BC296D - No signals

[BillKaye]

My trusty BC296D seems to have stopped working, so I am hoping that someone may have a solution, aside from having to replace it.

I don't know if anyone has access to a service manual, or for that matter whether Uniden offers any type ot repair service for non-production models. (I'm keeping in mind that if they do I'd need to determine their cost since I don't want to pay more for a repair than what a later generation scanner might run!)

I cleared the memory with the 2-9-Manual reset option and reprogrammed it with known working sites, including VHF, UFH and the 800 band -- but same results.

I suspect that it is in the antenna connection, either a defective BNC plug or bad/broken solder connection internally. When I tune to area FM broadcast stations I can get a faint signal, so I had a friend who is a ham bring over his portable unit. I entered his transmit frequency into a open channel and when he keyed his unit I received the signal quite clearly, but then again we were only about 6 feet apart. That leads me to believe that the scanner probably doesn't have any major circuit issues.

Any thoughts, suggestions, sources for service manuals, ideas, etc. ????

Bill

 

[W1CRN]

Its prob the internal coax that goes from where the back of the BNC connection to the PC Board. Its a easy fix. I have had the same problem with some of my uniden scanners. Let me know if you need more help with it.

 

[cg]

I agree with the antenna connection. If you can move the BNC connection at all, it is almost a certainty.
Put the scanner on a weather channel that you normally would receive. Then tighten and loosen the antenna with a bit of pressure at each stop. If the signal comes back, even for a second, that would pretty much confirm the internal antenna joint.
Use caution when you tighten the internal nut as normal mechanics tools may be too big. Also, I believe there is some kind of threadlock on the nut. I have used it when I retighten the nut to keep every thing snug.
I then reflow the solder joint, AFTER I retighten the nut.

chris

 

[sjlamb]

I agree with the antenna connection. If you can move the BNC connection at all, it is almost a certainty.
Put the scanner on a weather channel that you normally would receive. Then tighten and loosen the antenna with a bit of pressure at each stop. If the signal comes back, even for a second, that would pretty much confirm the internal antenna joint.
Use caution when you tighten the internal nut as normal mechanics tools may be too big. Also, I believe there is some kind of threadlock on the nut. I have used it when I retighten the nut to keep every thing snug.
I then reflow the solder joint, AFTER I retighten the nut.

chris

Sounds like a good plan to me....