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

 

[pro92b]

From the drawing in the manual it looks like an ordinary serial cable will work. You can get one of those at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City etc.

I think Butel has software for the 898. www.butel.nl

 

[bwhite]

I believe that "ordinary serial cables" come in 2 or more flavors from my prior life in the PC world; inevitably you'd get the wrong one when you ordered an external modem.

Yeah, I think Scanmaster is the USA outlet for Butel.
At a glance the product looks OK.
It seems as though there may be several competetors that don't necessarily come to the top of a search that I'm hoping others may have some "words of wisdom" on.

Thanx

 

[pro92b]

The serial cable for programming is 'straight through', not null modem.

Butel generally makes the best software for Uniden scanners. That said, I do not own a BC898 and have no direct experience with Butel's program for that model.

 

[bwhite]

Thanx, that sounds like a regular Walmart or Radio Shack (overpriced) item. I can't remember if the pinning or the plugs on the end were different for the straight-thru's I used to deal with, in any event, I can look right at the plugs I need to connect to and take my notes with me.

Any idea if the Butel software for the 898 will work with a 245 (with a diff cable of course)? I'd hate to think that we'd need diff software for each model.

Thanx

 

[pro92b]

Butel didn't make software for the BC245. I used to own a BC245 and was never satisfied with the programs available for it. Programming is fairly simple since the radio has no alpha tags and a fairly limited set of features. I made up a text file of programming commands and used Hyperterminal to send it to the radio. It ran much faster than the available programs and allowed full trunked programming without receiving a control channel. This method doesn't allow for computer control, but chaining a handheld to a computer on a permanent basis makes little sense anyway.