Pro 96 to PC USB port connection

[chk]

I've been using WIN96 to program my Pro 96, with some success but hit a snag with my new computer sans serial or parallel ports - only USB 2.
So, how do I adapt my RS scanner - serial port cable to the USB ports of the PC? So far, RS store personnel can't find either an answer or a part such as a scanner- USB cable. There are lots of Serial-USB adapters on Ebay, but with different specs and capabilities. Either a cable or adapter would help, as well as the necessary specs for either since RS hasn't done anything to resolve this so far.
Thanks
Police Chaplain Charles

 

[KG4KHQ]

USB-Serial Adapter

I use the Iogear USB-Serial Adapter cable (bought it at Best Buy) and it works fine with my Pro-96 and Win96

 

[Swipesy]

RS USB To Serial

Radio Shack Part No. 26-183 - USB to Serial. It comes in floppy disk or CD versions. Be sure to get CD version if you decide to buy from RS. They will rock you for this cable - about $50.00.

 

[wa8pyr]

So, how do I adapt my RS scanner - serial port cable to the USB ports of the PC?

RT Systems (makers of the most common software for Yaesu radios) has a nice one for $22.95 which works well:

http://www.rtsars.com/othercables_template.cfm?cfid=4329861&cftoken=97926357

Tom WA8PYR

 

[SCPD]

Yea, I have purchased a working one form Best buy for around 20.00, I dont know why Rat. shack has them so expensive, its kinda a rippoff.

So far, RS store personnel can't find either an answer or a part such as a scanner- USB cable

I have the exact same problem with Rat shack so thats why I just bought mine from Best Buy.

 

[chk]

Thanks to you all for the info and choices. Sounds like Best Buy has the better deal. I've also seen Iogear adapters on Ebay. Now if I can just isolate the water dept and city workerd from my channels!
thanks again.
Chk

 

[bjblackout]

Just got my Pro96 tonight. Wow is this thing confusing. I purchased cable from RS and it does not work on my laptop. I need a male connector. My laptop only has a female connection but it does have USB ports. Should I go this way??

 

[Al42]

The female connector isn't a serial port, so you'll have to go with a USB->serial adapter.

 

[Voyager]

Just got my Pro96 tonight. Wow is this thing confusing. I purchased cable from RS and it does not work on my laptop. I need a male connector. My laptop only has a female connection but it does have USB ports. Should I go this way??

To expand on what Al said, you're likely looking at a video port. Keep the cable. You will need it. You just need a serial port adapter, too.

Joe M.

 

[csuh13]

The "official" word from RS Prduct Support is that the programming cable "should not" work with a USB-Serial adaptor...

That being said, they still do (sometimes). Just don't count on it. (Although I will say that the RS USB-Serial cable (@$39.99) is the most dependable out of the 3 I've tried. It works right about %80 of the time with my HP laptop. The $20 Best Buy cable worked about %50 of the time, and I never could get the $20 cable from Fry's to work at all...)

The reason the RS folks couldn't "find the solution" is probably because the USB-serial cable is not supposed to work right in this application, and RS told them that.

 

[Dubbin]

The "official" word from RS Prduct Support is that the programming cable "should not" work with a USB-Serial adaptor...

That being said, they still do (sometimes). Just don't count on it. (Although I will say that the RS USB-Serial cable (@$39.99) is the most dependable out of the 3 I've tried. It works right about %80 of the time with my HP laptop. The $20 Best Buy cable worked about %50 of the time, and I never could get the $20 cable from Fry's to work at all...)

If you get the right cable and the right adapter it will work. The problem is that people keep getting the wrong cable, the wrong adapter or do not know how to install the drivers for the adapter.

 

[bjblackout]

So I am heading to Best Buy at lunch. can someone clear this up and tell me exactly what I need. I have the cable right now from RS that has a female end and the other end directly into my Pro 96.

 

[Dubbin]

You need to get the Iogear serial to USB adapter.

 

[bjblackout]

Thanks Dubbin you rule brother!! My first programming adventure tonight!! Should be fun.

 

[Al42]

You need to get the Iogear serial to USB adapter.

The Belkin 509 and the RS also work with the right driver.

 

[Dubbin]

The Belkin 509 and the RS also work with the right driver.

Yes but he was going to Best Buy and I know for a fact that the Iogear works and that Best Buy carries it.

 

[Voyager]

The "official" word from RS Prduct Support is that the programming cable "should not" work with a USB-Serial adaptor...

I think it would be better worded if they said they can't guarantee it to work. Obviously, it does work for many people which makes RS's statement incredible (as in lacking credibility).

Joe M.

 

[daedalus]

There is an older thread about getting a USB to Serial adapter from TigerDirect.com.

I just bought and received the adapter and it works 100% with my PRO-2096. No issues whatsoever.

The best part is that it is ALMOST free! I paid $9.99 plus $4.99 shipping. There is a mail-in rebate for $10.00, making the final cost only $4.98. That's kind of hard to beat! The Tiger item number is C250-1162.

The adapter itself is marked as a USB 2.0 to Serial Adapter, packaged by Cables Unlimited. Their part number is USB-2920.