BCD536HP USB Keeps Disconnecting

[Butelsoftware]

Thanks, I will update the ARC536 manual with this information. For ARC536PRO the rear port must be set to 115200 since that is the speed we use.
Scannermaster did have special USB1 cables that connect to the rear port of Uniden scanners but I can't find them anymore on their site.

Gommert
Butel Software

 

[W4ELL]

On a side note... if you are just looking for a null modem cable that will connect a serial port/serial adapter to the rear port of either the 996XT or 536HP:

6ft. Null Modem Cable F/F

 

[blarson007]

Gender Changer or Null Modem

Could someone confirm if a gender changer (straight thru) or null modem (crosslinked) is needed?

Brian

 

[nr2d]

Could someone confirm if a gender changer (straight thru) or null modem (crosslinked) is needed?

Brian

Null modem, F-F.

 

[ofd8001]

Thanks to some extra coaching from Gommert - setting the port to 115200 - I'm up and running.

If it's helpful to anyone, here is the cabiling that I'm using (starting at the rear port of the scanner):

• 6' Serial cable connected to back of scanner
• Gigaware Female to Female Serial Coupler (from Radio Shack)
• Gigaware Null Modem Adapter (from Radio Shack)
• Plugable USB to Serial Port Adapter with HXD Chipset (from Amazon) into USB port of computer

 

[ofd8001]

A follow-up tip:

Be sure to edit your profile in Sentinel (under Location Settings) so the 115200 Baud Rate is selected on the GPS settings.

If you don't do that and upload to your scanner from Sentinel, what you had set on the scanner is overwritten by Sentinel to the default of 4800. Then you end up spending a few minutes wondering why the rear port wasn't working like it did.

 

[WaveJam]

Glad Paul (UPMan) chimed in here about the rear serial port on the 536HP. I think most of us were under the impression that the serial function was limited to the front USB port.

Ditto..Thanks UPman!

Once we get through some of these initial headaches, I think these new scanners are going to be a winner.

Agreed. I will say though, I was initially hesitant to give up my "new" scanner for a replacement. But now, I'm happy my original 536 is gone. <knocking on wood> The replacement scanner has been keeping its USB connection flawlessly for almost two weeks now (24/7). Previously my record was 2hrs before it crapped out. FYI, I still think my original scanners front USB jack was/is the culprit. It was a very loose/sloppy fit. The replacement scanner USB goes in snug. With that said though, I still ordered a null-modem cable because I know I'll ultimately go that route. But for now its holding its own and I'm back to feeling giddy about my 536 (instead of stressed out and pissed off).

 

[AA6IO]

Well this thread really has quieted down. Just to follow-up on my message 100, now had the rear serial port going on 536HP for 24 hours with ARC536 ver 12 for part of day, then with ver. 14. VC/logging is working well without a hitch in serial data. Seems to work great.

Steve AA6IO

 

[mrkelso]

So is using the rear port Unidens official fix for the problem?
1. Send my $600 Scanner back and get a refurb in return
2. Hook up to the rear port if i want to have a stable connection to my PC
3. Go out and spend more money on cables and genders changers and null modems
4. Geez!!!
5. Kick it all to the curb, cut my losses and move along.

 

[nr2d]

So is using the rear port Unidens official fix for the problem?
1. Send my $600 Scanner back and get a refurb in return
2. Hook up to the rear port if i want to have a stable connection to my PC
3. Go out and spend more money on cables and genders changers and null modems
4. Geez!!!
5. Kick it all to the curb, cut my losses and move along.

Neither of my 2 BCD536HP have been sent back for refurb. When using the front USB port they both would disconnect sometimes and other time they worked like a champ for hours. The 1 thing I did was leave the USB cables connected to the scanners and really I don't think changed things.

You can get a null modem cable as low as $2.99 on amazon. The average price on Amazon is about $5.00.

As far as I know you will only be able to run a Virtual Control program using the rear port.

If you want to kick it to the curb and cut your losses kick it my way. My saying is if it's free more for me!!! But seriously if you are that dissatisfied with the scanner return to where you bought it.

Good Luck.

 

[UPMan]

1. No one got refurbs. They either got a brand new unit or their own unit back.
2. Until we can determine what conditions result in the scanner rebooting under USB Serial mode, this is the best solution. It can take from hours to days for the symptom to occur, and no one has yet isolated a specific, reliable way to duplicate the issue. That kind of bug can be extremely difficult (and time consuming) to track down.
3. If serial mode is important to you, then, yes. As noted, the solution is typically <$10.

 

[an39511]

As reported in the thread http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-bug-reports/286491-problem-usb-mini-jack.html I would suggest you check the connection between the USB mini jack and the radio. I have two radios with very sloppy connection that is causing all kinds of problems with the serial mode. Because this connection also supports USB mas storage it could also be causing scanners to enter into this mode because of loose connections. It could also explane why many people are having problems with corrupted SD cards.

 

[Butelsoftware]

Here is a link to the USB-1/S with 9 pin connector : USB-1 with DB-9 Connector (BC996/15)

Gommert
Butel Software

 

[kwd57]

Here is a link to the USB-1/S with 9 pin connector : USB-1 with DB-9 Connector (BC996/15)

Gommert
Butel Software

Monoprice has them for $5.71


USB to Serial Convert Cable ( DB9M / USB A Male) - 3FT - Monoprice.com

 

[an39511]

Monoprice has them for $5.71


USB to Serial Convert Cable ( DB9M / USB A Male) - 3FT - Monoprice.com

I think you need a cable with a female end, not male. You may need to purchase an additional adapter to make this work.

 

[Anvil]

I was glad to hear that the rear gps port could be used for a serial connection. I don't like cables sticking out of the front of my scanner. I went online to order a null modem cable and serial/USB adapter. I use adapters with the FTBI chipset with my 996Ts after several BOSD problems with Prolific. I found a combo FTDI USB to RS232 null modem cable on Amazon from StarTech which is working great. Model ICUSB232FTN. Spendy but works directly from the scanner to USB port.

 

[KevinC]

Monoprice has them for $5.71


USB to Serial Convert Cable ( DB9M / USB A Male) - 3FT - Monoprice.com

I think you need a cable with a female end, not male. You may need to purchase an additional adapter to make this work.

I believe this cable would require a null modem adapter as well as the correct gender.

 

[davenlr]

Monoprice has them for $5.71


USB to Serial Convert Cable ( DB9M / USB A Male) - 3FT - Monoprice.com

Dont order the one from Monoprice if you are using windows 8. It wont work. Ive tried every driver from 2008 to current.

I managed to get it working on Windows 7 32bit for one try, but as soon as I plugged the scanner in using the mini port to upload a correction, it will not work anymore using the rear port (even after power cycling). I think the Serial to USB from Monoprice is just junk.

Ive ordered a cable, and it came today. Now I am waiting for my Windows 8.1 certified serial PCIe card to arrive Monday, so MAYBE I can use the virtual control program.

 

[davenlr]

I was glad to hear that the rear gps port could be used for a serial connection. I don't like cables sticking out of the front of my scanner. I went online to order a null modem cable and serial/USB adapter. I use adapters with the FTBI chipset with my 996Ts after several BOSD problems with Prolific. I found a combo FTDI USB to RS232 null modem cable on Amazon from StarTech which is working great. Model ICUSB232FTN. Spendy but works directly from the scanner to USB port.

Are you using Windows 8.1? The prolific drivers wont work on 8.1, so I was hoping to find another chipset that will, since I have a card coming, but really dont want to use my last slot in the computer for it.

 

[Anvil]

I'm using Windows 7 Pro 64-bit.