DB9 cable for Unidens

[doctordave]

Anyone know of a vendor selling a db9 cable that has a relatively small plug housing and rather thin cable? I have a 796 vehicle mounted and would like to leave a dedicated db-9 cable attached, so that I can bring out a 296 (with identical programming from my PC) and update the 796 periodically. I've checked about 20 vendors and all carry db-9 cables that have the usual big, fat plug and thick cable. Given my space limitation in vehicle, this will not fit.

Another question - if I get a male-male db9 for the 796....and then attach my 296's female db-9 cable end, will the orientation of pins be appropriate - or is one of those "null modem" adapters necessary?

Thanks much.

 

[Dubbin]

You can try checking newegg.com and see what they have.

 

[BANDIT]

I have a Pro95 with the Purple cable. A lot of times instead of pulling the computer out of the desk I just unplug the db9 serial conn from the back of one of my scanners on the desktop. Plug the Purple cable into it and program the Pro95. No problems doing this at all, up or down load.

 

[scanfan03]

I have a Pro95 with the Purple cable. A lot of times instead of pulling the computer out of the desk I just unplug the db9 serial conn from the back of one of my scanners on the desktop. Plug the Purple cable into it and program the Pro95. No problems doing this at all, up or down load.

No offense, but dude, your post makes no sense! :lol: He wants a db9 cable for his car, not his desktop, and for a BC 796, not a Pro-95 :? Obviously the purple cable is too big, he said he wanted a small db9 connector and small wire, maybe 10 gauge?

Anyways, doctordave, you could probably make your own, or have someone make one for you with about 9-12 gauge wire.

 

[BANDIT]

Did you read this part of his post?

Another question - if I get a male-male db9 for the 796....and then attach my 296's female db-9 cable end, will the orientation of pins be appropriate - or is one of those "null modem" adapters necessary?

 

[pro92b]

Lots of confusion here. The Purple cable is not usable with the 796D or 296D - it only works with Radio Shack models. House wiring is 12 Ga and #10 is even bigger, not what we want for this purpose. 26 or 28 ga wire would be best for the cloning cable.

With straight through serial cables a null modem adapter is needed for cloning.

Building your own cable is probably the best option. Initially try it with just three wires, Rx, Tx, and Ground. Crossing the Rx and Tx wires in the cable will eliminate the need for the null modem adapter.

 

[BANDIT]

I did not say the Purple cable would work with the Uniden. I was explaining that what I do with mine just might work with what he wanted to do with his setup in the second part of his post. Only difference is he is wanting to clone another radio and I am using a computer so I dont need a null modem. What he really needs is a cheap laptop for transfering files and maintaining the database for the scanners. I use an old Dell Latitude LS 400Mhz to program my mobile when I do not want to remove it from the vehicle. He can build a cable with smaller wire but the db9 connecters only come in one size, except for the premade ones like the purple cable with the moulded plastic conn with no screw tabs. Just wanted to give him some alternate ideas.

 

[loumaag]

I am not sure about the "null modem" thing, but here is an idea that might work and fit what you are looking to do. Get another cable for the BC296d and hang it in the back of the 796d. You can try it out (for the "null modem" need) before installation to see if the idea will work. A DB9 connector will be a DB9 connector but the other being able to just plut into the 296d is what you are after.

 

[pro92b]

From page 55 of the 796D manual:

Cloning Scanner Settings
You will need to purchase an RS232C null modem adapter/gender changer to connect your
scanners together. (These items are available at your local electronics stores.)
To connect the Scanners together, plug the scanner ends of the cables into the scanners,
then connect the PC ends of the cables to the null modem adapter/gender changer

If you don't use a null modem adapter, the two transmit lines of the radios will be connected together, not a good thing to do.

 

[doctordave]

Thanks for the responses....after an exhaustive online search, it looks like buying a db-9 connector and doing the wiring myself will be the route that will work. If it were not for the very limited space consideration w/ my hidden in-vehicle mount, this would have been a slam dunk.

Will let you all know how it works out. Appreciate the input.

Just in case anyone else will be dabbling w/ a homebrew connection of this sort, I found a website w/ details on the standard pin configuration. http://www.nullmodem.com/DB-9.htm