Proscan Software and UBCD536PT: Solution

Post Reply
Xplorer00
Posts: 58
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 5:53 pm

Proscan Software and UBCD536PT: Solution

Post by Xplorer00 » Sun Apr 26, 2020 5:40 pm

From another forum, a member "melbscan" was able to achieve ProScan with a UBCD436PT Australian model.
Myself being a long-term ProScan user, having a UBCD536PT was a major setback as it wasn't a ProScan supported model.
I was just short of selling an almost brand new model because of this.

This started my trial to see what I could achieve.
End result, I now have ProScan working with full control and logging with an Australian UBCD536PT model.

As I have nothing to gain or lose withholding or providing this information, here is my procedure that is working with full control and logging.

I checked the x36PT manual that failed to provide sufficient detail.
The x396XT manual confirms when connecting a 396 to a GPS, a Null Modem is required to create a crossover.
So I went and purchased a Null Modem from Jaycar to try my luck.
That was the key ingredient I was missing, where ProScan is now working with my UBCD536PT (Aus model).


You need the parts (or variant) listed below (Jaycar links are down the bottom of actual parts I’m using):
• 1 x RS232 DB9M to USB Converter Adapter ($27.95)
• 1 x Null Modem ($7.95)


1. Connect the Null Modem Cable to GPS port of 536PT.
2. Set the GPS port to 115200 in the 536PT settings.
3. Connect RS232 to USB Converter Adapter (or cable) to computer USB port.
4. Ensure the computer Device Manager has a correctly installed adapter under “Ports”.
5. If not correctly installed, trial different drivers until you have it installed correctly.
6. Take note of that Port Number.
7. Connect the Null Modem Cable to the RS232 to USB Converter Adapter.
8. Open ProScan software, select “Scanner Type”, click Scanner “BCD536HP” and “OK” (as there is no listing for UBCD536PT).
9. Select “Comm Port”, click “Refresh”, then “Auto Detect”.
10. Ensure ProScan "Baud Rate" speed is 115200.
11. The port number from above will now be shown as “Available”.
12. Click on that Available port number, then select “Set Selected Available Port”.
13. The 536PT scanner will now be visible on ProScan software, where you now have full control.
14. Happy Days thanks to melbscan 436PT procedure that assisted with proving ProScan working with the 536PT model.


I’m not saying you need this specific RS232 to USB Converter Adapter.
If you have an alternative, that may work too.
But the key ingredient is the "Null Modem" either in adapter or cable form.


RS232 DB9M to USB Converter Adapter
https://www.jaycar.com.au/rs-232-db9m-t ... r/p/XC4927

Null Modem Cable, Female to Female, 0.5m
https://www.jaycar.com.au/db9-female-to ... e/p/WC7511


Disclosure:
Although this procedure and parts is working for me, I take no responsibility if you do the same thing, or trial something similar, for any damage that you may cause.
Try at your own risk.

Noel White
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:37 pm
Location: Sydney, NSW

Re: Proscan Software and UBCD536PT: Solution

Post by Noel White » Mon Aug 14, 2023 9:20 am

Thanks for posting that information on how to connect the 536PT to Proscan. After many attempts, finally able to get it to work at 115200. Ran for a week then disconnected. Reloaded drivers etc., still no luck. Will connect for a few seconds at 4800 but not at 115200. BTW, can't find the setting as outlined in Step 2 above. Any idea on this step. TIA
Last edited by Noel White on Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
Noel White
FreeScan, ProScan
Uniden UBCD369XT, UBCD996XT (now sold), UBCD436PT (wish list), UBCD536XT

Noel White
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:37 pm
Location: Sydney, NSW

Re: Proscan Software and UBCD536PT: Solution

Post by Noel White » Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:56 pm

All sorted and now working as per the book. Appears that when I did a database upgraded, the GPS serial baud setting reverted back to the default 4800 bps. Had a rethink on Step 2 and a re-read of the owners manual and realised that the the GPS is not setup under "Settings" but under "Set Your Locations and Range" (see pages 23/24 in the owners manual). Set the baud rate to 115200 bps and now the Proscan connects and controls the 536.

Also upgraded the cable to this one supplied by Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B017CZ3FZ2 ... tails&th=1
Last edited by Noel White on Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
Noel White
FreeScan, ProScan
Uniden UBCD369XT, UBCD996XT (now sold), UBCD436PT (wish list), UBCD536XT

Noel White
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:37 pm
Location: Sydney, NSW

Re: Proscan Software and UBCD536PT: Solution

Post by Noel White » Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:30 am

Now I remember what I did wrong, I swapped over SD cards and used a card which still had the original 4800 bps baud rate settings thinking that they would continue with the 115200 rate as before. Forgot that the settings are stored on each card and not in the 536. Another senior's moment. :oops:
Noel White
FreeScan, ProScan
Uniden UBCD369XT, UBCD996XT (now sold), UBCD436PT (wish list), UBCD536XT

Post Reply