Uniden bearcat 210

[astark]

My scanner came today and I got it hooked up, could not be happier with it.

I'm running it through my computer speakers and this thing kicks out some loud clear distortion free sound, absolutely amazing, and it gets all the frequencies I needed for my area.

And another thing, it is absolutely quite between traffic, can't even tell it is on until something is said, no hiss or hum or anything.

This old scanner is awesome and I'm having a blast with it, more later but for now let me thank you all who have schooled me so far.

Any addition insights, ideas, sharing of thought are still appreciated.

 

[astark]

Could someone recommend a good external antenna with a Motorola connection that would best meet my needs.

If I put it on top of my house it would need a very long cable to reach to the top of my two story house.

Any advice on how and where to mount would also be appreciated.

 

[k3cfc]

Scantenna from Antennacraft


You can get an adapter for the b and c connector.

 

[astark]

Thank you

 

[k3cfc]

Thank you

No problem..


Enjoy.

K3CFC

 

[NYRHKY94]

Astark:

I use the set-up that k3cfc suggested with my Bearcat BC210XLT. I have a Scantenna mounted outside at 35' and use a F to BNC connector coupled with a BNC to Motorola plug going into the Bearcat. Got both adaptors at Radio Shack.

F to BNC: Standard F Connector to BNC Jack : F Connectors | RadioShack.com

BNC to Motorola: BNC to Motorola Adapter : Adapters | RadioShack.com

 

[k3cfc]

Astark:

I use the set-up that k3cfc suggested with my Bearcat BC210XLT. I have a Scantenna mounted outside at 35' and use a F to BNC connector coupled with a BNC to Motorola plug going into the Bearcat. Got both adaptors at Radio Shack.

F to BNC: Standard F Connector to BNC Jack : F Connectors | RadioShack.com

BNC to Motorola: BNC to Motorola Adapter : Adapters | RadioShack.com

So how does it work?

K3CFC

 

[NYRHKY94]

Hi K3CFC:

Works very well for me. My BC210XLT is dedicated to monitoring my local airport ATC frequencies and a few select analog channels for airport operations. It is one of the 8 scanners I have running off of the Scantenna (using an 8-way Electroline drop amp splitter). Audio is really nice and I love the front firing speaker on the old Bearcat models. Only issues I experience are bleedover from time to time on some frequencies, due to the lack of CT/DC code programming. To be expected with the oldie but goodies like the BC210XLT.

 

[k3cfc]

Hi K3CFC:

Works very well for me. My BC210XLT is dedicated to monitoring my local airport ATC frequencies and a few select analog channels for airport operations. It is one of the 8 scanners I have running off of the Scantenna (using an 8-way Electroline drop amp splitter). Audio is really nice and I love the front firing speaker on the old Bearcat models. Only issues I experience are bleedover from time to time on some frequencies, due to the lack of CT/DC code programming. To be expected with the oldie but goodies like the BC210XLT.

If you can find the frequency bleeding over you may be able to find how to make a notch filter for this one on the net.


K3CFC

 

[W2NJS]

Here's some additional information to get you started:
The radio has these frequency coverages:
1. 30-50 mHz FM (not a lot of action; usually quiet)
2. 118-136 mHz aircraft band, AM, not FM (all commercial airlines and airports)
3. 136-174 mHz, FM (huge amounts of activity; ham band is 144-148 mHz)
4. 420-512 mHz, FM (huge amounts of activity; ham band is 420-450 mHz mostly 440-450 mHz)

As opposed to today's desktop scanners, and most portable scanners, the 210XLT does NOT have
PL (CTCSS) or DPL (DCS) capability, nor does it have the ability to have the display show an alpha
display for the agency; it just shows numbers, period. As noted above, it's also a strictly a wideband
receiver, and today much of the radio traffic is narrowband.

The best source of information is probably the wiki section of this Board where you will find hundreds of relevant topics about scanning. You can download a copy of the 210 manual here:

http://www.repeater-builder.com/uniden/pdf/uniden-bearcat-bc210xl-owners-man.pdf

BTW, I've had my 210XLT for probably twenty years and it's still in use down in the country where many
of the smaller fire and police agencies still use analog FM radio systems.

 

[k3cfc]

I bought mine in 1978 new $300.00. put the user guide in a file cabinet and still use it today.


K3CFC

 

[KB7MIB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

I have an Electra Bearcat 210 that used to be my Dad's. It doesn't work any longer, however, as it won't take and hold any programming any longer for some reason. Wish it did still work

 

[k3cfc]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

I have an Electra Bearcat 210 that used to be my Dad's. It doesn't work any longer, however, as it won't take and hold any programming any longer for some reason. Wish it did still work

Are you saying you can't program it or if you turn it off you have to reprogram it?


K3CFC

 

[KB7MIB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

If you try to program a frequency, it won't take the first time (if at all anymore) and when it did take, it would migrate up in memory channel. (1 went to 4, 2 went to 5, 3 went to 6, etc) If I hit the E repeatedly, the displayed frequency would jump...

 

[KB7MIB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

all over the place, anywhere from an HF frequency to somewhere between 512-599 MHz until it went to ------ on the display. (No it did not receive out of band.) If you turned the scanner off, you had to try to reprogram it.

 

[k3cfc]

In my years of electronic repair i have seen more bad solder joints then a little bit. i used just the eye piece from a broken pair of binoculars. they make the hairs in your hand look like wires. now considering the age of the scanner i would change every electrolytic capacitor in the 210.they are the most failed part. then look very close at the circuit board under a bright light. i use a 22 watt circular florescent light with a big magnifying glass can't think what they are called. i have gone so far as to re solder every joint on the board because there could be a bad joint you just cant see.i like to take a picture of the component side get several printed copy's and name every part. draw a line from a part then label it. may come in handy later on. and another thing don't touch the antenna in the winter a static zap will ruin it because there is a part in there you can't buy any more. Motorola made it for Electra and when they were bought out by uniden .the agreement was to destroy the plans and to never tell what it was. put a straw over the antenna and leave it be.

Hope this helps.

K3CFC

 

[KB7MIB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

The original antenna was broken some 20+ years ago. I was using the back of set antenna RS sold. It's now on a PRO-2020.
my Mom has a lamp similar to what you're describing. It's on a floor stand and has two articulating arms, similar to a Snorkel truck.

 

[KB7MIB]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (X11; Linux i686; U; en-US) Gecko/20081217 Vision-Browser/8.1 301x200 LG VN530)

Anyway, when I have the money to repair it, I'll take the time to do so. If for nothing else but sentimental value. Thanks.