PRO-96 Weird reception/antenna issue

[Mrfixit1028]

Hello, I'm new here. Recently got a used PRO-96. Using it for APCO-25 / P25 in RI to listen to PD, FD etc.
I noticed that WITH or WITHOUT an antenna on, it received the same! Is that normal?

Tried the original antenna (20-1300mhz), an 800mhz rubber duck, a window mount and a magnet mount. Same signal strength (always over 88%, mostly up to 99%) regardless. Inside the house, in the car and outside. WITH or WITHOUT antenna. Good reception from towns up to about a 25+ mile radius on the same 4 control freqs, (one from each of 4 zones) and about 20 talk groups. Tried the original antenna (20-1300mhz), an 800mhz rubber duck and a window mounted one. Again, no difference at all WITH or WITHOUT an antenna.

I was curious. opened it up and found the soldered strap connection between bnc and a sheet metal shield(?) cracked and not making contact. See pic. I figured my range was hindered by this so I resoldered it. Now, I get NO signal at all WITHOUT an antenna. WITH an antenna, I get the same as before without it. No extra range, freqs or TGs.

I don't understand the tech aspects of antennas. What's going on here? Please help me understand.

 

[Ubbe]

That's a ground strap and really doesn't do much for reception. But as it has broken then the actual center pin on the antenna connector might also have broken and needs to be soldered.

/Ubbe

 

[Mrfixit1028]

Ah, ok. The center pin connection is not as easily accessible but I'll try to get to it. I'm just surprised it was receiving without the antenna. Hopefully fixing the
center pin connection will allow me to pick up more than I am now. Thank you for your help!😃

 

[Ubbe]

Try and wiggle the antenna connector, maybe with an antenna on it, and look if the solder looks to have a hair thin crack right where you can see the solder joint and have access to be able to resolder it. I have repaired lots of 2-way radios with this exact fault that will make the crack function as a capacitor but with a low value that will attenuates signals a lot.

/Ubbe

 

[Mrfixit1028]

Thanks for the tips Ubbe. I'll try that.