BCT15X: Blank Display?

[03msc]

Well, came in to the shack this morning to find the display on one of my 15X scanners is blank. The backlight is still on but nothing on the display. I can connect it to ARC-XT Pro and use virtual control to see what the display should be showing but I get nothing on the scanner display itself.

Has anyone had a similar issue on this series (or similar, like the 996) scanners? Just wondering if there might be an easy fix. I wouldn't think a connection would have come loose since it is sitting stationary in the shack but who knows. It still receives fine, I just can't see what the display says (so setting the volume is a little more difficult, etc.). I guess I could always get an RH96 but if there is an easy (or easier, cheaper) fix that would be the preference.

Thanks in advance for any help or ideas!

 

[safetyobc]

I haven't heard of this being common. I would go here: Uniden BCT15X Scanner and on the right side of the page "Ask a Question" button and ask the help desk and see if there is something they recommend. May require sending the unit to them?

 

[mule1075]

The BCT15 was prone do that if I remember correctly. Have not heard any reports about the 15x having that issue.

 

[Voyager]

Most of the times I've heard of this happening, it was a loose cable (inside).

 

[03msc]

If I get time I will probably open it up tonight and see if I see anything loose inside.

 

[W8RMH]

I have seen some reports with the Uniden mobile scanners where the ribbon cable to the display comes loose.

 

[03msc]

Thanks for the replies; I'm going to take a look at it when I get a chance.

 

[03msc]

UPDATE:

Update on this. I checked things out internally and also checked the ribbon cable between the display and the board (per a PM from a helpful RR user) but still have nothing on the display.

I plan to post on the Uniden site linked to by safetyobc sometime tomorrow (I'm too tired to mess with it now).

But if anyone else comes along that has an idea or if one of you who already commented has another idea, do share.

The help thus far is greatly appreciated!

 

[W8RMH]

Apparently the display has gone bad...time to go to Uniden for service.

 

[03msc]

Apparently the display has gone bad...time to go to Uniden for service.

Yay. Wonder what that repair will cost me...

...I'm sure less than a new scanner!

 

[buddrousa]

As per unden repair site $69.95 plus tax plus $10.00 shipping
Repair

 

[03msc]

As per unden repair site $69.95 plus tax plus $10.00 shipping
Repair

Thanks for the link; I didn't have time earlier to search for it. When I began going through the steps to see what it would tell me to do it actually says the 15X is $79.95 to repair + $10 for shipping (+ the shipping cost for me to send it) so that would end up being about $100 when all is said and done. For 50% more (roughly) I can get a new one.

Also found a seller selling new front panels (buttons, display, everything) for $35. I'm thinking that sounds better than $100...

Obviously there are risks involved in those two options but...I'm considering what I'll do next. Scanner still works (I'm using ARC-XT and the VC feature to see the display (or what it would show) when I need to).

Thanks, again, for posting the link to the repair site...debating what to do.

 

[03msc]

Just wanted to post a follow-up to this. Because it was cheaper, I went ahead and ordered the front panel from the seller on eBay. It arrived this morning and I changed it out in about 20 minutes. This fixed the issue.

It still had the plastic on the screen and the seller also included the black outer casing for the scanner, though it wasn't pictured. All in all I'm happy. Not sure why the other one failed but now I know it was the panel and not something on the main board.

Thanks again to everyone who posted advice or PM'd me in response to this thread.