BCD396T - Control Knob Hack?

[MarkEagleUSA]

I believe the main difference between the rotary encoders is the fact one is mechanical (BCD396T) and the other is optical (BCT-15).

Looks to me like the BCT-15 just uses one with a greater number of detents so it has a smoother rotation.

 

[KE5MC]

Are you suggesting I contact Uniden spare parts? I've done that, and they keep telling me all I can get is a plastic knob. Other than that, I'd have to send the scanner in for repair (replaced with the original part).

My intent is to find a replacement part which is optical, instead of mechanical. The only problem is, I need to know the in's and out's of the spare part numbers provided. I have a catalog from www.mouser.com with a few mechanical's that may fit the bill. We'll see.

I am clear about your intent and it seemed you were not getting any traction. I thought UPMan's input was something you use in a different manner. Sometime I get so focused on the original objective I lose sight that along the way another alternate objective might work.

Yes, I was suggesting to re-contact Uniden with the new information provided. Asking for a part by function description is not the same as ask to purchase so and so item by part number. It still may be a dead-end. It could get you parts you can reverse engineer lacking a data sheet.

I really wish you well on you efforts.

Mike

 

[nebj00la]

The two radios are back on the operating table. I'm going to see if the encoder from the BCT-15 works with the BCD396T. They are not the same size, so this might not be a perfect hack. Here are the initial pictures, with the appropriate parts out in the open.

 

[nebj00la]

Here are the two encoders side by side. The BCT-15 encoder is made by Alps (that name sounds very familiar). :0P

 

[af5rn]

Here are the two encoders side by side. The BCT-15 encoder is made by Alps (that name sounds very familiar). :0P

Muwahahaha! This thread just gets awesomer by the minute! :twisted:

 

[nebj00la]

Good news. The BCT-15 encoder works with the BCD396T, although only for the rotary function and not the push button function. I believe this proves the encoder can be replaced with an aftermarket part from Alps.

Now I just need to find out which Alps encoder is used in the BCD396T (If Uniden purchases all of their encoders from Alps).

Here are two more pictures. One picture is of my BCT-15 in the buff, and the other is of the hacked BCD396T.

Thanks,
nebj00la

 

[XTS3000]

I've had nothing but problems ordering parts from Uniden. Honestly the worst customer service I've ever delt with ever. Even with the Uniden part numbers, they fail to bring it up in their computers or say they have no information on such part. I've stopped dealing with Uniden YEARS ago for parts and source the part to the OEM manufacturer of the part.

I'm certain the FCC is not going to come after you for using the OEM part not purchased from Uniden.

What constitutes "modification" of the scanner in part 15 of the rules? If I use a different antenna am I in violation of part 15? How about changing the plastic knob to a chrome one? Changing the LEDs to a different color?

Uniden makes great products, but they need to get on the ball with their customer service parts department.

 

[nebj00la]

Here are some encoders I found that may work...

The best part is the description from Alps' website:

http://www3.alps.com/WebObjects/catalog.woa/E/HTML/Switch/Encoder/RK09710E/RK09710E_list.html

When was the last time you used a DVD player or Receiver which had a rough volume knob?

Thanks,
nebj00la

Interesting, the list UPMan provided shows the manufacturer P/N! The BCT-15 uses an Alps RK09710ELC0G. Now I just need to find out who makes the RY-7941... This is getting very close to being solved!!!!

 

[cpuerror]

so while you got your 15 ripped apart, could you take a closer look at the LEDs and see if they are capable of two colors? I always suspected that they use the same faceplate,

 

[nebj00la]

so while you got your 15 ripped apart, could you take a closer look at the LEDs and see if they are capable of two colors? I always suspected that they use the same faceplate,

When you say "capable of two colors", do you mean swappable LED's? Please elaborate.

Thanks,
nebj00la

 

[cpuerror]

When you say "capable of two colors", do you mean swappable LED's? Please elaborate.

Thanks,
nebj00la

What I meant was, on the 996 they use dual colour LEDs. I've always suspected they stick the same dual colour faceplate from the 996 on the 15 and disabled it in software, but without a closer look its impossible to tell.

 

[nebj00la]

What I meant was, on the 996 they use dual colour LEDs. I've always suspected they stick the same dual colour faceplate from the 996 on the 15 and disabled it in software, but without a closer look its impossible to tell.

Let's take a look... I'll post the pictures in a new thread, which will also document the entire BCT-15 disassembly procedure.

 

[mancow]

While you're in there, figure out how to shove the 996 firmware and IMBE code in the 15.

Now, that would really be mod!

 

[nebj00la]

While you're in there, figure out how to shove the 996 firmware and IMBE code in the 15.

Now, that would really be mod!

That would be cool, though I don't code :/ I just hack.

Here's the disassembly thread:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?p=833117

 

[cpuerror]

Let's take a look... I'll post the pictures in a new thread, which will also document the entire BCT-15 disassembly procedure.

Thanks for posting the pics, by the looks of it the green LEDs are simply not installed on the solder pad. I guess now I know

 

[WayneH]

Looking forward to this. I have an issue with the scanner audibly indicated I turned the knob when I did yet the menu selection goes no where. The turning is definitely a rough, cheap feeling.

 

[nebj00la]

Thanks for posting the pics, by the looks of it the green LEDs are simply not installed on the solder pad. I guess now I know

I bet you could desolder the orange SMD LED's and replace them with blue ones!

 

[nebj00la]

For those of you keeping score...

I'm still waiting on a response from Alps, the manufacturer of the BCT-15 encoder. My hope is they are also the manufacturer of the encoder used in the BCD396T. If not, I'm afraid this parts search just got a lot tougher.

I've been scouring various parts databases for days, and I can't find anything based on the information UPMan provided (besides the BCT-15 encoder).

As usual, if I find something, I'll post it here.

Thanks,
nebj00la

 

[floydpink999999]

I've been scouring various parts databases for days, and I can't find anything based on the information UPMan provided (besides the BCT-15 encoder).

Have you checked with www.digikey.com ?

They've helped me before with difficult-to-find parts.

Just a thought. good luck!

 

[nebj00la]

Have you checked with www.digikey.com ?

They've helped me before with difficult-to-find parts.

Just a thought. good luck!

Yeah, I've tried about a half dozen parts search engines with no results besides the BCT-15 encoder. It seems the smaller encoders are harder to find.