Hi Roger.
Hmmm, in that case I'd suggest that there isn't any connection on the six way header on the QCX.
The reason that I say this is that if you plug in your Tiny to your PC and don't connect the other end to the QCX then the same error message applies.
I'm right with you on wanting to solve the issue too. It must a Ham radio thing Hi Hi.
It's just annoying when you know you're trying everything you know.
Regards, James.