BCD396T Software for Mac?

[epbernstein]

Is there anyway to interface the 396 with a Mac? If there is no Mac-specific software, will SoftWindows work?

Many thanks in advance.

Erik

 

[ronmicha]

BC396 On a Mac

I don't know about Soft Windows but I'm currently using the ARC250785 software on a Mac using Virtual PC with Windows 2000 Professional and a USB to Serial Converter from Radio Shack. Hope this helps.
Ron

 

[epbernstein]

That helps a lot--thanks!!

 

[epbernstein]

No luck so far...

Well, I picked up a copy of Virtual PC 7 with XP Pro, and a Keyspan high-speed USB to serial adapter. I've tried every configuration I can think of (both ways of emulating the COM port, and all available baud rates), and I can't get the computer to connect to the scanner using either the scanner control software or the firmware updater. Any suggestions would be appreciated--between Microsoft, Keyspan, and Uniden I don't know who to turn to for tech support...

 

[ronmicha]

USB Converter

I'm using the Radio Shack USB Serial Converter but I've read where others have used the Keyspan. Despite what the software may say, try setting your baud rate to 19200 and make sure you're using the right COM port. I had to use 19200 to make mine work. Also, you have to make sure USB is enabled in your VPC software. You have to check USB every time you start the software. I think it'll work but it took me trial and error and help from others on RR to get mine going.
Ron

 

[epbernstein]

I'm using the Radio Shack USB Serial Converter but I've read where others have used the Keyspan. Despite what the software may say, try setting your baud rate to 19200 and make sure you're using the right COM port. I had to use 19200 to make mine work. Also, you have to make sure USB is enabled in your VPC software. You have to check USB every time you start the software. I think it'll work but it took me trial and error and help from others on RR to get mine going.
Ron

I ended up using a friend's PC to flash the firmware and to back up the scanner prior to sending it back to get the case changed. When I get it back I'll play with it some more and see if I can get it to work.

Thanks!

 

[Al42]

First try talking to it with a terminal program. (I haven'r used a Mac in decades, so I doubt Red Ryder is still used ) You can try the VER (version) command. If that works you'll know that the computer is talking to the scanner. Then you can try communicating with the scanner with a Windows terminal program. Then with the scanner software. One step at a time, so you know which link isn't working.

If the computer won't talk to the scanner you might need a newer USB adapter driver - that seems to be the biggest problem with USB->serial adapters, and not only with scanners.