actually Dan, the uv5r stock programming cable is a USB cable.  I suppose 
you could find a serial cable for it, but that isn't the norm.

73
Colin, VA6BKX
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Dan Eickmeier" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:28 PM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Baofeng on 222 MHZ *Important

> I just ordered a Baofeng UV5R through amazon.ca, so will be looking =
> forward to getting this radio.  I didn't bother getting the programming =
> cable, as for one, I'm on a MAc here, and the software is Windows based, =
> and more than likely the programming cable, like so many I've seen for =
> other radios, terminates in a serial plug, going into the computer.  Why =
> these radio manufacturers don't have programming cables that have a USB =
> connector on the end going into the computer, I don't know, as serial is =
> seriously out of date.  If you can get a programming cable for these =
> baofeng radios that terminates in a USB connector going into the =
> computer, I'd be interested to know that.  73 de Dan VA3ETS.   =20
> On 2013-09-06, at 9:52 PM, Tom Brennan <[log in to unmask]> =
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks, Mike.  I found that the uv-5r x+ has 2m and 1.25m on it but =
> none have
>> the three bands.  Also, I have seen in a number of places that only =
> the uv-5r
>> itself allows the use of the extended batteries, the newer programming =
> cable,
>> and some other things without modification.  What I am seeing is to =
> get the 54
>> and forget the 5ra, 5rf, 5rx, 5r x+, etc.
>>=20
>> The uv-5r is currently $35 from Amazon with free shipping.
>>=20
>> Tom
>>=20
>>=20
>> Tom Brennan  KD5VIJ, CCC-A/SLP
>> web page http://titan.sfasu.edu/~g_brennantg/sonicpage.html