Almost DOA 996?

[FlashSWT]

Hey guys, I searched the board but couldn't find anything about this. I'm going crazy here and am starting to think this scanner is screwed up.

I'm working on setting up a brand new BCD996T (we got two of those plus three 396's at work). I'm using the Uniden USAD software and loaded a new configuration right after I pulled it out of the box.

The problem I'm having is that the SCAN/SEARCH, HOLD/RESUME, Menu, L/O buttons do not work. Nothing happens when I press them. I can't resume the scan, I can't hold on a TG. I can't even enter the menu system. I reloaded the default config through software and even tried the 2-9-Hold reset but nothing happens (maybe because the Hold button is broken?).

However when I connect the 996 to the computer and use the USAD "Online Control" it works fine. Any button I click with the mouse performs exactly as it is supposed to.

The 396 I've been setting up works perfectly. I do have another 996 still in the box that I haven't gotten to yet but I was trying to keep from unpacking them all at the same time.

Help me keep my sanity. This can't be normal operation can it?

.

 

[DaveIN]

It sounds like you may have a ribbon cable problem, you may want to contact your reseller or Uniden directly about that.

 

[FlashSWT]

Alright, I pulled the other 996 out of the box and it works just like it is supposed to. I'm taking this to mean the other one is at least partially broken. I guess it'll be heading back to ScannerMaster.

I'd still be interesting in hearing anyone else's thoughts or experiences with similar problems.

Thanks.

 

[RFsponge]

You're not going crazy, you're going sane in a crazy world! Although I'm no expert, I agree that you must have a hardware problem. I've been reading, with great trepidation on this site, about the issues with the display's backlights, the excessive mud in transmissions, and now your interface. My 996Ts have yet to, and will hopefully never, develop these problems, but it does sound like they're not as rugged as Unidens of the past. I've also found some big discrepancies in the preloaded lat/long values for the systems where I live, but that's software, and easily remedied with tedious and time consuming research through all hours of the night... (yawn)

One idea: It sounds like you might work in a place (LEO? TV station?) where you would have an electronics engineer or two running around. Maybe trade out the control panel on the front from another one of your 996T's and see if it behaves. It's one way to narrow down the problem, but I'd bet it would also void the warranty on both radios. So turn the screws at your own risk.

Another idea: Buy another 996T, clone your ill one, and then return it and get your money back. It's quicker than sending it away for 6-8 weeks.

I have not heard any complaints in this forum about Uniden's service department or their waranty service. So you could just want to bite the bullet and send it in. I myself would hate to do it, but if you don't have the money to fiddle with and buy another one short-term, there's my idea number 3.

Of course, this is all coming from a guy who works the equipment but has no idea how the equipment works. So it's entirely possible that my advice isn't the best. I am very thankful for this forum and all the knowledge it disseminates. I'm sure if I've given you a not-so-wise idea, you'll know it from further postings.

Good luck!
Rob

 

[AZScanner]

This is what happens when you have your scanners built by folks who earn $5 a day.

I love my Uniden scanners but they really need to step up and build them in Japan or here, not in the Philippines. I'd pay a few $$'s extra for the peace of mind in knowing that my $500+ scanner was put together by someone who is paid enough to care whether or not it will actually work when it arrives.

-AZ

 

[FlashSWT]

Thanks for the ideas Rob. We've only had the unit since Monday so I'll simply be exchanging it for a brand new one where I bought it (not messing around with having Uniden repair it under warranty or anything).

This mentioned "ribbon cable problem" isn't anything as easy to fix as simply plugging a loose cable in is it?

.

 

[Dubbin]

This mentioned "ribbon cable problem" isn't anything as easy to fix as simply plugging a loose cable in is it?

.

If its just loose then yes its that simple.

 

[RFsponge]

But getting to the cable connection to check might very well void the warranty. If that turns out to NOT be the problem, then you're toast. I believe exchanging it would be a lot less of a headache.

 

[pro92b]

This is what happens when you have your scanners built by folks who earn $5 a day.

I love my Uniden scanners but they really need to step up and build them in Japan or here, not in the Philippines. I'd pay a few $$'s extra for the peace of mind in knowing that my $500+ scanner was put together by someone who is paid enough to care whether or not it will actually work when it arrives.

-AZ

Uniden stopped production in the Philippines years ago. It's all built in China now - just like the computer you are typing on.

 

[DaveIN]

Another idea: Buy another 996T, clone your ill one, and then return it and get your money back. It's quicker than sending it away for 6-8 weeks.
Rob

You can use the Butel clone program or the Uniden UASD (both free downloads) to backup your 996.

 

[FlashSWT]

I've got the backup angle covered. I'm using the USAD software to program all of the 396s and 996s exactly the same so that isn't an issue. I'm actually still in the process of tweaking the group lists; I just ended up wasting several hours trying to figure out why the first 996 I unboxed wasn't working.
.

 

[DaveIN]

Uniden stopped production in the Philippines years ago. It's all built in China now - just like the computer you are typing on.

Mainland China is where most of the consumer electronic problems are coming from. High volume/low dollar. However if you want to pay closer to the cost of a Motorola radio, I'm sure the quality would be better, manufactured in the US.

 

[N1508J]

Reports of 996 problems are now arriving back in communist China. Workers are now being shot for poor workperson ship.

 

[Thayne]

I am looking at the back of a Motorola radio at the label under the battery--It says "Malaysia" :roll:

 

[ddpelp]

This problem has been reported

I am looking for the thread I think it is in the post release 996 area but this is a problem already reported so it is a hardware problem. As far as Uniden quality I hate to admit it but I believe you guys are right .. they are falling down in that area. I can only report/feel what I have had happened. I had a 780 for years never ever a bit of a problems ran 24/7 for long time .. same said of my 785 that I upgraded to fromt he 780.. ran long time not a problem notes.

Then sold the 785 bought the 996 T had it <40 days and the green LCD color went away. on all three levels.. Aftera little discussion sent it back the Monday before Thanksgiving have not seen it back yet. I do see on their repair status page they replaced resistor R263 I think it was.. so it seems to verify they did confirm a hardware problem. Anyway, I am hoping that this is its only trip back to Uniden but after reading the various problems and that some have gone back more then once I expect more problems with the 996. It frustrates me to no end to spend that kind of money and have to send it away exspecially so soon after getting it..

 

[ddpelp]

Similar problem on the identical non digital scanner model

http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51646

This is not the thread I had been thinking of bu same problem and the 15 is the non digital version of the 996 ..

Hope it helps. I agree while it might be the cable since it is brand new I woudl not open it up as I am sure Uniden would jump on that as an excuse to not repair under warranty most mfgs do that

 

[cg]

Send it back, DO NOT try to open in up.

I had an audio issue from using the front jack (killed the audio to the speaker & back jacks, I think it was a stuck jack contact). The screws that hold the 996 together are by far the worst quality I have ever seen on a Uniden scanner. Unfortunately I broke one and it cost me just over $50 for the voided warrenty repair.
The nice black screws in the older scanners are a thing of the past. I have a couple of parts scanners so I may swap the new ones out the next time I get into the scanner.

chris

 

[N1508J]

Quit complaining about poor quality parts, they keep the price of fabracation down to $100 per unit so the various middle men can add 100% profit.

 

[W4KRR]

I had an audio issue from using the front jack (killed the audio to the speaker & back jacks, I think it was a stuck jack contact).
chris

I sent my '996 back for the exact same problem. Broke the front headphone jack; either broken or a stuck contact inside. Was fixed and returned under warrenty in under three weeks.

 

[Bosniansboy]

I need Help!!!

Hey Guys,

I have just purchased a 996t and to be honest, have no idea on how to program it. Im fairly new to the world of scanning and am so far loving it but Im finding it really hard to understand. Are there any webites around that would be able to explain it in more simpler terms. Im in Australia where scanning is real popular however I have been unable to locate anyone here to help me out.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,