BCD396XT/BCD996XT: Need help locating serial to usb cable for BCD996xt

[bobruzzo]

My friend has an old BCD996XT scanner. It looks like it uses a similar programming cable that the BCT15X uses, but none of our computers have serial ports (9 pin). The BCD996XT has a programming cable which has a USB connector on one end and a 9 pin serial connector on other. Can someone recommend a 9 pin serial to usb adapter cable that will work with this radio? I searched on amazon but product descriptions rather vague.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What about this one?

 

[buddrousa]

You can buy a USB to serial adapter and the cable and it will work just fine

 

[sallen07]

My friend has an old BCD996XT scanner. It looks like it uses a similar programming cable that the BCT15X uses, but none of our computers have serial ports (9 pin). The BCD996XT has a programming cable which has a USB connector on one end and a 9 pin serial connector on other. Can someone recommend a 9 pin serial to usb adapter cable that will work with this radio? I searched on amazon but product descriptions rather vague.

Here is the USB-1 cable that plugs into the little serial (not USB) connector on the front of the BCT15X/BCD996XT:

USB-1 Cable for T-XT Series Scanners

USB cable for the BCD396T, BCD396XT, BC346XT, BC246T, BR330T, SC230, BC95XLT, BCD996T, BCD996XT, BCT15XT & BCT15.

www.bearcatwarehouse.com

For programming and remote control, you can also use the DB9 on the back of the scanner. (The serial on the front *must* be used for firmware updates.) If you want to go that route, here's a cable that works:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY/

 

[sallen07]

What about this one?

I believe he already has that one (it ships with the scanner). It goes from the mini serial connector on the scanner to a DB9 serial connector. He said he doesn't have a PC with a serial port.

 

[N9JIG]

Buddrousa is correct, go to Best Buy, Amazon or WalMart and get a USB-Serial adapter and you can use the existing 9-pin cable you have.

The direct USB-1 cable has been unavailable for months and there is no clue as to when it might be available again.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Ah, I misread. Microcenter has a few USB to serial adapters

 

[iMONITOR]

What about this one?

From the O.P.: "but none of our computers have serial ports (9 pin)"

 

[iMONITOR]

Uniden USB-1 cable (in-stock)

UNIDEN USB-1

USB Programming Cable

www.hamradio.com

 

[merlin]

I use a genuine FTDI USB to RS232 cable between the computer and the stock BCT15 cable.
It works flawlessly.
What I don't know is if the BCD996XT and BCT15 use the same cable, but believe it does.
I have had bad luck with the USB to RS232 cables that use Cyprus drivers (usually made in China) so I suggest any cable with the genuine FTDI chipset. What of those I have work well.
They do have a USB to Uniden cable, RF guys carried them, but possibly out of stock.
( I misplaced mine) but it worked also.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What I don't know is if the BCD996XT and BCT15 use the same cable, but believe it does.

It does, I owned both about a decade ago

 

[a417]

@buddrousa ftw!

 

[tvengr]

You can use this USB to serial adapter along with the existing serial cable with the 9 pin connector. I have never had any problems using this adapter with any software or scanner. Insignia™ 1.3' USB-to-RS-232 (DB9) PDA/Serial Adapter Cable Black NS-PU99501 - Best Buy

 

[iMONITOR]

Uniden USB-1 cable (in-stock)

UNIDEN USB-1

USB Programming Cable

www.hamradio.com

Note: This is a USB cable with an RS-232 conversion built in with the proper plug to fit the serial port on the front of the BCD996XT. You can also update firmware using this cable.

 

[tvengr]

You can use this USB to serial adapter along with the existing serial cable with the 9 pin connector. I have never had any problems using this adapter with any software or scanner. Insignia™ 1.3' USB-to-RS-232 (DB9) PDA/Serial Adapter Cable Black NS-PU99501 - Best Buy

You can also update the firmware using this adapter.

 

[FrensicPic]

I use the Micro Connectors E07-160 USB to Serial Adapter with my BCD996XT and a Windows 10 workstation. It is used with the Uniden serial cable.

USB-A Male 2.0 to Serial DB9-Male Adapter

USB-A Male 2.0 to Serial DB9-Male Adapter

www.microconnectors.com

The Uniden USB-1 cable does not work with my Windows 10 workstation although it does work with my Windows 7 laptop.

 

[bobruzzo]

OK Thank you very much for all the help. We found one at Best Buy for $20!

 

[iMONITOR]

I use the Micro Connectors E07-160 USB to Serial Adapter with my BCD996XT and a Windows 10 workstation. It is used with the Uniden serial cable.

USB-A Male 2.0 to Serial DB9-Male Adapter

USB-A Male 2.0 to Serial DB9-Male Adapter

www.microconnectors.com

The Uniden USB-1 cable does not work with my Windows 10 workstation although it does work with my Windows 7 laptop.

I use it with Windows 10 with no problems.

 

[JoeBearcat]

I use it with Windows 10 with no problems.

There is more than one version of the USB-1. Why they did not differentiate it using an "USB-1A" or "USB-2" I do not know.

I asked about that, but was told it is not worth the change at this point.

 

[alphaacres]

Me like this one remember to change baud rate works good on BCD536 too.
USB to Null Modem Serial DCE Adapter - Serial Cards & Adapters (startech.com)