Humorous exchange with Uniden support

[samsat]

I bought a BR330T when they went on sale just over a year ago.
Surprisingly this week the top inch of the rubber coating of the antenna just popped off.
I sent an email to support giving the model number and asking if I could get a replacement.

She replied "The model number would start with BC or BCD"
I replied "the model number is in the original inquiry BR330T"
She replied "The correct model number would start with BC or BCD"
I sent a photo and replied "I would think that the correct model number is the one printed on the label in the radio as below"
She replied "I apologize about the miscommunication. We do have antennas available in our stock. If you would like to call and place an order, the part number you are needing is BATG0479001"

To those of you who know Uniden, what did I have to go to such lengths to convince support that I had the model number correct?

Also, I have many handhelds some dating back 30 years and never had this antenna issue. Is this common with the Uniden products?

Anyway, I would like to replace the antenna. Before paying the $15 for the one above are there any others you would recommend? I listen mainly to 800 Mhz but do switch down to the air band and amateur VHF/UHF from time to time.

Thanks

 

[SteveSimpkin]

I would say that confusion was due to this model having an unusual part number for Uniden scanners and the fact that it has been discontinued for over 10 years. My BR330 antenna is still in good condition as are the antennas on other Uniden models we own.

You can do better than the stock antenna. For 800 MHz, the Radio Shack/Remtronix 800 MHz scanner antenna is highly recommended. Be sure to get the SMA version (Remtronix REM-800S) unless you want to use an SMA-to-BNC adapter on your scanner.
https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanants/6119.html

 

[samsat]

Thanks Steve.
I had no idea this radio had been discontinued for so long. Scannermaster has a special on them just over a year ago. I received it brand new in its original box and it seems that they had quite a few of them.
Besides the antenna issue it has been a great performer specially for the price I paid.

 

[Ubbe]

It's not the rubber that receives radiosignals, it's the metal inside it. Just put some electrical tape on it or even better if you get a suitable heat shrink tube that fits over the rest of the rubber. It will be a lot cheaper than getting another Uniden standard antenna. As mentioned you could probably benefit from getting an antenna that are matched to your favorite frequency band.

/Ubbe

 

[samsat]

I found the piece that came off. I glued it back on, cleaned up the rubber with plasticizer and then put some heat shrink over the join. That should buy me a few more years.

Here is a before and after.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[KK4JUG]

I've had antennae do that but I never thought of heat shrink tubing. That a great idea.

 

[Eugene]

I have a 330T as well and I get excellent results on air band with a Watson Super Gainer. I have tested against stock and tuned antennas for airband and it out performs them all in my opinion.

Eugene KG4AVE