SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 port repair?

[DMSSIOWA]

After using my scanner for a long time with no issues, I'm now getting constant low usb bus voltage errors and my scanner is not charging even when turned off. The charging light comes on but I get a battery warning and the scanner turns off. It got to the point where I couldn't even get it to come on without manually holding the cable 'just so' to get any kind of power to it.

I tried a new cable, which seemed to work better at first, but after a day or so, I'm having the same issue. It's made my scanner basically unusable.

I've ordered a powered usb hub hoping that maybe just having more power will overcome the low voltage issue...but I'm not confident it will work. I thought the next step if that doesn't work is to get an external battery charger and just not use the port for that at all. Hopefully it'll still work well enough for any programming I need to do...

My question is...would it be possible for me to just replace that usb charging port in the scanner myself and fix it that way? My son has experience with electronics and it seems like it would be a pretty minor thing to take care of and wouldn't be messing with any of the more intricate internal parts. But is that a user fixable thing or would I just be asking for trouble? If I'm going to spend nearly $100 on this to get it fixed, I'd rather spend that on a new battery/charger instead of Uniden repair service. But if it's a really bad idea to try to swap out the usb port ourselves, then I need to know that.

We're pretty DIY handy in our family but I don't want to completely ruin the scanner, either.

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

[K4EET]

After using my scanner for a long time with no issues, I'm now getting constant low usb bus voltage errors and my scanner is not charging even when turned off. The charging light comes on but I get a battery warning and the scanner turns off. It got to the point where I couldn't even get it to come on without manually holding the cable 'just so' to get any kind of power to it.

I tried a new cable, which seemed to work better at first, but after a day or so, I'm having the same issue. It's made my scanner basically unusable.

I've ordered a powered usb hub hoping that maybe just having more power will overcome the low voltage issue...but I'm not confident it will work. I thought the next step if that doesn't work is to get an external battery charger and just not use the port for that at all. Hopefully it'll still work well enough for any programming I need to do...

My question is...would it be possible for me to just replace that usb charging port in the scanner myself and fix it that way? My son has experience with electronics and it seems like it would be a pretty minor thing to take care of and wouldn't be messing with any of the more intricate internal parts. But is that a user fixable thing or would I just be asking for trouble? If I'm going to spend nearly $100 on this to get it fixed, I'd rather spend that on a new battery/charger instead of Uniden repair service. But if it's a really bad idea to try to swap out the usb port ourselves, then I need to know that.

We're pretty DIY handy in our family but I don't want to completely ruin the scanner, either.

Thanks for any help or advice!

In reality, considering part(s) and your son’s time, it will cost more than $100 if you DIY. Then, if the port hardware you all replace does not solve the issue, you may still have to send the SDS100 to Uniden. Save yourself time and money and send it off to Uniden now. It will get fixed no matter what is wrong and it should have a warranty on the repair. That is my humble opinion.

 

[DMSSIOWA]

This is from the Uniden repair site. Is this cost for fixing anything and everything that's wrong with it? My dial is also slipping and not accurate. Or is this a 'base' amount that they'll add more charges to depending on the problem?

 

[Chris0516]

This is from the Uniden repair site. Is this cost for fixing anything and everything that's wrong with it? My dial is also slipping and not accurate. Or is this a 'base' amount that they'll add more charges to depending on the problem?

After the warranty expires

Uniden Repair of SDS100

 

[K4EET]

This is from the Uniden repair site. Is this cost for fixing anything and everything that's wrong with it? My dial is also slipping and not accurate. Or is this a 'base' amount that they'll add more charges to depending on the problem?

I’ll have to let someone else confirm what I think is the scenario. I have never had to use the Uniden repair service. In point 1 below, it says to describe the “issues” which is plural.

Then on the following page, it says basically a flat rate repair fee to bring the unit back to factory specifications. I take it to mean they repair everything affecting operations for a single price. No add-on charges. Can someone please confirm that?

 

[wrockjm]

If your radio is out of warranty you pay a flat rate of $99 regardless of how many issues or what those issues are.

I recommend that you send a note with the radio if you have any of the addons - DMR /Waterfall, etc. If the repair would take to long they will send you a replacement radio and since the addons are tied to the radio it will save you lots of headaches down the road.

 

[DMSSIOWA]

After the warranty expires

Uniden Repair of SDS100

That link doesn't work but the screenshot I added was from the non-warranty repair page so I think it's accurate. Thanks!

 

[DMSSIOWA]

If your radio is out of warranty you pay a flat rate of $99 regardless of how many issues or what those issues are.

I recommend that you send a note with the radio if you have any of the addons - DMR /Waterfall, etc. If the repair would take to long they will send you a replacement radio and since the addons are tied to the radio it will save you lots of headaches down the road.

Thanks, that's what I was hoping for! I would like it to cost less...but I can't control that.

When I send the radio in, should I send it with the antenna attached or without it? I have a different antenna and don't know where the original one is right now. I think I just need the port fixed and maybe the dial looked at because it will skip more than one 'click' when I spin it sometimes. Of course there could be more going on with it...I currently can't get it to properly show the charging light or turn on even when it says it has power...

 

[Chris0516]

That link doesn't work but the screenshot I added was from the non-warranty repair page so I think it's accurate. Thanks!

Uniden Repair

 

[DMSSIOWA]

I do still have another option...what do you think of this?

I could get a 2nd battery and external charger so I'm not charging inside the radio any more. I've always charged it with the radio and cord/port but that would get me away from using that port. I could then do the programming by just taking the card out rather than using the cord/port. I think that would remove the need for a working port altogether, would cost slightly less, and give me a 2nd battery and probably a better way to charge?

I appreciate the advice and help!

 

[DMSSIOWA]

Uniden Repair

That's the one! That's where I got my screenshot. Good to know I was looking at the right thing.

 

[wrockjm]

I would contact Uniden directly and ask them if you should send in the antenna as well.

Your other option of not using the USB port altogether would eliminate the need to get the port repaired. Up to you on which option to go with. Me, personally, if I had the money, I would send it in for repair so if I ever decide to sell the radio down the road there aren't any issues with it.

 

[DMSSIOWA]

I would contact Uniden directly and ask them if you should send in the antenna as well.

Your other option of not using the USB port altogether would eliminate the need to get the port repaired. Up to you on which option to go with. Me, personally, if I had the money, I would send it in for repair so if I ever decide to sell the radio down the road there aren't any issues with it.

That's a good point. It would be better to have it working correctly. I'm just not sure that charging the battery inside the scanner is the best way to do it. Maybe it doesn't matter and it's fine. It's what I've always done. I just don't want to spend $200 instead of $100 if I can help it.

 

[DMSSIOWA]

Well...one of my wonderful FB group members has offered to buy me a new scanner. I am stunned. I'll still see about getting this one fixed but if this happens, I guess it's no longer as urgent! I just had to share that bit of Christmas kindness I've been offered.

 

[wrockjm]

That's a good point. It would be better to have it working correctly. I'm just not sure that charging the battery inside the scanner is the best way to do it. Maybe it doesn't matter and it's fine. It's what I've always done. I just don't want to spend $200 instead of $100 if I can help it.

I held off on buying my SDS 100 because of the battery issues I'd read about on Radio Reference. As such, when I bought my 100, I spent the extra for the external charger because the idea of charging the battery in the radio made me nervous. I still connect it via USB to my computer for updates and editing favorites in Sentinel since that's much easier than trying to pull the SD card out. So I completely get where you are coming from.
Just saw your new post as I was typing this. NICE!! Not everyday people offer to buy others a new radio. Your group members sound awesome!

 

[DMSSIOWA]

I held off on buying my SDS 100 because of the battery issues I'd read about on Radio Reference. As such, when I bought my 100, I spent the extra for the external charger because the idea of charging the battery in the radio made me nervous. I still connect it via USB to my computer for updates and editing favorites in Sentinel since that's much easier than trying to pull the SD card out. So I completely get where you are coming from.
Just saw your new post as I was typing this. NICE!! Not everyday people offer to buy others a new radio. Your group members sound awesome!

Yeah, I may still get the extra battery and charger to use with the new radio just to avoid this happening again! I think some of our group members would like to buy my old one if I get it fixed so I'm sure I wouldn't have any trouble finding somebody. But I can take my time to decide all of that now if he comes through for me! I've never even talked to him that I remember so I'm both surprised and very grateful! I was just letting my group know why I hadn't been posting as much lately and that I was working on a fix. I need to think of a good way to pay it forward!

 

[emscapt9816]

Before you send the radio off for repair, try cleaning the port(s) and cable with an alcohol prep and a toothpick. You'd be amazed how much crap gets into the openings. I've done this more than several times and the issues you're having have been resolved.

 

[DMSSIOWA]

Before you send the radio off for repair, try cleaning the port(s) and cable with an alcohol prep and a toothpick. You'd be amazed how much crap gets into the openings. I've done this more than several times and the issues you're having have been resolved.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about trying that. A new scanner is on the way but I'll see if that makes any difference. I've had the cable connected almost 100% of the time so I don't think it could have gotten too dirty in there but it's possible!