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.

 

[K9KLC]

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.

Ok I (well my son) ordered a cable, hopefully it will work.

https://www.amazon.com/Washinglee-Programming-Uniden-Scanner-Interface/dp/B07X4XY6W9

 

[Ronaldski]

Only $10, Instead of paying $30+ I've used in combination with the cable that came with the radio, I connect this cable to the original.
Bought in 2021, works great. https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Converter-Prolific-Chipset-CB-9P6F/dp/B00IDSM6BW?crid=2A812YSLHGXFI

K9KLC​

Added this picture after you replied.

 

[K9KLC]

Only $10, Instead of paying $30+ I've used in combination with the cable that came with the radio, I connect this cable to the original.
Bought in 2021, works great. https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Converter-Prolific-Chipset-CB-9P6F/dp/B00IDSM6BW?crid=2A812YSLHGXFI

Well, it's a little late now. I'm confused though, you say you connect that cable to the original. Original what?

 

[N9JIG]

Well, it's a little late now. I'm confused though, you say you connect that cable to the original. Original what?

The 996XT came with a Serial cable with a DB-9 on one end and the 4-pin connector (to match the jack on the radio) on the other. This serial cable can be used with the USB-Serial adapter.

As for the cable you bought: it should work fine for both programming/control as well as firmware updates.

 

[K9KLC]

The 996XT came with a Serial cable with a DB-9 on one end and the 4-pin connector (to match the jack on the radio) on the other. This serial cable can be used with the USB-Serial adapter.

As for the cable you bought: it should work fine for both programming/control as well as firmware updates.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to getting it, the son had it shipped here might be here tomorrow (so figure Tuesday or Wednesday). I have already started the programming for it on Proscan so, when the cable gets here I''ll run thru the update process that @Enforcer52 shared and hopefully this "might" work for my son. I'm fully aware of simulcast issues and such, but we'll see what happens. He's at the edge of the county so maybe he'll get lucky. I know my BCD 536 worked ok over there.

Again, thanks.

 

[RoninJoliet]

Can i attach a DB9-USB converter to the 396XT cable to upgrade

 

[N9JIG]

Can i attach a DB9-USB converter to the 396XT cable to upgrade

Yes. Since the 396 only has the single serial port used for both the GPS and programming it handles all of these things, just not at the same time.

 

[tvengr]

Can i attach a DB9-USB converter to the 396XT cable to upgrade

This is the adapter I use. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...rolific-chipset-black/5883029.p?skuId=5883029 Insert it between the computer and DB9 cable that comes with the scanner. I have never had any problems using the adapter with any software or scanners.

 

[K9KLC]

This is the adapter I use. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...rolific-chipset-black/5883029.p?skuId=5883029 Insert it between the computer and DB9 cable that comes with the scanner. I have never had any problems using the adapter with any software or scanners.

Thanks. The cable I ordered worked. I acquired the scanner "well used" and it was just the scanner. No programming cable, no power cable and no bracket.

I have had good luck thus far with Proscan getting it programmed less a thing or two my son would like which thanks to your link I'm going to work on it more when I get home between programming some Motorola HTs for ham use.

Again thank you!!