BCT15X: BCT15X reboot loop

[codyakf]

I purchased this BCT15X almost a year ago, literally. Purchased on April 13, 2023. I use it in my home to scan/feed the marine channels. Recently it has started to do this constant reboot where the backlight will come on the screen, the two initial loading screens will appear then repeat over and over. If I turn the scanner off/on, the reboot loop continues. If I just unplug the power adapter from the back of the scanner, the reboot loop continues. I have to turn the scanner off, unplug the power adapter from the outlet, plug it back into the outlet then back into the scanner for it to function again. I saw on another thread to try a different power supply so I used the DC supply for a cigarette lighter port in a vehicle that came with the scanner. I plugged the adapter into my Ecoflow delta in the 12v port and it worked fine for a week, so I figured it was the power supply. I ordered a replacement from Uniden and it arrived today. I connected the new adapter and within 10 minutes, it was doing the reboot loop again as before.

As a test I took the other cable that came with the scanner, for permanent car mounting and connected the red & black wires to my HAM radio 13.8v power supply. Within a few minutes, the same thing happened. However, if I turn the voltage down to between 12-13v, it seems to work fine.

I did try connecting the serial cable that came with the scanner, to the front port and the scanner immediately starts the reboot loop. The loop is different because there isn't any text displayed on the screen at all.

Since I am very close to the end of the one year warranty, I am unsure if I should contact Uniden for a repair/replacement? I appreciate any help/guidance that can be offered.

Thank you!

 

[Ubbe]

It's just the speaker amplifier that goes on the voltage from the power jack. All other voltages are regulated so probably one of the regulators goes too hot if the input voltage are high enough. I think that the biggest one are cooled against the chassi, so check that it still have contact to cool properly.

/Ubbe

 

[BC_Scan]

to the end of the one year warranty

if it were me I would return it, you would kick yourself afterwards if you didnt
FMPOV the warranty is designed if something were to go wrong
< I bought the same used from another user and knock on wood it has worked fine ever since . it was a gamble buying used of course
Send it in

 

[wtp]

yep. send it back gets my vote.

 

[FKimble]

First thing the OP said was "I purchased this BCT15X almost a year ago, literally. Purchased on April 13, 2023." Would you take something back after buyer had it for a year?

Frank

 

[codyakf]

First thing the OP said was "I purchased this BCT15X almost a year ago, literally. Purchased on April 13, 2023." Would you take something back after buyer had it for a year?

Frank

I purchased the scanner new a year ago.

Based on the advice here, I sent the scanner back to Uniden for repair under warranty. In fact, it was actually delivered today so I am hoping that it will be back in a few weeks.