BC 890 XLT Lack of Sensitivity

[GilW]

I have been using a Uniden BC 890 XLT desk top scanner for several years in my ham shack. It is hooked up to an attic antenna and I realized recently that it is only pulling in very stron signals. I tried it with several extendable antennas and the rubber duck from my BC 296 D and and it will not pick up anything. Back on the attic antenna and I get strong stations only. I took a look inside the case and all seems secure realtive to the solder joints, etc where the bnc connector comes in.

I would like to use this radio upstairs in my house with an inside extendable antenna but it does nothing. Anyone ever experince a similar problem? Any thought? Is it worth sending back to Uniden?

 

[DaveH]

I don't think it's inherent lack of sensitivity, just very susceptible to overload, on just about every band. I have a PRO-2036 (same radio) and putting it on an external antenna in the city makes it unusable. Even a back-of set antenna has problems. Same goes for the BC895XLT. I have to carefully control the antenna gain and/or use filters or attenuators to make it useful.

Dave

 

[Grog]

All of my scanners display an inherent lack of sensitivity. They always use me, make me buy them things (antennas), feed them (AAs), and never want to cuddle :lol:



P.S. To make my post relivent, I always wondered what RS model matched the 890, thanks.

 

[GilW]

My other scaners all work with rubber ducks, etc on the second floor of my home. When I went to use the 890 upstairs it received nothing. It only seems to receive with a decent (non portable ) antenna? I noticed a while back it didn't seem to receive as many stations as usual but I didn't check it out and confirm I had a problem.

Gil

 

[LarrySC]

Do you own a NEXTEL direct connect??

 

[Dougie]

If it isnt used than I wouldnt really worry.....The only thing that comes to mind and ive bought tons of used scanners.. I found out that someone hooking a wrong voltage power supply to one can do the same kinda damage you are describing....

 

[GilW]

I do not have Nextel direct connect?

I contacted Uniden and they will fix the unit for $ 56.00 including return shipping. Considering this unit is in mint condition and the price to replace it, I think this is a very reasonable offer and I am sending the scanner to them.

I recently bought a BC 296Dwhich is one great scanner. I plan on putting the 890 in my home office upstairs for monitoring non trunking stuff.

 

[hvcap]

uniden 890

i run an 890 that i bought in 1994 take a real close look at the bnc connecter on the board the pin solders to a wire sometimes it looks like it has a good connection and it does not. i thought about changing the bnc
but it looked like i would have to redrill the case. they use a round ring
to hold the bnc on i found a nut which solved the problem.







thanks
and good luck