Unable to run the RT97 software. I keep getting a serial port failed error.

[WRFH675]

I've tried using three different ports on my computer, as well as changing the communication port in the software settings under Set. No matter what I do, when I try to read from radio, it keeps popping up the error. I've used other software for other radios just fine on this computer. Any ideas?

[OffRoaderX]

Using the cable that came with the RT97?

Just for fun, try UNinstalling, then installing the software again, but run the installer "As Administrator", then after installing when you run the programming software, run it also "As Administrator" and see if that makes any difference.

and.. See if you can see the cable in Device Manager - should show up under USB/Serial Devices (IIRC).. make sure its not showing any errors..

.... or... you might need to try a newer OR older driver for the cable depending on what version of Windows you are using.

[WRFH675]

I'll give that a try, thanks!

[WRHS218]

I found what I needed in the following thread on this site: https://shop.mygmrs.com/pages/retevis-rt97-and-rt97s-usb-driver-installation

I followed the instructions for the USB driver installation and it worked. Before I was getting the error you have.

[Newb]

Windows has a RUN option on compressed files. Don't use it. Create a Drives folder in Document, move the ZIP/RAR file there and de-compress it there, then run the install from the de-compressed file.  I'm a big fan of faster and found this out the hard way!

[WRQH833]

I just ran into and resolved this same issue.  I found a fix at https://embetronicx.com/uncategorized/fixed-prolific-pl2303ta-usb-to-serial-and-windows-11/

My driver version now shows as follows and my CHIRP is CHIRP-ing again.

[WRFH675]

I got it working. Thanks everyone

[jhouse]

On 8/25/2022 at 7:21 AM, WRFH675 said:

I got it working. Thanks everyone

I am having significant difficulty with the USB driver.  My PC is recognizing the port but is labeling the port "CH340".  I've tried all of the instructions in this thread and elsewhere and can't get the programming software to read from the repeater.  Any more ideas from anyone?

[jhouse]

On 12/24/2022 at 8:28 AM, jhouse said:

I am having significant difficulty with the USB driver.  My PC is recognizing the port but is labeling the port "CH340".  I've tried all of the instructions in this thread and elsewhere and can't get the programming software to read from the repeater.  Any more ideas from anyone?

I received a response from Retevis support with this link https://www.retevis.com/rt97-portable-gmrs-repeater-mobile-repeater-us

At that link, under the support tab there is a link to a Universal USB driver and a Win11 USB driver.  Neither worked for me and the port the repeater is plugged into reflects the device as "CH340".  Does anyone have any more ideas?

[pcradio]

21 minutes ago, jhouse said:

Does anyone have any more ideas?

I may have missed it, but did you say where you got your cable? Might have to break down and buy a better cable, like this one. I have the cheop-o amazon cables, but you need to really know your way around windows drivers.

[jhouse]

It was the cable that came from retevis as a part of the bundle.