Belt Clip Mod

[Tim-B]

Has anyone used an aftermarket springloaded belt clip like one that is made for commercial portables and attached it with screws to the back of a 396 or a 436? If so what brand and model clip did you use and can you show some pictures? I want to file down the place on the back of both of those scanners where the belt clip attaches until it is smooth and them attach a good commercial radio belt clip that screws on.

 

[jonwienke]

Don't. It's a really bad idea for several reasons.

The rear case has reinforcement around the factory screw hole, but not elsewhere. Any modded belt clip is likely to be LESS secure than the factory clip, not more secure.

The rear circuit board is very close to the rear case. If you drill holes without completely disassembling the scanner, the odds are better than even that you will hit the circuit board with the tip of the drill when you break through, or worse yet, screw into the circuit board when you install the screws. Either scenario will result in expensive repairs not covered by warranty.

There are several cases that have integral belt clips that are stronger than anything you could attach to the thin plastic of the rear case, which also offer significant protection to the entire scanner, and have zero risk of screws or drills bamaging the rear circuit board. You are much better off selecting one of them, rather than trying to attach a non-factory belt clip.

 

[Tim-B]

Okay, thanks. I figured that might be the case with the boards.

Oh well. I guess I will just shove it in my back pocket if I am walking around with it.

 

[ResQguy]

Don't. It's a really bad idea for several reasons.

The rear case has reinforcement around the factory screw hole, but not elsewhere. Any modded belt clip is likely to be LESS secure than the factory clip, not more secure.

Remember the Minitor 3? That was designed so that if you open the belt clip too wide it would flex the housing and crushed the decoder board inside!