Pro-106: Display Problem - Blank Screen - Mirror Image

[robo21]

I have seen a couple of threads here on this subject but unfortunately the mods closed them before the solutions were posted because of the threads being duplicates. I guess the threads were closed before the answer could be posted OR I haven't been able to find the correct thread yet.

My display will intermittently either go blank or display a reverse (mirror) image on the screen. Sometimes it will spew out these bizarre, nonsense characters.

The impression I have is that there is a possibly a CPU or other firmware update that fixes the issue or maybe some way to correct it in the settings?

Does anyone know?

 

[robo21]

My Pro-106 Current Firmware Status

I forgot to mention my current firmware status which I think is as current as is available:

CPU: RU 2.1
DSP: AppVer. RF 1.4
DSP: VocVer. RF 1.0

 

[Swipesy]

As I recall having that issue on my GRE PSR-500 the fix was to turn off the radio, unplug the radio from the power source, remove the batteries and let it sit for about 60 seconds to discharge the radio. Then plug in wall and turn on. If screen fixed then insert batteries. I am sure there was never a firmware release that dealt with the issue.

John

 

[robo21]

Great! I will try this the next time this happens. Thanks.

 

[TES]

As I recall having that issue on my GRE PSR-500 . . . I am sure there was never a firmware release that dealt with the issue.

John

GRE Firmware 1.8 - NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GRE is pleased to offer this free upgrade to enhance the functionality and performance
of your PSR-500/PSR-600 digital trunked scanning receiver. Please take a moment to
review these instructions before proceeding with the upgrade.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You must upgrade your GRE scanner with a firmware upgrade
obtained from GRE. Also, please note that firmware upgrades for GRE scanners are not
compatible with scanning receivers sold by other companies.

New in this version

CPU firmware version 1.8 provides the following enhancements to your PSR-500/
PSR-600 trunked scanning receiver:

Added patch support for P25, Motorola and EDACS trunking
Patched talkgroup calls are recognized and processed correctly by the scanner.

Changed CCDump type string to "EDn" if "narrow invert" is turned on

This is a minor change to the CCDump text output that identifies when the radio is
monitoring an EDACS narrowband control channel and the “Invert data” option is
selected.

Corrected LCD “mirror image” issue

Corrects issue where in certain rare circumstances the LCD may display data in
reverse or “mirror image” mode.

 

[robo21]

GRE Firmware 1.8 - NOTES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GRE is pleased to offer this free upgrade to enhance the functionality and performance
of your PSR-500/PSR-600 digital trunked scanning receiver. Please take a moment to
review these instructions before proceeding with the upgrade.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: You must upgrade your GRE scanner with a firmware upgrade
obtained from GRE. Also, please note that firmware upgrades for GRE scanners are not
compatible with scanning receivers sold by other companies.

New in this version

CPU firmware version 1.8 provides the following enhancements to your PSR-500/
PSR-600 trunked scanning receiver:

Added patch support for P25, Motorola and EDACS trunking
Patched talkgroup calls are recognized and processed correctly by the scanner.

Changed CCDump type string to "EDn" if "narrow invert" is turned on

This is a minor change to the CCDump text output that identifies when the radio is
monitoring an EDACS narrowband control channel and the “Invert data” option is
selected.

Corrected LCD “mirror image” issue

Corrects issue where in certain rare circumstances the LCD may display data in
reverse or “mirror image” mode.

Oh boy, that works for the GRE, but what am I supposed to do for my RS Pro-106? I can't use GRE updates on the Pro-106.

 

[Swipesy]

Robin, the update TES refers to was not made available for the Pro-106. Don Starr who did the update for the GRE PSR-500 had permission to do so. Since Radio Shack was in La La Land Don did not have their permission to make the update to the Pro-106. Thus no fix for Pro-106. I only had that problem with my PSR-500 once, long before any fix was issued and never saw it again. Hopefully you will not see it again on the 106.

John

 

[QDP2012]

I have seen the problem as well, though only once or twice in an RS106 that has been running constantly for approx. 4 years. A full power-off always solved the problem. As others have suggested, I also recommend a full power-off, wait, and then use the unit normally.

Hope this helps,

 

[gewecke]

My pro197 exibited that behavior once or twice, but after the latest Dsp & Cpu update it hasn't done it since . 73, N9zas

 

[robo21]

Robin, the update TES refers to was not made available for the Pro-106. Don Starr who did the update for the GRE PSR-500 had permission to do so. Since Radio Shack was in La La Land Don did not have their permission to make the update to the Pro-106. Thus no fix for Pro-106. I only had that problem with my PSR-500 once, long before any fix was issued and never saw it again. Hopefully you will not see it again on the 106.

John

Okay, I won't worry about it then. Thanks John.

I have seen the problem as well, though only once or twice in an RS106 that has been running constantly for approx. 4 years. A full power-off always solved the problem. As others have suggested, I also recommend a full power-off, wait, and then use the unit normally.

Hope this helps,

Well I am glad that there is such an easy way to correct this - at least temporarily. Thanks for the tip!

My pro197 exibited that behavior once or twice, but after the latest Dsp & Cpu update it hasn't done it since . 73, N9zas

Good to know, thanks for posting. 73 back at you.

 

[Swipesy]

Robin, while reading another thread about scanner issues I was reminded of a step that I missed telling you about should you get the garbled screen again. The missed step is this.

After you disconnect A/C power and remove the batteries then hold the power button down for 30 seconds. This step makes the scanner discharge any current left in the scanner.

Hopefully you won't have the issue again to have to do this step.

John

 

[robo21]

Excellent find John, that sounds like a good "tool" to have available for a number of possible issues.

Thanks again!

Robin

 

[robo21]

Robin, while reading another thread about scanner issues I was reminded of a step that I missed telling you about should you get the garbled screen again. The missed step is this.

After you disconnect A/C power and remove the batteries then hold the power button down for 30 seconds. This step makes the scanner discharge any current left in the scanner.

Hopefully you won't have the issue again to have to do this step.

John

I had an opportunity to try this tonight. The screen did not get garbled or mirror imaged but it did go blank while it was in scan mode. This didn't affect the audio adversely only the display was blank.

So I disconnected the wall charger, removed the rechargeable batteries, and realized that I can't "push down the power button for 30 seconds," as the power button is a rotary pot with a detent for the off position. So I just turned the power switch to the on position and waited a few minutes. We'll see if this helps, I will definitely post the results.

 

[Swipesy]

LOL. I was looking at my PSR 800 when I typed my response to your Pro-106. Yes, turn the on knob not push the power button.