PSR-500 Grinding Noise

[tglendye]

I put a help ticket in with GRE just now. I thought I'd ask the question here since it was late in the work day and I'm not expecting a reply today.

I have a PSR-500. I am experiencing a problem that seems to be w/ the receiver. I receive a "grinding" noise on UHF channels. So far it appears to be only UHF. The noise does not come w/ every transmission, but it is frequent.

No problems have been noted on VHF channels and I have not been around any 800 systems since it has started. VHF P25 traffic also seems to be clear.

Any ideas as to what the problem is?

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Astrak]

Can you post a sound clip?

 

[tglendye]

I was afraid that might be a suggestion. I read how to record audio w/ a 500 a while back, but can't remember where I found the instructions. I've never recorded audio w/ it. I remember you need another cable from the 500 to the computer for the sound. Can you point me in the right direction for the directions?

I should have also mentioned that the noise only last about 1/2 a second. It doesn't really hinder monitoring, but it is aggravating.

Thanks for your help

 

[n4jri]

Hey Todd, are there any particular users that are causing most of this?

Here in Richmond, we have some problems with multi-path from different Virginia Power tx sites. If you come through this way, listen to 451.525 and/or 451.575 and see if you hear something similar to what you're experiencing.

73/Allen (N4JRI)

 

[tglendye]

It seems to be on both Rockingham and Augusta Counties. Of course, I am basically limited to one UHF channel in Rockingham, courtesy of Pro-voice. But the noise is across UHF.

GRE has responded to my help ticket. They are sending instructions for an RMA (I'm assuming return merchandise authorization???), but I guess I will find out more when they get back w/ me again.

So far, I feel like I've always had good dealings w/ GRE.

 

[stlouisx50]

Well this is my first post about the GRE500 and this major issue that I have so Ill post it with this one.

I have obviously dropped my Gre500 a few times as , who hasn't. But this is what I have noticed, GRE500's insides seem to be not very heavy duty. I have dropped many scanners in my life and never had the issue that I will describe below.

Ever since it has been dropped a few times I have to move the BNC ant back and fourth or press down on the top of the scanner to allow the scanner to clear a static sound or even to make the scanner able to pick up further signals again. Otherwise I will hear a large about of hissing or sometimes nothing at all.

If i turn the BNC to where its off of the set point (where it would stay connected) I have to wiggle the antenna back and forth or even turn the antenna to about this release point to get a strong signal again or the hissing to be removed.

The reason I decided to post this in this particular post is that on certain bands I don't have this problem. Such as the VHF band, but go to the VHF low, UHF, or 800MHZ and I have the problems.

I had just wished the PSR was more rugged for the price.

BTW, I tried various antennas and the same problem and resolution occur.

 

[fmon]

Well this is my first post about the GRE500 and this major issue that I have so Ill post it with this one.

I have obviously dropped my Gre500 a few times as , who hasn't. But this is what I have noticed, GRE500's insides seem to be not very heavy duty. I have dropped many scanners in my life and never had the issue that I will describe below.

Ever since it has been dropped a few times I have to move the BNC ant back and fourth or press down on the top of the scanner to allow the scanner to clear a static sound or even to make the scanner able to pick up further signals again. Otherwise I will hear a large about of hissing or sometimes nothing at all.

If i turn the BNC to where its off of the set point (where it would stay connected) I have to wiggle the antenna back and forth or even turn the antenna to about this release point to get a strong signal again or the hissing to be removed.

The reason I decided to post this in this particular post is that on certain bands I don't have this problem. Such as the VHF band, but go to the VHF low, UHF, or 800MHZ and I have the problems.

I had just wished the PSR was more rugged for the price.

BTW, I tried various antennas and the same problem and resolution occur.

An early issue with the 500 is a BNC internal ground screw coming loose. It's very easy to open back of scanner for checking this screw.

 

[w8jjr]

The reason I decided to post this in this particular post is that on certain bands I don't have this problem. Such as the VHF band, but go to the VHF low, UHF, or 800MHZ and I have the problems.

The 500 is very hot on VHF. This is why you dont need a antenna for some vhf signals.
I can say for most likely you broke the connection at the solder joint. I've repaired many of these in the past few years. You'll have to open it and check

1: the screw
2: resolder the antenna connection

 

[stlouisx50]

Would it be possible for you all to post a photo of the areas I need to check including the screw?

It would be greatly appreciated

 

[davidbond21]

There was a thread about just this in the GRE forum a month or so ago, with pictures of the location of the offending screw. Let me see if I can dig it up, or if someone can beat me to it.

 

[stlouisx50]

Thank you!

 

[davidbond21]

Found it:

http://www.radioreference.com/forum...ose-screw-inside-gre-com-psr-500-scanner.html

 

[tglendye]

Well, I'm not really sure what my problem is/ was. It is just over a year old and out of warranty. I do not think the issue is bad enough to send back (and pay) to be repaired. It is mostly bothersome because it is not quite right.

With that being said, it does not make any difference in reception. The "grinding" noise is low and only last a split second and really does not occur very often. I can go for a few hours and not hear it and then hear it a couple of times w/n 5 minutes.

I did check the screw as suggested above and tightened 1/2 turn. I am pretty sure I checked it in the past. I had not been too worried about it, because in previous threads the effected S/N's seemed to be below 1400 or 1500. Mine is 199x. I do not think this is my issue, but am very glad to have checked it.

Thanks,
Todd