So, is Uniden having problems?

[GROL]

You read about lots of issues with the SDS100 cold solder joints and not getting any acknowledge support. I recently ordered a display window for a BCD436HP, but received another person's order instead. The packing list was for someone else's order, and I received the part on their packing list. I called support because there is no listed number for the parts department. They asked all sorts of questions. Some relevant and some not. I was told they would send it to "Corporate" to get it sorted out. Corporate? Wouldn't Corporate have bigger issues to be concerned with than my small order? I emailed orders@uniden.com twice 3 days apart, and never got a response. All this since 6/22. I called support again today and was told the same thing. They are sending the issue to Corporate. He told me Corporate was backlogged with a lot of issues and it could take a while to hear from them. Just wondering if all is well with Uniden. Seems suspicious.

 

[ltginrage]

I believe there are delays in the repairs department. I sent my SDS100 for repair on the cold solder joints and I havent heard anything about it since I shipped it 3 weeks ago. It hasnt been entered into the repair status system either. UPS gave me the proof of delivery but I've heard nothing from Uniden so I'm going to try to contact them this week.

 

[trentbob]

You should check out the many many threads that are on the Uniden Tech support forum. Gads and Gads of information regarding your topics. There is a UPM that finally replaced Paul, it has been a awhile now. Check it out it, should make good reading.

 

[GROL]

Well, I hope all is well with Uniden. They still have the best scanners for functionality and performance. I plan to acquire a BCD352P2 soon. I remember when you could call Uniden parts department and get pretty much anything you wanted. That was years ago. Same thing with Pentax. You used to be able to call and order any part you wanted. But when Ricoh acquired Pentax, they shut all that down. I am used to repairing my own electronics. I fortunately have an extensive background that enables me to, but it is becoming impossible to get parts. I recently bought a Pentax camera off eBay sold as-is not working, just to get a part off of it.

 

[ofd8001]

For better or worse, many other companies have been struggling for the past while, blaming it on COVID. Even home builders are having difficulty getting materials they need and when they do, the cost is higher. Fortunately the latest word is that is moderating some. Hopefully that will also come to Uniden.

I recently had a scanner in for repair and it took about three times as long as other repairs I needed over the years. But eventually I got it back and it is working fine.

 

[trentbob]

Uniden is basically the only scanner company left, but Brand X still has its value with many and I like the radios, although they are quite long in the tooth and can't deal with simulcast.

I couldn't tell you if everything is okay with Uniden but there hasn't been a SDS firmware update since April 15th 2019... but... it's on "the list" lol.

Good topic for the Tavern.

 

[MStep]

You read about lots of issues with the SDS100 cold solder joints and not getting any acknowledge support. I recently ordered a display window for a BCD436HP, but received another person's order instead. The packing list was for someone else's order, and I received the part on their packing list. I called support because there is no listed number for the parts department. They asked all sorts of questions. Some relevant and some not. I was told they would send it to "Corporate" to get it sorted out. Corporate? Wouldn't Corporate have bigger issues to be concerned with than my small order? I emailed orders@uniden.com twice 3 days apart, and never got a response. All this since 6/22. I called support again today and was told the same thing. They are sending the issue to Corporate. He told me Corporate was backlogged with a lot of issues and it could take a while to hear from them. Just wondering if all is well with Uniden. Seems suspicious.

Is Uniden having problems? Does a bear **** in the woods ??? (See Note A). Your own experience with receiving wrong parts, getting the telephone run-around, and non-answered emails should answer your own question.

Note A: For those not familiar with this popular American term: A rhetorical question given in response to a question whose answer is an emphatic yes.

 

[GROL]

Oh, I forgot, but I did buy a Uniden part from gcomradio.com about 18 months ago. He has some used parts for repairs, and I was able to buy a selector switch for my BCD396XT. It fixed my 12 year old scanner. The selector switch was worn out really bad.

 

[radio3353]

Well, I hope all is well with Uniden. They still have the best scanners for functionality and performance. I plan to acquire a BCD352P2 soon. I remember when you could call Uniden parts department and get pretty much anything you wanted. That was years ago. Same thing with Pentax. You used to be able to call and order any part you wanted. But when Ricoh acquired Pentax, they shut all that down. I am used to repairing my own electronics. I fortunately have an extensive background that enables me to, but it is becoming impossible to get parts. I recently bought a Pentax camera off eBay sold as-is not working, just to get a part off of it.

Hmmm...Uniden and Pentax in the same post. Quite telling.

 

[ratboy]

Uniden's quality control has always been a bit....intermittent. I resoldered a ton of speaker jacks and antenna connections on both GRE/Whistler/Radio Shack scanners and on Uniden made scanners and I would guess that the ratio was about 1 GRE type radio to 3 Unidens. That's just how it always was. Another problem with a number of Uniden radios was the factory would assemble the radio while the epoxy they smear on the CPU was still setting up. The speaker leads would be glued into the expoxy and a couple of times people wrecked the speanker. I used a heatgun for a few seconds and would gently pull the leads out.

 

[GROL]

I still have not heard from Uniden about the order. I sent additional emails and no response. I filed a dispute with American Express today and received an immediate credit. I suppose because the amount was only $20.05 I am very reluctant to try and place a parts order with Uniden again. Also less interested in the BCD325P2 now. I have a BCD396XT and BCD436HP that are working well. I was interested in the small size and reported performance of the BCD325P2. Whistler does not seem to be a very good alternative either.