties for the LED to disable this test.

For older versions of the software, lowering the "Rev. Leakage Test Volt" and raising the "Max. Reverse Current" for the LED should allow it to pass. Set the "Rev. Leakage Test Volt" to 0.1V and the "Max. Reverse Current" to 1000uA to essentially disable the reverse leakage current test.

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Repairs and Technical Support

If you need to send your Mistral in for repair you must get a Return Materials Authorization (RMA). You can fill out the RMA Request Form, call 206-241-9395 ext. 112 or email your complete contact information including address and phone number along with serial numbers of all units to be repaired to

If you have questions about your Mistral call tech support at 206-241-9395 ext. 112 or email

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Engineering Solutions Inc. · Renton, WA · (206) 241-9395 · Fax (206) 241-9411