Leica GEV189 USB download cable, the "new" driver compatible with Windows 10 (and Windows 11) is
. This driver allows data transfer between Leica Total Stations and modern 64-bit operating systems. Sunbelt Sales Download and Installation
You can typically obtain the driver from official Leica Geosystems partners or specialized surveying equipment portals: Driver Version : v1.70 is the standard for Windows 10/11 compatibility. Official Portals : Users often find these at SCCS Surveying Knowledge Base Sunbelt Sales Installation Method : It is recommended to use the executable (.exe) for pre-installation before plugging in the cable. Sentek Technologies Step-by-Step Setup Disconnect the Cable : Ensure the
cable is not plugged into your PC during the initial driver installation Run the Installer
: Execute the downloaded driver file (v1.70) with administrative privileges. Disable Signature Enforcement (If Needed)
: If the driver fails to install because it is unsigned, you may need to restart Windows in Advanced Startup
mode and select "Disable driver signature enforcement" (typically option 7). Connect the Cable : Once the installer finishes, plug the into your PC's USB port Verify in Device Manager Right-click the button and select Device Manager Look under Ports (COM & LPT) for "USB Download Cable". Note the assigned COM Port number (e.g., COM3) for use in your data exchange software. Sentek Technologies Troubleshooting Common Issues PL2303 issues (Prolific USB to Serial Drivers) Win 11 15 Nov 2021 —
3. Select "USB Smart I/O Controllers -->> USB to Serial/Parallel" 4. Select "PL2303 -- Driver & Software" <<-- for PL2303HXD chip. Microsoft Community Hub USB cable drivers for Windows | Sentek Technologies 26 Jul 2022 —
GEV189 USB download cable (Part No. 734700) is a critical accessory for transferring data from Leica Total Stations usb download cable gev189 driver windows 10 new
(such as the TS02, TS06, and TS09) to a PC. For Windows 10 users, obtaining and correctly installing the "new" or latest driver version is essential to ensure the cable is recognized as a valid COM port. Driver Acquisition
While many GEV189 cables come with a driver CD, these often contain legacy drivers for Windows XP or 7. For Windows 10, it is recommended to use updated driver packages: Engineering Surveyor Official Sources
: The latest verified drivers are typically available on the Leica myWorld customer portal or through authorized distributors like Sunbelt Sales Version Info : Look for driver packages version v1.70 or higher
, which are specifically noted for GEV189/GEV195 compatibility on modern Windows systems. Sunbelt Sales Windows 10 Installation Steps
If Windows 10 does not automatically recognize the cable, follow these manual installation steps to avoid "Unknown Device" errors in Device Manager:
To successfully use the Leica GEV189 USB download cable on Windows 10, you must install specific drivers that bridge the instrument's serial connection to your computer's USB port. While many older versions are capped at Windows 7, newer v1.70 drivers (and above) are required for full compatibility with Windows 10. 1. Download the Correct Drivers
Avoid generic Windows Update searches, as they often fail to recognize the GEV189 cable. Use these sources for the verified Windows 10 driver:
Official Resource: Log in to Leica myWorld to access the latest certified drivers for your specific instrument. Leica GEV189 USB download cable, the "new" driver
Alternative Downloads: Specialist providers like Sunbelt Sales and G2 Survey host the USB Cable Drivers GEV189/GEV195 v1.70 ZIP files. 2. Installation Steps for Windows 10
If the standard .exe installer fails, you may need a manual "point-and-click" installation via Device Manager. Cable Drivers - Support & Downloads | Sunbelt Sales
Here is the complete guide and driver information for setting up the GEV189 cable on Windows 10.
Before diving into the driver installation, let’s clarify what this cable actually is. The GEV189 is a USB-to-TTL serial adapter. One end has a standard USB-A male connector (plug into your PC). The other end usually has 4 female Dupont wires or a proprietary connector with pins for:
Inside the molded USB plug housing is a small chip—typically the Prolific PL-2303HX or PL-2303TA. Unfortunately, official drivers from Prolific after 2012 deliberately block counterfeit or older chips. Since many GEV189 cables use older or cloned chips, the latest official drivers will reject them on Windows 10.
When you plug the GEV189 into a fresh Windows 10 installation, one of three things happens:
The root cause: Microsoft’s driver signature enforcement (DSE) and Prolific’s chipset driver updates for Windows 10 (1803 and later) block older or clone chips. The GEV189 typically contains a PL-2303 HX (Rev A), which is no longer supported by official drivers.
Q: Will this driver work on Windows 11? A: Yes, the same driver version 3.3.2.105 works perfectly on Windows 11 as the driver model is similar to Windows 10. VCC (3
Q: My GEV189 cable has 4 wires – what’s the color code? A: Usually Red = VCC (5V), Black = GND, White = TX, Green = RX. Always verify with a multimeter.
Q: Can I use this cable to unbrick my router/satellite receiver? A: Yes, provided your device has a serial console header (3.3V TTL logic, not RS-232). Never connect VCC unless the device requires external power.
Q: Why does my COM port disappear after reboot? A: The driver might have been overwritten. Repeat the installation and disable automatic driver updates via Group Policy.
Windows 10 blocks unsigned or older drivers by default. To install the GEV189 driver:
Sometimes the built-in Windows 10 driver works with newer GEV189 cables (those with PL-2303TA or genuine chips).
If this succeeds, you’re done. If not, revert to Method 1.
If you don't want to fight drivers every month, buy a genuine FTDI-based USB cable for your radio. The GEV189 clones cost $6; the genuine cable costs $25. The difference? FTDI chips have official Windows 10 drivers that work forever. Many pros now call the GEV189 "e-waste."