BCT15X: BCT15X programming (cable)

[bobruzzo]

I have a BCT15X I bought a few years ago. The programming cable plug that goes into port in front seems pretty wonky. Luckily I don't have to use it much since radio is all programmed with what I like. Compared to the USB programming cable/plugs/jacks on the BCD996p2 and sds200, The BCT15X front jack & connector are flimsy. Is it just older technology? Why did Uniden use such a weak proprietary plug? As far as I can remember, the radio came with a programming cable with a female db9 connector on one end and that flimsy little plug on the other end. So obviously I couldn't program the radio. In back of radio is a male db9 port, so I assumed this is how to program this radio. nope. So I had to order a cable with male db9 connector on one end and a USB connector on other end. Does anyone have any idea why Uniden would ship these radios with a cable that doesnt work outta the box???? All the other scanners have proper programming cables that work. Is there any way to use that REAR male 9 pin jack for programming? Do you need some kind of special serial to usb cable? If so does anyone have a link to one I can buy? I looked online and found nothing.

 

[dimab]

does this cable require some funky USB driver?
When using the front port to program, the Uniden USB-1 had to be installed. Maybe if you install that driver, you can use the front port?

Uniden Support - Downloads and Manuals

 

[bobruzzo]

does this cable require some funky USB driver?
When using the front port to program, the Uniden USB-1 had to be installed. Maybe if you install that driver, you can use the front port?

Uniden Support - Downloads and Manuals

The driver is a "PL23XX-M_LogoDriver_Setup_v400_2011 blah blah...." It's a Prolific driver and I think I found it on ScannerMasters site a few years ago. I can and have used the front port, but curious if its possible to use rear port.

 

[freqseeker]

If the 15X is like other variations of that radio you can program it from the rear port but firmware updates must be done with the front port.

 

[sallen07]

Is it just older technology? Why did Uniden use such a weak proprietary plug?

Does anyone have any idea why Uniden would ship these radios with a cable that doesnt work outta the box????

Is there any way to use that REAR male 9 pin jack for programming?

You have to keep in mind that the original versions of those scanners (BCT15 and BCD996T) came out in 2006, when most PCs still had RS-232 serial ports, and USB connectivity wasn't really a thing. That was still true when the BCT15X and BCD996XT were released in 2009.

The little six-pin connector on the front is a serial port. So in 2006, you would have plugged the supplied cable into that connector, and then plugged the RS-232 into your PC, and away you would have gone.

It's worth noting that when the BCD996P2 came out in 2015, it had a mini-USB port instead of the serial port, but this was also an upgraded scanner (P25 Phase II) so it's not like they released a new model just to switch to USB. I'm sure they could have released a "new" BCT15X that also had USB, but why would they? Instead, they came out with the USB-1 cable which includes the chip to convert from the serial connection to USB.

As far as the back port goes, you can absolutely use it for programming and remote control. You cannot, however, use it to perform a firmware upgrade ... that MUST be done through the front interface. Since firmware upgrades are few and far between, that's not much of an issue.

Here is ONE option for connecting from a PC to the rear serial interface:

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Serial-Adapter-Modem-9-pin/dp/B008634VJY/

Works great.

 

[bobruzzo]

OK I have the most recent firmware upgrade in my BCT15X, its 1.07.00. The only reason I want to be able to program from rear port is because I just dont like the feel of the way the cable sits in the front port....it is a cheap feeling connection and radio can be damaged if you accidentally whack the cable when its plugged in. I understand in 2006 computers still used those db9 ports but when I bought the radio in 2019, you would think Uniden would have supplied a better cable. OK I will check out that link, thank you

 

[bobruzzo]

If the 15X is like other variations of that radio you can program it from the rear port but firmware updates must be done with the front port.

Yes, this I understand and my bct15x is updated to latest version. I doubt there will be anymore firmware updates to this radio though.

 

[bearcatrp]

I bought this cable from amazon. Works great for the BCT15X and long too.

Amazon.com

 

[JoeBearcat]

I doubt there will be anymore firmware updates to this radio though.

The last firmware update was 10/8/2021 (7 months ago), so....

 

[bobruzzo]

The last firmware update was 10/8/2021 (7 months ago), so....

....However, I am no expert!