problems connecting to AR8000 from computer (PROBLEM SOLVED)

[MAINEiac]

After neglecting my AR8k for several years I've recently been trying to connect it to my Windows XP computer using the EDCO AR8000inf interface. Once upon a time I was able to make the connection with the EDCO unit on another computer using ScanCat for DOS. However I'm not currently having any luck with either ScanCat Gold for Windows demo, Jav-Scan 8000 or ARC8000, all of which report that they're not connecting to the radio.
Settings on the radio are BPS 9600 and DELI CR. Software is set for COM 1, which is set at 8, N, 2.
Computer is a 1.6GHz Pentium, which is the host unit for a wireless home network using a cable modem. Windows says that a 56k modem is attached to COM3 and COM 1 is functioning properly with no conflicts. The EDCO unit is properly connected to the radio(shiny contact side down) and the "right angle" contacts inside the EDCO housing are secure, no cracks or breaks.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[morfis]

Try booting to DOS or Win98 (with a boot disc not XP's idea of the dos command prompt). XP has a totally different way of working with the comm ports which is incompatible with some older software.

 

[BANDIT]

Do you have a docking station for a PDA or anything like that hooked up? That will do it every time.

 

[MAINEiac]

OK, tried everything suggested here and elsewhere, still no luck, so its down to either Windows XP or the EDCO AR8000INF interface that I'm using.

My question to the group: Is anyone using a Windows XP computer to program their AR8000? If so, what software and interface are you using?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[morfis]

I use pretty much all of my older software with XP and radio interfaces....but I use "directIO" to manage the serial ports.

see: http://www.direct-io.com/

 

[corwyyn]

A little late, but I use an Optoelectronics Optolinx with ARC8000 to program my scanner. The computer is a Celeron 1.8GHz running XP home. No problems at all - I use a USB-Serial adapter on Comm4. Also use the same adapter/comm port to connect my Garmin V for upload/downloads.

 

[MAINEiac]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Turns out that the problem was the interface. After trying everything else with no success, I picked up an AOR CU8232 from eBay. Now everything works fine.