Tytera Looking for Genuine TYT MD-380 Programming Cable (Pass-Through Only, No USB Chip)

[Mbrowning]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a true pass-through USB programming cable for the TYT MD-380 (also applies to MD-390). I keep running into the error:
"Please check whether the USB cable is occupied or not connected."

I’ve learned this is likely due to many cables being sold for Baofeng or other analog radios with a USB-to-serial chip (CH340, Prolific, etc.) in the cable, which won’t work for the MD-380. Since this radio already has the USB chipset internally (STM32), I need a cable with no chip at all — just wiring straight to the USB connector.

I'm trying to find:

A genuine TYT or Retevis pass-through cable with the correct 2-pin connector

Preferably one that ships from a reputable U.S. seller

Optional: includes or points to the correct MiniDisc driver / STM DFU software


Any confirmed sources, trusted vendors, or Amazon/eBay links you’ve had success with? I’d appreciate the help. Just trying to avoid another junk cable that won’t work.

Thanks in advance!

 

[doriboni]

Why not buy the cable directly from the Chinese producer rather than from an American seller?

The software and drivers can be found online.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005008386953522.html

 

[Mbrowning]

Thanks for the link — I’ve looked at that one, and while it does look decent, I’m a little cautious because it comes with a Mini-CD and has a bulkier USB plug, which I’ve heard can mean there’s a CH340 or Prolific chip in the cable.

From what I understand, the MD‑380 already has the USB interface built into the radio (STM32), so using a cable with its own chip might confuse Windows — especially on Windows 11, which I’m running. I keep getting the “USB cable is occupied or not connected” message, and I’m trying to figure out if that’s due to the cable, the drivers, or a mix of both.

I’ve read that a true pass-through cable (no chip, no CD) is the right match for the MD‑380, but I’m open to suggestions if others have gotten this exact kind of cable working on Windows 11.

Just trying to get a reliable setup — appreciate any input or experiences others might have had with this combo.

 

[doriboni]

Where do you see that the cable has a larger usb plug???
You can see that it's all flat and that there are no chips in it.
In addition it is written in the description "original USB programming cable pour MD-380..."

By the way, it's exactly the cable I have. the mini CD is not for the cable chip since there is none, but for the MD380 chip.

On AliExpress if you have created an account you can ask the seller andif he lied to you you get a full refund of the cable, it says "Free returns within 90 days".

Here is a cable with a chip, you can see the difference:



On the other hand, many people have problems with Windows 11 and on all types of radios.
You should get an old used computer with Windows 8 or Windows 7 to set up your radios, so that no more problems.
Your problem may simply be Windows 11.

 

[Mbrowning]

Where do you see that the cable has a larger usb plug???
You can see that it's all flat and that there are no chips in it.
In addition it is written in the description "original USB programming cable pour MD-380..."

By the way, it's exactly the cable I have. the mini CD is not for the cable chip since there is none, but for the MD380 chip.

On AliExpress if you have created an account you can ask the seller andif he lied to you you get a full refund of the cable, it says "Free returns within 90 days".

Here is a cable with a chip, you can see the difference:

View attachment 185831

On the other hand, many people have problems with Windows 11 and on all types of radios.
You should get an old used computer with Windows 8 or Windows 7 to set up your radios, so that no more problems.
Your problem may simply be Windows 11.

Appreciate the follow-up — you're probably right. I tested my older TYT cable on a Windows 7 machine, and sure enough, it worked perfectly. So it does seem like Windows 11 is the issue here, not the cable. I may still try a clean, no-chip pass-through cable just to be sure, but at least I’ve confirmed it’s not the radio or the cable itself.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[n0xvz]

Here is a cable with a chip, you can see the difference:

View attachment 185831

What? My genuine TYT cables that came with my MD-380 and MD-UV380 both look like that. There is no chip in mine.