BCT15X: Programming BCT15X using GPS serial port

[blogan52]

I have an older BCT15X scanner that has seen better days.... the front programming serial port is jacked up and won't hold the plug, therefore I can't use it to program the computer..... has anyone successfully used the rear serial port (GPS) to program their scanner? I bought the null modem cable (see pictured attached), and the computer says it is connected, but there is no display and Proscan says it is not communicating....

not sure it is worth it to me to send the scanner in to have the front port replaced.....maybe.. but not sure...

 

[tvengr]

You can program the scanner using the rear port, but firmware updates can only be done using the front port.

 

[KevinC]

I have an older BCT15X scanner that has seen better days.... the front programming serial port is jacked up and won't hold the plug, therefore I can't use it to program the computer..... has anyone successfully used the rear serial port (GPS) to program their scanner? I bought the null modem cable (see pictured attached), and the computer says it is connected, but there is no display and Proscan says it is not communicating....

not sure it is worth it to me to send the scanner in to have the front port replaced.....maybe.. but not sure...

I use the rear port on numerous Uniden's to control and program them...wirelessly, with no issues at all.

 

[KevinC]

To address the connectivity issue. In "Device Manager" do you see a comport for the adapter? If so match that in ProScan.

 

[blogan52]

You can program the scanner using the rear port, but firmware updates can only be done using the front port.

so I have read.... doubt the 15x will get any firmware updates anytime soon... but the rear port is not talking to the computer...

 

[blogan52]

To address the connectivity issue. In "Device Manager" do you see a comport for the adapter? If so match that in ProScan.

yes, I see the adapter and have Proscan set to match that CommPort

 

[blogan52]

I use the rear port on numerous Uniden's to control and program them...wirelessly, with no issues at all.

can you elaborate on 'wirelessly'?

 

[blogan52]

I have an older BCT15X scanner that has seen better days.... the front programming serial port is jacked up and won't hold the plug, therefore I can't use it to program the computer..... has anyone successfully used the rear serial port (GPS) to program their scanner? I bought the null modem cable (see pictured attached), and the computer says it is connected, but there is no display and Proscan says it is not communicating....

not sure it is worth it to me to send the scanner in to have the front port replaced.....maybe.. but not sure...

also forgot to mention, the computer is running Win10

 

[KevinC]

can you elaborate on 'wirelessly'?

I use serial-to-Bluetooth adapters. As long as your computer has BT it extremely easy.

RS232 Bluetooth Serial Adapter Communication Master-Slave Module 5V Mini USB USA | eBay

Interface: RS232. Support the bluetooth serial port profiles(spp), and with a bluetooth-enabled notebook computer, equipped with a bluetooth adapter, desktop computers. Equipped with a reset button can remove the saved paired device information, and re-paired with the new bluetooth.

www.ebay.com

Or if you don't mind waiting on shipping from China...

RS232 Bluetooth Serial Adapter Communication Master-Slave 2 Modes 5V Mini Usb | eBay

Interface: RS232. Equipped with a reset button can remove the saved paired device information, and re-paired with the new bluetooth. Support the bluetooth serial port profiles(spp), and with a bluetooth-enabled notebook computer, equipped with a bluetooth adapter, desktop computers.

www.ebay.com

 

[KevinC]

yes, I see the adapter and have Proscan set to match that CommPort

Is the baud rate in ProScan the same as what's in the scanner? Does "autoconnect" show the 15X? I had a 15X and connected to it serially with zero issues.

 

[blogan52]

Is the baud rate in ProScan the same as what's in the scanner? Does "autoconnect" show the 15X? I had a 15X and connected to it serially with zero issues.

other articles indicate that the rear port connects at 4800, so that is what I set the scanner at... and that is what I selected on Proscan. it shows 'in use by this instance' on the comm port that I selected... I feel like there is something really obvious that I am forgetting or missing...

 

[tvengr]

The front and rear ports can be set to 4800, 9600,19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200 in the scanner menu. Faster speed will do a faster transfer. The front port defaults to 115200. The rear port defaults to 4800 to maintain compatibility with GPS units.

 

[ProScan]

other articles indicate that the rear port connects at 4800, so that is what I set the scanner at... and that is what I selected on Proscan. it shows 'in use by this instance' on the comm port that I selected... I feel like there is something really obvious that I am forgetting or missing...

In the ProScan Comm Port Setttings, Set the Port to None then click the Set button.
After that, click the Auto Connect button.

Once you get ProScan communicating with the scanner, go into the scanner settings and change the baud rate to 115200 and do the same in the ProScan Comm. Port Settings.

 

[N9JIG]

If you have a USB-1 cable you can snip off the Hirose connector (intended for the front panel) and rewire it with a DB-9 for the rear connector.

The Green wire from the USB-1 goes to Pin 2 on the DB-9F, the Red to Pin 3 and the black to Pin 5.

You can also buy pre-made cables such as this StarTech one. I have this and it works great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008634VJY

I use a bunch of the USB-1 cables modified with the DB-9 and they work great!