Problem with my Uniden Bearcat 880

[TennFordTN]

Hey Guys, I'm having problems with my Bearcat 880. I've had some things start happening lately, and I'm curious as to its relation with my main problem.
My main problem is that I have no audio output from my radio. No beeps, No static, No signal. Only audio I get is from the talkback, and it is not at usual relative volume. I usually use an external speaker, and the problem is the same with and without external speaker.
Leading up to this problem, my SWR has gradually gotten higher and higher. I have this radio paired with a TRAM NH-4 and had been getting incredible SWR readings until recently. On top of that, my radio had been failing the RF check and the Antenna check recently up until the loss of audio. I have checked grounding, coax, etc but I don't know what could've cause this out-of-the-blue.
I don't know what could have happened to this radio, but it really blows because I have been very happy with this thing. If anyone has any ideas, give me a shout.

 

[XTS3000]

If you tune to an active channel, do you see the meter go up and down?

It sounds like the connection from the last stage of the receiver is not making it to the volume control, which would prevent the audio chip from receiving and amplifying properly. Basically sounds like a cold solder joint in the AF section.

 

[TennFordTN]

XTS3000,
I have only noticed the meter going up in places where I know i get interference. Other than that, I have noticed no signal when I check.

 

[XTS3000]

From what your saying, the receiver is most likely working properly because even static moves the meter. I highly suspect a cold solder joint that's connects the main board to the front bezel/display/knobs.

With the radio on and on some channel with static or people talking, grab hold of the front bezel/faceplate and gently push on it in all directions. See if the volume comes back.

The solder uniden uses is not as good as the 60/40 lead solder that's used to be used. This new lead free solder is strong, but brittle. It's perfectly fine for soldering components to the board, but can easily break where the board is soldered to the front panel.

 

[TennFordTN]

Was able to play with it for a little while traveling yesterday. I realized I get no signal whatsoever.


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