Cable for 996XT

[K9KLC]

I've looked and can't find anything recent, does anyone have a source for a cable for programming the Uniden BCD996XT? I recently acquired one and would like to get it programmed. I have verified the scanner is working so I feel it would be worth getting a wall wart and programming cable for it. If anyone has a current source thanks.

Also...if this should have been posted somewhere else, admin, feel free to move it, I wasn't sure where to post this.

 

[Enjoi19]

The front programming port is used by the Uniden USB-1 cable. Somewhere like Scannermaster sells it, though currently out of stock so, perhaps another scanner sales site in the states. Uniden USB-1 Programming Cable (BC246/396/330/230/95/996/15/XT)

Alternatively, you can use a USB to null modem cable DB9 cable to program from the rear. You can't do firmware updates, but can program and control fine.

https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-USB-Serial-Adapter-Modem/dp/B008634VJY

 

[Enforcer52]

At Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-USB-1-Scanner-Radio-Interface/dp/B001JT346I

 

[K9KLC]

Speaking of updates which software does that on the 996?

 

[Enforcer52]

1. Download the Necessary Files:

• Firmware Update Tool (BC_VUP3): Download the BC_VUP3 firmware update tool from the Uniden support website.
• Firmware Update: Download the specific firmware version for your BCD996XT from the Uniden support website.
  

2. Install the Firmware Update Tool:

• Unzip: Extract the downloaded BC_VUP3 zip file to a folder on your computer.
• Install: Run the Setup.exe file (NOT Setup.msi) to install the firmware update application.
• Note: If you previously installed a version of BC_VUP, be sure to delete the old install files before reinstalling. These files are in a "BCSS" directory.
  

3. Run the Firmware Update Tool and Connect to the Scanner:

• Launch BC_VUP3: Open the installed BC_VUP3 application.
  

• Select Scanner: Choose the BCD996XT as the scanner model to update.
  
  
• Connect Scanner: Connect your scanner to your computer using the Uniden serial cable or USB-1 cable.
  
  
• Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to select the firmware version and start the update process.
  
  
• Important: Do not disconnect the USB cable while updating.
  

 

[K9KLC]

1. Download the Necessary Files:

• Firmware Update Tool (BC_VUP3): Download the BC_VUP3 firmware update tool from the Uniden support website.
• Firmware Update: Download the specific firmware version for your BCD996XT from the Uniden support website.

2. Install the Firmware Update Tool:

• Unzip: Extract the downloaded BC_VUP3 zip file to a folder on your computer.
• Install: Run the Setup.exe file (NOT Setup.msi) to install the firmware update application.
• Note: If you previously installed a version of BC_VUP, be sure to delete the old install files before reinstalling. These files are in a "BCSS" directory.

3. Run the Firmware Update Tool and Connect to the Scanner:

• Launch BC_VUP3: Open the installed BC_VUP3 application.

• 
  
• Select Scanner: Choose the BCD996XT as the scanner model to update.
  
  
• 
  
• Connect Scanner: Connect your scanner to your computer using the Uniden serial cable or USB-1 cable.
  
  
• 
  
• Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to select the firmware version and start the update process.
  
  
• 
  
• Important: Do not disconnect the USB cable while updating.

Thank you very much.

 

[K9KLC]

1. Download the Necessary Files:

• Firmware Update Tool (BC_VUP3): Download the BC_VUP3 firmware update tool from the Uniden support website.
• Firmware Update: Download the specific firmware version for your BCD996XT from the Uniden support website.

2. Install the Firmware Update Tool:

• Unzip: Extract the downloaded BC_VUP3 zip file to a folder on your computer.
• Install: Run the Setup.exe file (NOT Setup.msi) to install the firmware update application.
• Note: If you previously installed a version of BC_VUP, be sure to delete the old install files before reinstalling. These files are in a "BCSS" directory.

3. Run the Firmware Update Tool and Connect to the Scanner:

• Launch BC_VUP3: Open the installed BC_VUP3 application.
• 
  
• Select Scanner: Choose the BCD996XT as the scanner model to update.
  
  
• 
  
• Connect Scanner: Connect your scanner to your computer using the Uniden serial cable or USB-1 cable.
  
  
• 
  
• Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to select the firmware version and start the update process.
  
  
• 
  
• Important: Do not disconnect the USB cable while updating.

So can you update it from the serial port? I think I have a cable on the way but if that doesn't work I may go the serial route.

 

[Enforcer52]

So can you update it from the serial port?

Yes either cable will update it.

 

[K9KLC]

Yes either cable will update it.

Thank you, I appreciate all your help.

 

[N9JIG]

Firmware Updates must be done from the front port, either via a USB-1 or the serial cable that came with the radio. Since you likely do not have a serial port on the computer you are using then you can use a USB-Serial adapter with the OEM cable.

The USB-1 cable includes a USB-Serial adapter within it. It cab be used for programming as well as firmware updates thru the front serial port.

 

[K9KLC]

The front programming port is used by the Uniden USB-1 cable. Somewhere like Scannermaster sells it, though currently out of stock so, perhaps another scanner sales site in the states. Uniden USB-1 Programming Cable (BC246/396/330/230/95/996/15/XT)

Alternatively, you can use a USB to null modem cable DB9 cable to program from the rear. You can't do firmware updates, but can program and control fine.

https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-USB-Serial-Adapter-Modem/dp/B008634VJY

My son has ordered this one, I hope it will work...
https://www.amazon.com/Washinglee-Programming-Uniden-Scanner-Interface/dp/B07X4XY6W9 looks like the reviews are ok, and I'm hoping with the FTDI chip it will work ok. I know on other radios I have (ham) the FTDI chip has worked pretty well.