Radio programing CABLES (not software)

[k8zgw]

I have a couple unrelated questions..
I didn't want to hi-jack another thread, so here goes ...
I need to understand the difference between
USB prolific-type cables and FTDI programming cables
and usb to serial converter cable..?.

I need a cable for a "newly acquired " Motorola XTS3000 and find some
that are direct FTDI and others that use what appears to be a usb to
serial converter cable (2 pieces).
My question here..do I need to buy the 2 piece combo or can I use what
I already have usb to serial cable ? and the second part of my question,
the reason I have usb to serial cable, it is part of another programing cable
that is "listed as" Maxton RPC-11, ( FOR VX-160 OR VX1R I have never owned a Vertex radio,,

​

 

[kayn1n32008]

I hope you didn't pay much for that radio.

You would be well served by selling/recycling it and buying either a XTS2500 or an XTS5000. The 2500/5000 are far less fussy about programming are well understood, and far more capable. They happily program on win 11 with proper USB cables. No need for USB<->serial adaptor.

You will need 32bit OS like winXP for your old 3000, having said that, old Motorola radios can be fussy about USB<->serial adaptors. If possible, you really want to use a 9 pin serial cable

 

[k8zgw]

Just got the radio to really listen to the p-25 traffic on a couple local repeaters.
Got the charger and radio / w software for next to nothing, paid more for shipping ;-}
Now I need the programing cable..

 

[N4KVE]

I just use a one piece cable, Serial to radio. Never had a problem with them. Of course I use an older laptop with the dedicated serial jack. Anytime you use a serial to USB adaptor there’s a good chance the chip is bogus, & won’t work. The one piece cable I have is labeled Maxton. It also works on the Jedi line.

 

[k8zgw]

I would really love to try my serial to usb cable, but The only thing I have to test it is the programing cable that I think came with it, marked Maxton prc-11, and I have no idea what radio it is for.. it says vx-160, but I never owned a vertex radio.. it is 9 pin to 1/8 inch 4 conductor plug

 

[Giddyuptd]

What was used for the 2500s and 5000s was the io gear guc232a USB to serial. While it worked for those and was the go to prior to a USB Motorola suggested back then I don't know if it would work for a 3000. I doubt it but If you feel like trying your luck knock your socks off.