SDS100/SDS200: Data only Mini USB cable?

[garys]

I'm trying to use the batteries for my SDS100 more so I'm not plugging a USB connector in when it's running. The problem is that I can't use Pro Scan to monitor and operate the scanner without plugging the USB cable in.

I searched for "Data Only Mini USB Cable" but it appears that taking a regular Mini USB cable and cutting the power leads is the only way to do this. I guess Uniden never figured people would want to run the SDS100 with a data only cable.

Does anyone know of data only Mini USB cables or should I just get my small electronic parts out and start working?

 

[dmfalk]

You have "charging while scanning" set to "on". Turn it off. Then, when the cable is connected, it won't attempt to charge.

 

[tvengr]

You have "charging while scanning" set to "on". Turn it off. Then, when the cable is connected, it won't attempt to charge.

Even with Charge While On turned off, the scanner will run off of USB power with the cable connected. The OP wants to run the scanner off of the battery while maintaining the data connection.

 

[RandyKuff]

I'm trying to use the batteries for my SDS100 more so I'm not plugging a USB connector in when it's running. The problem is that I can't use Pro Scan to monitor and operate the scanner without plugging the USB cable in.

I searched for "Data Only Mini USB Cable" but it appears that taking a regular Mini USB cable and cutting the power leads is the only way to do this. I guess Uniden never figured people would want to run the SDS100 with a data only cable.

Does anyone know of data only Mini USB cables or should I just get my small electronic parts out and start working?

Search Amazon for "USB A breadboard"...
You can find parts to make an adapter and remove the power connections...

 

[garys]

Exactly. There is no "switch" to turn off external power.

Even with Charge While On turned off, the scanner will run off of USB power with the cable connected. The OP wants to run the scanner off of the battery while maintaining the data connection.

 

[garys]

Thanks!

Search Amazon for "USB A breadboard"...
You can find parts to make an adapter and remove the power connections...

 

[RandyKuff]

Thanks!

Something like this would work perfect for you...

https://www.amazon.com/Female-Shield-Terminal-Adapter-Connector/dp/B09BKHPT9C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

 

[garys]

Thanks. I'm going to take a whack at modifying an existing cable and once I hack that up I'll order one of these.

Something like this would work perfect for you...

https://www.amazon.com/Female-Shield-Terminal-Adapter-Connector/dp/B09BKHPT9C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

 

[tvengr]

Thanks. I'm going to take a whack at modifying an existing cable

You may need the ground side of the USB cable as a reference. I would try disconnecting only the plus side of the power.

 

[Ubbe]

I'm trying to use the batteries for my SDS100 more

There's no memory effect with those kind of batteries or that they need to be "refreshed" by cycling them like some other battery types. But they do have a limited amount of charges until they go bad. So try to keep them charged at all times and not let them discharge that will let them have one less charge cycle of life.

" lithium-ion batteries offer a range of 500 to 1000 cycles"

/Ubbe

 

[garys]

The articles I found on line said exactly that. Cut the red wire, but leave the others connected.

Sort of like those action movies where the hero has to decide if he should cut the red wire or the blue one.

You may need the ground side of the USB cable as a reference. I would try disconnecting only the plus side of the power.

 

[pyeman99]

It is also recommended that they be stored at about 50% charged if long term storage.Quite a balancing act, as you want to grab the radio & go. A big bonus their self discharge is very low.So fully charged today, a weeks time ready to go no problem. Some radio's run a clock so there can be a certain amount of discharge.Even so, loads better than our old chemistry's.

 

[garys]

I cut the red wire and the cable will no longer carry data from the scanner to the computer. I don't know why power is required for that, but it is.

 

[RandyKuff]

I cut the red wire and the cable will no longer carry data from the scanner to the computer. I don't know why power is required for that, but it is.

Might very well be possible then that the scanner needs to see the 5 volts from the cable to initiate the connection...

 

[ProScan]

Might very well be possible then that the scanner needs to see the 5 volts from the cable to initiate the connection...

I think the UART chip inside the scanner gets the power from the USB side and not the scanner internal power.

 

[RandyKuff]

I think the UART chip inside the scanner gets the power from the USB side and not the scanner internal power.

That could very well be...

 

[garys]

Both of those seem likely based on my experiment. Total loss was a nice USB Mini cable, but I can easily find those at Goodwill.
I guess I'm going to have to decide which I want to do more.

I also wonder how the SDS150 is going to handle that.

 

[tvengr]

Sort of like those action movies where the hero has to decide if he should cut the red wire or the blue one.

I cut the red wire

Did you survive the explosion?

 

[garys]

Both I and the SDS100 survived the experiment. The Mini USB cable was not so lucky.

Sacrifices sometimes need to be made.

Did you survive the explosion?

 

[dmfalk]

Did you survive the explosion?

"Missed it by that much!" 🤏