Yaesu FT5 Unknown USB Device (Device descriptor Request Failed)

So you have a Yaesu FT5 and want to program it? But no matter how hard you try you cant install the drivers because an error that's just not helpful!

Firstly you are not the only one!! and secondly, your radio isn't faulty!!

1. The supplied cable is NOT for programming the radio it is for firmware updates only.

2. The cable to program the radio is the SCU-57

3. The driver supplied from yaesu (PL2303) is for the SCU-57

4. Without the SCU-57 you can only program the radio via SD Card!!

   
   

   Firmware updates on the other hand are even more confusing, you download the update files from Yaesu and install a set of drivers from the pop up window.

1. remove the battery

2. Set the programming switch up for Main or down for Sub

3. plug in the supplied USB cable to both PC and Radio

4. run the software Main or Sub and install the drivers (button USB Driver Install) if you haven't done so already.

5. Connect the radio power via the wall wart supplied

6. there will be no option to select com ports or Baud rates just run UPDATE

7. there will be a device found say OK

8. wait the progress bar wont move for a long time and will suddenly spring to life..

9. when it has done unplug the cables and set the switch to the middle..

   
   

   This is a crazy mixed up procedure, the manual says very little to explain what is going on..

   
   

   In conclusion, the PL2303 is ONLY for the SCU-57 and the cable that comes with the radio does firmware ONLY.

   
   

   The firmware update software is half-baked and misleading you ignore the com port and Baud Rate entries and just hit update.

   The device should be discovered, select and say OK, wait through the lag period, the bar will show and the software say its done. Close and unplug the radio and switch back to centre.

   
   

   Good Luck