PRO - 197 Fried

Jacob99 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 3:36 PM

My power adapter cord broke, and I went to radio shack to get another cord. The salesman sold me an adapter that provided two different voltages -- 13.5 and 30.0. The pro-197 needs 13.8.

The salesman never told me that one cord provided two different voltages, and when I got home and plugged in my scanner, it fried. It seems as if the adapter was set at 30.0V.

I guess it's my fault for not checking what the switch was set at, but I had never heard of one adapter with two different voltages. It would have been nice if the salesman at Radio Shack had warned me about this, but I digress.

My main concern is not who's to blame, but how do I get this scanner fixed?

Thanks!

RonnieUSA · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 3:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob99

My power adapter cord broke, and I went to radio shack to get another cord. The salesman sold me an adapter that provided two different voltages -- 13.5 and 30.0. The pro-197 needs 13.8.

The salesman never told me that one cord provided two different voltages, and when I got home and plugged in my scanner, it fried. It seems as if the adapter was set at 30.0V.

I guess it's my fault for not checking what the switch was set at, but I had never heard of one adapter with two different voltages. It would have been nice if the salesman at Radio Shack had warned me about this, but I digress.

My main concern is not who's to blame, but how do I get this scanner fixed?

Thanks!

Take it to where You bought the power adapter, and have them send it in for service.

reconrider8 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 3:43 PM

i thought the only way you could burn up a rig was to set the power to low? my 72xlt is like a 7.5 volt or something but i always keep it on 12 so it gets enough power

zzdiesel · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 3:44 PM

You'll probably be stuck with it. Most of cellphone salesmen of today don't know Jack**** about scanners. He'd probably have to go to his manager and admit what he told you, and that likely ain't happening.

Jacob99 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 4:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzdiesel

You'll probably be stuck with it. Most of cellphone salesmen of today don't know Jack**** about scanners. He'd probably have to go to his manager and admit what he told you, and that likely ain't happening.

His manager was right there.

So how much am I looking at to fix this?

gewecke · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 7:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob99

His manager was right there.

So how much am I looking at to fix this?

Take your owners manual for that scanner in the store with you and point out the part # for the proper adapter and voltage and polarity requirement and demand that they rectify this problem resulting from their sale to you.
If need be, contact their district manager!
NEVER take advice from a radio shack retail sales person, EVER!!

73,
n9zas

zzdiesel · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 7:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gewecke

Take your owners manual for that scanner in the store with you and point out the part # for the proper adapter and voltage and polarity requirement and demand that they rectify this problem resulting from their sale to you.
If need be, contact their district manager!
NEVER take advice from a radio shack retail sales person, EVER!!

73,
n9zas

Advice doesn't get any better than this.

slickchannels · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 8:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob99

His manager was right there.

So how much am I looking at to fix this?

Take it back to RS, pay the $20 diagnostic fee and they will send it to their service center. In about a week you will receive the cost of the repair. The $20 is applied to the cost if you elect to go forward.

jaspence · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2012, 8:42 PM

If you have a radio needing 7.5 volts, it also has a setting for the amps/milliamps it needs. Setting the voltage higher will not necessarily do anything but shorten the life of the components. The proper way to assure correct operation is to get a power source that provides the correct voltage and amp rating at least equal to the equipment requirement. Having a higher amp rating will not cause damage and will provide extra power if the need is there.

Jacob99 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2012, 8:15 PM

Thanks, all, for the replies. I think I'll be sending the 197 in for repair soon.

Fuzy_GSXR1000 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-08-2012, 7:28 PM

Good for you I hope it dosen't cost a lot to fix.

jaythescanman · #12 (**permalink**) 11-08-2012, 7:49 PM

if you know anything about electronics dont hesitate to open the cover on it and check the internal fuse that is at the back of the radio...it will look like a diode or a resistor usually very close to where the power plug goes into the scanner. 7 times out of 10 its this part that blows up on you causing it to not work...just look for the burnt part it should be obvious

KE4NYV · #13 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 4:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaspence

Setting the voltage higher will not necessarily do anything but shorten the life of the components.

PLEASE do not listen to advice like this! Everything has a max input voltage limit. It could be the rating on the internal voltage regulator or even a protection diode that sets this limit. Always read the manual or even the label on the equipment to determine the proper voltage and stay within that range to avoid damage.

Normally I keep my mouth shut, but advice like this needs to squelched, to help prevent people from making big mistakes. I am amazed at the ignorance that runs rampant on this site! Too many people pretending to be experts, giving false advice. Next thing you know, someone takes it as fact, burns something up and they are stuck with a paper weight.

W8RMH · #14 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 5:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KE4NYV

PLEASE do not listen to advice like this! Everything has a max input voltage limit. It could be the rating on the internal voltage regulator or even a protection diode that sets this limit. Always read the manual or even the label on the equipment to determine the proper voltage and stay within that range to avoid damage.

Normally I keep my mouth shut, but advice like this needs to squelched, to help prevent people from making big mistakes. I am amazed at the ignorance that runs rampant on this site! Too many people pretending to be experts, giving false advice. Next thing you know, someone takes it as fact, burns something up and they are stuck with a paper weight.

.....then they should read the manual instead of seeking advice from a forum of hobbyists, or worst, a radio shack employee.

Bob3655 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 8:19 AM

I don't want to blame people but Radio Shack DOES hire people that have no idea on what they are doing at least in my area probably due to lack of being trained in all product categories)Very poor management in MOST locations in So. Westchester County in NY) The Yonkers District Manager has been changed recently. I really don't know how they stay in business as they are top $$$$ for everything that can easilly be purchased for less. They make Walmart look good in my region. When you hire people and take advantage of them.....you get what you pay for. The incident with the HomePatrol 1 for $449.99 on their web-site had my Uniden America Distributor really very upset with his rep and now they want to start to drop all the low profit margin scanners such as the BCD396XT as it gets beat up price-wise on Ebay. Just food for thought here guys.
(KEVNYV--I saw your remarks and what you said is TRUE)
73's.

KE4NYV · #16 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 12:29 PM

While I mostly agree with what is said about the general RadioShack employee, I worked there for a year and not only did all of the local electronics guys come straight to me, but everyone I worked with came to me with every technical question. Do I sound a little full of myself? Maybe, but I'm just saying there are a few good ones...

Having said that, YES, the owner is ultimately responsible for reading the manual and taking fault when they fail to do so.

k3cfc · #17 (**permalink**) 11-11-2012, 1:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KE4NYV

While I mostly agree with what is said about the general RadioShack employee, I worked there for a year and not only did all of the local electronics guys come straight to me, but everyone I worked with came to me with every technical question. Do I sound a little full of myself? Maybe, but I'm just saying there are a few good ones...

Having said that, YES, the owner is ultimately responsible for reading the manual and taking fault when they fail to do so.

And you said this!! Setting the voltage higher will not necessarily do anything but shorten the life of the components.

Jacob99 · #18 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 4:46 PM

Update: I called Radio Shack, and the guy said he doesn't know who to send the scanner in to be fixed. Now what? Could a local place fix it?

(I did open my scanner, but saw no fuse. Didn't wanna mess too much looking around for one.)

Also, it this problem even fixable, or did I fry the entire scanner?

zzdiesel · #19 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 4:58 PM

I hope you didn't void the warranty by opening it.

gewecke · #20 (**permalink**) 11-17-2012, 6:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob99

Update: I called Radio Shack, and the guy said he doesn't know who to send the scanner in to be fixed. Now what? Could a local place fix it?

(I did open my scanner, but saw no fuse. Didn't wanna mess too much looking around for one.)

Also, it this problem even fixable, or did I fry the entire scanner?

There is not a fuse inside the scanner, but a diode that is designed to blow if reverse polarity is applied.
As mentioned, you may have just voided your warranty by opening the case too.

73,
n9zas