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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
* [https://www.greamerica.com/shop/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?pg=prod&ref=scan006 GRE 30-3290 USB Cable]
+
* These scanners are able to use the Whistler cables.
** [http://www.greamerica.com/support/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=viewdownload&downloaditemid=1019 Windows7 Driver]
+
* 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]
* [http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4233363 RS 20-546 USB Cable]
+
 
* RS 20-047 USB Cable
 
** Discontinued; might be found at stores with old inventory
 
** [http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm FTDI Drivers page]
 
** [http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm FTDI Virtual Com Port (VCP) Drivers]
 
** Do '''NOT''' use the mono-stereo pigtail with these radios
 
  
 
==Radio Shack Scanners==
 
==Radio Shack Scanners==
Radio Shack scanners manufactured by GRE use the same cables as listed for GRE above.
+
* RS USB cable SKUs
; Notes
+
** 20-047 Legacy
* Unlike their GRE brothers, the [[Pro-106]] and [[Pro-197]] do '''not''' come with the USB cable; you must buy it sepearately
+
** 20-546 Legacy
* The PRO-94 came out with a B version years ago which is the only one that is PC addressible (up/download data only)
+
** Catalog #: 2000546 as of 2019
* The PRO-2052 is a Uniden product with a DB9 connector in the back. See the Uniden section below for more information
+
* 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]]
* The PRO-92 listing applies to all 3 versions - original, A and B models
 
  
  
 +
; Pigtail Usage Cross Reference Table
 
{|  class="wikitable"
 
{|  class="wikitable"
 
!Model
 
!Model
Line 58: Line 53:
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Pro-92]]
+
|[[Pro-92]] <sup>1</sup>
|{{color|red|NO}}
+
||
 
|[[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==
* Uniden USB-1 cable
+
===Drivers===
** [http://www.unidendirect.com/accdetail.cfm?item=USB-1 From Uniden]
+
* 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/BCD996P2 Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page]
 +
 
 +
* [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.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 come with their own '''serial''' programming cable. A USB-1 cable or a USB to RS-232 converter is still required to interface with PCs that don't have 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==
 +
* [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 may be able to use to a USB to RS-232 serial converter. They are available from various computer and office supply retailers. Reportedly, the cables which use the FTDI chip 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: 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.''
  
* [https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=46&osCsid=2e29392db62c79759bc604033542e5a3 Argent Data Serial to USB adapter]
+
 
* [http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1104139&CatId=447 CompUSA USB-DB9M USB Adapter]
+
; Driver websites
* [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://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm FTDI Drivers]
 
* [http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm FTDI Drivers]
* [http://www.hosenose.com/interfaces.asp#USB-RS232 Hosenose.com Interfaces]
+
* [http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41 Prolific Drivers]
* [http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031104&p_id=2276&seq=1&format=2 Monoprice]
+
** [http://www.moxom.nl/gids/prolific_checkchip.zip Prolific Chip Check Utility]
** 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.siig.com/ViewProduct.aspx?pn=JU-CB1S12-S3 SIIG JU-CB1S12-S3 USB cable]
 
* Startech model ICUSB232PRO (via Amazon)
 
* [http://www.trendnet.com/products/proddetail.asp?prod=150_TU-S9&cat=49 TrendNet TU-S9]
 
* [http://www.scannersoft.com/accessories.htm USBSER-1 and USBSER-5 USB to Serial Converters]
 
  
==Installation Notes==
+
; From the [http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home CHIRP] Wiki
===Checklist and Procedures===
+
* [http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/CableGuide Cable Guide]
<gallery>
+
* [http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/CableGuide_FTDI_OEM_Cables FTDI OEM Cables]
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
 
  
#Use Device Manager (see the section below) 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).
+
; USB/Serial Devices
#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...
+
* [https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=46&osCsid=2e29392db62c79759bc604033542e5a3 Argent Data Serial to USB adapter]
##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
+
* [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
##Select the Serial Device Entry in the list
+
*[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)]
##Right click on it and select Properties
+
* [http://www.digi.com/products/usb/edgeport Edgeport USB-Serial devices (via Digi)]
##Select the Port Settings tab and click on the Advanced button. Change the COM port address.  
+
* [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]
##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
+
* [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)]
#Connect the adapter 
+
* [http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=26-949&origkw=26-949&sr=1 Gigaware USB-A to Serial cable (via RadioShack)]
#Connect the cable from the scanner.
+
* [http://www.iogear.com/product/GUC232A/ IOGear GUC232A]
 
+
* [http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=3914 KeySpan USA-19HS]
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 available' until this procedure is completed. It's beyond the scope of this article to detail this, as it tends to vary. Often this is detailed in the back of the owner's manual. If you don't have one, it's very likely a PDF version of the manual is available from the distributor or manufacturer's website, or sometimes on the Yahoo group that covers your scanner.
+
* [http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2067 Monoprice model 3726]
 +
* [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]
 +
* [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/ 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]
 +
* [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.azdome.hk/best-usb-type-c-adapter.html Best USB Type C Adapter]
  
 +
==Installation Notes==
 
===Accessing Device Manager===
 
===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 check this is Device Manager. You can access this tool in several ways, depending on the OS;
+
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.
 
* '''XP:'''    Start>Control Panel>System>Hardware>Click on the Device Manager button.
Line 210: Line 239:
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
Return to the [[Uniden DMA FAQ]]
+
===Checklist and Procedures===
[[Category:Software Applications]]
+
*'''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
[[Category:FAQ]]
+
[[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).
 +
#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...
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
-------------
 +
[[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===
 +
====Cables Known to be Compatible with Win 8.x====
 +
* [http://www.microconnectors.com/servlet/the-144/USB-Serial/Detail Micro Connectors E07-160 USB Cable]
 +
* [http://www.nordfield.com/usb-to-serial-adapter Nordfield USB Serial Adapter - Ultimate]
 +
* [http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Adapter-Prolific-PL2303HX-Chipset/dp/B00425S1H8 Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter (via Amazon)]
 +
* [http://www.staples.com/Staples-USB-to-Serial-Adapter/product_837560 Staples USB to Serial Adapter]
 +
* [http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RS-232-Serial-Converter-TU-S9/dp/B0007T27H8 TrendNet RS-232 Serial Converter (via Amazon)]
 +
* [http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/xlt/RPC-K1-UF.aspx XLT Painless Programming Cable for Baofeng, Kenwood and Wouxon]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====Websites With Win 8.x Information====
 +
* [http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Drivers.php USB Cables and Drivers for XP, Vista, Win7 and Win8 (Miklor Website)]
 +
* [http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-hardware/windows-8-does-not-support-prolific-usb-to-serial/a962c5fa-1c23-467e-b65e-4334f8137645 Microsoft Community - Windows 8 does not support Prolific USB-serial driver]
 +
* [http://www.actisys.com/Manuals/ACT-IRx24UN-Win8Drv-Workaround-120926.pdf ACT-IR224UN / ACT- IR424UN Windows 8 Driver Workaround (PDF)]
 +
* [http://farmtek.net/win8_driver_fix.html Windows 8 / 8.1 Driver repair]
 +
* If you are using the Uniden USB-1 and your drivers don't seem to work,
 +
** If you have the HXA chipset, the driver must be rolled back to version 3.4.25.218, 10/7/2011.
 +
** These drivers can be found here;
 +
** [http://www.2shared.com/file/OAuVGZY3/PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstalle.html Prolific PL-2303 Driver Installer on 2Shared]
 +
** [http://code.google.com/p/yesanshare/downloads/detail?name=PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1.5.0.zip&can=2&q= Prolific PL-2303 Driver Installer on Yesanshare]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
====RadioReference Forum Threads on USB Issues====
 +
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|288592-windows-8-8-1-usb-programming-problems.html|Windows 8.x USB Programming Problems}}
 +
* {{Thread|scanner-programming-software|260251-usb-serial-adapter-windows-8-thread.html|USB to Serial Adapter - Windows 8}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-software-discussion|298833-need-help-programming-cable.html|Need Help with Programming Cable}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-software-discussion|296764-cable-bct15x-connection-pc.html|Which cable for bct15x connection to PC?}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-owner-tech-support|294579-3rd-party-usb-prgraming-cable-not-showing-up.html|3d Party USB Prgraming Cable Not Showing up}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-owner-tech-support|299630-prolific-usb-serial-cable-drivers.html|Prolific USB Serial Cable Drivers}}
 +
* {{Thread|uniden-prospective-owners|301414-programming-cable.html|(BCD996XT) Programming Cable}}
 +
* {{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|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}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===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.
 +
 
 +
* [[Software_Setup_For_Linux|See details here.]]
 +
 
 +
===Related Links===
 +
[[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Software 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