BCD325P2 AC Power Issue

[pastormg2]

I am just new to my BCD325P2. I charged the batteries that came with the scanner last evening. I set the time of the charge to 8 hours. I assume that the unit will charge the batteries in 8 hours. But the standard time you get in the menu setting is 14. This morning the scanner said that the charge was complete.

I didn't use the scanner the whole day. I came home tonight and decided to plug the USB cable into the AC Adapter and plug it into the USB port on the right side of the scanner. Immediately I got the message "Charge Scanner Yes or No". I pressed no and then pressed and held the power button to turn the scanner on. It started to scan but then it stopped and asked again whether I wanted to charge the batteries.

One thing i did notice is that when I pushed down on the control/volume control the voltage number on the right side of the screen was 0. I don't understand that because I charged the batteries last night. So the only thing I can assume is that the batteries are either defective or I have no other alternative then to charge the batteries for 14 hours.

I also took the batteries out of the scanner and plugged in the USB/AC adapter and turned on the scanner in which I got the message no batteries. I pressed the power button and the scanner turned on and started to scan. But after about 10 seconds it shut off again. I stand corrected with the battery power. I read the numbers incorrectly. The voltage running on battery power presently is 2.60. So there is enough battery power to have the scanner working.

Is there a secret to getting this thing to operate on other power other then just the batteries? Any help would be very much appreciated. Mark Griffin, KB3Z

 

[seth21w]

The normal charge time from completely dead is about 14 hours from when it starts beeping for low battery. Charging 8 hours is only going to charge them 5/8 charged, however it's not a smart charger if you unplug it and plug it in again it's going to charge the 8 hours again, if you select yes to charge. I would suggest leave it unplugged and on until it beeps and or shuts off. And set the charge time to 13hrs. I don't do 14 but 13 hrs seems to be just right. I charge mine at night while off, and note what time I plug it in and according to how much voltage I have when I charge I guesstimate when to turn on and start listening, and it runs on battery power until it beeps then I plug it in. Also it won't charge while on and plugged in but if you have it on and batteries are in it you won't drain your batteries.

 

[pastormg2]

Seth,
I think I found the possible problem. After looking closely at the AC Adapter I see it says Power Adapter Model No. DS9500. The model number for the AC Adapter should be AC USB 5V1A. It looks like Scanner Master made a mistake!!!!! I will try and call them tomorrow, but they may be open and then again may not be open. Either way I will call them. I also wrote them 2 emails tonight. Hopefully they will get back to me. It's not that the scanner won't operate, but it's just frustrating not being able to run the scanner on AC Power.

 

[seth21w]

I would just use a smartphone charger and return that and get my money back. I use the one from my Motorola Droid razr. Works perfectly but any usb phone charger will work.

 

[sparklehorse]

A lot of folks here, including me, will suggest getting a good intelligent charger and a couple sets of good NiMH cells, like Eneloops. Charge your batteries in the smart charger, not the radio. Keep a set of spares charged and handy. The cells will last longer this way & you'll have fewer problems. These radios trickle charge, which is an inexact method and prone to over or under charging. You'll be happier.
.

 

[pastormg2]

Seth,
I just plugged in my Smartphone charger and lo and behold the scanner now runs on AC. Scanner Master sent me the wrong adapter. I will call them tomorrow morning and have them send me the correct one. I sent them 2 emails tonight, but will call first thing at 10.00 and ask for the correct adapter. Mark Griffin, KB3Z

 

[pastormg2]

Sparklehorse,
I ordered additional batteries as well as an external charger. Thanks for the advice. Mark Griffin, KB3Z

 

[seth21w]

Seth,
I just plugged in my Smartphone charger and lo and behold the scanner now runs on AC. Scanner Master sent me the wrong adapter. I will call them tomorrow morning and have them send me the correct one. I sent them 2 emails tonight, but will call first thing at 10.00 and ask for the correct adapter. Mark Griffin, KB3Z

No problem pastor! Happy to help. Yeah i have 3 or 4 of old usb phone chargers for old phones and they work perfect, the only usb device i wouldnt trust would be a car 12v adapter. How much is that scanner master adapter?

 

[seth21w]

A lot of folks here, including me, will suggest getting a good intelligent charger and a couple sets of good NiMH cells, like Eneloops. Charge your batteries in the smart charger, not the radio. Keep a set of spares charged and handy. The cells will last longer this way & you'll have fewer problems. These radios trickle charge, which is an inexact method and prone to over or under charging. You'll be happier.
.

yea i have a external charger but it is just more convienient to plug it in at night when i get home from work. Rather than taking out the batteries every night and charging. So i gave up on it because i carry it with me to work every night and drain them completely on my 8 hr shift. I just make sure to open it up once a week and inspect the cells for any signs of weakness leakage etc.

 

[Voyager]

When cells fail, there will be no warning. The failure may be catastrophic and quick.

It may be inconvenient, but it's not more safe. When a cell fails, and if you charge enough cells eventually you will have one fail, I would much rather it be in a charger than my scanners.