Hmmm....getting a constant S with bars to right of it...reviewed manual, followed instructions to adjust however cannot seem to take the S off, or reduce it to silent...ideas?
If you get constant 5 bars, you have a radio inteference problem. If you disconnect the antenna, and the bars drop, this will confirm the problem. This is not a programming problem.
If you are using the rubber duck that came with the scanner, or any indoor antenna near the computer for that matter, your computer could be the source of the interference. Many computers are real bad and can limit range rendering your scanner as useless. You can turn off the computer to confirm if this is the problem. Get your antenna as far away from the computer if this is the issue (coax and outdoor antenna). Use ferrite chokes (Radio Shaft sells them) on all lead wires to the computer. They reduce radiated noise, but the computer case may also be radiating at close range. Some computers are much lower in noise output (mine is), so you may want to try another.
If you are still getting "S" (open squelch) and 5 bars with the computer off, you may be getting overload from nearby FM stations. I do, so I fixed this problem with a simple TV FM trap filter I had in my junk box. Problem gone! No loss of range either...on any scanner band. These scanners have a known FM broadcast overload issue. I got a couple of these filters (new) off of evilBay for $7 shipped. RS sells the F to BNC adaptors. I use them on all of my scanner antennas (house/van/car). It is a must have for anyone who gets near FM transmitters.
Try those things. I think you will be able to fix the problem with ease.
Phil