Version Question

[eyes00only]

For some reason now when I try to open a WIN500 file I get a message saying it was wriiten with 1.66 and I need to upgrade. I've never done any upgrades. My question is that on the WIN500 page all I can see is the latest version to upgrade to. What scares me is that it says I need new drivers AND A NEW CABLE. Is there some place I can get an upgrade higher than the one that quit working but lower than the newest one that forces me to buy a cable?

Jerry

[AlabamaRS]

try reinstall ( update) the cable drivers?.. no software will tell you have to have another cable?. all if not most scanners use the same cable the uniden or RS branded USB cable. the newer scanners will only USE the USB cables, most older scanners can use either the Serial or USB on

[slypx]

eyes00only

If you have a full version of win500, you should consider the update it's free and there's a few new feature you might appreciate.

If you have the original cable that came with your PSR-500 or 600, you DON'T need an other cable, the update for the cable is also free (see link to the FTDI site on Win 500 page

Win500: PSR-500, PSR-600, PRO-106, PRO-197 Scanner Software for Data Management, Monitoring, and Control

or directly here

http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/CDM/CDM%202.04.16.exe

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

... all if not most scanners use the same cable the uniden or RS branded USB cable. the newer scanners will only USE the USB cables, most older scanners can use either the Serial or USB on

Not quite exact.

While it might be true for the GRE products, for ALL of Uniden's older AND NEW products - BCD396XT and BCD996XT included - it is not, they come with serial CABLE ... you have to BUY the USB cable if you want one.


Included in the Box:
• BCD396XT Scanner
• AD-1001 AC Adapter
• Rubber Duck Antenna
•4' PC Serial Cable
• Wrist Strap
• 3 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
• Belt Clip
• SMA to BNC Adapter
• Manual on CDROM




Included in the box

• BCD996XT Scanner
• AC Adapter
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power Cord
• Three-Wire Harness
• Mounting Bracket and Hardware
• Telescopic Antenna
• PC Serial Cable
• O/M on CD ROM
• Other Printed Materials
• Mounting Sleeve and Keys

Your comment is appropriate with PC's, apart from a few models they almost only comes with USB ports ...

[DonS]

Win500 works with (and has always worked with) only one cable: the USB programming cable made by GRE which is described on the Win500 web page.

[eyes00only]

Thank you all for your replies. I do (did) have the full paid for version. Should I try to upgrade or just remove it all and do the newest version. When I try to load from my scanner to the Win500 it doesn't work now either. Something like Port 9 does not exist. I'm not home now, but really need to get it all fixed for my vacation next week.

Jerry

[TES]

Some of the following was lifted from Don's site:

To upgrade from a previous version, merely download the new version of the ZIP file and extract its contents into the same folder where you currently run Win500, overwriting the older version. If you're a registered user, your registration will not be affected.

A possible exception to the upgrade instructions would be don't overwrite the Win500.ini file if you want to keep your customized look/feel of Win500.

The following upgrade notes show that the COM port/cable issues can be eliminated by using Version 1.74 or newer.

Version 1.74 2009.01.24 18:27 (GMT -0800)

Removed all "COM port" nonsense from the program. Win500 now automatically finds a single connected USB-Scanner Programming Cable, and will prompt you to choose between cables if you have more than one connected (with the option to remember which cable was selected).

You may need to update your cable's drivers to use this new version. If that's required, the program will suggest it. You can get the new FTDI drivers from the FTD web site.

[eyes00only]

Originally Posted by TES

Some of the following was lifted from Don's site:



The following upgrade notes show that the COM port/cable issues can be eliminated by using Version 1.74 or newer.

Version 1.74 2009.01.24 18:27 (GMT -0800)

Removed all "COM port" nonsense from the program. Win500 now automatically finds a single connected USB-Scanner Programming Cable, and will prompt you to choose between cables if you have more than one connected (with the option to remember which cable was selected).

You may need to update your cable's drivers to use this new version. If that's required, the program will suggest it. You can get the new FTDI drivers from the FTD web site.

The Port thing is great news. My laptop with Vista does not zip well, plus I'm a bit on the dumb side when it comes to downloading drivers, etc. Actually I think when I first got Win500 I had to do it on another PC, put it on a flash drive, then onto my laptop. I wont have time to try all this until Sunday but once again thanks for all the replies.
PS to Don / You do an amazing job in ALL aspects of your products.

Jerry

[scanlist]

If you really wish to shy away from installing the new (USB cable) FTDI drivers run the Win500_COM.exe file that is included with the update file on Don's site.

While the new version is convenient in not having to figure out which com port the USB cable ended up when you plug it in the new driver may not play well with some other USB devices. You will know if this is the case when either the computer shows the BSOD (blue screen of death) or a dirty instant power off. I have seen this happen with a wireless broadband USB modem.

[slypx]

Originally Posted by scanlist

If you really wish to shy away from installing the new (USB cable) FTDI drivers run the Win500_COM.exe file that is included with the update file on Don's site.

While the new version is convenient in not having to figure out which com port the USB cable ended up when you plug it in the new driver may not play well with some other USB devices. You will know if this is the case when either the computer shows the BSOD (blue screen of death) or a dirty instant power off. I have seen this happen with a wireless broadband USB modem.

I feel bad for what happen to you. While you are right about possible conflict, and that is true as soon as you but a PC on with anything that is not factory installed, please be careful not to scare off someone whose not familiar with upgrades and experiencing some problems with his actual version. As you surely knows in a PC world, the conflict might exist in one PC but not in every PC's it depends of local configuration and addons.

On my side, I did both upgrade without a glitch (Win500 and FTDI) on a Vista Home Premium Media Center PC (HP9458f).

I have a lot of wireless devices and USB ports being use. My set up includes a wireless G USB dongle, a wireless mouse and keyboard, 1 BCD396T, 2 BCD996T, 1 PSR-600 and an ICOM PCR2500 all connected in USB ports. I also have a BC780XLT and a Winradio 1500E both connected in a additionnal serial port board, the Winradio software being imcompatible with Vista, I run it in a Virtual PC on XP Pro within the Vista machine.

I also have a wireless G print server connecting to the PC via the wireless router.

And I could add the wireless (IR) remote for TV, Radio, PVR of the Media Center, etc ...

I don't know if you call that lucky or not, but no port conflict of any kind since I bought this PC 3 months ago and that this set up is up and running.

If interested, see shack's picture here Brand new desk and listening post