BCT15X Won't Connect with FreeScan

[WillB]

I'm getting pretty frustrated with my new scanner. I have turned off the C-Ch out put and have set the PC Controller on the scanner for both the front and rear ports. I am having to use a USB cable with a null modem adapter. All I want to do is upload the frequencies I have entered into freescan and remove all the channels that it comes pre programmed with. Why does this thing have to be so difficult?

 

[cpuerror]

If you are using the front port then you shouldnt need the null adapter. I would suggest taking it out and attempting to use the auto detect in FS to see if it picks it up.

 

[WillB]

I am not using the front port. My computer only has USB connections on it.

 

[ka3jjz]

You should be using the front port, without the null adapter, for loading frequencies and so forth, if you can. In addition only the front port can be used to load any future firmware fixes; the rear port won't work for this purpose.

Did you load the drivers for your USB? Did you look in Device Manager to see if the drivers allocated a COM port that was really available? It's not so uncommon to find a USB device such as a camera or a BlueTooth, hanging onto a port even if the device isn't connected.

I tend to suspect these areas are where the issues lie. best regards..Mike

 

[WillB]

You should be using the front port, without the null adapter, for loading frequencies and so forth, if you can. In addition only the front port can be used to load any future firmware fixes; the rear port won't work for this purpose.

Did you load the drivers for your USB? Did you look in Device Manager to see if the drivers allocated a COM port that was really available? It's not so uncommon to find a USB device such as a camera or a BlueTooth, hanging onto a port even if the device isn't connected.

I tend to suspect these areas are where the issues lie. best regards..Mike

So I guess I have to order another cable to program this scanner. That's cute.

I checked in the device manager when I had the USB cable plugged in and it said unknown device or something like that. There are 2 ports on the front of my computer that I can use. 1 has my printer plugged into it and nothing in the other. I have tried using both and neither one will work.

As far as telling if the drivers allocated a COM port I have no idea. I'm not the most computer savy person.

I'm almost wondering if I'd be better off taking it some where and having them program it.

 

[ka3jjz]

I doubt you need another cable, unless the one you have is defective (not unheard of).

As for looking at Device Manager, this article describes it - sounds like you haven't loaded the drivers at all, otherwise it would show a COM port on one or the other...

Connecting scanners via USB - The RadioReference Wiki

best regards..Mike

 

[eaf1956]

Front Port

I am not using the front port. My computer only has USB connections on it.

He was referring to the front port on your scanner. On the Scanner's front port you can use the suppied cable from Uniden (assuming you have a RS232 or a USB to RS 232 adapter. Alternately, you can order and use the USB-1 cable from Uniden. (Expensive) I have tried many different USB-RS 232 adapter some work some don't. Best ones say they use the Prolific chipset, I have had some show a COM port in Device Manager but the scanner wouldn't connect to it. I had one that worked for a short time then Died. I have also had problems of having to reassign Com ports because of the issue of things holding on to them even when disconnected.

Another Idea: IF your PC has a slot perhaps you might consider a PCI -- RS232 card. With that card your computer would then have RS232 ports to use the provided cable.

 

[WillB]

Under device manager, I don't have a Ports(COM & LPT) section. All I have is USB Controllers section.

 

[WillB]

He was referring to the front port on your scanner. On the Scanner's front port you can use the suppied cable from Uniden (assuming you have a RS232 or a USB to RS 232 adapter. Alternately, you can order and use the USB-1 cable from Uniden. (Expensive) I have tried many different USB-RS 232 adapter some work some don't. Best ones say they use the Prolific chipset, I have had some show a COM port in Device Manager but the scanner wouldn't connect to it. I had one that worked for a short time then Died. I have also had problems of having to reassign Com ports because of the issue of things holding on to them even when disconnected.

Another Idea: IF your PC has a slot perhaps you might consider a PCI -- RS232 card. With that card your computer would then have RS232 ports to use the provided cable.

Ah gotcha. I have a USB to 232 adaptor and have it hooked to the front of the scanner now. Again though I am running into the same issue when I click upload to scanner or download to scanner I get a message saying Freescan is unable to access COM1. Check settings and try again.

 

[ka3jjz]

Again, you need to install drivers so that a 'virtual' serial port is created. The lack of any such ports in Device Manager says that step hasn't been done, or done successfully.

You should have gotten a CD or diskette with software on it when you bought the cable. If not, it's possible to find the drivers on the manufacturer's website. Be sure to install the right driver for your OS (Win7, Vista, XP, etc.)

best regards..Mike

 

[fullmoon]

Scannermaster website has the drivers for download..They are listed when you click on Uniden USB1 cable..

 

[WillB]

Scannermaster website has the drivers for download..They are listed when you click on Uniden USB1 cable..

Bingo! Thats it! Thanks a bunch to everyone that helped out on this one.

Now all I have to do is enter my frequncies and upload them correct?

 

[fullmoon]

That should do it Willie..Iam not familiar with that software, as I use Butel Arc XT...

 

[ka3jjz]

Bingo! Thats it! Thanks a bunch to everyone that helped out on this one.
Now all I have to do is enter my frequncies and upload them correct?

Assuming you understand trunking, DMA and how systems/sites and groups (and their associated quick keys) work with one another....

If I just spoke Greek, you might want to start here...

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

Read the first 4 topics. Then go down to the bottom and download the Easier to Read manual for your scanner. The Uniden manual that comes with the scanner is better used as a coffee mug holder.

I don't know what area(s) you wish to program, but you might take the time to sit down and plan how you would like to allocate them. There are numerous spreadsheets floating around the Yahoo groups for these scanners that can help you in the planning process.

If there are any trunked systems that are listed as Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface in the System Voice field of the database, the 15X will not copy the digital talkgroups (there is an option in the RR web import to prevent the software from pulling these talkgroups). Any system listed as APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive is not monitorable with the 15x. This trips up a lot of newcomers, so I thought I'd throw this out...

This ain't plug_n_play - it takes some thought to get it right. In fact you might well try several configurations before you find one you like. I know I did.

best regards...Mike

 

[WillB]

Assuming you understand trunking, DMA and how systems/sites and groups (and their associated quick keys) work with one another....

If I just spoke Greek, you might want to start here...

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

Read the first 4 topics. Then go down to the bottom and download the Easier to Read manual for your scanner. The Uniden manual that comes with the scanner is better used as a coffee mug holder.

I don't know what area(s) you wish to program, but you might take the time to sit down and plan how you would like to allocate them. There are numerous spreadsheets floating around the Yahoo groups for these scanners that can help you in the planning process.

If there are any trunked systems that are listed as Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface in the System Voice field of the database, the 15X will not copy the digital talkgroups (there is an option in the RR web import to prevent the software from pulling these talkgroups). Any system listed as APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive is not monitorable with the 15x. This trips up a lot of newcomers, so I thought I'd throw this out...

This ain't plug_n_play - it takes some thought to get it right. In fact you might well try several configurations before you find one you like. I know I did.

best regards...Mike

Thanks Mike. There are no trunked systems in my area and the only digital freq that I had even considered programming is the state patrol car to car. No big deal for me. I'm mostly interested in the FD's in the surrounding counties.

 

[WillB]

Well I got all my frequencies uploaded. I can't seem to figure out though how to get it to stop scanning all the other frequencies that are pre programmed in while it scans Iowa. I'd like to just scan the frequencies I put in.

 

[MetalGear753]

I completely wiped out all of the preprogrammed frequencies just for that reason. I have my systems set to system quick keys. It enables you to disable/enable systems at your whim.

 

[ka3jjz]

Or if you don't want to wipe anything (don't worry - you can always restore it - the preprogrammed stuff that you see is a copy. The actual data is in an area you can't touch. What you see is a copy) you can use the System Quick Key Manager to make sure SQKs 21-46 are not activated.

But Metal's idea is far better. In the upload programming form, do an Erase all systems and settings first, then do an Add. If you decide to make changes to your configuration, use Replace - ADD inserts new programming on top of your original best regards..Mike

best regards..Mike