BCT15X: BCT15X Programming Cable
- Thread starter bob5731
- Start date
Sixspot Software - FreeSCAN
FreeSCAN, the award-winning Freeware program for programming the Uniden SC230, BC246T, UBC3500XLT, BR330T, BCD396T, BC346XT(C), BCD396XT, BCT15X, BCD996XT, BCT15 and BCD996T, BCD996P2 public safety scanners (The 436 & 536 will not be supported). FreeSCAN allows to download and uploading
sites.google.com
No, they require different cables. You can use a USB-1 or similar cable for the front panel serial port or a DB9 type on the rear panel. Amazon.com should work, there are other third-party ones as well. You can also use the serial cable that came with the scanner with a USB to Serial adapter.
FreeScan works with the BCT15X, while no longer supported it should still be able to be found.
They did, called UASD but I think it died out years ago.
ProScan and ARC-XT both work great but cost $50 and $40 respectively.
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Go to Bestbuy and get a USB to Serial Adapter
This is a triplite and should do what you are looking for.
This is a triplite and should do what you are looking for.
ProScan works great for me on BCD996P2 and BCT15X! I don't change the programming often and have to remind myself how ProScan works but it has been a good $50 investment. If you are thinking of programming once and leaving it that way, there is a 30 day free trial with Proscan. But I bet after you use it a few times you will go ahead and buy it...BTW that's $50 just once...no charge for upgrades.
Just to add a bit to what mass-man noted, ProScan @ $50 includes programming, logging, & virtual control, plus it also supports a large number of other Uniden scanners. ARCXT, the "Basic" version is $40, but only covers programming &, I believe, logging. It does not allow virtual control of the scanner. To get that functionality, you would have to upgrade to the Pro version @ $70.00 The ARCXT software, unlike ProScan, supports a limited number of scanners. In addition to the BCT15X, it also can be used for the older 396XT, 346XT, & 996XT, as well as the 325P2 & 996P2.
tvengr
Well Known Member
Does your ThinkPad have a USB-A connector?
Agreed, ProScan is the best investment I've made to supplement my scanners
Definitely recommend Proscan over Freescan as the latter has become abandonware at this point (no updates in over 10 years)
Also "basics" is non-possessive when used in this case (plural) & I support developers who use proper grammar/punctuation
You're in the right spot for FREE frequencies...give the database for your area a try!
If you let us know where in the USA you're located we can direct you to the proper RR database page & point out any potential pitfalls which may hinder your scanning experience (encryption, simulcast distortion, others). Also your BCT15X will only handle analog frequencies so you'll need to be certain your area's ops are still analog. Otherwise you'll need to upgrade to a digital scanner
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You have to go into the Scanner menu and set the baud rate and the Computer Comm Port and set them to the same.
Starting point is
9600
8
None
1
X on or X off
Starting point is
9600
8
None
1
X on or X off
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2003
- Messages
- 14,082
- Reaction score
- 9,953
- Location
- Retired 40 Year Firefighter NW Tenn
Google setting Baud Rates on a PC
For Applications (Software Method)
It is also in the 15/15X easy to read manual.
- Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select Device Manager, or search for it in the Start Menu.
- Locate COM Ports: Expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.
- Access Port Properties: Right-click the COM port you're using (e.g., COM3) and select Properties.
- Adjust Settings:
- Go to the Port Settings tab (for basic settings).
- For more advanced options or if settings are grayed out, check the Resources tab, clear "Use automatic settings," and then modify the settings.
- Match Your Device: Set the Baud rate (e.g., 9600, 115200) and other settings (Data bits, Parity, Stop bits, Flow control) to match the device you're communicating with.
- Apply & Restart: Click OK, then restart the device or application.
For Applications (Software Method)
It is also in the 15/15X easy to read manual.
I have the front USB programmiing cable for my BCT-15X. Now I thought it is a proprietary cable, it has a unique connector similar to a camera.
It worked with Proscan, the better, or Freescan (free). Still a learning curve programming but really good analog only scanner.
It worked with Proscan, the better, or Freescan (free). Still a learning curve programming but really good analog only scanner.
