Programming Cable Pinout?
- Thread starter ausscan
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Radio Shack scanner PC/IF connections
Some points people are overlooking:
1) Scanners up to PRO-97 used a MONO connection with RX & TX tied together.
2) The PRO-164/163, PSR-300/400, PSR-310/410 use a STEREO connector. TX to the scanner is ring and RX from the scanner is tip.
3) Scanners since the PRO-92 are 3.3v designs, the '92 was 5v. You really do not want to drive 5 volt signals from a MAX232 into the 3.3v CPU of your scanner. Of all the things that could be damaged, I'd want the CPU on the bottom of the list.
4) While you might think you only need to transmit to program the scanner, I do not believe that is true. The software is looking for a reply to a query to make sure the scanner is connected before continuing. This is software and option dependent; but I'd also want to be able to download from the scanner or the cable doesn't really "work".
Some points people are overlooking:
1) Scanners up to PRO-97 used a MONO connection with RX & TX tied together.
2) The PRO-164/163, PSR-300/400, PSR-310/410 use a STEREO connector. TX to the scanner is ring and RX from the scanner is tip.
3) Scanners since the PRO-92 are 3.3v designs, the '92 was 5v. You really do not want to drive 5 volt signals from a MAX232 into the 3.3v CPU of your scanner. Of all the things that could be damaged, I'd want the CPU on the bottom of the list.
4) While you might think you only need to transmit to program the scanner, I do not believe that is true. The software is looking for a reply to a query to make sure the scanner is connected before continuing. This is software and option dependent; but I'd also want to be able to download from the scanner or the cable doesn't really "work".
Last edited:
Encrypter
Member
RE: Radio Shack scanner PC/IF connections
Excellent post, GMCLAM.
With my PSR-300 I am able to upload and download using a mono connection. I can't do either with a stereo connection. The PSR-310 did require the stereo connection to work, unfortunately only "8366 of 67452" moves before the connection fails (scanner keeps putting out until all is sent, software progress stops at 8366). The software did receive the ACK from the 310, then started the transfer (didn't with mono, with error about expected response). When I get time I'm going to look into that issue and post my findings. Perhaps you have some information regarding the diferences between those two models as far as protocols, speed, or electrical characteristics that I could use as a starting point. I regret that my scope burnt out some time ago, would make things much better!
The datasheet on the max232 says that the TTL output (scsanner side) is "VCC - .2v". I dont know how the PC/IF jack is coupled to the serial inputs of the CPU, maybe I could open it up and find out. Your warning on using 5v (or 4.8) to a 3.3v device is wise. Could a quick and dirty way to provide some reduction (using the max232 I already have) be simply to add some silicon diodes? A few PN junctions should drop it down about 2v. What are your thoughts about adding this circuit below between the max232 and the psr-300 (mono connection)?
Excellent post, GMCLAM.
With my PSR-300 I am able to upload and download using a mono connection. I can't do either with a stereo connection. The PSR-310 did require the stereo connection to work, unfortunately only "8366 of 67452" moves before the connection fails (scanner keeps putting out until all is sent, software progress stops at 8366). The software did receive the ACK from the 310, then started the transfer (didn't with mono, with error about expected response). When I get time I'm going to look into that issue and post my findings. Perhaps you have some information regarding the diferences between those two models as far as protocols, speed, or electrical characteristics that I could use as a starting point. I regret that my scope burnt out some time ago, would make things much better!
The datasheet on the max232 says that the TTL output (scsanner side) is "VCC - .2v". I dont know how the PC/IF jack is coupled to the serial inputs of the CPU, maybe I could open it up and find out. Your warning on using 5v (or 4.8) to a 3.3v device is wise. Could a quick and dirty way to provide some reduction (using the max232 I already have) be simply to add some silicon diodes? A few PN junctions should drop it down about 2v. What are your thoughts about adding this circuit below between the max232 and the psr-300 (mono connection)?
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DickH
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If you can find the Radio Shack version of the scanners you are having a problem with, you can buy a Service Manual. This is a quote from KC5EIB who works at RS. "Any company owned radio Shack and order RSU parts right on the Point of Sale system." He may also be able to help you find the right RSU part number to order.
I have several Service Manuals for older scanners and they are excellent. They have all the test data and alignment instructions, board layouts, voltage measurements - everything. They are on a CD and some even came with a paper copy of the schematic. For $5 and change they are a great bargain.
I have several Service Manuals for older scanners and they are excellent. They have all the test data and alignment instructions, board layouts, voltage measurements - everything. They are on a CD and some even came with a paper copy of the schematic. For $5 and change they are a great bargain.
I picked up the 047 cable complete w/CD for $5
Encrypter
Member
From another guy.
I checking this thread due to my previous experience with that FTDI USB converter. Piece of junk. Drivers often failed to install, or needed reinstall, periodic BSODs (until I removed it), poor signal reliability, and no support (vendor says call FTDI, FTDI says call vendor). This experience was with a non-radio piece of gear, but now I have (thanks to Santa) a PSR-500 to hookup. When I abandoned the USB, I put in an honest to gosh RS232 serial adapter, serial problems gone.
So now I'm wondering how to arrive at a cable with RS232 (9,15,25 pin, whatever) to stereo headphone jack for the radio end. Last thing I want to do is blow it up, but can't live with that USB junk. Besides, if the SW wants a COM port, let's give it one. A real one.
So I'm interested if any you folks with more transistor level hands on than me (I know my way around a circuit, but have never been a designer) have ideas, or know of a source of such a cable.....preferably without soldering, but I'll go there if necessary.
Oh, and last time I looked up the 232 spec (actually looked at it about a month ago, first time in many years...), the marking condition for data was -3 to -25 VDC , and spacing is +3 to +25 VDC . Many equipments I"ve taken apart used +/- 12, since that was on the board, and provided pretty good response compared to lower limits. Spec compliant, but not spec defining. People kept running their serial console cables longer and longer..... But I think that means that anything in that range is should be good with compliant equipment.
So thanks for all the interesting info here, and hope for more. I keep my stuff for a long time, so this is my first PC-connected scanner. (yes, I'm used to keypadding 100's of channels....)
thx
Dave
So now I'm wondering how to arrive at a cable with RS232 (9,15,25 pin, whatever) to stereo headphone jack for the radio end. Last thing I want to do is blow it up, but can't live with that USB junk. Besides, if the SW wants a COM port, let's give it one. A real one.
So I'm interested if any you folks with more transistor level hands on than me (I know my way around a circuit, but have never been a designer) have ideas, or know of a source of such a cable.....preferably without soldering, but I'll go there if necessary.
Oh, and last time I looked up the 232 spec (actually looked at it about a month ago, first time in many years...), the marking condition for data was -3 to -25 VDC , and spacing is +3 to +25 VDC . Many equipments I"ve taken apart used +/- 12, since that was on the board, and provided pretty good response compared to lower limits. Spec compliant, but not spec defining. People kept running their serial console cables longer and longer..... But I think that means that anything in that range is should be good with compliant equipment.
So thanks for all the interesting info here, and hope for more. I keep my stuff for a long time, so this is my first PC-connected scanner. (yes, I'm used to keypadding 100's of channels....)
thx
Dave
It looks as though I am 6 years too late for this thread. Has anyone ever monitored the raw packets, strings, transmission of and upload /download clone of a radio. I am working with a pro97 and was curious to see what if anyone has found.
alexku44
Member
hi, how to connect the pro-164 to the device + jack 3.5 stereo. to draw a diagram. thank you
jc2productions
Newbie
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BUMP
I'm a bit confused as to how the original (and modified for stereo plug) circuit that was posted would work for A. 3.3v models
and
B. if I'm using a 5v serial to usb converter.
I plan on just making it as is, just it will be using 5v-3.3v instead of 12v-5v, hopefully it still works.
I'm also curious at to the answer to what the last person asked, with these cheap boards like he showed now easily available.
I'm a bit confused as to how the original (and modified for stereo plug) circuit that was posted would work for A. 3.3v models
and
B. if I'm using a 5v serial to usb converter.
I plan on just making it as is, just it will be using 5v-3.3v instead of 12v-5v, hopefully it still works.
I'm also curious at to the answer to what the last person asked, with these cheap boards like he showed now easily available.
See this thread instead for scanners that take a stereo cable.
https://forums.radioreference.com/r...histler-gre-rs-usb-programming-cable-diy.html
https://forums.radioreference.com/r...histler-gre-rs-usb-programming-cable-diy.html
jc2productions
Newbie
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- Dec 8, 2013
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Don't even remember now what I was trying to do, however...
The $9 "8 in 1" china made programming cables worked to program my Pro-106 scanner.
Mind you they only worked for uploading and not downloading, but that's not big deal to me.
The $9 "8 in 1" china made programming cables worked to program my Pro-106 scanner.
Mind you they only worked for uploading and not downloading, but that's not big deal to me.
GRE USB scanner cables
The other issue with regard to cable is whether or not RX and TX are tied together. Earlier scanners only used tip and ground (with signals tied together) whereas newer models use tip, ring and ground with RX & TX separated.
The official cables are open collector so they can handle whatever voltage the scanner has. The PRO-92 scanner is 5V and newer models are 3.3V but all work from the same cable.
The other issue with regard to cable is whether or not RX and TX are tied together. Earlier scanners only used tip and ground (with signals tied together) whereas newer models use tip, ring and ground with RX & TX separated.
Here's a link to that build. https://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/159719-programming-cable-pinout.html
Here's some more cable hacking. Instead of using an Arduino board, get these little 3.3 & 5 volt CP2102 or CH340 chipset USB to TTL UART dongles from eBay for under $2.00.
http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_ProgrCable.php
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