BCD436HP Question

[W4AQX]

I have a BCD436HP that I bought used a couple of years ago. It came with an AC plug and charging cable for use in either charging the unit or operating it on AC power.

The question I have relates to the cable, which connects to the radio on one end and has a USB connection on the other end. I have thought about using that cable to connect the unit to mobile power in my truck, as I have a couple of 13.8 VDC outlets which have USB adaptors plugged in, ready to connect to USB-capable devices. However, my intuition told me not to proceed until I investigated this further, as I do not want to fry the radio.

Does anyone know if this could work?

 

[N9PBD]

I ran my BCD436HP for a couple years, and now my SDS100 off of USB power in my vehicles. One doesn't have built in USB charging ports, so I use a 13.8 VDC to 5 VDC USB charger. As long as they provide enough current (≥300mA @ 5V DC) for the scanner, you should be fine.

 

[Nerds2You]

I use my 436 in my vehicle plugged in to USB, the only issue I have is engine/alternator noise (whine) coming through. I now use a portable usb battery pack instead to eliminate the noise.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[W4AQX]

I ran my BCD436HP for a couple years, and now my SDS100 off of USB power in my vehicles. One doesn't have built in USB charging ports, so I use a 13.8 VDC to 5 VDC USB charger. As long as they provide enough current (≥300mA @ 5V DC) for the scanner, you should be fine.

That answers my question. Thanks much!

 

[W4AQX]

I use my 436 in my vehicle plugged in to USB, the only issue I have is engine/alternator noise (whine) coming through. I now use a portable usb battery pack instead to eliminate the noise.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I hadn't thought of that as a potential issue, but it makes sense. Thanks for your input!

 

[IAmSixNine]

Used my BCD436 many times in my truck. I have a 2 port USB adapter plugged into a cigarette lighter and power my phone with one and scanner with the side. Almost all USB adapters will work just fine for our scanners.

 

[TailGator911]

Be mindful of the voltage required to charge your scanner, as most USB 'hubs' will run the scanner, but some will not put out the sufficient voltage to charge. Won't hurt it, just won't charge it.

For example, I have an 8-port hub on my desk that I use for all scanners (to run ProScan virtual control software) and my SDR dongle. When I got my SDS100 and plugged into it, I got a never-ending red light which told me it was in need of a charge (at all times) so I plugged directly into my Dell CPU's USB port and it now charges correctly. Plugging into the hub port will run the scanner and connect for ProScan, but will not charge. Not enough amperage in the hub port to handle the SDS100 batteries.

JD
kf4anc

 

[W4AQX]

Be mindful of the voltage required to charge your scanner, as most USB 'hubs' will run the scanner, but some will not put out the sufficient voltage to charge. Won't hurt it, just won't charge it.

For example, I have an 8-port hub on my desk that I use for all scanners (to run ProScan virtual control software) and my SDR dongle. When I got my SDS100 and plugged into it, I got a never-ending red light which told me it was in need of a charge (at all times) so I plugged directly into my Dell CPU's USB port and it now charges correctly. Plugging into the hub port will run the scanner and connect for ProScan, but will not charge. Not enough amperage in the hub port to handle the SDS100 batteries.

JD
kf4anc

I appreciate the reply. I am just using the truck to power it, not to charge it. If I want to charge it, I'l bring it into the house. After I power on the scanner, I plug in the USB power adapter, and I am automatically asked if I want to charge it, When I enter the appropriate key for "no," it begins operating on the vehicle's power.

I have also plugged an audio cable into the audio output/headphone jack on top of the radio, and plugged that cable into the auxiliary/mp3 input jack in my truck, so I get super sound coming through my truck's audio system! It's working like a charm!