BCT8 Humming

[Ensnared]

Today, I attempted to get a BCT8 going, but this scanner is hanging up on a frequency with a noticeable humming noise. To me, it is acting like a "birdie"; however, the frequency it is hanging up on is the local NWS, 162.475. It is disallowing scan function. I pressed the necessary keys to reboot this radio and also discovered the Firmware which was 1.20. I doubt this radio has ever been updated.

However, looking at this radio, I cannot see how this would be connected to the internet for a firmware update. I've read the associated Wiki, but still cannot figure this little beast out.

Any ideas?

 

[Ensnared]

Serial Port

I now see the serial port on the back of this radio; however, I still cannot understand why this radio is not receiving the local NWS, 162.475.

 

[Blackink]

Are you hearing any talk at all on any other frequencies?

Maybe an antenna issue?

 

[Ensnared]

Dead Hum

Are you hearing any talk at all on any other frequencies?

Maybe an antenna issue?

No, I've not heard any radio traffic whatsoever. Not a peep. I hit several keys when I started to attempt to get this rolling, but it was doing the same thing before and after, humming & not receiving radio traffic.

Personally, I think this radio is fried. I got it to scan Texas on service. But, again, it was buzzing on 162.475. Strange.

 

[Ensnared]

Receiver

Are you hearing any talk at all on any other frequencies?

Maybe an antenna issue?

Yes, it surely seems to be a reception issue, but the antenna portion is ruled out since it makes the hum with or without the antenna. I suppose it is possible that the receiving portion of this radio is compromised.

 

[WA0CBW]

How are you powering the scanner? If you are using a "wall wart" it could be the wrong voltage for your particular scanner.
BB

 

[Ensnared]

Previously Working

Yes, that thought crossed my mind. The radio is using an Enercell AC Adapter with the following: Input: 120V-60Hz 0.5A
Output 12V = 1.5A
Cat. No. 273-358

I wonder, would a bad ac adapter cause such a problem where the power is turned on & the receiver is disabled?

If I'm not mistaken, this radio was working before it landed in my hands.

 

[WA0CBW]

If you hear a "hum" instead of static it is most likely the power supply. It may be that the power supply is not supplying "pure" dc to the radio and is causing a 60 or 120 Hz hum. The receiver isn't disabled it just isn't working correctly because of the power supply.
BB

 

[Ensnared]

Thanks

If you hear a "hum" instead of static it is most likely the power supply. It may be that the power supply is not supplying "pure" dc to the radio and is causing a 60 or 120 Hz hum. The receiver isn't disabled it just isn't working correctly because of the power supply.
BB

Given that this is a RS power supply, Enercell, I can see how this might happen. I will see if I can find another 12V power supply to see if it makes a difference.

 

[Ensnared]

RS Power Supply

I hooked up my trusty RS Micronta power supply and then took my RS 12V adapter & switched out the adapters. I was using one for the Pro-106/PSR500. The radio owner already had an adapter for this Uniden.

When I hooked it up to 12V, nothing changed. My guess is this got fried with a power spike or lightening. I think it is RIP.