Open Device Manager > Right-click the problematic device > Properties > Details > Hardware Ids. Look for:
| Scenario | Action | |----------|--------| | GEV189 with Prolific PL-2303 HXA/RA | Discard cable – cannot be updated to work reliably on Windows 10. | | GEV189 with Prolific PL-2303 HXD/HX | Update to v3.8.36.4 driver – works fully. | | GEV189 with FTDI chip | Already compatible – use FTDI v2.12.28.0 or Windows Update driver. | | Unknown chip | Open cable shell (carefully) and read chip markings. |
Final verdict: Do not attempt to force old GEV189 drivers on Windows 10. Buy a modern FTDI-based USB-to-serial adapter (e.g., Tripp Lite U209-000-R) plus a GE serial programming cable – total cost ~$30-40, saves hours of troubleshooting.
The Leica GEV189 USB download cable (Part No. 734700) is a critical link for surveyors, enabling high-speed data transfer between Leica Total Stations (such as the TS, TCRP, and DNA series) and a PC. While Windows 10 often handles USB devices automatically, the GEV189 frequently requires specific driver installation to be recognized as a Virtual COM Port (VCP).
Below is a guide on where to find the latest updated drivers and how to install them on Windows 10. 1. Where to Download the GEV189 Driver usb download cable gev189 driver windows 10 upd
Official and reliable sources for the GEV189 driver include:
Leica myWorld: The primary source for official, verified drivers is the Leica myWorld portal.
Third-Party Vendors: Many equipment specialists provide mirrors for these drivers, such as the Sunbelt Sales Support Page which hosts versions for GEV189, GEV195, and GEV218.
FTDI Chipset Drivers: Because the GEV189 cable typically uses an FT232R chip, you can often use the universal VCP Drivers from FTDI if the standard Leica installer fails. 2. Windows 10 Installation Steps Open Device Manager > Right-click the problematic device
If Windows 10 does not automatically assign a COM port when you plug in the cable, follow these manual installation steps:
Extract the Driver: Download the driver ZIP file and extract it to a known folder on your PC.
Access Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate the Device: Look for "FT232R USB UART" or "Unknown Device" under Other devices. Update Driver: Right-click the device and select Update driver. Choose "Browse my computer for drivers". The Leica GEV189 USB download cable (Part No
Navigate to your extracted folder. If the folder specifically mentions Windows 7 or 8, select it anyway; these versions are typically compatible with Windows 10.
Confirm Port Assignment: Once installed, the device should appear under Ports (COM & LPT) as "USB Serial Port" or "GEV189 Download Cable". 3. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Driver not passed Windows Logo testing": During manual installation, Windows may show a security warning. Select "Continue Anyway" to proceed.
Missing COM Port: If the cable is listed under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" but not under "Ports," you may need to repeat the "Update Driver" process specifically for the USB Serial Port entry that appears after the first stage of installation.
Cable Not Recognized: Ensure you have administrative privileges. Security software or firewalls can sometimes block the installation of unsigned legacy drivers. Cable Compatibility Table Model Number Part Number Compatible Systems GEV189 TPS Series, TS02/06/09, DNA Levels GEV195 Similar to GEV189 (TPS/DNA Series) GEV267/268/269 Windows 7, 8, and 10 USB cable drivers for Windows - Sentek Technologies
Download the driver ZIP from Prolific. In Device Manager > Update driver > Browse my computer > Let me pick from a list > Have Disk – then point to the extracted INF file. This bypasses automatic detection.