Radioddity GM-30 - radio starts to transmit when connecting PC USB (RD-201) cable?!

[TeeJayZee]

I've noticed something quite bizarre, so I wanted to check if other users of this unit: Radioddity GM-30 have experienced this issue or not? -- This way I can make a decision whether to keep it or replace it (since I am still within the warranty period). -- Not sure right now if the problem is the radio or the PC (programming) cable??

When I connect the PC cable (Radioddity RD-201 Programming Cable PL2303 Chip) to it and connect the other end (USB-A plug) on my PC, I notice that after a while, the radio's light (on the top area of the unit) turns RED, which indicates that it's transmitting. -- FYI: I don't even need to connect the USB-A side to my PC to cause the radio to start transmitting when connecting the programming cable to it.

Plus, I was able to confirm that it's actually transmitting, because I have a Uniden scanner (BCD325P2) with the Close Call feature running and it right away alerts me (more like confirms) that the GM-30 is transmitting when plugging in the programming cable to it.

And I've tested that connection on the unit with the included ear/mic piece, and it's fine, I can plug that it, but it doesn't start to transmit until I press the button on it's cable wire. So it doesn't seem that there is an issue or fault in the mic/ear female jacks on the radio -- as far as I know...

Furthermore, a few moments ago, when I unplugged the programming cable, it caused the radio's speaker not to sound anymore (tried the FM radio and etc.). I tried resetting the radio and still nothing, so at the end I was able to get the sound back to it's speaker by plugging in/out multiple times the programming cable plug on the radio's side -- remembering back in the day when using Walkman radio units (w/built-in speakers) and sometimes I had to do this procedure to make their speakers work again by plugging in/out multiple times the headphones plug.

But still the main question lingers why the radio goes into transmission mode when connecting the programming cable to the unit -- causing multiple birdies or unnecessary interruptions out there in my GMRS vicinity on the frequency where it sat during the cable connection? Is this normal?

 

[FKimble]

Does it transmit if you connect cable with radio turned off?

Frank

 

[chief21]

The RD-201 cable utilizes the PL2303 chip, which has been known to be problematic with many newer computers. You could try installing the PL2303 driver manually BEFORE attempting to use the cable. The driver is available from the Radioddity web site.

The PC-001 cable, which appears to be the one that is recommended for most Radiooddity radios, uses the newer FDTI chip, which is widely known to be easier to install and use. Windows usually installs the FDTI driver automatically.

 

[TeeJayZee]

Does it transmit if you connect cable with radio turned off?

Frank

Ah! That is where the issue was.

I would keep the radio ON when connecting the cable. I didn't spot this issue at first, because I always kept it OFF, but then later (several days now using it) I kept it ON, because the radio needs to be ON in order to READ from or WRITE to the radio.

I did several tries of making sure the radio is OFF before connecting the cable and its no longer transmitting on its own , plus I can later turn it ON after connecting the cable and it won't auto transmit.

Consider this issue solved.

 

[MaxOffRoadin]

The RD-201 cable utilizes the PL2303 chip, which has been known to be problematic with many newer computers. You could try installing the PL2303 driver manually BEFORE attempting to use the cable. The driver is available from the Radioddity web site.

The PC-001 cable, which appears to be the one that is recommended for most Radiooddity radios, uses the newer FDTI chip, which is widely known to be easier to install and use. Windows usually installs the FDTI driver automatically.

Yeah those PL2303 chips can get tricky on these new computers. Please check which one was provided to you. On Amazon they do bundles and include RD-201 and or PC-001 cables.

 

[03msc]

Because when you plug it in to the ports on the side of the radio with it on, it’s seeing it as you connecting a remote speaker mic or headset and setting ptt. Always contact with power off on any radio, then turn on after connected.