BCT15X: Random Reboot

[N2LBB]

Hi, recently my BCT15X randomly goes into reboot. After about an hour the unit cycles on off for about a minute, then stabilizes. This happens in both scanning and in frequency hold. Checked the power supply and the voltage is constant at 13.85 volts. Additionally the key input beep is heard prior to the random reboot. Checked the keyboard for stuck keys and smooth operation...all good.
Contacted Uniden and they recommend sending it in, prior to that, has anyone seen this? Any simple fix?

Thanks, Ed

 

[freqseeker]

I know you said the power supply voltage is 13.85. Is that under load?
I would still try a different power supply before sending it in.

 

[chief21]

Since your power supply seems to be OK, is there any possibility of an intermittent connection somewhere in the power chain? Have you checked all wiring, fuses, and connectors? Possibly, a poor connection could be heating up and randomly causing a disconnect. Move those wires around and see if everything appears stable.

 

[doctordialtone]

If it only happens when running on the adapter, it has to be that.

Does it happen running on batteries?

 

[N2LBB]

Thanks for the prompt replies. yeah I'll check the power source issues especially under load as freqseeker pointed out.
At my age the obvious is not always obvious!

 

[wtp]

AC Adapter (13.8V DC 750mA Regulated) (AD-1009)
DC Power Jack: 5.5mm (1/5 in.) (Center Positive)

 

[N2LBB]

OK, did a swap of power supplies (original that I had on hand, Uniden AD-1009 mentioned by wtp) no help.
Unplugged everything, checked the connections for loose, arcing, corroded parts, nothing found. Reconnected everything and left unit on while shopping. BCT15X still does the reboot. So checked the firmware which is 1.07.00 and is the latest according to Uniden. So all things considered it is the unit. There maybe a circuit board issue but would not be able to troubleshoot at that level. Guess sending it in is next.
I really like this scanner for civ/mil air monitoring, so the Uniden quoted cost of $94.95 is worth it to me.
Want to thank all of you for your help and insight.

 

[wtp]

you might try and find a bigger power supply with the right plug, now that you have the size.
not all things break the way you might imagine.
it could even be a temperature thing.
throw the supply in the freezer for a bit and then try.
nothing to loose.
maybe even the radio !
this is an odd/old hard drive thing.

 

[N2LBB]

Thanks wtp, I do remember the freezer trick. I took the chance and carefully opened the case. Used magnifier to scope out the board in particular the power supply parts. Nothing sticks out or seems amiss. I will have to dig up a larger power supply, but it's in the very hot garage (Vega$). And doctordialtone, I'll try to rig up a direct battery connection but would have to gather up proper plugs first. I'll work it for a few days, then I'll send it off.

 

[Ubbe]

Open the squelch and listen to the white noise at full volume and then at no volume and see if it changes its behavior with the reboots as it then draws different amount of current and indicates a power issue. If it beeps before reboot it indicates that the CPU runs into a problem, it could be a bad read of memory for a specific channel. If you have the programming saved and can reload it you can try to do a full factory reset and then let it be powered on without any programming. If it then seems to work ok it has to be some sort of corrupt memory that might be fixed by a new full programming.

It's the standard 2-9-Hold buttons to be held in while powering on to do a reset. If you can reload its firmware it could also help.

/Ubbe

 

[N2LBB]

Update after a busy week. Ubbe, thank you for your recommendation, which I did first. Reset and firmware reload did not solve the problem. Placed the unit in the fridge as well as the power supply(s) This did delay the onset of the random reboot, but returned as the unit operated.
I rigged up the car power cable both the hard wire and 12v outlet and drove around this last week. The reboot still occurs.
Well, the problem seems deeper in the BCT15X. I have decided to get another one and keep the "bad" one so I can go deeper into it. It is a great scanner for my needs.
I want to thank everybody for their great advice!

73

 

[wtp]

and thanks for keeping us updated.
some just let it ride.