Programming cables - HT1250

[KC8QVO]

I figured I would throw this out there - has anyone used a USB programming cable with the HT1250 or similar radio? Is there any that works more reliably than others?

I have been advised to stick to the Serial/COM port cables. Are there any that are more highly recommended than others? Or will any of them work? I see some for around $15 on Ebay - OK/not OK?

Thanks,
Steve, KC8QVO

[HLA]

That radio was never meant to be programmed with usb and it's probablly the #1 killer of ht's & cdm's. Alot will swear they have the cure all usb adaptor but just stick to a real serial port and rib and cable or a ribless cable if that's your only radio. I try to stick to oem or make my own but don't use the logic of cheaper is better or will get you by, it's not worth killing a radio. Check the for sale page and see if anyone here is getting rid of a rib and cable?

[KC8QVO]

Are the RiB type cables the ones with the much larger 20-some pin connectors? I am not sure even my old desk top has a big connector on it like that. None of my laptops in current times have ever had 9-pin serial ports either, this computer has a PCMCIA slot though.

[HLA]

correct, the rib cables have the larger connector on them but that plugs into the rib, the rib plugs into your computer with a 9 pin serial cable. or the ribless cables, they are not really ribless, the rib is built into the 9 pin end but it still plugs into the serial connector on your computer. that radio was never meant to be programmed thru usb so the pcmcia slot with a serial card is going to be your best bet or depending on cost for the card you could probablly get a used laptop that has a real serial connector built into it dirt cheap since not many people want them around anymore. The price of the card or a dedicated programming machine with the right connector is cheaper than bricking a radio

[KC8QVO]

I asked around and came up with 2 old laptops in my family so I've got the computer problem resolved. Both are windows 98 machines. Hopefully my cable comes this week, I am taking off Thursday for 4 days and may take the radio along if I can get some repeaters in there around the area.

[HLA]

what cps version do you have?