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Difference between revisions of "Connecting scanners via USB"

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==GRE Scanners==
 
==GRE Scanners==
* The [[PSR-500]] and [[PSR-600]] both come with their own USB cable
+
* The [[PSR-500]] and [[PSR-600]] both came with their own USB cable
* These scanners should be able to use the Whistler cable, listed below.
+
* These scanners are able to use the Whistler cables.
 +
* If you are using the older GRE cable, the PC/IF 30-290 Data Cable Driver can be found at the [http://www.greamerica.com/ GRE America website]
  
  
 
==Radio Shack Scanners==
 
==Radio Shack Scanners==
* RS USB cable SKUs (might be found in remaining stores)
+
* RS USB cable SKUs
** RS 20-546 USB Cable
+
** 20-047 Legacy
*** [https://www.radioshack.com/collections/radio-communication/products/radioshack-usb-pc-scanner-programming-cable RS USB PC Cable]
+
** 20-546 Legacy
*** [http://www.amazon.com/RadioShack-20-546-USB-PC-Scanner-Programming/dp/B00686DND6/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1451231476&sr=1-18&keywords=radio+shack+scanner 20-546 Cable on Amazon]
+
** Catalog #: 2000546 as of 2019
** RS 20-047 USB Cable
+
* The Whistler cable - SKU: PCIF02 is known to work with many of the RS scanners including the [[Pro-106]], [[Pro-651]], [[Pro-652]] and [[Pro-197]]
** [http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm FTDI Virtual Com Port (VCP) Drivers]
 
; Notes
 
* Unlike their GRE brothers, the [[Pro-106]] and [[Pro-197]] do '''not''' come with the USB cable; you must buy it separately
 
* The PRO-94 came out with a B version years ago which is the only one that is PC addressable (up/download data only)
 
* The PRO-2052 is a Uniden product with a DB9 connector in the back. See the Uniden section below for more information
 
* The original version of the PRO-92 requires the pigtail- the A and B models don't
 
  
  
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|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Pro-92]]
+
|[[Pro-92]] <sup>1</sup>
|see notes above
+
||
 
|[[Pro-2067]]
 
|[[Pro-2067]]
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|[[Pro-2052]]<sup>3</sup>
 +
||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Pro-93]]
 
|[[Pro-93]]
Line 69: Line 69:
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Pro-94]]
+
|[[Pro-94]]<sup>2</sup>
 
|{{color|green|YES}}
 
|{{color|green|YES}}
 
|
 
|
Line 101: Line 101:
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Pro-106]]
+
|[[Pro-106]]<sup>4</sup>
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
|[[Pro-197]]
+
|[[Pro-197]]<sup>4</sup>
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
 
|{{color|red|NO}}
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
  
 +
 +
;Notes
 +
#The original version of the PRO-92 requires the pigtail- the A and B models don't
 +
#The PRO-94 came out with a B version years ago which is the only one that is PC addressable (up/download data only)
 +
#The PRO-2052 is a Uniden product with a DB9 connector in the back. See the Uniden section below for more information
 +
#Unlike their GRE and Whistler brothers, the [[Pro-106]] and [[Pro-197]] do '''not''' come with the USB cable; you must buy it separately
  
 
==Uniden Scanners==
 
==Uniden Scanners==
* USB Drivers for the BCD325P2 / BCD996P2 Standard USB Mini B connection cable can be found below;
+
===Drivers===
 +
* USB Drivers for the BCD325P2 / BCD996P2 Standard USB Mini-B connection cable can be found below;
 
** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2 Uniden BCD325P2 Wiki Page]
 
** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2 Uniden BCD325P2 Wiki Page]
 
** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2 Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page]
 
** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2 Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page]
  
* Uniden USB-1 cable (for other Uniden Scanners)
+
* [https://www.uniden.com/accessories/id-USB-1/USB-1_USB-to-RS232_Cable_for_Scanners Uniden USB-1 cable] (for other Uniden Scanners)
 
** [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=pci+serial+card&LH_PrefLoc=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XUniden+USB-1+Cable.TRS0&_nkw=Uniden+USB-1+Cable&_sacat=0 From E-Bay]
 
** [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=pci+serial+card&LH_PrefLoc=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XUniden+USB-1+Cable.TRS0&_nkw=Uniden+USB-1+Cable&_sacat=0 From E-Bay]
 
** [http://www.scannermaster.com/USB_Cable_p/01-551038.htm From Scanner Master]
 
** [http://www.scannermaster.com/USB_Cable_p/01-551038.htm From Scanner Master]
** Certified to work with the [[BC95XLT]] and the [[DMA]] Scanners (includes XT versions)
+
*** Certified to work with the [[BC95XLT]] and the [[DMA]] Scanners (includes XT versions)
** The link for the latest USB-1 drivers can be found [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/USB-1Drivers here]
+
** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/USB-1Drivers The latest Uniden USB-1 drivers, ''install Driver prior to cable installation'' ]
*** ''NOTE: Uniden handhelds often include a Serial (RS-232) programming cable; a USB-1 cable or a USB to RS-232 converter may be required to interface with PCs that lack serial ports.''
+
*** ''NOTE: Uniden handhelds often include a Serial programming cable - DB9 to DB9 with null modem adapter  (DB9 thru cables wont work), or DB9 to a proprietary small 4 Pin Serial Connection (Hirose MQ172-4 Series Miniature jack-Uniden unique signaling) a USB to RS-232 converter may be required to interface with PCs that lack true serial ports.''
 +
 
  
 
==Whistler Products==
 
==Whistler Products==
* [https://www.whistlergroup.com/usa/pc-if-cable.html Whistler PC-IF Cable]
+
* [https://whistlergroup.com/collections/scanner-accessories/products/pc-interface-cable-for-ws1040-ws1065 Whistler USB Cable for WS-1010 and WS-1025]
 +
** This cable works with the [[WS1040]] and [[WS1065]]
 +
* [https://whistlergroup.com/collections/scanner-accessories/products/usb-cable-for-ws1080-only Whistler USB Cable for SD Driven scanners]
  
  
 +
==Aftermarket Cables for GRE / RS / Whistler Scanners==
 +
* [https://www.valley-ent.com/store/radio-shack-gre-whistler-ftdi-usb-scanner-programming-cable-20-546.html?search=ftdi%20radio%20shack%20cable Valley Enterprises FTDI chipset USB cable] (direct)
 +
* [http://www.ebay.com/itm/351623722795?rmvSB=true Valley Enterprises FTDI chipset USB cable] (via eBay)
 +
* [http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm FTDI Virtual Com Port (VCP) Drivers]
 +
* [https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=RadioShack+USB+Scanner+Programming+Cable&_sacat=0 Possible eBay cables]
 +
*{{Thread|radio-shack-scanners|348173-whistler-gre-rs-usb-programming-cable-diy.html|A DIY (Do It Yourself) GRE/RS/Whistler Cable}}
  
 
==Generic USB to RS-232 serial converters==
 
==Generic USB to RS-232 serial converters==
If the programming cable for your radio requires an RS-232 serial interface and your computer only has USB ports, you will need to utilize a USB to Serial(RS-232) Converter. They are available from various retailers. Cables which use the FTDI chip or authentic Prolific PL2303 chipsets work the most reliably.
+
If the programming cable for your radio requires an Serial interface (DB9 female) and your computer only has USB ports, you will need to utilize a USB to Serial (DB9 male) Converter. They are available from various retailers. Cables which use the FTDI chip or authentic Prolific PL2303 chipsets work the most reliably.
 
+
;[https://www.uniden.com/accessories/id-USB-1/USB-1_USB-to-RS232_Cable_for_Scanners Uniden's USB-1 cable], as well as cables provided by GRE and RadioShack use only authentic chipsets, and are more likely to include continued forward support.  
Note that some very inexpensive converter cables (<$10) are available, but many of them use counterfeit chipsets. Prolific has, with their latest driver release, made their drivers incompatible with any but authentic chips. Uniden's USB-1 cable, as well as cables provided by GRE and RadioShack use only authentic chipsets, and are more likely to include continued forward support. ''Note: older Uniden USB-1 cables may not be able to work with newest driver and an older driver may be need pre-2007''
+
;
 +
*''Note: some very inexpensive converter cables (<$10) are available, but many use counterfeit chipsets; Prolific has made their 2013+ drivers incompatible with inauthentic chips.''<br>
 +
*''Note: older Uniden USB-1 cables may not be able to work with newest driver and an older driver may be need pre-2012 click h''[http://my.uniden.com/downloads.cfm?product=BCD396T| ''er'']e for older driver.''
  
  
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; USB/Serial Devices
 
; USB/Serial Devices
 
* [https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=46&osCsid=2e29392db62c79759bc604033542e5a3 Argent Data Serial to USB adapter]
 
* [https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=46&osCsid=2e29392db62c79759bc604033542e5a3 Argent Data Serial to USB adapter]
* [http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&WT.z_homepage_link=hp_go_button&KeyWords=us232r&x=21&y=4 Digi-Key - 768-1013-ND (Manufacturer - US232R-10-BLK)]
+
* [http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?lang=en&site=US&WT.z_homepage_link=hp_go_button&KeyWords=us232r&x=21&y=4 Digi-Key - 768-1013-ND (Manufacturer - US232R-10-BLK)] - FTDI USB to RS232 cables
*[http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dynex-16-usb-pda-serial-adapter-cable/7135664.p?id=1110263657278&skuId=7135664&ref=199&loc=je6NUbpObpQ&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-8LFIfbWxnJY_59xzn5g1RA Dynex 16 inch USB PDA Serial Cable] (via Best Buy)
+
*[http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dynex-16-usb-pda-serial-adapter-cable/7135664.p?id=1110263657278&skuId=7135664&ref=199&loc=je6NUbpObpQ&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-8LFIfbWxnJY_59xzn5g1RA Dynex 16 inch USB PDA Serial Cable (via Best Buy)]
 
* [http://www.digi.com/products/usb/edgeport Edgeport USB-Serial devices (via Digi)]
 
* [http://www.digi.com/products/usb/edgeport Edgeport USB-Serial devices (via Digi)]
 
* [http://www.ebay.com/itm/FAST-USB2-SERIAL-CABLE-CONNECTS-MALE-DB9-RS232-/280607869482?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4155884a2a eBay red_ella Fast USB2 to serial cable connects to male DB9]  
 
* [http://www.ebay.com/itm/FAST-USB2-SERIAL-CABLE-CONNECTS-MALE-DB9-RS232-/280607869482?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4155884a2a eBay red_ella Fast USB2 to serial cable connects to male DB9]  
 
* [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WM1WUY/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=vglnk-c818-20 GearMo 36 inch FTDI USB to Serial Cable (via Amazon.com)]
 
* [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WM1WUY/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=vglnk-c818-20 GearMo 36 inch FTDI USB to Serial Cable (via Amazon.com)]
* [http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=26-949&origkw=26-949&sr=1 Gigaware USB-A to Serial cable (via RS.com)]
+
* [http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=26-949&origkw=26-949&sr=1 Gigaware USB-A to Serial cable (via RadioShack)]
 
* [http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/ IOGear GUC232A]
 
* [http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/ IOGear GUC232A]
 
* [http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=3914 KeySpan USA-19HS]
 
* [http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=3914 KeySpan USA-19HS]
* [http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031104&p_id=3726&seq=1&format=1#largeimage Monoprice model 3726]
+
* [http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2067 Monoprice model 3726]
* [http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031104&p_id=2276&seq=1&format=2 Monoprice model 2276]  
+
* [http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2276 Monoprice model 2276]  
 
** It is being discussed, along with driver issues, [http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/98215-before-you-buy-usb-1-cable.html here]  
 
** It is being discussed, along with driver issues, [http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/98215-before-you-buy-usb-1-cable.html here]  
 
* [http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1086963&CatId=11527&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=je6NUbpObpQ&AffiliateID=je6NUbpObpQ-3mXB7C.QFz99UjGS0rUHhQ Sabrent USB 2.0 Cable]
 
* [http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1086963&CatId=11527&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=je6NUbpObpQ&AffiliateID=je6NUbpObpQ-3mXB7C.QFz99UjGS0rUHhQ Sabrent USB 2.0 Cable]
* [http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-1-Feet-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB232PRO/dp/B000HVHDJ8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383678639&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=Startech+model+ICUSB232PRO Startech model ICUSB232PR Via Amazon]
+
* [http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-1-Feet-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB232PRO/dp/B000HVHDJ8/ Startech model ICUSB232PR (via Amazon.com)]
 
* [https://www.barcodediscount.com/catalog/symbol/part-50-16000-386r.htm Symbol Motorola Cable Assembly Serial to USB Converter Cable 50-16000-386]
 
* [https://www.barcodediscount.com/catalog/symbol/part-50-16000-386r.htm Symbol Motorola Cable Assembly Serial to USB Converter Cable 50-16000-386]
* [http://www.trendnet.com/products/proddetail.asp?status=view&prod=265_TU-S9 TrendNet TU-S9]
+
* [http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-TU-S9-USB-Serial-Converter/dp/B0007T27H8/ TrendNet TU-S9 USB to Serial Converter (via Amazon.com)]
 
* [http://www.powerwerx.com/two-way-radios/handheld-wouxun-radios/usb-programming-cable.html USB Programming Cable for Wouxon Radios]
 
* [http://www.powerwerx.com/two-way-radios/handheld-wouxun-radios/usb-programming-cable.html USB Programming Cable for Wouxon Radios]
 +
* [http://www.azdome.hk/best-usb-type-c-adapter.html Best USB Type C Adapter]
  
 
==Installation Notes==
 
==Installation Notes==
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===Checklist and Procedures===
 
===Checklist and Procedures===
<gallery>
 
Image:No_USB_to_Serial.jpg|Figure 1
 
Image:Instslled_USB_to_Serial.jpg|Figure 2
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
*'''CAUTION:''' There have been numerous reports of drivers for devices that are not compatible with (or do not supply a driver for) Windows 7 64 bit. Make sure your device has a driver that is compatible before proceeding
 
*'''CAUTION:''' There have been numerous reports of drivers for devices that are not compatible with (or do not supply a driver for) Windows 7 64 bit. Make sure your device has a driver that is compatible before proceeding
 +
[[Image:No_USB_to_Serial.jpg|360px|right| NO USB to Serial - Click to view full size]]
  
 
#Use Device Manager to determine if other COM ports are available, and not held by Bluetooth or other devices. Sometimes such devices will hold an address even if it's not actually in use (Figure 1).
 
#Use Device Manager to determine if other COM ports are available, and not held by Bluetooth or other devices. Sometimes such devices will hold an address even if it's not actually in use (Figure 1).
 
#Download the most up to date drivers from the manufacturer or distributor and install. Figure 2 shows one possible result. At this point you need to validate if your application can actually address the COM port that has been assigned. If it can't...
 
#Download the most up to date drivers from the manufacturer or distributor and install. Figure 2 shows one possible result. At this point you need to validate if your application can actually address the COM port that has been assigned. If it can't...
##In the 'Ports (COM & LPT)' section of Device Manager you should see an entry that reads something like 'Serial on USB Port (COM 15)'. The actual text will vary with the driver's documentation
 
##Select the Serial Device Entry in the list
 
##Right click on it and select Properties
 
##Select the Port Settings tab and click on the Advanced button. Change the COM port address.
 
##Also in the Advanced menu, make sure the speed on the com port matches the speed the scanner is expecting, and also matches whatever the software is expecting
 
#Connect the adapter 
 
#Connect the cable from the scanner
 
  
All of this assumes that you have first set the COM port of your scanner up to the transfer speed you desire. Sometimes a scanner will register as 'not connected' until this procedure is completed. It's beyond the scope of this article to detail this, as it tends to vary from scanner to scanner. For the Uniden [[DMA]] driven scanners, see the [[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]] article which has a summary (from the Easier to Read manuals) of the MENU commands necessary to set up the speeds for the port(s). For all others, look in the scanner's manual for the keystrokes needed to put the scanner in RMT (or similar) mode.
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
-------------
 +
[[Image:Instslled_USB_to_Serial.jpg|360px|right| Installed Comport USB Driver - Click to view full size ]]
 +
 
 +
#In the 'Ports (COM & LPT)' section of Device Manager you should see an entry that reads something like 'Serial on USB Port (COM 15)'. The actual text will vary with the driver's documentation
 +
#Select the Serial Device Entry in the list
 +
#Right click on it and select Properties
 +
#Select the Port Settings tab and click on the Advanced button. Change the COM port address.
 +
#Also in the Advanced menu, make sure the speed on the com port matches the speed the scanner is expecting, and also matches whatever the software is expecting
 +
 
 +
===Uniden Scanner Port Settings===
 +
 
 +
Scanner Setting to engage an open com port, some models require the GPS Port to be turned on inside the scanner, some use the term PC CONTROL, or SERIAL PORT, some automatically connect with proper USB driver for the scanner, most user connect and never have a problem some take the necessary step to save all drivers use and working and it's suggested to do just that. Sometimes a scanner will register as 'not connected' until this procedure is completed. It's beyond the scope of this article to detail this, as it tends to vary from scanner to scanner. For the Uniden [[DMA]] driven scanners, see the [[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]] article which has a summary (from the Easier to Read manuals) of the MENU commands necessary to set up the speeds for the port(s). For all others, look in the scanner's manual for the keystrokes needed to put the scanner in "RMT" REMOTE (or similar) mode
 +
*'''Note:''' Common transfer modes tend to work are: 9600bps, 57,600bps and 115,200bps Note, some devices don't like to be completely erased at its' highest transfer rate, safer erasing is believed to best done at a mid to slow rate.
 +
**For GPS users return the port speed to its correct setting.
  
 
===Windows 8 Issues and Solutions===
 
===Windows 8 Issues and Solutions===
Line 272: Line 306:
 
* {{Thread|gre-scanners|298161-ws1080-win-8-8-1-driver-instructions.html|WS-1080 Win 8.x Drivers Instructions}}
 
* {{Thread|gre-scanners|298161-ws1080-win-8-8-1-driver-instructions.html|WS-1080 Win 8.x Drivers Instructions}}
 
* {{Thread|budget-entry-level-transceivers|302404-did-anyone-work-out-driver-wouxum-usb-cable.html|Did Anyone work Out the Driver for the Wouxon USB Cable?}}
 
* {{Thread|budget-entry-level-transceivers|302404-did-anyone-work-out-driver-wouxum-usb-cable.html|Did Anyone work Out the Driver for the Wouxon USB Cable?}}
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/scanner-programming-software/326866-bc346-free-scan-scanner.html BC346 and FreeScan]
+
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|326866-bc346-free-scan-scanner.html|BC346 and FreeScan}}
  
 +
===Windows 10 Discussions===
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-owner-tech-support|317887-windows-10-uniden-usb-driver.html|Windows 10 and Uniden USB Driver}}
 +
* {{Thread|gre-scanners|315172-psr-800-windows-10-a.html|GRE PSR-800 and Windows 10}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-software-discussion|323224-usb-1-programming-cable-bcd396xt.html|USB-1 Programming Cable BCD396XT}}
 +
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|328257-free-scan-windows-10-issue.html|FreeScan and Windows 10 Issue}}
 +
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|326561-win-10-arc-homepatrol-vc-driver.html|Win10 and ARC Home Patrol VC Driver}}
 +
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|277949-prolific-drivers.html|Prolific Drivers}}
  
===Windows 10 Discussions===
 
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-owner-tech-support/317887-windows-10-uniden-usb-driver.html Windows 10 and Uniden USB Driver]
 
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/gre-scanners/315172-psr-800-windows-10-a.html GRE PSR-800 and Windows 10]
 
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-software-discussion/323224-usb-1-programming-cable-bcd396xt.html USB-1 Programming Cable BCD396XT]
 
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/scanner-programming-software/328257-free-scan-windows-10-issue.html FreeScan and Windows 10 Issue]
 
* [http://forums.radioreference.com/scanner-programming-software/326561-win-10-arc-homepatrol-vc-driver.html Win10 and ARC Home Patrol VC Driver]
 
  
 
===Software Setup for Linux===
 
===Software Setup for Linux===
  
Unlike Windows Linux doesn't require drivers even for RS-232 to USB adapters. "It just works". Several Windows applications will also run on Linux with the use of Wine.
+
Unlike Windows Linux doesn't require drivers even for RS-232 to [USB adapters] "It just works". Several Windows applications will also run on Linux with the use of Wine.
  
 
* [[Software_Setup_For_Linux|See details here.]]
 
* [[Software_Setup_For_Linux|See details here.]]
 +
 +
===Related Links===
 +
[[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]]
  
  
Return to the [[Uniden DMA FAQ]]
 
 
[[Category:Software FAQ]]
 
[[Category:Software FAQ]]
 
[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]
 
[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]

Revision as of 08:50, 22 September 2020

With the lack of serial ports on newer PCs these days, having to connect to a USB port is a necessary, but sometimes frustrating, evil. The listings below detail which USB cable to buy, and other important conditions.


GRE Scanners

  • The PSR-500 and PSR-600 both came with their own USB cable
  • These scanners are able to use the Whistler cables.
  • If you are using the older GRE cable, the PC/IF 30-290 Data Cable Driver can be found at the GRE America website


Radio Shack Scanners

  • RS USB cable SKUs
    • 20-047 Legacy
    • 20-546 Legacy
    • Catalog #: 2000546 as of 2019
  • The Whistler cable - SKU: PCIF02 is known to work with many of the RS scanners including the Pro-106, Pro-651, Pro-652 and Pro-197


Pigtail Usage Cross Reference Table
Model Use RS Pigtail? Model Use RS Pigtail?
Pro-76 Pro-2016
Pro-79 YES Pro-2017
Pro-82
Pro-83 YES
Pro-84 YES
Pro-89 YES
Pro-92 1 Pro-2067 NO
Pro-20523
Pro-93 NO Pro-2053 NO
Pro-942 YES
Pro-95 NO
Pro-96 NO Pro-2096 NO
Pro-2051 YES
Pro-97 NO Pro-2055 NO
Pro-99 NO
Pro-1064 NO Pro-1974 NO
Pro-107 N/A
Pro-135
Pro-137 NO
Pro-162 NO Pro-160 NO
Pro-164 NO Pro-163 NO
Pro-404 NO
Pro-528 NO Pro-433 NO
Pro-405


Notes
  1. The original version of the PRO-92 requires the pigtail- the A and B models don't
  2. The PRO-94 came out with a B version years ago which is the only one that is PC addressable (up/download data only)
  3. The PRO-2052 is a Uniden product with a DB9 connector in the back. See the Uniden section below for more information
  4. Unlike their GRE and Whistler brothers, the Pro-106 and Pro-197 do not come with the USB cable; you must buy it separately

Uniden Scanners

Drivers


Whistler Products


Aftermarket Cables for GRE / RS / Whistler Scanners

Generic USB to RS-232 serial converters

If the programming cable for your radio requires an Serial interface (DB9 female) and your computer only has USB ports, you will need to utilize a USB to Serial (DB9 male) Converter. They are available from various retailers. Cables which use the FTDI chip or authentic Prolific PL2303 chipsets work the most reliably.

Uniden's USB-1 cable, as well as cables provided by GRE and RadioShack use only authentic chipsets, and are more likely to include continued forward support.
  • Note: some very inexpensive converter cables (<$10) are available, but many use counterfeit chipsets; Prolific has made their 2013+ drivers incompatible with inauthentic chips.
  • Note: older Uniden USB-1 cables may not be able to work with newest driver and an older driver may be need pre-2012 click here for older driver.


Driver websites
From the CHIRP Wiki


USB/Serial Devices

Installation Notes

Accessing Device Manager

Unfortunately sometimes ports aren't available when you think they are, or everything appears to have installed correctly, but still doesn't seem to work. The tool that will allow you to diagnose these issues is Device Manager. You can access this tool in several ways, depending on the OS:

  • XP: Start>Control Panel>System>Hardware>Click on the Device Manager button.
  • Vista: Control Panel>System and Maintenance>Device Manager
  • Win7: Control Panel>System and Security>System>Device Manager
  • Click on Start in the Taskbar then Run and enter devmgmt.msc in the resulting box
  • Press the Windows key+R, in the resulting menu type 'devmgmt.msc'
  • Click Start --> Right click on My Computer and select Properties, click the Device Manager link on the left.
  • Press the Windows key + pause/break key
  • Set up a .bat file with the following using Notepad or Wordpad. When you want to run this, right click on it, select Run as Administrator (Vista, Win7)
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
cd %SystemRoot%\System32
start devmgmt.msc

Checklist and Procedures

  • CAUTION: There have been numerous reports of drivers for devices that are not compatible with (or do not supply a driver for) Windows 7 64 bit. Make sure your device has a driver that is compatible before proceeding
NO USB to Serial - Click to view full size
  1. Use Device Manager to determine if other COM ports are available, and not held by Bluetooth or other devices. Sometimes such devices will hold an address even if it's not actually in use (Figure 1).
  2. Download the most up to date drivers from the manufacturer or distributor and install. Figure 2 shows one possible result. At this point you need to validate if your application can actually address the COM port that has been assigned. If it can't...









Installed Comport USB Driver - Click to view full size
  1. In the 'Ports (COM & LPT)' section of Device Manager you should see an entry that reads something like 'Serial on USB Port (COM 15)'. The actual text will vary with the driver's documentation
  2. Select the Serial Device Entry in the list
  3. Right click on it and select Properties
  4. Select the Port Settings tab and click on the Advanced button. Change the COM port address.
  5. Also in the Advanced menu, make sure the speed on the com port matches the speed the scanner is expecting, and also matches whatever the software is expecting

Uniden Scanner Port Settings

Scanner Setting to engage an open com port, some models require the GPS Port to be turned on inside the scanner, some use the term PC CONTROL, or SERIAL PORT, some automatically connect with proper USB driver for the scanner, most user connect and never have a problem some take the necessary step to save all drivers use and working and it's suggested to do just that. Sometimes a scanner will register as 'not connected' until this procedure is completed. It's beyond the scope of this article to detail this, as it tends to vary from scanner to scanner. For the Uniden DMA driven scanners, see the Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC article which has a summary (from the Easier to Read manuals) of the MENU commands necessary to set up the speeds for the port(s). For all others, look in the scanner's manual for the keystrokes needed to put the scanner in "RMT" REMOTE (or similar) mode.

  • Note: Common transfer modes tend to work are: 9600bps, 57,600bps and 115,200bps Note, some devices don't like to be completely erased at its' highest transfer rate, safer erasing is believed to best done at a mid to slow rate.
    • For GPS users return the port speed to its correct setting.

Windows 8 Issues and Solutions

Cables Known to be Compatible with Win 8.x


Websites With Win 8.x Information


RadioReference Forum Threads on USB Issues

Windows 10 Discussions


Software Setup for Linux

Unlike Windows Linux doesn't require drivers even for RS-232 to [USB adapters] "It just works". Several Windows applications will also run on Linux with the use of Wine.

Related Links

Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC