SDS100/SDS200: Stop recieving.

[NS9710]

At random times, my Uniden SDS100 [brand new] will just randomly will stop picking up any signals. I have to power the unit off, then back on, then it starts picking up again. Running all the latest firmware, etc.

Firmware:
Main: 1.23.07
Sub: 1.03.06

 

[dave3825]

Could be the Cold Solder Joint or loose antenna?

 

[rf_patriot200]

At random times, my Uniden SDS100 [brand new] will just randomly will stop picking up any signals. I have to power the unit off, then back on, then it starts picking up again. Running all the latest firmware, etc.

Firmware:
Main: 1.23.07
Sub: 1.03.06

Why do you think it's not receiving ?

 

[NS9710]

Could be the Cold Solder Joint or loose antenna?

Why do you think it's not receiving ?

Because I go to Weather Scan and won’t get anything, turn it off and back on it starts picking up again

 

[dave3825]

Could be the card starting to fail, or a cold solder joint. You don't get weather, do you get other stuff or nothing at all?

 

[NS9710]

Could be the card starting to fail, or a cold solder joint. You don't get weather, do you get other stuff or nothing at all?

It will stop receiving all together until I turn it off and back on.

 

[dave3825]

Its either the solder joint or the card going bad. If it was me, I would read the scanner into sentinel, format the card using the recommended sd card formatter, and write back to the scanner.

 

[bearcatrp]

Ever drop it? Try wiggling the antenna port when it goes deaf. How old is the unit?

 

[n1chu]

At random times, my Uniden SDS100 [brand new] will just randomly will stop picking up any signals. I have to power the unit off, then back on, then it starts picking up again. Running all the latest firmware, etc.

Firmware:
Main: 1.23.07
Sub: 1.03.06

Doubtful it’s a bad solder joint as this issue has been reported before without any resolution. I have two SDS200’s and they both have stopped receiving… still scanning along. Giving no indication that it is acting up except too much time passing without a peep. But reboot it and it comes back to life! My two SDS200’s came out of either the first or second production run. I didn’t consider firmware could be the cause but I doubt it as the problem hadn’t gone away since I got the scanners and they’ve been through all the updates. However, I will say over the years the problem has dissipated. Very rarely do I need to reboot. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I suspected it. (I will first go to the 162.400 MHz weather channel and listen for audio. If I hear audio the scanner is working just fine and I don’t need to reboot it. If I hear nothing on the weather channel I reboot the scanner.) I wonder if Uniden has been quietly working on the issue and is passing along improvements, just listing them under various miscellaneous enhancements?

 

[NS9710]

Ever drop it? Try wiggling the antenna port when it goes deaf. How old is the unit?

No wiggle or any drops, I’ve had it since Tuesday Dec 3

 

[NS9710]

Doubtful it’s a bad solder joint as this issue has been reported before without any resolution. I have two SDS200’s and they both have stopped receiving… still scanning along. Giving no indication that it is acting up except too much time passing without a peep. But reboot it and it comes back to life! My two SDS200’s came out of either the first or second production run. I didn’t consider firmware could be the cause but I doubt it as the problem hadn’t gone away since I got the scanners and they’ve been through all the updates. However, I will say over the years the problem has dissipated. Very rarely do I need to reboot. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I suspected it. (I will first go to the 162.400 MHz weather channel and listen for audio. If I hear audio the scanner is working just fine and I don’t need to reboot it. If I hear nothing on the weather channel I reboot the scanner.) I wonder if Uniden has been quietly working on the issue and is passing along improvements, just listing them under various miscellaneous enhancements?

Good points. Thanks, glad to know it’s not just my end

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Wouldn't no RX on WX rule out a faulty card?

 

[donc13]

Simple answer.. Return it to the seller for a replacement. You've had it less than 3 days!

 

[n1chu]

Good points. Thanks, glad to know it’s not just my end

And my apologies… I also have the SDS100 and havent had a single problem with it. My previous post stating doubtful it’s a bad soldering joint was as I relates to my two SDS200 scanners. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[tvengr]

What is the RSSI value when it stops receiving? If the cold solder joint problem, it will be -40.

 

[rf_patriot200]

Where is the cold solder joint located on the board, if it is indeed a problem ? Does anyone have photos, of this cold joint that's mentioned ?

 

[fxdscon]

Where is the cold solder joint located on the board, if it is indeed a problem ? Does anyone have photos, of this cold joint that's mentioned ?

It's connector J401. As mentioned in this thread several times as you read through it, good magnification and very fine tools/skills are required to re-solder the pins.

SDS100/SDS200: - Cold Solder Joint

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I sent my SDS100 in for the cold solder joint issue, and after about a month away from home, it came back working again. Until today. The A/C in my house is broken, and ambient has been 85F or so the last couple days, and so the SDS100 has been running warmer than...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[rf_patriot200]

It's connector J401. As mentioned in this thread several times as you read through it, good magnification and very fine tools/skills are required to re-solder the pins.

SDS100/SDS200: - Cold Solder Joint

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I sent my SDS100 in for the cold solder joint issue, and after about a month away from home, it came back working again. Until today. The A/C in my house is broken, and ambient has been 85F or so the last couple days, and so the SDS100 has been running warmer than...

forums.radioreference.com

I think I'll look at mine, just to have a look-see. I Do have SMT skills as a rework inspector.

 

[dave3825]

It will stop receiving all together until I turn it off and back on.

When you say stops receiving, you mean there is nothing showing on the screen, or stuff is showing on the screen and no audio? My 200 used to loose audio after a while and needed a reboot. Either way, sent it back under warranty and has not done that since.

 

[buddrousa]

Just for info the picture is my SDS100 that Jon fixed and sent back to me.
If you even think about DIY please read Jon's complete post on this.
You need several tools and a HIGH SKILL LEVEL to do this.