The data connection port on the scanner in not a mini-USB.
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Correct, it is not mini USB. I never did really learn what that connector is truly called. Many called it a Hi-Rose connector but I think that is just a supplier or manufacturer.
I've seen the same exact connector used for both USB and Serial connections.
I needed some of the plugs so I bought a bunch off eBay for a buck each. They were short like 6 inches and had a USB male Type A connector on the other end. Those were also called HiRose connectors!
I often wondered if anyone got their hands on one of these and plugged them into the x96 series and a USB computer port, if it damaged the radios serial port or perhaps the USB port on the computer.
I cut the USB ends off and made up my special serial cables I needed from just the Uniden shaped end.
I also had a cheap pair of binoculars that also snapped photo's of what you were viewing. They used the same odd connector but it was a USB connection for getting the pictures off the binoculars and into a computer.
I think I've only ever seen it used as a serial connection on Uniden scanners so USB seems to be its original purpose. I guess they are fine for serial projects though as long as you don't need any of the other signalling wires that serial offers.