GumbyCT
Member
I did a quick search but couldn't find anything about fabricating your own programming cable. Can you make your own cable for programming the Pro-106 or 197? If so point me in the right direction.
Thanks
Thanks
Make Programming Cable?
- Thread starter GumbyCT
- Start date
- Status
Yes, you can. If you want it to stay USB you still have a starting price in the $20's because the FTDI branded converter cable is not cheap. You would purchase the bare-ended model and attach the stereo plug.
If you went strictly serial it's a typical MAX232 TTL converter style circuit. Kenwood and possibly ICOM use similar cables.
I built something similar for a Sirius radio and after I was done figuring it out and getting it working I didn't exactly come out saving much. I'd say just buy the cable unless you're in to building circuits.
If you went strictly serial it's a typical MAX232 TTL converter style circuit. Kenwood and possibly ICOM use similar cables.
I built something similar for a Sirius radio and after I was done figuring it out and getting it working I didn't exactly come out saving much. I'd say just buy the cable unless you're in to building circuits.
Last edited:
GumbyCT
Member
For some reason I thought a twisted pair would do. Oh well, I better get busy and order before this sale is over.
Thanks for the insight.
Thanks for the insight.
Indicamguy
Member
Pin-out for making a USB to stereo plug programming cable
Wow, my first post here.
I am wanting to make my own programming cable. I mean $34 at Radio Shack and the cable is probably made in China. Nothing wrong with a cable made in China except it cost RS a couple of bucks at most. I'm not cheap, just smart.
Anyway, what goes where with the USB - Stereo cable?
Also, is there a consensus as to what programming / scanning software is the best for the 106?
Thanks for any help.
Wow, my first post here.
I am wanting to make my own programming cable. I mean $34 at Radio Shack and the cable is probably made in China. Nothing wrong with a cable made in China except it cost RS a couple of bucks at most. I'm not cheap, just smart.
Anyway, what goes where with the USB - Stereo cable?
Also, is there a consensus as to what programming / scanning software is the best for the 106?
Thanks for any help.
Evert
Member
On the USB side you will need to build an USB-RS232 converter circuit. Then you will need an RS232 to TTL converter circuit. The output is to a TRS plug usually with TX to Tip, RX to Ring, and ground to Sleeve. That would be for full-duplex mode. To be complete your circuit should be able to send both TX and RX to the Tip while operating in half-duplex mode. And of course it should be able to detect and automatically switch to which mode is needed.
Then you will need to create driver software to make your cable work with your computer's operating system.
Then you will need to create driver software to make your cable work with your computer's operating system.
Last edited:
Indicamguy
Member
I wonder if I can still use the older "serial" cable. I think I bought one for a different RS scanner a while back.
Indicamguy
Indicamguy
qlajlu
Silent Key
If you are capable of building the cable and creating the drivers as mentioned by Evert, then go get 'er done! Personally, for the hassle, I'd just buy one. GRE has their 30-3290 cable, which is the same one as the RS cable, for $30 on their Web site and you can download the drivers. You have a top-of-the-line handheld scanner in today's market. Why skimp on accessories?
These are the recommended programing software for your scanner. Each one offers a 30-day free test for you to decide which one suits your needs best.
GumbyCT
Member
Or if the serial cable is easier to install the drivers than this USB thingy. I ended up buying the 20-047 cable and spent the last 2 days trying to get the drivers installed in Vista Home.
Info regarding this installation is sparse not only from the cable manuf. but not much that I could find on this forum either. Found a driver download on the RS site but the driver inf appears to be different from what came on the CD.
The "Browse" option is just not there in my Vista Home. So its either let Windows install it "Recommended"- Remind me later or "Cancel".
Adding new hardware from Devmgmt.msc is prob the way to go then choose Legacy Hardware but then Radio Cable was not an option.
I think I understand now why people are selling the scanners that use this cable.
Evert
Member
That’s strange - I installed the drivers for the 20-047 cable in a few minutes on my Vista Home Premium 32 bit computer with no problems at all.
As to the RS232 serial version, It is becoming rare for a computer that comes with Vista installed to have a port for it.
As to the RS232 serial version, It is becoming rare for a computer that comes with Vista installed to have a port for it.
GumbyCT
Member
Care to share your procedure or sequence of "how to"?
On the RS site I saw your comment as well as the ones which said this cable simply (doesn't or) will not work with Vista.
Evert
Member
I don’t recall the exact steps but I think all I did was to run the setup.exe file and then plugged in the cable, clicked on “next” a few times and it was done.
IIRC first I did it with files from RS and then when I saw the drivers were from FTDI, I downloaded drivers directly from the FTDI site. There was an uninstall.exe file and I un-installed the RS drivers and then installed the FTDI updated drivers.
I am on a road trip to eastern Nebraska right now and left my Vista computer at home so I can not go through the steps on it until I get home next week.
I take it that you saw comments like mine on the RS site and not actually my comment because I have not posted any comments on the RS site.
IIRC first I did it with files from RS and then when I saw the drivers were from FTDI, I downloaded drivers directly from the FTDI site. There was an uninstall.exe file and I un-installed the RS drivers and then installed the FTDI updated drivers.
I am on a road trip to eastern Nebraska right now and left my Vista computer at home so I can not go through the steps on it until I get home next week.
I take it that you saw comments like mine on the RS site and not actually my comment because I have not posted any comments on the RS site.
Last edited:
GumbyCT
Member
There's my problem - I was not able to locate a setup file on the provided CD.
Evert
Member
GumbyCT, try this:
Go to this site: Virtual COM Port Drivers
Click on the words “setup executable” (see picture below)
Save the CDM 2.04.16.exe somewhere on your computer.
Make sure the 20-047 cable is disconnected from the computer.
Double click on the CDM 2.04.16.exe file
A DOS box will briefly appear and then close.
Insert the cable.
You should see a notification that the cable has been found and shortly afterwards a notification that it is ready for use.
During the process the notifications will indicate which com port it is using or you can go to the Device Manager and see the port number.
The above should work for Windows XP and Vista 32bit and 64bit computers.
Go to this site: Virtual COM Port Drivers
Click on the words “setup executable” (see picture below)
Save the CDM 2.04.16.exe somewhere on your computer.
Make sure the 20-047 cable is disconnected from the computer.
Double click on the CDM 2.04.16.exe file
A DOS box will briefly appear and then close.
Insert the cable.
You should see a notification that the cable has been found and shortly afterwards a notification that it is ready for use.
During the process the notifications will indicate which com port it is using or you can go to the Device Manager and see the port number.
The above should work for Windows XP and Vista 32bit and 64bit computers.
Attachments
Last edited:
GumbyCT
Member
Good job on the steps.
Unfortunately, for me, I spent some time last nite and finally got it installed on my laptop. Don't remember how exactly cuz I tried sooo many times just know I stopped the auto install by unplugging the cable again then mapping (when it allowed) to the folder on my drive. That's the short story
I did go to the link and with your instructions others should not have any problems. Wonder why RS doesn't have an exe to install the drivers. I remember thinking, hey it's just an f'n cable, what is the problem here? Esp. Vista usu. installs everything else with NO troubles.
I do Thank You for your efforts.
Hopefully, I will be on to the next rung on this learning ladder
Unfortunately, for me, I spent some time last nite and finally got it installed on my laptop. Don't remember how exactly cuz I tried sooo many times just know I stopped the auto install by unplugging the cable again then mapping (when it allowed) to the folder on my drive. That's the short story
I did go to the link and with your instructions others should not have any problems. Wonder why RS doesn't have an exe to install the drivers. I remember thinking, hey it's just an f'n cable, what is the problem here? Esp. Vista usu. installs everything else with NO troubles.
I do Thank You for your efforts.
Hopefully, I will be on to the next rung on this learning ladder
Indicamguy
Member
Did buy the cable from RS. I didn't know it had a bunch of "stuff" extra. I thought it was just a USB to stereo plug.
Now to download the WIN500 software. This should make programming so much easier.
One interresting thing...When I get frequency lists from local guys they seem to be missing most of the frequencies that I have found that are local. Go figure.
Now to download the WIN500 software. This should make programming so much easier.
One interresting thing...When I get frequency lists from local guys they seem to be missing most of the frequencies that I have found that are local. Go figure.
qlajlu
Silent Key
Do not use the extension that comes with the RS cable.
When you get ready to import your systems using WIN500, there is an illustrated "tutorial" at UtahRadio.org that will help you with the steps.
Just an FYI that Windows 7 automatically installed drivers for my RS USB cable (the orange one... I don't have the model # handy). I didn't have to hunt for drivers at all.
GumbyCT
Member
Cloning Cable
In a related question - has anyone made a working cloning cable? Any hints or tips? Or RS P/N's? I would guess 3ft should be long enuff?
Thanks,
Gumby
In a related question - has anyone made a working cloning cable? Any hints or tips? Or RS P/N's? I would guess 3ft should be long enuff?
Thanks,
Gumby
Evert
Member
For the Pro-106 and 197 you need a cable with a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) TRS (“Stereo” plug on each end. You can easily make one or buy them at electronic stores. They are sometimes called stereo patch cords.
plug on each end. You can easily make one or buy them at electronic stores. They are sometimes called stereo patch cords.Gee, on my Vista machine I followed the instructions enclosed and the driver installed just fine.
In case your cable is missing the instructions (tongue in cheek sarcasim), you should insert the CD into the CD drive before you do anything else. Then plug the cable in. When the Vista driver install window appears, selected the recommended option of let windows find the driver.
Thats all there is too it. There is no setup.exe file to run.
In case your cable is missing the instructions (tongue in cheek sarcasim), you should insert the CD into the CD drive before you do anything else. Then plug the cable in. When the Vista driver install window appears, selected the recommended option of let windows find the driver.
Thats all there is too it. There is no setup.exe file to run.
- Status
Similar threads
