BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Scanner shuts off constantly

[TheFlyingPilot]

I use my 436HP as a base scanner, monitoring a P25 system. I have it plugged in and powered on 24/7, recording all radio traffic so I can review it later. Recently, it has started shutting off and turning back on (which resets/turns off my record). From what I have seen, this only happens mid-transmission and I can’t find any pattern to it. The scanners voltage level is a relatively consistent 4.06V and it shows the memory being 68% full. Any ideas how I fix this problem? It happens anywhere from 1-5 times a day.

 

[n1chu]

Does it do it when “record” is turned off? I’m not too trusting of the scanner’s 68% estimate…

 

[doctordialtone]

Any ideas how I fix this problem?

1st thing I's do is try another SD Card.

When bad things happen to good scanners: SD Card Corruption | Scanner Master Blog

 

[TheFlyingPilot]

Does it do it when “record” is turned off? I’m not too trusting of the scanner’s 68% estimate…

I rarely have the record feature turned off, so not sure. Should I clear out some memory?

 

[ChrisABQ]

Like Doctordialtone stated, it's probably the SD card. All issues with the 436 seem to stem from the SD card. Also, get a larger capacity card.

 

[hiegtx]

I rarely have the record feature turned off, so not sure. Should I clear out some memory?

The 'memory' figure you are seeing is based on the memory card status. It sounds like you have a substantial number of recordings saved. What size card are you using?

While I have not seen posts recently about the scanner shutting down or acting strangely due to a large number of recordings (I think that a fix was supposedly part of one of the last firmware updates), that may still be an issue.

As Chris has suggested, look into a larger card. I would also suggest that you consider moving the bulk of the recordings to your PC if you want to retain them.

 

[RMason]

Also make sure you have the latest firmware. This might help address the issue.

1.26.00 Release Notes (04/20/2019)
Release Notes include:
3. Fixed reboot issue with many sessions in user recording mode

 

[buddrousa]

As doc posted SD Card It is known that a bad SD Card will cause any SD Card scanner to reboot or slow down or a number of other silly things.

 

[gary123]

To throw in my 5 dollars worth. get a new SD card also dont be cheap get a good known manufacturer. yes you pay a bit more but you eliminate the shorter read/write life cycle count issue.

While im taking SD cards. I assume everyone here has backed up thier SD card just in case yours fails for some reason. With a backup you dont need to reload all the systems and any settings, LO , user ids, system tags etc etc etc. Even if you do it every 3 months it beats starting from scratch.

 

[garys]

In addition to having everything in Sentinel on my computer, I keep a spare programmed card in my truck. Even though I have a SDS200 now and have never had a card failure, it's just a hold over from when I had a 536.

To throw in my 5 dollars worth. get a new SD card also dont be cheap get a good known manufacturer. yes you pay a bit more but you eliminate the shorter read/write life cycle count issue.

While im taking SD cards. I assume everyone here has backed up thier SD card just in case yours fails for some reason. With a backup you dont need to reload all the systems and any settings, LO , user ids, system tags etc etc etc. Even if you do it every 3 months it beats starting from scratch.

 

[werinshades]

I use my 436HP as a base scanner, monitoring a P25 system. I have it plugged in and powered on 24/7, recording all radio traffic so I can review it later. Recently, it has started shutting off and turning back on (which resets/turns off my record). From what I have seen, this only happens mid-transmission and I can’t find any pattern to it. The scanners voltage level is a relatively consistent 4.06V and it shows the memory being 68% full. Any ideas how I fix this problem? It happens anywhere from 1-5 times a day.

Turn off your recordings first...then:

Empty your recordings, this is what the scanner does when they are full. Ignore the %used. Or...get a 2nd empty SD card, then use the SD card slot or USB/SD card reader to plug into the USB. Double click on the x36hp file, open up audio tab, user rec,right click and drag till all the recordings are highlighted..delete. It's probably at full capacity (1,000 folders?). Repeat this every so often if you're listening to a busy system, or you can approximate how often the recordings need to be deleted. (I make it a habit around once a week).

 

[tvengr]

You need a high endurance SD card. If you are writing to the card 24/7, the card will eventually wear out. I have recording off in my scanners and have never had a SD card failure.

 

[hiegtx]

Here's one example of a high endurance card, posted sometime back by the late UPMan.

Replacement SD Cards

We will be switching our production from using 8GB TLC type SD cards to 4GB MLC type SD cards (we actually originally provided 4GB TLC cards then did an unadvertised change to 8GB). All devices will eventually wear out an SD card (if it does any writing at all). I typically have to replace my...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[TheFlyingPilot]

So I ran checks on the card and I moved all my audio recordings (7+ GB) to my PC. I had no idea they took up so much space. I also preformed a data clear through Sentinel and rebooted the scanner. 12+ hours without a crash and I’m noticing that I’m able to move through menus and such wayyy faster now. I’m thinking memory was the problem. Thank you all for your help!!

 

[werinshades]

So I ran checks on the card and I moved all my audio recordings (7+ GB) to my PC. I had no idea they took up so much space. I also preformed a data clear through Sentinel and rebooted the scanner. 12+ hours without a crash and I’m noticing that I’m able to move through menus and such wayyy faster now. I’m thinking memory was the problem. Thank you all for your help!!

Move your recordings on a regular basis and you'll probably never see this issue again. I don't know the sixe of the card you're using, as it was suggested a high endurance 32 gb card should be used. I record frequently as you do.