HOME PATROL1 MAC PAC revealed and FACTORY SERVICED Joke
So many replies, I am underwhelmed...
Anyways, MAC PAC is a complete, remanufactured scanner minus the old micro SD card. I sent only the scanner back with the micro SD card and batteries, got a complete, boxed, remanufactured (aka FACTORY SERVICED) scanner back, with all accesories. Box showed it was a return, with everything in reused packaging inside. Badly taped with liberal amounts of invisible 'scotch' type tape used on bags and to seal the retuned owners box, versus the stock NIB type of tape. No statement of problem found. Included in the bottom of the over pack box was an easily overlooked folded,single sheet of paper beneath the packing paper. On it is typed "rl.txt", below that "New Key" followed by a string of numbers. No other explanation on it.This was the EU key.The Extreme Upgrade was already installed.
I had sent the original scanner back this time with copies of all e-mails from the service department and the original Extreme Upgrade key so this evidently helped the service tech verify the lack of EU.
Strangely, this one also is not as sensitive as the original one was when new and responded as did the 1st did after the the initial repair return. With stock antenna in WX mode, the original received 3 WX channels with 2 bars of squelch. After 1st repair return and with this replacement one, they only receive 1 WX channel (162.5250 mHz) with NO squelch and only if the antenna is parralell to the ground and pointed west and the wall wart cord is unplugged from the scanner. Otherwise, nada. I don't think I should rely on the WX Alert feature, eh?
The original when new was able to auto locate (feature) in less than a minute to either Manchester, Nashua, NH or Lowell, MA. After 1st repair return and now this replacement, neither could Auto Locate themselves. Display says 'Auto Locate in progress Please Stand By' then after approx. 5 minutes of the bar creeping from left to right display says 'Unable to determine your location. Please try another method '.
So, sorta satisfied whith outcome, but not thrilled. Still can listen to local digital signals of PD, but unit can no longer receive EDACS transmissions from Manchester, NH PD 7 miles away, or recieve MILAIR traffic from AR areas 45+ miles away on outside antennae. But for $49 plus $23 S+H and insurance. I at least have something 2+ years after investing $499 + $100 for EU and $110 for GPS and cables and $40 for windshield mount and $40 for Butel SW in the scanner, which says something for my Uniden experience....though I'm not exactly sure what.
BTW my PRO 96 and 97s still work flawlessly after ? years. What does that say?
Later today I'll put it in the car and check out the GPS feature since repair, but not expecting much.
Stay tuned, or not...
