Can dropping your BC125AT damage audio or reduce range?

[peeeeeta]

I recently dropped my Bearcat BC125AT scanner from my desk and onto the floor. When it fell I also accidentally ran over the top of the antenna with my chair although I picked it up quickly. My question is if there is a possibility that the scanners hardware was damaged or there are any differences in the range and audio quality when I dropped it. I haven't noticed anything too obvious but one thing is that there are slight pauses and crackles when listening. I have also noticed that when I press scan I only hear one channel but if I switch it to hold a channel I can hear audio from that channel. The keys all seem to work and the antenna doesn't look visibly damaged.

 

[nessnet]

Your biggest risk is that if there was an iffy solder joint or loose connection already, you certainly didn't help it by dropping the radio.

Your question is much to broad for anyone to give you a definitive answer. Basically, it all depends - maybe, maybe not...

 

[iMONITOR]

It's possible you may have cracked the internal circuit board or the internal antenna connection may have separated. That used to be a common problem on many hand held scanners. If you're handy with electronic soldering it should be an easy fix.

 

[doctordialtone]

I picked it up quickly.

Good thing you picked it up quickly!

 

[iMONITOR]

Good thing you picked it up quickly!

 

[N4DJC]

The speaker on the 125 will break when dropped sometimes, but it usually won’t work at all. It’s not terribly difficult to take a look inside.

 

[wtp]

i have not hear of things being dropped and working better...

 

[scanmanmi]

It all depends on your compliance with the 5 second rule. I've soldered many loose components before.

 

[FrensicPic]

Good thing you picked it up quickly!

Five second rule?

 

[a417]

If you pick it up at the reciprocal of the rate at which it fell, you offset any damage.

 

[a417]

Five second rule?

cooties don't get on it, and it's still safe to eat.

 

[JoshuaHufford]

Have you tried another antenna? I think running over the antenna with your chair might have done some damage to the internals.