396XT Suddenly Stops Trunking

[mfn002]

When I'm using my 396XT with the factory-supplied AC adapter, it will inexplicably stop trunking every once in a while when monitoring a local mutli-site 700 system. It'll show a blinking RSSI when it scans through the sites, but no data frequency or voice traffic. Meanwhile, my other scanners monitoring the same system are working perfectly. I have to disconnect the adapter and then reconnect it again before the unit starts working again (I can't just turn it off and back on again). Has anyone else encountered this problem?

 

[CoolCat]

I haven't experienced that issue with mine, but I don't listen to anything in the 700MHz range (if that even matters?).

Are you running the latest firmware?

 

[mfn002]

Are you running the latest firmware?

I got it in 2009, and I wasn't aware of any firmware updates. Since the only time it's hooked up to AC power is when I'm monitoring the 700 system, I have no idea if it would do it on other system types. It only does it every once in a while, so I have no idea what could be causing it.

 

[911scanner]

I used to have that issue with my old BC296D, but none of the 3 digital Unidens since. I wonder if the board may have gotten to hot over time and a solder came loose or something...

Just a thought.


MM

 

[CoolCat]

I got it in 2009, and I wasn't aware of any firmware updates.

Uniden has released 2 firmware updates for the 396XT. To check what firmware your scanner is running; Press Menu > Settings > See Scanner Info > Firmware Version.

The latest firmware is "1.08.14"; If you are running an earlier firmware, then I would suggest updating it as it may contain a bug fix for your issue. You can download the firmware updater and latest firmware from: BCD396XTFirmwareUpdate < UnidenMan4 < TWiki.

I bought my 396XT in late '09 (or early '10?) and I have updated it once from v.1.07.00 to v1.08.14.

Hope that helps

 

[mfn002]

I do find it quite odd that it only does it with the AC adapter. I have never had a problem with it while using batteries.

 

[CoolCat]

Maybe the AC adapter is going bad? Irregular voltage output, etc causing odd side effects in the scanner?

 

[mfn002]

Maybe the AC adapter is going bad? Irregular voltage output, etc causing odd side effects in the scanner?

Could be. I'll try the less-used one from an old 396T that I have. I'm going to dig up the programming cable for the radio, which is buried in a small pile of my other, two-way radio programming cables, so I can upgrade the firmware.