can't connect to the computer
- Thread starter andrew75
- Start date
- Status
K8LEA
Member
andrew75:
Guess a welcome is in order - I'm a relative newcomer here, too....
Which model do you have? I'm not particularly conversant in these things, but most Uniden scanners seem to have computer connection capabilities now. If you've got one that can, you need a programming cable that can be plugged into your computer, and the software that is needed (sometimes it comes with the cable). You also may have to tell your radio (should be in the manual) that you want it to accept commands from the computer. You can find recommendations for software here on RadioReference.
The only real zinger is that some older cables require a "COM" port on your computer, and a lot of newer machines (now that built-in modems seem to be "standard", or just not there) don't have one. Instead, they have USB ports. You'll need an "adapter" (it's more like an additional cable than any sort of "plug" thing) between the cable and your computer's USB port. There are a lot of them out there, but not all of them will work, too, naturally. Radio Shack's 260-0183 works for me.
You probably can find further information here if you look for your scanner type.
Regards,
Stu.
Guess a welcome is in order - I'm a relative newcomer here, too....
Which model do you have? I'm not particularly conversant in these things, but most Uniden scanners seem to have computer connection capabilities now. If you've got one that can, you need a programming cable that can be plugged into your computer, and the software that is needed (sometimes it comes with the cable). You also may have to tell your radio (should be in the manual) that you want it to accept commands from the computer. You can find recommendations for software here on RadioReference.
The only real zinger is that some older cables require a "COM" port on your computer, and a lot of newer machines (now that built-in modems seem to be "standard", or just not there) don't have one. Instead, they have USB ports. You'll need an "adapter" (it's more like an additional cable than any sort of "plug" thing) between the cable and your computer's USB port. There are a lot of them out there, but not all of them will work, too, naturally. Radio Shack's 260-0183 works for me.
You probably can find further information here if you look for your scanner type.
Regards,
Stu.
As Stu said, the cable is the first issue.
New computers will not have the old style 9 pin serial ports that mate with the Uniden cable included with the scanner. Many computers older than 4-5 years old will still have them though, check the back of the tower to see if it's there. It looks almost the same as a VGA connector, but it has the male pins inside instead of a female socket like the VGA.
If you need to get a serial to USB adapter, stick with the ones mentioned here on the forum that members have said work ok.
Once you get the physical connection to the computer completed, then you'll need software to program the scanner. I and many others use FreeScan and it works well.
FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software
Download it and install on your computer.
Good luck!
New computers will not have the old style 9 pin serial ports that mate with the Uniden cable included with the scanner. Many computers older than 4-5 years old will still have them though, check the back of the tower to see if it's there. It looks almost the same as a VGA connector, but it has the male pins inside instead of a female socket like the VGA.
If you need to get a serial to USB adapter, stick with the ones mentioned here on the forum that members have said work ok.
Once you get the physical connection to the computer completed, then you'll need software to program the scanner. I and many others use FreeScan and it works well.
FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software
Download it and install on your computer.
Good luck!
- Status
Similar threads
