Pro-163 Programming Cable

[gfdfortynine]

I purchased this Scanner Programming Cable and I am waiting for its arrival. The add lists its good for the a pro-163 but having another look the pic it shows a mono end and from further reading here the end is supposed to be the stereo type to work on the newer RS scanners. Did I buy the wrong cable?

 

[Redneck0410]

I purchased this Scanner Programming Cable and I am waiting for its arrival. The add lists its good for the a pro-163 but having another look the pic it shows a mono end and from further reading here the end is supposed to be the stereo type to work on the newer RS scanners. Did I buy the wrong cable?

It may work, but with no software, I would be inclined to believe it's pretty much useless. I purchased the cable listed here RadioShack USB-PC Scanner Programming Cable : Programming Cables | RadioShack.com that has the software included and have no problems at all with it. I used just the cable itself without the stereo adapter included with my cable and programmed my pro-164 with no problem. If I remember correctly, the 20-047 cable works with the Pro-163 and Pro-164 and also has software included. Hope this helps you.

 

[gfdfortynine]

It may work, but with no software, I would be inclined to believe it's pretty much useless. I purchased the cable listed here RadioShack USB-PC Scanner Programming Cable : Programming Cables | RadioShack.com that has the software included and have no problems at all with it. I used just the cable itself without the stereo adapter included with my cable and programmed my pro-164 with no problem. If I remember correctly, the 20-047 cable works with the Pro-163 and Pro-164 and also has software included. Hope this helps you.

I was hoping to use it with Win97. RS doesn't Ship to Canada. I have found the cable you list from some other suppliers but buy the time they're at my door its gonna be around $70 (taxes shipping). So I guess I was trying to save some dough hoping this one would work.

 

[Redneck0410]

I was hoping to use it with Win97. RS doesn't Ship to Canada. I have found the cable you list from some other suppliers but buy the time they're at my door its gonna be around $70 (taxes shipping). So I guess I was trying to save some dough hoping this one would work.

In that case, the cable you are getting MAY very well work with Win97. I have no experience with that software, so I can't tell you for sure yes it will work or no it won't. Sorry I couldn't help you further. In all honesty, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. You may need a DB9 (serial port) to USB adapter in order to connect it to your computer, however, assuming your computer doesn't have an "accesory" serial port. Try it and if it works, great. If not, take it as a learning experience.

 

[gfdfortynine]

In that case, the cable you are getting MAY very well work with Win97. I have no experience with that software, so I can't tell you for sure yes it will work or no it won't. Sorry I couldn't help you further. In all honesty, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. You may need a DB9 (serial port) to USB adapter in order to connect it to your computer, however, assuming your computer doesn't have an "accesory" serial port. Try it and if it works, great. If not, take it as a learning experience.

I do have a usb to serial port adapter or access to computers with serial ports if need be. Since I got this 163 I have been learning, that's for sure.

 

[Redneck0410]

I do have a usb to serial port adapter or access to computers with serial ports if need be. Since I got this 163 I have been learning, that's for sure.

It's a continuous process... I have had my 164 for almost a year and a half and I still have to look up features in the instructions. I'd love to be able to afford a digital scanner, but my current financial situation prevents that. I don't want to ask for a handout to be able to acquire one, but I'm running out of patience to get one on my own.

 

[gfdfortynine]

It's a continuous process... I have had my 164 for almost a year and a half and I still have to look up features in the instructions. I'd love to be able to afford a digital scanner, but my current financial situation prevents that. I don't want to ask for a handout to be able to acquire one, but I'm running out of patience to get one on my own.

Yes the digitals are expensive for sure. I was lucky and got a HomePatrol at a good price off eBay.
I've had the 163 for a couple weeks and its giving me an education in basic trunking. I have programmed it manually (a couple times) so I have gotten that down. Thankfully there's the Easier to Read Pro-164/163 PSR300/C/400/C Scanner Manual. It's has also taught me to look at scanner specs a little closer when looking for a scanner. The frequency step size is causing me not to be able to properly enter all the frequencies I want to monitor. Thus the reason I'm getting a cable. Hoping I will be able to enter the proper frequencies via Win97.
All and all it been fun trying to figure it out. I usually can't wait to get home from work, to work at my new hobby. They are calling me The Big Ear at work now.

 

[gfdfortynine]

I asked vendor about cable

Dear *rfguys*,

Hi I have recently purchased this cable from you for programming a Radio
Shack Pro-163. I was wondering most cables have a stereo type connector on
the scanner end for newer RS scanners and your cable picture shows a mono
one. Is this the right cable for the Pro-163?

-gfdfortynine

Hi,
According to our database here the PRO-163 uses the mono type connector. Some models (and GRE scanners) that use a combined cloning/earphone jack use the stereo connector but the 163 should be mono.

We have both types in stock so if you need to exchange it it's no problems, let me know if you have any other info, but we sell lots of these so it should be correct.

Thanks,
Andrew


- *rfguys*

 

[Redneck0410]

Yes the digitals are expensive for sure. I was lucky and got a HomePatrol at a good price off eBay.
I've had the 163 for a couple weeks and its giving me an education in basic trunking. I have programmed it manually (a couple times) so I have gotten that down. Thankfully there's the Easier to Read Pro-164/163 PSR300/C/400/C Scanner Manual. It's has also taught me to look at scanner specs a little closer when looking for a scanner. The frequency step size is causing me not to be able to properly enter all the frequencies I want to monitor. Thus the reason I'm getting a cable. Hoping I will be able to enter the proper frequencies via Win97.
All and all it been fun trying to figure it out. I usually can't wait to get home from work, to work at my new hobby. They are calling me The Big Ear at work now.

Another thing you need to do is make sure you have the absolute latest firmware installed in your scanner. That can usually be found on the RadioShack website.

 

[Redneck0410]

Dear *rfguys*,

Hi I have recently purchased this cable from you for programming a Radio
Shack Pro-163. I was wondering most cables have a stereo type connector on
the scanner end for newer RS scanners and your cable picture shows a mono
one. Is this the right cable for the Pro-163?

-gfdfortynine

Hi,
According to our database here the PRO-163 uses the mono type connector. Some models (and GRE scanners) that use a combined cloning/earphone jack use the stereo connector but the 163 should be mono.

We have both types in stock so if you need to exchange it it's no problems, let me know if you have any other info, but we sell lots of these so it should be correct.

Thanks,
Andrew


- *rfguys*

At least they're not trying to sell you a cable that absolutely won't work. Would be nice if they included the dang software with it though. Although, software for that scanner can be had for a little bit of nothing, so it's still a pretty good investment.

 

[gfdfortynine]

At least they're not trying to sell you a cable that absolutely won't work. Would be nice if they included the dang software with it though. Although, software for that scanner can be had for a little bit of nothing, so it's still a pretty good investment.

Yes, if it don't work good to know I can exchange the cable. I am confused though every thing I search through here leads to a stereo type of connector and when I look at the Win97 Programming Cable Information it specs cable #'s opposite to what they advertise. Must have something to do with it being a serial cable. Dunno

I checked the firmware first thing and it's current.

 

[gfdfortynine]

Pro-163 Programming Cable and Win97

Well I received the cable and it doesn't work.

From near as I can figure from reading the manuals the scanner is supposed to go into clone mode when the cable is plugged it. That didn't happen.
Just for giggles I plugged in a regular stereo audio patch cable and bingo, scanner went in to clone mode.
Contacted vendor so lets see what happens.

I also had another thread asking about frequency step sizes which was the reason I purchased this cable to start with. Was hoping to use it with Win97 to enter the proper Canadian frequecies in. The process of trying the new wrong cable gave me the opportunity to try out the Win97 software. I used this thread as a reference and I was not able to enter the frequencies no matter if psr 300 was selected or not under the misc tab. So its looking like Win97 not the right animal for this job. Arc300 and PSREdit300 both show evidence of support but I'm still unsure if you can download 400c data into a pro-163.

Comments?

 

[Redneck0410]

Well I received the cable and it doesn't work.

From near as I can figure from reading the manuals the scanner is supposed to go into clone mode when the cable is plugged it. That didn't happen.
Just for giggles I plugged in a regular stereo audio patch cable and bingo, scanner went in to clone mode.
Contacted vendor so lets see what happens.

I also had another thread asking about frequency step sizes which was the reason I purchased this cable to start with. Was hoping to use it with Win97 to enter the proper Canadian frequecies in. The process of trying the new wrong cable gave me the opportunity to try out the Win97 software. I used this thread as a reference and I was not able to enter the frequencies no matter if psr 300 was selected or not under the misc tab. So its looking like Win97 not the right animal for this job. Arc300 and PSREdit300 both show evidence of support but I'm still unsure if you can download 400c data into a pro-163.

Comments?

If he has either the 20-047 (not the 20-048 you purchased) or the 20-546 cables, those I know will work. You will probably need to update the firmware in order to program the scanner. There should be an option to select the pro-163 in that software. No other cable I know of will work for these scanners, I have no idea why that is. As far as the step sizes, I have no idea why you're having problems... Maybe consult the Easier to Read manual located at Mark's Scanners and maybe there's something there than can help you.

 

[aggie72]

My understanding is that you need the stereo plug if you are sending and receiving data from the scanner. The "tip" is used for sending to the scanner and the "ring" is used for receiving from the scanner (in case you want to save the freqs in the banks before programming new freqs in the banks). I've been using the stereo plug for several years with no problem. I guess if you are only sending data to the scanner (and not receiving) then you could just use the mono plug but that's just another connection that might be causing problems later. You should have no problem using the stereo plug for the Pro-163 You will see 2 LEDs blinking in the orange plastic case - one green (receive) and one red (send) depending on the software option you are using. FYI: I'm using PSREdit300 as my programming software.

 

[Redneck0410]

My understanding is that you need the stereo plug if you are sending and receiving data from the scanner. The "tip" is used for sending to the scanner and the "ring" is used for receiving from the scanner (in case you want to save the freqs in the banks before programming new freqs in the banks). I've been using the stereo plug for several years with no problem. I guess if you are only sending data to the scanner (and not receiving) then you could just use the mono plug but that's just another connection that might be causing problems later. You should have no problem using the stereo plug for the Pro-163 You will see 2 LEDs blinking in the orange plastic case - one green (receive) and one red (send) depending on the software option you are using. FYI: I'm using PSREdit300 as my programming software.

That would apply for the 20-047 cable. The cable he bought is the 20-048 as seen in the attachment here. The 20-546 cable I purchased for my pro-164 came with a stereo attachment which I have not used. I downloaded and uploaded data to my scanner with that same program you used, Aggie, with no problem. I'm not saying my cable's better than yours or this is better than that, just telling you what worked for me. What works for me may not work for the next guy. Also, to the OP, are you using a direct connection to the computer via the serial cable, or are you using an adapter? If you use an adapter, you need to download the drivers for the adapter in order for it to communicate with your scanner. It is kind of weird, however, your scanner doesn't immediately sense clone mode when just the cable end is attached to the scanner. If you need further assistance, feel free to PM me and I'll see if I can get you squared away.

 

[gfdfortynine]

Update

Received the proper cable today, the one with the stereo end. It works great, upload and download.