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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
The cable does not state that it does not support 64-bit drivers.
Plugged up cable, installed driver, started Win97 and within 10 minutes had downloaded programming from Pro-97 Scanner, made changes and uploaded new config back to radio. Works as described. I hate reading manuals and this radio has too many options so the software made me want to learn more about scanning and not how to program a complicated radio.
I purchased the programing cable and followed the vague instructions. I attempted to put this program on three different computors and it works on none of them. Very confusing directions. I wish it would work as I wish to change some of the ch. on my PRO096.
I cannot imagine programming the PRO-2096 manually for all the necessary frequencies in my area. This Interface, along with software (i.e., Win96, purchased separately) is a winner.
from Maryland, USA on 8/8/2008
I have used this scanner cable to control my ICOM 746PRO radio. I have used in with VISTA and XP. I did not use the provided CD - [...]Ham Radio Deluxe software works with this cable.Airmail2000 software will soon support this cable - s/w changes are being made to provide a RTS enable/disable option in the program.MARS/ALE software - based on PC/ALE works with this cable. Unfortunately both these ALE programs do not function properly on Vista.This has to be the lowest cost ICOM CIV compatible cable available. And it is readily available at Radio Shack stores nationwide.
I can't believe people give bad reviews because they can't read. This is an interface, not the programming software. It works with Vista and XP just fine.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
This item doesn't include prog. softwear for the Pro-433
My unit worked right out of the box. Windows vista did not use the drivers provided in the Cd, it downloaded them from the internet. The setup went smooth and it worked with the PRO 433 the first time. I tested the setup with my 433 software and all went well. No complaints.
I use mine in place of the more expensive CIV interface sold by ICOM for computer control of their Ham radio transcievers. I use it with Ham Radio Deluxe software on my IC-7000 and IC-706MkIIG for auto logging and control of my rigs with my Laptop. It's a fantastic interface!
from Iowa City, IA on 3/8/2008
Will not work with windows Vista, keeps saying timed out waiting for header!!!
it took some time getting used to, but after reading some other reviews i understood how to find the correct com port. after that it was a breeze. programed my scanner in a few minutes and it works wonderful
Works great. Vista automatically downloads the drivers.
Just read and follow the instructions before you do anything. It really doesn't get any easier than using this cable. Made my life easier.
from Jonesboro, Ar. on 12/22/2007
Follow simple instructions and this makes programming the Pro-2096 with Windows Xp very easy and quick. You need separate programming software as stated in the instructions as the included disk is just for installation of the cable.
from Colorado Springs, CO on 12/21/2007
The disk that came with the product had outdated drivers and had no instructions for Windows Vista. Despite the warning, I let Windows Update find the correct drivers and that worked fine. I was disappointed that I have to use the adapter cable for my particular scanner instead of having the correct connector installed on the cable. Just another place for it to fail later. But it's about the only option for programming a Radio Shack scanner from a PC, and it does work.
from Martin County, Florida on 12/14/2007
I have Windows Vista Home Premium and this is my experience with the scanner cable installation. (1) I DID NOT insert nor did I use the CD that came with the cable. (2) I plugged the cable into my Radio Shack Pro-95 scanner (3) I turned on my scanner and plugged the USB end into my computer. (4) Vista automatically started searching for, found, and installed the correct USB port driver on Windows Update online (5) Then Vista asked for permission to search for the correct serial port driver, found it on Windows Update online and installed it. It gave me serial port number 8. I opened my copy of WIN95 program and set it to connect to serial port number 8 and I was done! All functions work great!
from Horn Lake, MS on 11/17/2007
Where do you get instructions on how to install on your computer running Windows 2007?It's a great product but it needs to be bumped up. I just bought a new Pro-97 scanner (has 1000 pre-sets and boy was I in for a suprise. [...]Great!?
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Pembroke, Ontario on 11/10/2007
I read a few reviews before I hooked it up. I put the disk in knowing it didn't have the vista driver. I then hooked it to the computer and the scanner while the scanner was on. Vista did a search on the internet and found the driver and installed it. I did a google search for pro-433 scanner software and found [...] and downloaded the free trial version. It only allows to upload to banks 1 & 2 in the trial version. After I realized everything was working well I bought the full version on line for[$] and uploaded my info to the scanner and it worked great. I have limited computer experience...I am a simple long haul truck driver so if I could figure it out with ease...
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Fort Wayne, IN on 10/28/2007
This is a great cable. I programmed a Pro-96 scanner with Win96 software and this cable worked perfectly. I lost the driver CD and when I bought a new computer, I downloaded the driver from the website. Great product and support!
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
I have a PRO-2096. I programed it using windows XP & VISTA. I let Vista search for the driver and followed advice from another review to set the proper com port. I have Scancat software and the 20-047 cable - works great!!!!
Some comments here say it doesn't work on Vista. Sure it does, I use it on Vista all the time and it works fine. It's very useful when used with Win97 or Win95 [@]. I have had no problems with it, works great.
[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
I WOULD EXPECT THE NECESSARY SOFTWARE TO DOWNLOAD/MANAGE THE FREQUENCIES TO COME IN THE BOX WITH THIS CHEAP LITTLE CORD AND DRIVERS DISC.HOW RIDICULOUS!!NOW I HAVE TO PROBE AND SEARCH FOR ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO PAY FOR BESIDES THE [$] I PAID THINKING THAT THIS WAS A COMPLETE PACKAGE!!
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
This works fine with xp forget using it with vista
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
First, and most important, this is a cable and nothing more. There is no software with it or available at RadioShack. Also, try it without the little adapter piece because my Pro-97 worked fine without the adapter even though it says use it...in fact, I think it worked a little faster without it.StarSoft Software's Win97 program worked great with this cable on my Pro-97 radio and it let me adjust some things that I can't otherwise change (like battery alarm levels) as well as back up my settings, just in case.[...]a bit tricky to set up initially (finding which COM port it's on and loading the drivers) but that's only the first time, then it's very easy to use and reliable. It DOES WORK ON VISTA Home Premium, I am happy to say after getting a new computer...Vista complains about the driver signing but then it loads.
Absolutely no problem with installation. Easy to use with the ARC433 software. Began to enter data by hand and found it too tedius....... Using this programming cable and the proper software proved valuable.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
You need this if you are going to use Win97 to program your scanner. I started programming my Pro-97 by hand and found that it would take me several weeks at my speed. I now have 5 different sets that I can upload in just a couple of minutes thanks to this cable.
Easy installation when you follow the instructions. Using Win-95 from www.starrsoft.com For programming my Pro-95. Make sure it works with your scanner before purchasing!!!
Took me a while to figure out the comm port. You MUST use the driver disk that comes with the unit. Fortunately I had also bought Scancat-Lite-Plus software, and Scancat has a built in Comm port detector. Their FAQ told me to plug the cable in and out and see what comm port showed up differently. With a little little bit of experimentation I was up and running with my PRO-97 AND my PRO-96. I'm a ham and I really like the built in LED's that indicate the thing is working. John - Bossier City
First, the CD that is included only contains the drivers and manual for the cable. It does not contain scanner programing software, and this is clearly indicated on the package. I purchased this for use with a Pro-97 scanner and Starrsoft Win97 scanner programing software. It took me less than 5 minutes to get everything up and running. Works great. Just make sure that you have the CD in the computer when you first plug the cable into a USB port, and then point windows to the driver folder on the CD when it asks for the driver. Once the drivers are installed, go to Control Panel-System-Hardware-Device Manager-Ports and see what comm port it grabbed, and then ensure that you select the applicable comm port in your scanner programing software. I think the ones that are having problems with this cable and asssociated drivers either don't know what they are doing, or have a unique problem with thier system.
Pretty easy to use. The biggest problem was determining which comm port to use, but that is not the problem of the cable. Use it with 3 scanners. After resolving comm port issue it has worked flawlessly for more than a month. Sure makes changing the frequencies in the scanners easier. Worth the price.
read review and purchased anyhow, first cable was BAD, took it back they were very nice about it and exchanged cables, second one works fantastic, very happy now. So my next choice is what software to buy after the trial is over.
Much better than the serial interface cable. Has rx x status indicators which is a plus. I see some had trouble "programming". First, there are no programs that come with the CD. Only the driver and, if the instructions are followed, there are no issues installing the driver. After the driver is installed, you can change the Com port it's connected to. No brainer. I used it with the RS firmware upgrade and the Starrsoft software without a problem.
Couldn't have been easier to install.
Its too hard to program.
You must program it to use COMM6
Used the instructions included with product. Had great difficulty in getting cable to work. CHANGED install procedures several times. The last time (OF COURSE) It worked. Had to change port using elimination procedure. Has been ok since then.
Tried to use, followed directions to a T All Scanner would do (pr096) WAS GO INTO CLONE MODE.
I AM using it with a PRO-95 and it works flawlessly! I have used it on 6 different PCs with three different OS and it worked perfectly. Friends have borrowed it to use it on other models of scanners including PRO-96,97,99 and in all cases it worked with ease & perfection. This is a great product and a much needed USB solution. I just wish it was $15-18 then I could give it all 5 stars in all 5 categories!
This cable will not work. I am using a pro95 scanner. Driver loads successfully. But will not upload or download anything. it times out on downloading from the the scanner. when you send to the scanner it acts as if it's sending. I am a systems engineer so it not like I dont know computers. not a lot of troubleshooting help from radioshack or the maker of the cable GME.
Works great. Upgraded my PC and laptop and no longer have a serial port to use with the old cable. This solves the problem. To everyone that has posted comments about the software not working...read the package!!! It does NOT come with software. It is a cable only. You need to provide your own software. This is stated right on the package.
I was a little afraid that I had purchased the wrong cable after reading reviews listed on this site but I decided to try it anyway. I found it works with no problems on Windows XP, plug the cable into USB port, load the driver from the disk, connect plug to scanner and execute third party software. Couldn't be much simpler.
from Johnson on 8/8/2006
Works great. This does not include scanner software so don't look for it to be supplied with this cable. I inserted CD into player and followed the directions, plugged it into my PRO-96, opened the program, downloaded from the scanner until I found the correct com port in the scanner software and downloaded and uploaded with no problems and it only took about five minutes or less to setup. Would recommend this cable. Pretty lites also when uploading or downloading..Thanks Radio Shack..Keithmj
Tried to use on Windows XP. Loads drivers but that is it. won't load The program. Using with a PRO-2055 and scanner will only go into clone mode but on pkg it does say it worcks with pro 2055.
Bought this cable yesterday after tryin to program my scanner by hand... Let's just say that programing the Pro-2096 by hand isn't the easiest thing in the world, but using the software off the web and this cable, everything worked great. My only concern in the little orange box with the circuit card... Looks and feels quite weak.
Thanks to Radio Shack for providing this cable at ALL. Walk in, and buy it! Those that have given this a bad review are either inexperienced with scanners or computers, or don't know what they're even commenting on. This is a great replacement cable for the previous serial plug type (since serial ports are getting harder to come by.) And the software for most units supported, is readily avalable online for free. (Win9X) The price of the cable however, is a little high when other similar ones can be purchased online. $20 would be a better price. Just make sure that what you buy, is what you need, and you know what to do with it. If it doesn't work for you, then you're not using it correctly, or you're trying to use it with the wrong scanner. So don't bash the product here, just return it to RS for a refund. Great, flexible product! Get's 5 stars from me no matter what the rating shows.
MAJOR RIP-OFF
RIP-OFF!! took mine back the same day.
Something to think about before purchasing: there is no software included on the CD, only the drivers to make it work with your computer. Unless there is some type of software available on the web, such as Win97 for the Pro-97 scanner, you will not be able to use this item. That being said, once I got it working, it works great, but Radioshack should have put some more thought into it.
Will not work with the PRO-2051..
Ok all those of you that say this software works please give us directions. this xpsp2 prof. doesnt even know the cd is in the drive for this product only and has a fatal error when it goes to the net looking for driver. reminds me of other very poor, non quality checked radio shack adaptor products with drivers that didnt work.
Using the 20-047 with a Pro-97 for several months now. Has consistently allowed me to make on the fly configuration reprograms for different areas from my laptop with no problems. Using it with WIN97 for web data imports. A great combination.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Tried to use on Windows XP. Loads drivers but that is it. The program won't load. Tried it on two different computers. Using with a PRO-2051.
Works great with Windows XP and PRO 93, 95, 97, 96, and the base equlvelents.
Okay. You need to use this with Win96 software in order to transfer V-scanner files and memory back and forth between your PRO-2096 and PC. If you put the CD-ROM in the CD drive, then plug the cable into the USB plug, Plug 'n Play should see it and start installing it. Tell it to get the driver from the CD-ROM drive, and it will find it and install it. It will then go through another install procedure for the Serial/USB installation, do the same as before, and it will work. When I was done on my Win2K machine, it assigned COM4 to the USB cable. A procedure describing the above is on the CD-ROM under the Users Guide folder. This product works as advertised, you just have to read the docs carefully. BTW, the PRO-2096 does not need the conversion adapter to work. The stereo plug on the end of the cable is what it uses. Have fun!
CD has instructions to install the drivers which install OK. (OS: Windows XP SP2.) CD says "User's guide Included" - there is none. There is no information about the features or use of the product (cable/interface). Cable links and triggers 'CLONE MODE' in the PRO-97. Evoking the CLONE MODE does nothing after "Sending data...". I have no idea what the product does. COULD NOT GET THE PRODUCT TO WORK ON EITHER A LAPTOP OR DESKTOP XP.
Product(software) does not work. No instructions. I work w/pc controlled radios for years. This is the worst.
My PRO 83 scanner doesn't communicate with my laptop via this cable.
Device works great under 32bit operating systems, but I can't find a 64bit version of the driver. If you are using Win/XP 64, consider the older serial version until drivers are available!
I had no problems at all with the product.I followed the instructions to load the driver.Instructions were fine.Software that came with product was fine.When I connected cable to my PRO-97 it worked with no problems
Works great!!!
What is a 5 and what is a 1? If 1 is the worst than this is my rating. Got one cable 20-047. The CD would not work. Returned it for a replacement the second one would not work. (The computer didn't know there was a CD in the drive. The drive works fine for all other applications)