SDS100/SDS200: Low USB Bus Voltage

[CQ]

Anyone else have an issue with stock USB cable and Low USB Bus Voltage message? The only way to get rid of message is to disconnect cable. Sometimes reconnecting works for a while until you start interacting with ProScan. Checked voltage and was 4.0/3.9V.

Tried with option to charge while connected and not but doesn't seem to matter. The latter shouldn't care especially since it's only being used as serial connection. Used as mass storage earlier to try loading beta firmware and got the message. Eventually got it to work with disconnect/reconnect but quite annoying.

Posted the below and thought it was due to a 15' cable but isn't. Still have the same intermittent issue.
https://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-tavern/371618-anothermetoosds100.html#post2945363

 

[jonwienke]

Anyone else have an issue with stock USB cable and Low USB Bus Voltage message? The only way to get rid of message is to disconnect cable. Sometimes reconnecting works for a while until you start interacting with ProScan. Checked voltage and was 4.0/3.9V.

USB is supposed to be 5V, not 4V. Either your cable is inadequate, or the USB port is. The port needs to supply 1A for run-only, or 2A for run + charge. If your computer can't supply 1A minimum, you need to use a powered hub.

 

[CQ]

USB is supposed to be 5V, not 4V. Either your cable is inadequate, or the USB port is. The port needs to supply 1A for run-only, or 2A for run + charge. If your computer can't supply 1A minimum, you need to use a powered hub.

That's the 100's voltage display reading when disconnected. No issue with USB port and other devices, to include charging a mobile device.

The cable is the one that came with the 100. Tried others as mentioned before.

 

[hiegtx]

That's the 100's voltage display reading when disconnected. No issue with USB port and other devices, to include charging a mobile device.

The cable is the one that came with the 100. Tried others as mentioned before.

The scanner needs 700ma or so to run off external power. The standard spec for USB power is 5V, 500MA, though the ports on some newer PC's may provide more, such as 1.0 amps (1000ma).


You would need to use either a powered hub that provides the amperage needed, or use a USB power supply, such as those used for charging phones or laptops. Many of those can supply 2.0 amps or more, which would allow you to both run the SDS100, and charge the battery, if you choose that option. I use a USB power supply, to run my SDS100 as well as several other scanners (436HP, 325P2, and HP-2).

 

[CQ]

I am NOT attempting to charge the batteries while connected to a computer via USB.

I just want to use ProScan to log.

The batteries are providing the power.

I don't have charge while connected on. I was doing that to troubleshoot.

Did I missing something?

 

[jonwienke]

Batteries do not provide power when connected to USB, the scanner tries to run off the USB power. So even if you have charging turned off, you'll overload a 500mA USB port with the SDS100 because the scanner draws >700mA with the display off. Your only options are to get a USB card that outputs 1A per port or more, or use a powered hub between the computer and SDS100 that can supply at least 1A per port.

 

[hiegtx]

I am NOT attempting to charge the batteries while connected to a computer via USB.

I just want to use ProScan to log.

The batteries are providing the power.

I don't have charge while connected on. I was doing that to troubleshoot.

Did I missing something?

Do you have 'charge while scanning' disabled?
Also, do you have the serial port driver installed?

 

[SteveSimpkin]

Many older computers (and some recent ones) with USB 2.0 ports can't supply the approximately 700 mA needed by the SDS100. As mentioned above, you may need to install a USB 3.0 card in your computer or use a powered USB Hub capable of supplying 1A of current.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Low-Power_and_High-Power_devices

I wonder if you could use a USB power supply plugged into the Micro-USB connector on the SDS100 to power the scanner while you have the Mini-USB cable plugged into your computer?

 

[hiegtx]

Many older computers (and some recent ones) with USB 2.0 ports can't supply the approximately 700 mA needed by the SDS100. As mentioned above, you may need to install a USB 3.0 card in your computer or use a powered USB Hub capable of supplying 1A of current.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Low-Power_and_High-Power_devices

I wonder if you could use a USB power supply plugged into the Micro-USB connector on the SDS100 to power the scanner while you have the Mini-USB cable plugged into your computer?

That might work, since you can power the scanner thru the micro port, but not charge.

 

[SteveSimpkin]

A Mini-USB Y cable with a separate charging connection (and a USB power supply) like this cable *may* also work.
https://www.amazon.com/SLLEA-Power-Charging-Motorola-Two-Way/dp/B01FD8KA9E

 

[RF23]

One of the beta testers (Jason) used both USB ports at the same time and a few others have had to do so as well. So far it seems to be OK.

However, Upman who is aware of at least two of these incidents has chosen not to approve or disapprove of doing this. Instead he gave the following advice (this is my summary):

USB1 can be used to power the scanner but not charge it, 1A recommended, and any future use is unannounced.

USB2 can be used to power and/or charge (if activated via menu) and 2A recommended. This is the rating of the supplied AC USB charger that comes with the SDS100.

 

[N0GTG]

I kept getting the LOW USB VOLTAGE error message in my car, even with a new 4-amp USB power supply. On a hunch, to rule out all possibilities, I replaced the USB to mini cable, which I have always used for the 436, with the SDS-100 OEM cable, and it solved the problem. Apparently there was too much voltage drop in the other cable (wiring too small?). Ya never know!

 

[jonwienke]

Most USB cables will choke on the SDS100's power requirement. You need to make sure the USB port has enough power output, and use a shorter cable with heavy-gauge wiring (most cheap cables have thinner wiring that will cause issues).

 

[budevans]

I wonder if you could use a USB power supply plugged into the Micro-USB connector on the SDS100 to power the scanner while you have the Mini-USB cable plugged into your computer?

Works for me. That's the setup I have.

 

[budevans]

USB Car Charger & USB Portable Power

While shopping at Kmart today I found two Uniden USB items in the automotive section.

First, a USB Car Charger 2.1 amps with 3ft Micro USB cable for $9.99.
Second, a 2,200mah USB Portable Power Lithium Ion battery with a Micro USB Cable for $7.00. Rated at 13 hours of use.

Both should come in handy while out and about. Later this summer when I go to the Cleveland Air Show, the current internal battery with a projected life of 5 hours won't cut it. The Portable Power battery will keep me going.