GRE PSR 500 & DC Power Source

[Ensnared]

I have owned a GRE PSR 500 for some time now. But, without any reservation, I can say that the GRE DC power supply is pretty worthless. It is cheaply-constructed. https://www.greamerica.com/shop/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?pg=prod&ref=100-014

When I drive down the road with the scanner mounted on the dash attached to the DC power, it will go on and off depending on the terrain. At present, I have this being held together with Scotch 33+ electrical tape. I've tried plastic ties & other remedies that don't work that well. GRE has already inspected the charging port of my radio. It is functioning well.

When I opened this power supply, I discovered a circuit board. What is this for? Is it a step-down issue?

I am open to suggestions. So, if you know of other solutions or a replacement, I am all ears.

 

[RKG]

The PSR-500 uses four AA batteries. Those batteries are worth between 1.25 and 1.50 VDC, per cell, when fully charged. This means that the radio is designed to work on a nominal 6 VDC.

Your car's nominal voltage is 12VDC, which is closer to 13.5 to 13.8 with the engine running. So the board you're seeing is a DC-to-DC converter.

 

[jackj]

The adapter's circuit board, as RKG said, is a DC to DC converter. I won't go into exactly how it works but it converts 12-16 volts DC to 9 volts DC and powers the scanner. Does the scanner go on and off when running on the batteries or just when on the power cable? If it is intermittent on battery also then there is an internal problem with the scanner. If it's only intermittent on the cable then you need to check your cigarette lighter socket for a corroded connection, bad ground, etc.

 

[Ensnared]

Interrupted Power Source

The adapter's circuit board, as RKG said, is a DC to DC converter. I won't go into exactly how it works but it converts 12-16 volts DC to 9 volts DC and powers the scanner. Does the scanner go on and off when running on the batteries or just when on the power cable? If it is intermittent on battery also then there is an internal problem with the scanner. If it's only intermittent on the cable then you need to check your cigarette lighter socket for a corroded connection, bad ground, etc.

The only time the power is interrupted is when the radio is connected to the DC power source. Otherwise, it works quite well on batteries.

I might add, this particular DC plug is relatively new & quite flimsy. If I could find a method of fortifying the plastic, I would do that. But, at present, the best solution seems to be 33+.

This gets even more complex with regard to my current setup in my Nissan Versa.

At present, I have a four-plug power outlet which is then connected to the power outlet near by gear shift mechanism. However, all other powered devices (radar detector, Garmin & CB) have remained constant in their power without disruption whatsoever. The scanner is the only one that is interrupted. When I move the DC plug to another slot, the problem follows and everything else remains constant, that is, powered.

Yes, there is a visible gap noted between the two halves of this DC power which has been temporarily fixed with the aforementioned tape.

I am still looking for a better-constructed DC powered replacement that is consistent with the voltage of this radio. Surely someone makes one. I believe this same issue occurred with another scanner of mine, a Regency HX-1500. I believe it had a similar setup, but I could be wrong.

 

[jackj]

Yep, it sure sounds like the power adapter is your problem. Personally, I wouldn't waste time trying to fix it. They are pretty cheap so just get a new one. Look on e-Bay or Amazon for one that will supply 9 volts at about 500-1000 ma. Just be sure that the tip polarity and diameter matches your scanner.

 

[Ensnared]

Ebay Good Recommendation

Yep, it sure sounds like the power adapter is your problem. Personally, I wouldn't waste time trying to fix it. They are pretty cheap so just get a new one. Look on e-Bay or Amazon for one that will supply 9 volts at about 500-1000 ma. Just be sure that the tip polarity and diameter matches your scanner.

Yes, they are fairly cheap in price, but the shipping from GRE is ridiculous. This makes this little inexpensive DC cord more expensive. I think they overall cost is around $30.00 or more. Oh well, thanks for responding. But, I will check on Ebay.

 

[Halfpint]

Why not just go over to the nearest RS and pick up a RS# 273-1863 12vdc to 9vdc adapter and a "C" adaptaplug tip? I've been using that combination in pretty much all of our vehicles to power my PSR-500. (2 PSR-500s with a `Y' Adaptaplug adapter and 2 "C" Adaptaplug tips if I need to use multiple scanners.) It's a fairly well built adapter and does a good job even when I ask it to power more than one scanner.

 

[Ensnared]

Thanks!

Why not just go over to the nearest RS and pick up a RS# 273-1863 12vdc to 9vdc adapter and a "C" adaptaplug tip? I've been using that combination in pretty much all of our vehicles to power my PSR-500. (2 PSR-500s with a `Y' Adaptaplug adapter and 2 "C" Adaptaplug tips if I need to use multiple scanners.) It's a fairly well built adapter and does a good job even when I ask it to power more than one scanner.

Although I don't like these multiple plug setup, it is still better than what I'm using now. I get very annoyed with my current setup.

This was a great solution. I will go and pick one out today. Thanks, for the recommendation. So, I'm assuming this would also work on the Pro-106, right?

When I put in the catalog number, it showed this instead, catalog number 273-369. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3812864 I am assuming RS has changed it a bit. This one says Enercell on it & it says 9 volt 1,000 ma DC power. Guess what? I already have one of these in my arsenal of power sources. I bought this for my Uniden 245, but now I see where this will work out just fine.

 

[Ensnared]

Bravo, It Worked

As recommended, I went to the local RS & purchased the "C" adapter for the 9 volt DC power supply. Although the catalog number was different, the model I already had was the correct one. Hence, instead of spending too much money, the part was very cheap. Furthermore, it engages better in my socket. That problem is solved.

I started laughing about some of the negative comments people have made about the obliviousness of some RS employees toward scanners & such. Nevertheless, I said, "does this work with the Pro-106 as well? When I asked this, his eyes glazed over in a trance-like state. After watching this transpire, I politely said, "thank you" & left.

I got out the 33+ and taped the "C" adapter & away I went.

Thanks for all of the help.

This thread can be closed if anyone is monitoring.