Help please which cable for what, SDS100 & BCD536HP.

AngWay

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Hi i have done a ton of reading and researching alot of it right here on RR but i'm still just so confused on alot of this. Here is what i'm trying to find answers to .

the usb programming cable that came with my sds100 is just a micro usb to usb A cable and it's what i use to program the scanner with sentinel also i use the same cable to program my BCD536HP using sentinel also is that ok?

So I just ordered a cable for my BCD536HP and This is it will that work ok with the BCD536?

The biggest issue i'm having trouble with is that i seen This cable that is for the sds100 and it would also fit my bcd536 but does that cable also let you program the scanner as well as use it for the gps capabilities? if it does then maybe i should just get it and use it on my sds100 and use the one that came with my sds100 on my BCD536. But that is pretty much it if someone could answer these questions and help me get it narrowed down to whats what, i have read everything on the gps cable and all the reviews and nobody mentions that is can also program the scanner to. But thanks and happy new year to everyone!.
 

Hit_Factor

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It's a standard USB cable. As long as it has the correct ends on it, it will work.

The Uniden GPS cable kit is a kludge of cables. I remember making my own so that I could also power the scanner and the GPS puck. It's been awhile, so I don't recall specifics. Will the cable you linked to work, my guess is yes, but if it doesn't, just return it.
 

AngWay

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It's a standard USB cable. As long as it has the correct ends on it, it will work.

The Uniden GPS cable kit is a kludge of cables. I remember making my own so that I could also power the scanner and the GPS puck. It's been awhile, so I don't recall specifics. Will the cable you linked to work, my guess is yes, but if it doesn't, just return it.
Ok thanks. yeah i was just wondering if that gps cable would also double as a programming cable if it would it would kill two birds with one stone for me. i know that all cables are not alike when it comes to powering and data transfer and i know that companies will design stuff in a way to make u buy more as well lol.
 

nessnet

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YES:
The BC-UTGC will also allow programming as well.

As to a standard USB cable for the SDS100.
The only thing special about it is that it uses AWG24 power/ground wires, which prevent voltage drop.
This allows the setting charge while on to be used.
 

AngWay

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YES:
The BC-UTGC will also allow programming as well.

As to a standard USB cable for the SDS100.
The only thing special about it is that it uses AWG24 power/ground wires, which prevent voltage drop.
This allows the setting charge while on to be used.
Oh ok awesome thanks for that well if the BC-UTGC will work for programming and gps the way i see it it would be best just to purchase that cable instead of just the power and programming cable by itself. since i did already purchase that one i will return it i guess and get the BC-UTGC one then just transfer the regular programming and charging cable that came with my sds100 to my BCD536
 

kudzu_kid

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I didn't look at your specific cable but in general, you should shop for the cable that achieves your primary purpose. That may sound overly simple and obvious but breaking it down: there are some cheapo cables that are sold as charging cables. Watch out! This is where I apply a grain of salt to the "if it fits it'll work" mantra. Yeah sometimes, maybe even usually, but not always. Some (perhaps many!) cables are therefore NOT good data cables - either due to design or manufacture. Conversely not all good data cables are rapid power charging cables. "Charging" isn't really a big concern in the case of an SDS200 (which I have), but I can't speak to the SDS100. There are a few factors in the mix - are all necessary pins used or just the data or just the There ARE some cables that are good at BOTH data and charging - traditionally these would tend to be slightly thicker cables. These are ones I buy. I have a few phones, tablets, laptops, etc etc to charge and "talk" to, so I try to get good quality cables that do both. I avoid the $5 cables at the checkout stands at QuikTrip (whatever C-store / truck stop, etc. you like). I've been very happy with Anker brand cables off of Amazon. Most (not all I believe) have a lifetime warranty - serviced through the Anker store on Amazon. IF you get an Anker cable don't peel off the little foil tag on the cable. It's the cable serial #. Even if you do remove it, they'll still warranty it but it takes another step or two on your part.

Having said all this, it's possible someone will add that they just bought a cable at a C-store or whatever for $2.00 and it works just great with sentinel and everything else just great, charges fast, transfers data at Blue light speed, etc. Just sharing my 2¢ & experience after over 30 years of desktop and network support, data communications, electronic hobbying, and more than I care to mention here & now.

Enjoy! Good luck!
 

AngWay

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I didn't look at your specific cable but in general, you should shop for the cable that achieves your primary purpose. That may sound overly simple and obvious but breaking it down: there are some cheapo cables that are sold as charging cables. Watch out! This is where I apply a grain of salt to the "if it fits it'll work" mantra. Yeah sometimes, maybe even usually, but not always. Some (perhaps many!) cables are therefore NOT good data cables - either due to design or manufacture. Conversely not all good data cables are rapid power charging cables. "Charging" isn't really a big concern in the case of an SDS200 (which I have), but I can't speak to the SDS100. There are a few factors in the mix - are all necessary pins used or just the data or just the There ARE some cables that are good at BOTH data and charging - traditionally these would tend to be slightly thicker cables. These are ones I buy. I have a few phones, tablets, laptops, etc etc to charge and "talk" to, so I try to get good quality cables that do both. I avoid the $5 cables at the checkout stands at QuikTrip (whatever C-store / truck stop, etc. you like). I've been very happy with Anker brand cables off of Amazon. Most (not all I believe) have a lifetime warranty - serviced through the Anker store on Amazon. IF you get an Anker cable don't peel off the little foil tag on the cable. It's the cable serial #. Even if you do remove it, they'll still warranty it but it takes another step or two on your part.

Having said all this, it's possible someone will add that they just bought a cable at a C-store or whatever for $2.00 and it works just great with sentinel and everything else just great, charges fast, transfers data at Blue light speed, etc. Just sharing my 2¢ & experience after over 30 years of desktop and network support, data communications, electronic hobbying, and more than I care to mention here & now.

Enjoy! Good luck!
ok i just wanted to know if the gps cable would also let you program like the regular cable that comes with the scanner. but thanks for your reply.
 

AngWay

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In sentinel if i select the target model BCDx36HP and upload it to the sds100 what would it do? i noticed that if i select the x36hp target that i have more options with the settings .. thanks
 

dmfalk

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They're different beasts. Although they have a similar structure, the software that runs these scanners (called the "firmware") is incompatible, and the settings for each might futz up the device. So stick with the target for your particular model. The SDS100 is a wonderful machine, don't ruin it! :)
 

Ubbe

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the usb programming cable that came with my sds100 is just a micro usb to usb A cable and it's what i use to program the scanner with sentinel also i use the same cable to program my BCD536HP using sentinel also is that ok?
Just a note that the programming cable for SDS100 and BCD536 are a mini USB and not micro. If you order any cable then make sure it is a mini as the micro for SDS100 are for the GPS but if using GPS it is not using USB but the 5:th pin that often isn't connected in standard USB cables for a RS232 serial connection.

/Ubbe
 
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