Intermittent Scanning PSR500

tgbrengel · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2013, 11:52 AM

My PSR500 has started to intermittently scan. The unit will be working normally then I will not hear any audio and look at the display. The display reads "scaning" with the scrolling arrows however the radio is paused on a conventional frequency. When I hit the scan button the scanner will then move to the next conventional frequency. The radio switches between normal scanning and this intermittent scanning with no reason. I've tried reprogramming the scanner and updating the firmware but, the problem continues. What do you suggest?

Ensnared · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgbrengel

My PSR500 has started to intermittently scan. The unit will be working normally then I will not hear any audio and look at the display. The display reads "scaning" with the scrolling arrows however the radio is paused on a conventional frequency. When I hit the scan button the scanner will then move to the next conventional frequency. The radio switches between normal scanning and this intermittent scanning with no reason. I've tried reprogramming the scanner and updating the firmware but, the problem continues. What do you suggest?

My first question is how well you receive NOAA. If you have difficulty hearing this transmission, it might mean a loose BNC module. I am assuming your radio was working well before.

tgbrengel · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2013, 1:31 PM

Same for weather radio bands. They won't receive however, sometimes they do.

Halfpint · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2013, 9:30 PM

Have you been doing a lot of antenna switching or, possibly dropped it so that the antenna was the first thiong to hit? *If* either of these things have been, or are happening, or have happened I'd tend to go with ensnared's suggestion of a BNC connector problem. A possible check would be for you to try gently wiggling the antenna *right at* the connection at the body when it's stopped to see if this might be the case. Some PSR-500s have been known to exhibit this problem and usually the cure is to go in and repair the center connection's wiring between the connector and the circuit board.

If you aren't comfortable with soldering, especially in close quarters, you might be able to find someone who is or you can go ahead and place a `ticket' at GRE's web site and they should be able to help you.

krokus · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2013, 5:09 AM

Have you made certain your squelch control is set high enough? My 500 will lock onto a conventional channel, when squelch has bumped, but I will not get audio if that object has ctcss or dcs associated.

Ensnared · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2013, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgbrengel

Same for weather radio bands. They won't receive however, sometimes they do.

I have many posts on this subject matter, the PSR 500 BNC module. First of all, I would like to say I have been very rough on my radio in the past. But, after two trips to GRE repair, I am very careful.

If your radio has taken a spill, the antenna might have been the first thing to contact the ground. I suppose it creates a fulcrum effect on the housing. But, a few hearty falls might render your radio compromised relative to proper reception.

But, based on my experience, this BNC has been affected by: a) having a very tight BNC mount requiring increased torque to remove the antenna; b) aforementioned drops; & c) having too much metal above the BNC as in a PL-259 to BNC setup. I don't recommend the latter, but as I said, this is experiential. Within three weeks of a buffoon radio tech installing a PL-259 connection to my coax coupled with a BNC adapter, my radio was headed back to GRE.

So, in my opinion, the diagnosis might be "BNC loosening." On one occasion, the BNC did not appear to be loose; however, that is what was replaced. I might add, I know the symptoms.

It is a bit pricey considering the shipment & repair cost, but it should restore your radio to pre-morbid functioning. You might also ask GRE to check the functioning of your radio when and if you send it in for repair.

tgbrengel · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2013, 1:40 AM

Not positive it could be the BNC connector. I will keep hitting "scan" and it will eventually scan just fine then randomly lock up on a conventaion channel. There seems to be no rhym or reason.

Anyone know if GRE is still servicing scanners? I submitted a ticket on the 24th and haven't heard back. In pevious experiences I have usually heard back from them within the same day...

SquierStrat · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2013, 9:07 AM

i also have an issue with my psr500, which i would describe as "intermittent scanning". Although not identical to your problem, i thought i'd give my input anyways.. I sent the scanner in under warranty and they didnt find anything wrong with it though. Ive determined my issue is with "overload". Using my Diamond rh77ca antenna, my psr500, when in certain parts of my house, will skip right past 460.125 and 154.415 (with pl tones enabled) while my other scanners stop on them immediately. If i turn the global attenuator on, the problem disappears. If i set the attenuator for just those certain channels, the problem disappears. and finally, if i take that antenna off and put my 800mhz antenna on it, the problem disappears. Overload, or whatever its called, is a common issue with this scanner, and i believe its what causes my issue. It might be worth turning your global attenuator on and experimenting around with that...