Programming Cables (Prolific?)

[KK4JUG]

Over the years, I have accumulated a variety of USB prolific-type cables. Some I marked, others I didn't. Some were allegedly designed for a particular radio. Is there any way I can "read" these cables to determine specifics about them? Below is a sample of one of them.

 

[chief21]

I'm not aware of any way to "read" the cables, other than to attempt to use each with a given radio. To some degree, the connectors themselves might give you some idea of which radios they could be used with. For example, the cable in your photo might belong to a Yaesu handheld radio.

 

[AK9R]

There really isn't any kind of data protocol to most of these adapters other than converting from USB or RS-232 to transistor level logic that the radio understands. The biggest difference between cables is the type of radio connector and the wiring of the connector.

 

[kayn1n32008]

The chips are simple level converters.

You need to identify the cables by the radio specific plugs on them.

 

[KK4JUG]

Got it. Thanks guys. I sorta thought that since none of them ever came with anything but a USB symbol. I'll figure it out.

 

[chief21]

Got it. Thanks guys. I sorta thought that since none of them ever came with anything but a USB symbol. I'll figure it out.

Once you get them figured out, it might be a good idea to label each one. I use a Brother labelmaker label on each cable.

 

[KK4JUG]

I did label some of them. I used a silver Sharpie. I used a label maker at first but when the label is gone, it's gone. The Sharpie will fade first, giving me a chance to touch it up before it's gone. I don't know why all of them aren't labeled. Yes I do. I'm old. My last birthday, I learned a new word: octogenarian (but I still play mandolin and sing in a band).

 

[KK4JUG]

Okay, I'm still working on it but...
Will a Yaesu VX3 cable work with a Yaesu VX6? The VX3 cable is marked and I'd be happy to give it double duty. It's a 4-conductor, 3.5 mm plug.

 

[nokones]

Here is a copy of a chart for various portable radio Connector Types that might help you identify your cable.

 

[KK4JUG]

Thanks.

 

[KK4JUG]

Okay, I'm still working on it but...
Will a Yaesu VX3 cable work with a Yaesu VX6? The VX3 cable is marked and I'd be happy to give it double duty. It's a 4-conductor, 3.5 mm plug.

Thanks to nokones and the RT Systems website, the answer is "no."

 

[Ronaldski]

It will at least identify what chip it has.
Download this from Prolific, https://www.prolific.com.tw/UserFiles/files/PL23XX_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v401(1).zip.
Run the program within the zip download, PL23XX_checkChipVersion_v1020

 

[KK4JUG]

Thanks

 

[k6cpo]

Okay, I'm still working on it but...
Will a Yaesu VX3 cable work with a Yaesu VX6? The VX3 cable is marked and I'd be happy to give it double duty. It's a 4-conductor, 3.5 mm plug.

Thanks to nokones and the RT Systems website, the answer is "no."

According to the same RT Systems website list of Yaesu handhelds, there are two different cables that cover most of the Yaesu radios listed. They are the 57A and the 57B. I happen to know that those two cables are virtually interchangeable. I have the 57B cable I bought years ago for my FT-270 and FT-60. I have discovered I can use the same cable for my VX-1 and my FT-70.

 

[KK4JUG]

One of the cables is red and the other is yellow. The RT web site does say that some are interchangeable but it specifically says 57A and B are not. The illustration below is from the 57A page on RT's web site.

>> Not interchangeable with USB-57B or USB-72​

 

[k6cpo]

One of the cables is red and the other is yellow. The RT web site does say that some are interchangeable but it specifically says 57A and B are not. The illustration below is from the 57A page on RT's web site.

>> Not interchangeable with USB-57B or USB-72​

The RT Systems website specifically says the 57B can be used in place of the 57A. The only difference between the two is the length of the plug. The 57B plug is longer and designed to work with radios that have the watertight screw-in connection for a speaker/mic, but will also work on radios with the standard TRRS connection.

USB-57B Programming Cable

www.rtsystemsinc.com

 

[bharvey2]

I use small zip ties and tie key tags with the radio description onto the cable. That tends to help keep them identified and organized for me.

 

[KK4JUG]

The VX3 cable may work electronically but it won't work physically. The size of the opening in the radio won't let the plug connect.