Newbie here: help - Bearcat bcd536hp no sound

[nanobooboo]

Hi, just received our brand new scanner. Set the clock and location - can see the surrounding agency ID's on the screen, but there is no sound coming from the unit. Went back to the manual, installed the Sentinal software but it kept telling us to load a version that was long surpassed. So I'm stuck. Any ideas? We purchased it from Amazon, and know they'll replace it, but don't want to overlook the obvious (well, it's not THAT obvious...)

 

[doctordialtone]

Hi, just received our brand new scanner

Known issue

BCD536HP Audio Output Problems

I am trying to setup a feed but cannot get the audio output on the BCD536HP to work properly. I have tested both audio outputs and have a very annoying whine that comes through the audio. I have posted two sound files that demonstrate the problem. Is there anyone that can post a schematic on...

forums.radioreference.com

BCD536HP No sound

All of a sudden I have no sound out of my unit. Have had it running 24/7 for months on around 15 to 20 volume. I DO have sound out of headphone jack. Just no sound out of internal sp...

www.homepatrol.com

Assuming the volume is up, did you try the headphone jack?

Try the local WX frequency.

 

[nanobooboo]

Known issue

BCD536HP Audio Output Problems

I am trying to setup a feed but cannot get the audio output on the BCD536HP to work properly. I have tested both audio outputs and have a very annoying whine that comes through the audio. I have posted two sound files that demonstrate the problem. Is there anyone that can post a schematic on...

forums.radioreference.com

BCD536HP No sound

All of a sudden I have no sound out of my unit. Have had it running 24/7 for months on around 15 to 20 volume. I DO have sound out of headphone jack. Just no sound out of internal sp...

www.homepatrol.com

Assuming the volume is up, did you try the headphone jack?

Try the local WX frequency.

Hi, thanks so much for the reply...I read those posts prior to posting here. I just plugged into the headphone jack. Got sound! YEAH!
Now, how do I get it to play through the internal speaker?

Also, please bear with me, is there an "escape" button when I manage to get to a place I don't want to be. I find the owner's manual written way over my head.

 

[fxdscon]

Welcome to Radio Reference.

Just an FYI..... when you are asking for technical help, it's essential to provide very specific symptoms, information, and any error messages that appear should be quoted exactly. Also, what version of Windows are you using? The more specific info that you provide, the more accurate and helpful the answers will be.

In this quote, what exactly is being asked for? What is the exact error message you are seeing?

Went back to the manual, installed the Sentinal software but it kept telling us to load a version that was long surpassed.

Just making a guess here, but if you are being asked for a version of .NET framework.....

You didn't say which version of Windows you are using, but if it's Windows 10, go to:

Control Panel --> Programs and features --> Turn Windows features on or off (in the upper left corner)

once that window populates, click in the box that says ".NET Framework 3.5 (Includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)”. You don't need to select the 2 sub-headings under that main one.

Click OK, and it will be installed. After this, you should be able to install Sentinel. Be certain you are installing the latest version of Sentinel for the BCD536HP (V 2.02.01)

If that message is asking you for a different version of the Sentinel software, the latest version is availably here:

BCD536HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

info.uniden.com

can see the surrounding agency ID's on the screen, but there is no sound coming from the unit

You haven't listed your location info in your user profile, so it would be a good idea to tell us what specific agencies you are trying to monitor. State, County, City or Town, and exactly which agency (fire, police, etc.)

Preferably, locate those agencies you are trying to monitor in the RR database at this link, and post a direct link to them from that database. That way we can see exactly what you are referring to:

RadioReference.com - Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference Database

www.radioreference.com

.

 

[nanobooboo]

Thanks for your feedback and input! So we are using Windows 10. I have followed your directions - which are awesome, by the way - and found that after the exe file installed, the second file choice asked "remove" or "repair". I checked "repair".

We are in SC, and have the Palmetto 800 system. The unit scrolls through the multitude of available channels, but still no volume through the speaker on the scanner. We set up the wi-fi dongle just fine. Still no joy...

 

[fxdscon]

Thanks for your feedback and input! So we are using Windows 10. I have followed your directions - which are awesome, by the way - and found that after the exe file installed, the second file choice asked "remove" or "repair". I checked "repair".

We are in SC, and have the Palmetto 800 system. The unit scrolls through the multitude of available channels, but still no volume through the speaker on the scanner. We set up the wi-fi dongle just fine. Still no joy...

If you now have Sentinel installed, the very first thing you need to do is be sure the firmware and database in your scanner are up to date.

Check in your owner's manual, page 17 for doing both of those updates. Depending when your scanner was manufactured, your database could be way out of date, and not have recent changes that could affect your ability to receive what you are interested in.

Follow those instructions to the letter with all the steps printed there for both updates.

Then be sure to turn on the appropriate "service types" for the agencies you are looking for (page 25 in your manual).

Also, there are aftermarket manuals that you may find easier to read...

This one is for the scanner itself:

Easier to Read BCD436/536HP Digital Scanner Manual

and this one is for the Sentinel Software:

BCDX36HP Sentinel Software Manual

Also, be aware that some agencies are "encrypted" which no scanners can receive, and some agencies are using formats that will require paid upgrades from Uniden (DMR, NXDN).

Check the RR database listings for that info.

.

.

 

[SteveSimpkin]

With the scanne off, try inserting an earphone plug in and out of the External Speaker jack on the back of the scanner a few times to exercise the contacts.

 

[nanobooboo]

With the scanne off, try inserting an earphone plug in and out of the External Speaker jack on the back of the scanner a few times to exercise the contacts.

Hey Steve, gave that a try and no joy. That would've been TOO easy...thanks for the suggestion.

 

[nanobooboo]

If you now have Sentinel installed, the very first thing you need to do is be sure the firmware and database in your scanner are up to date.

Check in your owner's manual, page 17 for doing both of those updates. Depending when your scanner was manufactured, your database could be way out of date, and not have recent changes that could affect your ability to receive what you are interested in.

Follow those instructions to the letter with all the steps printed there for both updates.

Then be sure to turn on the appropriate "service types" for the agencies you are looking for (page 25 in your manual).

Also, there are aftermarket manuals that you may find easier to read...

This one is for the scanner itself:

Easier to Read BCD436/536HP Digital Scanner Manual

and this one is for the Sentinel Software:

BCDX36HP Sentinel Software Manual

Also, be aware that some agencies are "encrypted" which no scanners can receive, and some agencies are using formats that will require paid upgrades from Uniden (DMR, NXDN).

Check the RR database listings for that info.

.

.

Alright, we went through those directions step by step. The database has been updated, and service types have been chosen. The wi-fi is working. Installed the Siren application. We can now hear the calls on the i-Pad, but don't want to dedicate the tablet to speaker duty...

STILL, though, we have no sound from the unit without the earphones and/or Siren app. Thanks to another member, I tried plugging and unplugging the earphones in the external jack with the unit off, but still nothing. Is it time to exchange this scanner?

According to everything we've read, it should have started working right out of the box after the clock set and location. It does scan and receive, but can't hear a thing.

 

[tvengr]

Do you have anything plugged into the external speaker jack on the rear of the scanner? Plugging into the headphone jack or external speaker jack will mute the internal speaker. If you plug an external speaker into the external speaker jack, do you hear audio. You can try your headphones or earpiece, but be careful to keep the level down to protect your hearing.

 

[fxdscon]

Thanks to another member, I tried plugging and unplugging the earphones in the external jack with the unit off, but still nothing. Is it time to exchange this scanner?

It is sounding more like a defective speaker if repeated insertion and removing in both the headphone jack, and the external speaker jack on the back of the scanner doesn't clear it up .

If you are adventurous, you may want to take the case off and just check to see if the speaker wires have come loose during shipping.
Rare, but wouldn't be the first time.

 

[nanobooboo]

With the scanne off, try inserting an earphone plug in and out of the External Speaker jack on the back of the scanner a few times to exercise the contacts.

Do you have anything plugged into the external speaker jack on the rear of the scanner? Plugging into the headphone jack or external speaker jack will mute the internal speaker. If you plug an external speaker into the external speaker jack, do you hear audio. You can try your headphones or earpiece, but be careful to keep the level down to protect your hearing.

Nope, we haven't plugged anything into the external speaker jack except for the experiment with the earphones. Then we could hear through the ear buds. Also can hear if we use the Siren app and the iPad. We don't have an external speaker to hook up.

 

[RandyKuff]

Headphone jack is on the front of the unit... Did you try plugging headphones there?
Do you get audio from the headphone jack on the front?

If I remember... Some of the 536's had problems with the headphone jack not reconnecting the speaker...

 

[nanobooboo]

Headphone jack is on the front of the unit... Did you try plugging headphones there?
Do you get audio from the headphone jack on the front?

If I remember... Some of the 536's had problems with the headphone jack not reconnecting the speaker...

So thanks to Todd who suggested that we plug a stereo speaker into the jacks. Both the headphone and external jacks worked with the speaker. I guess the question is now - since it is only one day old - should we exchange it for another or try it for a few days to see if it comes to life?

 

[hiegtx]

So thanks to Todd who suggested that we plug a stereo speaker into the jacks. Both the headphone and external jacks worked with the speaker. I guess the question is now - since it is only one day old - should we exchange it for another or try it for a few days to see if it comes to life?

You've tried most everything possible, that should have cleared the issue if it was simply a 'stuck' earphone jack. Yet the problem remains.

As you are inside of the return window, I would return for a replacement. It's not likely that it will suddenly "heal" itself, and even if it did, I would not count on that lasting.

 

[nanobooboo]

You've tried most everything possible, that should have cleared the issue if it was simply a 'stuck' earphone jack. Yet the problem remains.

As you are inside of the return window, I would return for a replacement. It's not likely that it will suddenly "heal" itself, and even if it did, I would not count on that lasting.

I will take a flashlight and look at the jacks closely. If it's just a bent tab, then that's one thing. I just hate to give up and exchange it. I have to thank all of you for your ideas. I'll check it closely in the morning and update. I have learned a lot today!

 

[nanobooboo]

OK, so took a flashlight and magnifying glass, and don't see the center tab in the external jack that shows in the picture sent to me earlier. Tried the plug/unplug trick in both jacks, no joy. Time to exchange it. Thanks everyone for the assist!