BC898T - Computer Interface General Info Request

[bwhite]

Just received my BC898T, other than being overly large, seems to be a pretty nice unit.
Programming the trunked banks via the keyboard went pretty uneventfully utilizing the manual's instructions although, the "Data" key is the key to success; thankfully I knew this from programming 235's and 245's.

Conspicuously absent from the manual and much of the internet is specific info as-to using the computer interface for the unit. Looks like a very specific cable is needed, no mention as-to what to look for at Radio Shack or the like. I can't believe that they didn't use USB.

Can those of you in the RR Community share your experiences in using the Computer Interface with units like this, lessons learned, watch-out-fors, best place for software/cables, etc.
Thanx

 

[loumaag]

I don't have one, but doesn't just use a standard serial cable?

 

[Dubbin]

I don't have one, but doesn't just use a standard serial cable?

I thought it used the same cable as the 895???

 

[bwhite]

The same cable as an 895 would be ??
A standard serial cable ?
From my past PC Admin life I kinda remember ordering
"standard serial cables" to be used with external modems and
1/2 the time the pinnings and or connectors would not be right.

The problem is, they never say what you need in the manual, they mention that you can get it from them, but, during a real quick check of their site I didn't see it.
Thanx

 

[pro92b]

The BC895 uses a custom cable unlike the 898 which uses a common serial cable.

 

[loumaag]

The same cable as an 895 would be ??
A standard serial cable ?
From my past PC Admin life I kinda remember ordering
"standard serial cables" to be used with external modems and
1/2 the time the pinnings and or connectors would not be right.

The problem is, they never say what you need in the manual, they mention that you can get it from them, but, during a real quick check of their site I didn't see it.
Thanx

I have to imagine that it uses the same cable that goes to all other Uniden radios, (which I thought was just a standard RS-232 serial cable). Take a look on Strong Signals and see if this helps.

 

[pro92b]

I have to imagine that it uses the same cable that goes to all other Uniden radios, (which I thought was just a standard RS-232 serial cable).

No, the 895 was designed in the bad old days when Uniden didn't care what its customers wanted. I have an 895 and had to build a custom cable for computer interface. You can buy 895 cables commercially from ScannerMaster, Grove etc.

 

[doctordave]

Standard 9 pin serial connector....you can get one at either Radio Shack or CompUSA.

 

[loumaag]

No, the 895 was designed in the bad old days when Uniden didn't care what its customers wanted. I have an 895 and had to build a custom cable for computer interface. You can buy 895 cables commercially from ScannerMaster, Grove etc.

I was actually talking about the 898 and other "normal" Unidens. :lol:

Standard 9 pin serial connector....you can get one at either Radio Shack or CompUSA.

That's what I thought. 8)