BCT15X: BCT15X Programming Help

[NJEMT12982]

I am just about at a total loss with this scanner... I even recently had some remote help from an "expert" who was unable to assist me in updating my drivers so as to be able to program my BCT15X using software. It was recommended that I try using the 9 prong serial port with a USB connection. Can anyone recommend such cable? I have already purchased multiple USB cables that connected to the front of the scanner and the first one was a, "one and done" use and I can't understand why. I wanted to update this scanner so when I did a factory reset and connected the cable (along with many others) and it won't recognize my scanner thus this "expert" telling me to try the serial to USB approach. Has anyone had any success with this method of programming. Because quite honestly, I do not have the time or patience to do all of this manually.

 

[crippledchicken]

This is what I used years ago. USB to Serial Adapter https://www.amazon.com/Vantec-USB-Serial-Adapter-CB-USB20SR/dp/B001TAAVP4

 

[ProScan]

Using the rear DB-9 port requires a null modem adapter or cable. The reason for a null modem is because the port doubles as a GPS port.

This will work
Usangreen PL2303GT USB RS232 to DB9 Cross Wired Rollover Null Modem Cable

 

[crippledchicken]

The one I purchased came with the Driver Disc. Not sure if they still do or not

 

[ProScan]

This is what I used years ago. USB to Serial Adapter https://www.amazon.com/Vantec-USB-Serial-Adapter-CB-USB20SR/dp/B001TAAVP4

Nowhere does it say null modem or rollover. You may have used it on a non DMA type(780, 785) that doesn't require a null modem.
{edit} It doesn't say if it's Win 10/11 compatible.

 

[tvengr]

What software are you using? Firmware updates must be done via the front port.

 

[N9JCQ]

What software are you using? Firmware updates must be done via the front port.

Not on a BCT15X

 

[ProScan]

What software are you using? Firmware updates must be done via the front port.

Not on a BCT15X

https://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCT15XFirmwareUpdate

• The update can only be applied using the scanner's front serial port.

 

[tvengr]

If by any chance you are using ARC15 software, that will work only for the BCT15. For the BCT15X, you must use ARC XT.

 

[NJEMT12982]

What software are you using? Firmware updates must be done via the front port.

I have tried ArcXT as someone in this threat mentioned as well as Pro Scan and Free Scan all to no avail. I have tried purchasing other cables and still can not get the scanner connected. That is why I was wondering if the 9 prong cable would work as an option to program the scanner.

 

[tvengr]

Do you have the original cable for the front port with the Hirose connector on one end for the scanner and a female DB9 connector on the other for the computer? If so, this USB to serial adapter between the computer and cable will work: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...rolific-chipset-black/5883029.p?skuId=5883029

 

[Ubbe]

I have tried purchasing other cables and still can not get the scanner connected.

Connect only the cable to your PC and not the scanner. In Windows it should announce that a USB device are connected and needs the driver disk to get the correct driver for it. In Windows control panel for hardware devices it should be seen and you can configure it to a com port number, that will be the number you will have to set in a ARC or Proscan software.

If you do not see Windows recognizing the USB cable there will be no point in connecting the scanner.

/Ubbe

 

[buddrousa]

The Serial Port has to Comport # and Port Speed. Serial Ports are not Plug and Play.
The Port speed can be seen in the scanner (MENU) (SETTINGS) (SET BAUD RATE)

 

[mule1075]

Can't remember if it is an option on the 15x. But did you set it up to use the front port or rear port

 

[NJEMT12982]

Using the rear DB-9 port requires a null modem adapter or cable. The reason for a null modem is because the port doubles as a GPS port.

This will work
Usangreen PL2303GT USB RS232 to DB9 Cross Wired Rollover Null Modem Cable

Going into my days off, so back to the drawing board with programming this BCT15X. The link you provided shows two different cables, only a dollar difference but I want to make sure I get the right one so the $14.90 or the $15.90 cable from the link provided?

 

[merlin]

Everything I have for my BCT15X came from Uniden. the USB cable, and software. If I recall, any drivers are installed when installing the software.
When I used proscan, it just worked with the Uniden cable.
BTW, this is the front serial port.

 

[Ubbe]

The rear serial port are a male 9-pin, and a computers serial port are also male, and it is mainly though as a GPS port and a GPS are supposed to connect to a computer type of connector. So you will need a null modem cable that has a female at both ends to connect the scanner to a PC.

I have one BCT15 as a remote station connected to a cellular network router and I can reprogram the scanner using Butels ARC program using the scanners rear port. So you can either use the front port if having the cable with the special Uniden connector that came with the scanner that has a 9-pin connector at its end or the rear port using a standard null modem cable.

If your computer do not have any serial port then a generic USB to serial adapter are also needed for the rear port, that Uniden also can supply with their USB-1 cable but connects directly to the front port.

/Ubbe

 

[chief21]

I have also used the Uniden USB-1 cable to program my 15x scanners successfully.

 

[ProScan]

Going into my days off, so back to the drawing board with programming this BCT15X. The link you provided shows two different cables, only a dollar difference but I want to make sure I get the right one so the $14.90 or the $15.90 cable from the link provided?

The $15.90 one. That's the null modem type. The other is a standard pinout.

 

[NJEMT12982]

Just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for your help. I've been trying to get this scanner working right since December of 2022. After all the questions the cable finally arrived and worked perfectly. I couldn't be happier. Thanks again!