Pro-162 No Display

[Engine104]

Hi guys,
All of a sudden, my Pro-162 handheld's display is blank. The radio is receiving normally, and the backlight works. I took the case apart, but I did not see a ribbon cable connecting one of the circuit boards to the display. I know this is not a model that a lot pf people have, but if anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[buddrousa]

Any Programming changes?
Could it be the CONTRAST setting?
Do you program with software?
If you use software try setting the CONTRAST to a higher number.

 

[Engine104]

I didn't change anything. I use ARC160/162 for programming. It doesn't look like there is a setting in the program to change contrast. I remember in WIN96 for my Pro-96, there was a setting for that.

The only way to change the contrast that I can see is by the radio's menus, but to scroll through to that, you need to be able to see the alpha-numeric display..

 

[Ronaldski]

From pro-162 programming help
Contrast is "Seven" down arrows down appears.

press "Man"
select bank/channel (00-00) with "UP/DOWN" arrow keys
press "FUNC"
press "Man"
The following options appear:
Scan List >
Trunk Option >
Signal Stalker >
Freq Lockouts >
Data Skip >
Key Tone >
LCD Contrast >

Manual: https://www.rigpix.com/rs-realistic/radioshack_pro162_manual.pdf

Setting the LCD Contrast To change LCD contrast:
1. Press FUNC + MAN/MENU.
2. Select LCD Contrast and press ENT/PGM.
3. Select contrast level 1-8 and press ENT/PGM
4. Press MAN/MENU to exit the Menu Mode, or press CL to go back to a previous menu

 

[Engine104]

How do I get to LCD Contrast when I can't see the menus?

 

[Engine104]

This is weird.. I decided to try to open the case and check for a ribbon cable once again.. Before I did, I turned the scanner on and the screen is back. This happened a year or so ago too..I think either a component is failing or the CPU isn't booting correctly all of the time. I guess it could still be a loose ribbon connector, but if I shake or tap the case, nothing changes. Very odd.

 

[kc2asb]

This is weird.. I decided to try to open the case and check for a ribbon cable once again.. Before I did, I turned the scanner on and the screen is back. This happened a year or so ago too..I think either a component is failing or the CPU isn't booting correctly all of the time. I guess it could still be a loose ribbon connector, but if I shake or tap the case, nothing changes. Very odd.

A capacitor, etc failing could explain those symptoms. The display on my old Bearcat 140XLT would go blank. Leaving the radio alone for a day or so and then turning it on would bring it back. I never bothered to investigate the cause, but I suspect a capacitor going bad.

 

[Ronaldski]

How do I get to LCD Contrast when I can't see the menus?

Managed to get a display apparently.

Anyway you would have to blindly follow the menu scheme listed my message 4. For each down arrow you can look at the quoted menu text in that message. Just because the display doesnt show... dont give up so easily.

 

[Engine104]

"A capacitor, etc failing could explain those symptoms. The display on my old Bearcat 140XLT would go blank. Leaving the radio alone for a day or so and then turning it on would bring it back. I never bothered to investigate the cause, but I suspect a capacitor going bad.
KC2ASB: Thanks. You may be onto something. Both radios are Unidens. The Pro-162 was made by them and sold by RS.
Ronaldski: Thanks too. You're right. If it happens again, I will give that a try.