Make your own Uniden programming cable for $5

[N9NGF]

I got tired of waiting for my Uniden programming cable, plus i was bored, so I built my own.

Note: This cable is for serial communication to your Uniden scanner only.
Do not try to connect the cable from Amazon directly to your scanner or it may be damaged.
I take no responsibilty for any of this info, proceed at your own risk.
This works with my BCD396XT, but should work with others that use the same cable.

Parts:
USB to Hirose connector cable. $0.99
Amazon.com: USB A to Mini-B 4-Pin Cable: 6 ft (Hirose/Single Notch) - by Abacus24-7: Electronics

DB9 Female connector $1.15
Amazon.com: Solder Cup D-Sub Connector, DB9 Female: Electronics

DB9 Hood $0.85
Amazon.com: Assembled D-Sub Hood Kit, DB9/HD15 Gray: Electronics

Cut off the rectangular USB connector and solder these wires to the female D-SUB connector.
You will also have a shield, I just cut it off, but you could solder it to the hood if you have a metal hood.

RED PIN 2 RXD
GRN PIN 3 TXD
BLK PIN 5 GND
WHT PIN 8 CTS

 

[danmandle]

Does this make a RS232 cable? I assume you still need a RS232 (serial) to USB adaptor. Should this also work with a BC346XT?

Thanks!

 

[richk107]

While the connector to the scanner appears to be USB, it is nothing more then serial. I've made the same cable for my Homebrew Remotehead project.

 

[jackj]

The cable you list is apparently unavailable from Amazon, at least your link leads to a product that Amazon says in unavailable. The cable that plugs into the front connector on my 996T is NOT a USB mini-B connector. It has 5 connections and they are pins, not slip connectors. Your cable might work on your scanner but it won't work on mine.

 

[SCPD]

Jackl: If you got to the rear of the 996t you have a serial port with a plastic cap cover on it. You can go serial to serial via the back port.

 

[richk107]

Here is the person I bought mine from on Ebay.

4Pin Mini USB Data/Charger Cable/Lead of MP3/MP4 Player | eBay

Here is a another site that describes the cable and pin out needed to make your own cable.
»

» Uniden BCD396XT non-standard “USB” cable and a source of connectors. > FPCoA.


Rich

 

[jackj]

I know

Jackl: If you got to the rear of the 996t you have a serial port with a plastic cap cover on it. You can go serial to serial via the back port.

Yes, I know xeno. That's the one I use for programing, you need a null-modem cable though. However he is talking about using the front connector and that is not a USB connector. It's a special connector that just looks similar to a mini USB.

 

[K7CAR]

This cable at Monoprice will save you $$$ and works excellent.

 

[suriname]

Tnx for the Monoprice link ! Just ordered one !!

 

[sphipps]

Hey... thanks much for posting this info! Just got a used BC346XT at a pawn shop without the serial cable and don't want to invest much in it. I picked up all of the parts for under $8 shipped from USA sellers on Ebay and going to "roll" my own. Thanks again!

 

[N9NGF]

The cable you list is apparently unavailable from Amazon, at least your link leads to a product that Amazon says in unavailable. The cable that plugs into the front connector on my 996T is NOT a USB mini-B connector. It has 5 connections and they are pins, not slip connectors. Your cable might work on your scanner but it won't work on mine.

The cable that I had referenced WILL work on yours, unless uniden has changed the connectors they now use. If you had read the entire post, I state cut off the recatangular USB connector. You are only using the other end of the cable, which is a single notch hirose connector.

Here is a new link to the cable that can be used.

Amazon.com: 23.5-Inch USB A to Mini B USB 2.0 Cable (Black): Electronics