BCT8: Constant squelch

[SMFD34]

I have had a BCT8 for several years now. I have used it as my primary "always on" home scanner. I love the ability to have multiple priority channels that will default to a higher priority channel. Anyway, I have noticed lately that after it is on for awhile it begins squelching no matter where I set the squelch. It even does it on un-programmed channels "000.0000". I have moved it to a different area of the house in order to rule out an electrical issue, I have also used different antennas without any difference. I get the noise on all bands and when it starts it comes across every channel. I am wondering if this is something that has happened to anyone else or if anyone has any other ideas to correct the issue.

 

[JamesO]

I had an much older Bearcat 210 scanner that had a thermal problem with a chip in the scanner. After a certain time on the chip warmed up and became unstable.

Freeze spray is often an easy way to pinpoint a chip that has a thermal stability problem.

Not sure if you are a DIY kind of person and if you find a problem chip it is one you could purchase directly from a 3rd party or if a Uniden custom chip it could be purchased directly from Uniden.

Turn the scanner off over night and let it fully cool down. Set the scanner on Weather Broadcast and listen to what happens after the scanner has been on a while if the Weather Broadcast fades out to static.

 

[SMFD34]

I have been turning it off for 30-90 minutes. When I turn it back on after a period of time it is fine for a few minutes and then begins doing it again. I agree it seems to be something that could be heating up, I have not noticed any extra heat on the case but I know it doesn't take much to start affecting things internally. It also does not seem to be affecting reception other than not letting it scan. Transmissions do come through over the static if left on a channel.

 

[JamesO]

Put the unit in the freezer and see how long it takes to act up.

If the scanner still receives correctly, but the squelch seems to be open, there may be a bad solder joint rather than a thermal problem with the semiconductor.

You will never find the device runs hotter, there is just problem with either a chip or a solder joint.

If you cannot resolve the issue yourself, you will need to send it in for report. Best to make a video recording to "show" the problem and you can post the link or put the video on a flash drive for the repair staff to watch.