SDS100/SDS200: SDS100---Buttons not responsive

[kevin906]

I am having an issue with the leftmost row of buttons on the SDS100. (softkey1.4.7.no pri.avoid) They don't respond immediately when pressed. Repeatedly pressing them will eventually make them work but it takes a lot of presses. No issues with any of the other keys. I assume these functions with small contacts or a membrane of some sort. Also assuming this would need to go back to Uniden/Bearcat for repair. Any comments?

 

[n1chu]

If it’s still under warrenty, send it in. If it’s out of warrenty you might try opening it up, and see what you can see… looking for ribbon connectors that may need to be reseated, etc. I haven’t opened mine up and have no idea what’s in there in the line of connection plugs, ribbons, etc., but it sounds like a bad ribbon connection that just needs to be reseated.

 

[n1chu]

If it’s still under warrenty, send it in. If it’s out of warrenty you might try opening it up, and see what you can see… looking for ribbon connectors that may need to be reseated, etc. I haven’t opened mine up and have no idea what’s in there in the line of connection plugs, ribbons, etc., but it sounds like a bad ribbon connection that just needs to be reseated.

I would like to add; I made it sound somewhat easy. If you haven’t ever opened up one of these radios, it’s best to ask for help from someone who has some experience. I don’t want someone cursing me out due to my replying as I did. One must remember which screws came from where, how to correctly separate the case, expect to have limited movement once the case is opened due to attached wires, ganged circuit boards, gaskets, the order in which it all goes back together just to name a few. These items are necessary to keep track of.

 

[kevin906]

Got it. Will observe due diligence and care if I proceed with this on my own--

 

[jonwienke]

The SDS100 keypad is sealed into the front faceplate, and not easily accessed. The ribbon cable connecting the keypad to the main circuit board is a more likely culprit, and more easily checked. I'd start there first.

 

[JoeBearcat]

I am having an issue with the leftmost row of buttons on the SDS100. (softkey1.4.7.no pri.avoid) They don't respond immediately when pressed. Repeatedly pressing them will eventually make them work but it takes a lot of presses. No issues with any of the other keys. I assume these functions with small contacts or a membrane of some sort. Also assuming this would need to go back to Uniden/Bearcat for repair. Any comments?

But all other keys respond normally?

 

[jonwienke]

Oddly enough I ran into this exact issue yesterday with a customer unit. Reseating both ends of the ribbon cable fixed the problem. Also, having a whole row of buttons not working indicates a problem with the cable connection, rather than the keypad itself.

 

[kevin906]

Yes, all of the other keys are working. Only the leftmost row is intermittent in recognizing key presses. 1-4-7-.(dot)-Avoid

 

[jonwienke]

That's almost certainly a ribbon cable connection issue then.

 

[JoeBearcat]

That's almost certainly a ribbon cable connection issue then.

Agreed 100%.

 

[kevin906]

Ribbon cable was the issue. Carefully pulled and reinserted both ends--all is good now. Thanks for the assist!