Having problems with ARC-XT Pro Software and the USB-1 Cable Interface

[NORCAL]

I’m looking for someone who has successfully installed and operated the ARC-XT Pro Software with the USB-1 cable interface to a Windows OS 7 laptop. The laptop has three (3) USB Comm ports. It does not have a RS 232 connection. With BUTEL assistance I got the correct driver for the USB-1 cable (v3.4.36.247 dated 7/26/2012). According BUTEL, this driver supports both XP and Windows 7 OS’s and proven to work. My laptop device manager recognizes the USB-1 cable and says it operating properly. But when I connect the laptop to my UNIDEN BCD996XT via the USB-1 cable and attempt to download systems loaded on the scanner using the Main Menu command (Download from Scanner), I get the message "Serial port is not available or used by other software." There nothing plug into the port other than the USB-1 cable. I get the same response using the other USB ports. I have asked for further assistance from BUTEL but have not heard back from them as yet. The only option to check Communication Setup from the ARC-XT Pro Top Menu is using a RS232 Setup connection/verification. The operator's manual provided on the CD Rom does not specifically address a USB-1 test/setup process, or if something on the scanner has to be re-configured differently using a USB-1 cable. If anyone has had similar experience and knows how to correct the above problem, please comment.

 

[lep]

I do not have a laptop but my Desk Top Win7 pro is running ARC XT with my 996XT as I type, I am using the USB-1 cable to the REAR connector so as to keep the cord out of the way. I am using COM 9 and it is all working okay. I let Device Manager find the port it wished to use, I am running my HP-1 on COM 10 at the same time. Yes, it can be a pain if I have to power down it all and start over again so I try not to do that often!

 

[captclint]

Also just installed on Win7 and working. However, had to reboot and install USB drivers twice. Also find the connection loses it's way from time to time, and have to reboot. Much more finicky than serial connection on XP. Be sure you follow this and install lastest downloaded drivers 1st before plugging in connector(Prolific claims it will seek out the latest drivers for Win7, but hat did not work): Connecting scanners via USB Also be sure you have set up comm port and speed in Scanner, Communication set-up, and the the correct speed in the scanner itself.

 

[eorange]

I bought a Prolific-based USB to serial cable, and took that back after 2 days of driver nonsense, inconsistent connections, and general headaches on Win7. It wasn't the USB-1 cable, but it was Prolific based. Same problems described here.

I then bought an FTDI-based USB to serial cable, and have had NO problems since, on Win7. It's as rock solid as can be. The driver installation was easy and predictable (got from FTDI's site), and the connection just works every time.

Amazon.com: GearMo® USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter for Windows 7 32/64 bit FTDI Chip Pro Adapter with LED: Electronics

I have used it countless times on my BCD396XT (mated to the Uniden-to-Serial cable that came with the scanner), BC780, VR-500, AOR 8200MKIII, and an Icom R6. It really saves the headaches.

I think as long as you wrestle with Prolific, then you'll be having problems. I know this doesn't solve the USB-1 cable problems, but it is an alternative solution. Hope this can help someone.

 

[NORCAL]

Response to FTDI-based USB to serial cable suggestion

Thanks for the recommendation. I will try your suggestion. As an update, I've exchanged numerous emails with BUTEL. BUTEL has tried to be helpful but the Driver Package that they recommended from Scanner Master does not include the correct XP driver for the Prolific PL2302 chip. According to BUTEL, you need the oldest XP drivers that you can find. The link for the driver package from Scanner Master is shown below.

Uniden USB Cable

The link above will redirect you to Scanner Master's web site where you download the following driver package:

Windows 7/XP Operating System
PL2303 Prolific Driver v1.7.0


Repeating the above, BUTEL has stated to use the oldest legacy XP driver you can find for the Prolifc PL2302 Chip. The two drivers included in the Scanner Master web link do not meet this criteria. The included text support file [PL2302_Driver Installer v1.7.0_ReleaseNote.txt] that comes with the ZIP Driver file describes a XP driver and a Windows 7 driver that will be installed. After installing the two drivers, I only see the driver for Windows 7 [Vista/7/server2008 WDF WHQL Driver: v3.4.36.247 - 7/26/2012] and not the driver XP [2000/XP/Server2003 WDM WHQL Driver: v2.1.35.211] that was described in the above text file. The second Prolific driver that is installed is v2.0.0.19 [8/3/2005]. After information BUTEL, they said not to use the v2.0.0.19 driver and that they were unaware Scanner Master had changed there Driver Package for the USB-to-Serial cable. The last email exchange from BUTEL is that I need to install the oldest legacy driver version 1.5. No source was provided from BUTEL. As far as Scanner Master's assistance, they have referred me to BUTEL. I intend to contact Scanner Master regarding the above discrepancies. The above process has thus far has taken over a week of email exchanges and numerous installations followed by no success. My next step will depending on Scanner Master's response. I think they should be able to furnish the driver I need.

In the meantime, if anyone knows a source of legacy Prolific drives including the XP driver version 1.5 from a reliable source, please respond.

 

[lep]

My understanding, subject to correction from those with more info, is the Prolific chips began to be counterfeited in China. Therefore, as a measure to protect themselves, they updated the drivers as an anti-counterfeiting measure. This caused many cable sets to stop working. Using an OLD driver is an attempt to overcome this problem by reverting to a time before Prolific took these steps. As always, your mileage may vary.

 

[bear780ks]

Lep:. That's an Ouchy but i guess I can see why) Glad i still have my old Tower and can use the Serial.. for the time being that is..

 

[shalloend]

Fixed the same problem

Thanks for the recommendation. I will try your suggestion. As an update, I've exchanged numerous emails with BUTEL. BUTEL has tried to be helpful but the Driver Package that they recommended from Scanner Master does not include the correct XP driver for the Prolific PL2302 chip. According to BUTEL, you need the oldest XP drivers that you can find. The link for the driver package from Scanner Master is shown below.

Uniden USB Cable

The link above will redirect you to Scanner Master's web site where you download the following driver package:

Windows 7/XP Operating System
PL2303 Prolific Driver v1.7.0


Repeating the above, BUTEL has stated to use the oldest legacy XP driver you can find for the Prolifc PL2302 Chip. The two drivers included in the Scanner Master web link do not meet this criteria. The included text support file [PL2302_Driver Installer v1.7.0_ReleaseNote.txt] that comes with the ZIP Driver file describes a XP driver and a Windows 7 driver that will be installed. After installing the two drivers, I only see the driver for Windows 7 [Vista/7/server2008 WDF WHQL Driver: v3.4.36.247 - 7/26/2012] and not the driver XP [2000/XP/Server2003 WDM WHQL Driver: v2.1.35.211] that was described in the above text file. The second Prolific driver that is installed is v2.0.0.19 [8/3/2005]. After information BUTEL, they said not to use the v2.0.0.19 driver and that they were unaware Scanner Master had changed there Driver Package for the USB-to-Serial cable. The last email exchange from BUTEL is that I need to install the oldest legacy driver version 1.5. No source was provided from BUTEL. As far as Scanner Master's assistance, they have referred me to BUTEL. I intend to contact Scanner Master regarding the above discrepancies. The above process has thus far has taken over a week of email exchanges and numerous installations followed by no success. My next step will depending on Scanner Master's response. I think they should be able to furnish the driver I need.

In the meantime, if anyone knows a source of legacy Prolific drives including the XP driver version 1.5 from a reliable source, please respond.

I've figured it out. First, disable automatic driver updates. The follow the link above and use an OLD version of the driver. After fighting with it half of the day, that's the solution. Using the old driver. shew!! Good luck!!!

 

[Helitac]

PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v1.5.0.zip:

Enclosed is the latest "old" legacy file for the PL2303 Drivers. I had to go back to this driver to make the connection between my 996XT and my Windows 8 software. Once you install the driver, make sure you indicate you do not want to update, otherwise a new driver will install and your connection will go down.

 

[captclint]

I bought a Prolific-based USB to serial cable, and took that back after 2 days of driver nonsense, inconsistent connections, and general headaches on Win7. It wasn't the USB-1 cable, but it was Prolific based. Same problems described here. I then bought an FTDI-based USB to serial cable, and have had NO problems since

Took your advice. What a pleasure. FTDI auto installed drivers, auto located scanner port, and is rock solid. Also some of the PC and printer interference has been greatly reduced. Not sure if that would be the case for others, so I would not do this if that is your only problem. Thanks!!

 

[eorange]

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Excellent! Glad it worked out for you.