RS USB cable and Pro95

[dangitdoug]

Just bought this cable 20-047. It is not working. I had to fight to get the software downloaded. Install Wizard will not come up automatically as stated. I had to do this manually. I am running XP. When I plug the cable in and download to computer (Win95) nothing happens. The screen on the scanner says it is sending info, but nothing is happening in Win95. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[n3ncn]

My thought is that it is looking for the driver.. Try this. With the computer off and USB driver software disk already in the drive, connect the cable and start the computer. It should reconize the cable and auto search for the driver (on the disk). The software program runs the cable but it does not always install the driver.. Hope this makes sense and works.

 

[n3ncn]

I checked some specs on your product. If it does not reconize the disk as many others have qouted.....go into your accessoires tab under all progarms and set the comptability wizard for WIN98 for that cd. If you get to confused e-mail me you phone # and best time to call (I am in the eastern time zone) and I will call to talk you through.. I don't pay long distance so no problem.
n3ncn@nc.rr.com

 

[KB4REA]

I had a problem too at first even with the software downloaded.

All I did was change the com port number in Win97 until it work, in my case 4 was the right setting.

Also helpful for installing was the user manual supplied on the cd as a pdf file.

 

[fmon]

In XP Device Manager, check your ports list for USB.

 

[loumaag]

I will add this bit of information. Back in the day, the Pro-95 had a reputation of not always recognizing all the cables. (Especially those built by GRE.) I don't remember exactly where, but I think it is discussed somewhere on Don Starr's site. These new USB cables are nothing more than a serial cable with the USB-to-Serial interface already built in. Sounds more like a RS-232 power thing than anything wrong with the drivers, the computer, etc.

What did you use before you bought the new cable?

 

[dangitdoug]

Thanks guys.

Mark, I sent my number. I am available for the next 1.5 hours. Until 1930 Eastern time.
I tried the "turn on computer with everything in place" trick. Nothing.

Lou, Frank, I appreciate the input. I'm going to hook up with Mark on the phone and go from there. Who lives in Calif.? One of you guys better get ready for a road trip!!

Doug K

 

[OkRob]

I am using that same USB cable and a Pro-95 here on XP and it works fine for me. My laptop is using Com 7. Be persistant and it should work fine.

- Rob

 

[n3ncn]

I have spoken with Doug on the phone. Nice guy. His computer is indicating corrupt driver. I am looking for a fix. Based on this info, has anyone run into this, and should we send him back to rad shack.. Thanks guys

 

[ka3jjz]

Didn't I see somewhere - from Don S. maybe - the URL for downloading drivers for this manufacturer? Darn it, I have it at work.....73s Mike

[edit] found it on another thread; yes, it's from Don - this should go onto each of the RS wikis (hint, hint...)

http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm

 

[fmon]

I have spoken with Doug on the phone. Nice guy. His computer is indicating corrupt driver. I am looking for a fix. Based on this info, has anyone run into this, and should we send him back to rad shack.. Thanks guys

I helped someone in Marion Iowa recently with a similar problem. PM me the phone number.

 

[n3ncn]

Thanks Mike. I will down load that and when I get him on the phone Fri. I will work with him to install it.
PS I grew up in Oxon Hill, Md in P.G. county and live my adult years in Charles and St. Mary's counties b4 moveing to NC.

 

[n3ncn]

FMON
PM on it's way

 

[fmon]

Got the info Mark, thanks.

Mike's link may be the fix.

 

[dangitdoug]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all the effort and time you have put forth. I looked at the driver website and that looks good. Hopefully, that will fix the problem.

Mark, I have errands to run early in the AM. Send me a number I can text you at and I'll let you know when I get home and am ready to tackle the issue again.

Lou, I programmed all my other scanners with the super-duper double thumb operating system.

Doug K

 

[DonS]

I will add this bit of information. Back in the day, the Pro-95 had a reputation of not always recognizing all the cables. (Especially those built by GRE.) I don't remember exactly where, but I think it is discussed somewhere on Don Starr's site. These new USB cables are nothing more than a serial cable with the USB-to-Serial interface already built in. Sounds more like a RS-232 power thing than anything wrong with the drivers, the computer, etc.

That problem does not exist with the 20-047 cable. It never uses '232 levels.

The new cable isn't quite "nothing more than a serial cable with the USB-to-Serial interface already built in". They're actually less than that. They don't have a standard USB-to-Serial adapter's '232 level transceiver, and they don't have the 20-289 cable's circuit that a) is powered by '232 lines (DTR & RTS) and b) converts those '232 levels to the levels expected by the scanner.

I suspect a problem with the driver or COM port selection.

The OP said:

When I plug the cable in and download to computer (Win95) nothing happens. The screen on the scanner says it is sending info, but nothing is happening in Win95.

Does Win95 at least complain that no data was received? "Timeout waiting for header"?

 

[dangitdoug]

Problem solved!!!

I worked with Frank for about an hour. After several circles and lots of confused looks he was able to talk me into a good driver installation. The computer never did recognize the disc on it's own.

After several trial and error sessions, there was a driver on the computer. This driver, however did not work. We had to manually override from the disc and finally succeeded in getting the cable operational.

Don
Thank you for your reply. Talk to Frank for the technical end, which is beyond me. I am just happy to use a computer program instead of the old two-thumb method for the scanner.

Thanks to everyone for your time and effort. Send all kudos to Frank on this one.

I bid you all adueu for the weekend. Disneyland calls!!

Doug K

 

[dangitdoug]

Had a great time at D-land. Scanner worked great. I will sit down with my shiny new operating cable this week and really do some heavy duty programming. As the old song says "I feeeeel good".