BCD436HP/BCD536HP: UHF Reception Issues due to Noise from Battery Compartment

[k3fs]

Again the changes made to the board, including the display, RTC, and the addition of RES#, and C1 all occurred at the same time. They failed to put C1 on the board, and that would have fixed the issue at that time. Also keep in mind the noise issue was known long before this. It is more likely they knew about the noise issue, and added the fix to the board while fixing the other defects as well. But, failed to add C1 to truly fix the defect.

They are happy to have customers put tape on their door, and even more happy to charge them to fix something that really should not need repaired. The parts should have simply been installed when they made the changes.

I have learned a lot about Uniden from this as well.

When there is a problem, admit it as soon as possible.

Customers are not stupid. Ignoring or denying a legitimate problem is not the way to handle it.

 

[Nasby]

And yet we still have veteran RR members here who continue to recommend this scanner to new users looking for help selecting a new scanner...WTF???

 

[buddrousa]

And it works great for me in my area and several others here. I have several GRE/WHISTLER built scanners but my Unidens work better than my others in most cases. I only bought my TRX's for the NXDN use.

 

[jonwienke]

Because the issue is not a problem for everyone. I have two 436 scanners, (one about 3 years old), and they both perform well receiving UHF.

 

[bearcat]

Folks, now that the source of this noise has been identified. There is nothing more of value to discuss on this topic. Everyone can make their own decision on whether they have the issue or not.

I have no more to add on this topic. I am going to move on to other things.

I am going to ask the sysadmin to close the thread. Feel free to start a new thread on the topic

 

[AK9R]

If you have nothing more to say, that's fine. But, it appears that folks are still interested in discussing the topic, so I see no reason to close the thread.

BTW, the way to get a moderator's attention regarding a thread or a post is to use the Report Post feature. In the dark gray bar above each message, on the right is a red-bordered triangle with an exclamation point. That's the Report Post button. To report a post, click that button and explain why you are reporting it. That will alert all of the moderators who have moderation rights in that forum.

 

[SOFA_KING]

Don't you love these admin "helpers" that feel they have some obligation to recomend when a thread "should" be closed above and beyond what anyone else thinks? Comical, to say the least. :roll:

I have really enjoyed this thread, and am especially greatful to those who provided pictures of the boards with silkscreen evidence and the location of C1. I have to "fix" mine soon, as it didn't get "fixed" when I sent it in for the repair campaign. The LEAST Uniden could do is tell us what value to use. Once again, Uniden doesn't seem to care. I dispise their "company policies". Worst customer relations I have seen in recent times. Must be the lawyers running the company. Screw the customer! Admit nothing!

Phil

 

[INDY72]

Lol radio shack hires?

Sent from my LG-K330 using Tapatalk

 

[seth21w]

Folks, now that the source of this noise has been identified. There is nothing more of value to discuss on this topic. Everyone can make their own decision on whether they have the issue or not.

I have no more to add on this topic. I am going to move on to other things.

I am going to ask the sysadmin to close the thread. Feel free to start a new thread on the topic

Dont do that bearcat this thread is very interesting, and alot of owners have put in alot of technical work in this thread. And its still civil, even if i dont have the uhf noise on my new 436 doesnt mean i dont like it for its pictures of the board and information about the timelines of events in the 436 history.

 

[seth21w]

And yet we still have veteran RR members here who continue to recommend this scanner to new users looking for help selecting a new scanner...WTF???

Yes because it is still the best scanner to date for 800mhz trunking p25 simulcast! And not everyone has the uhf problem. I use mine for a uhf trbo cap plus system no problems, but mine is a new batch of 436s.

 

[Markscan]

Tonight I decided to open up my 436. It was one of the first batch made in 2013. It was sent in for the clock &a display issues early last year. I have compared it with the pictures in the earlier post, and no surprise, it does not have the capacitor. I have already tried the copper tape on the battery door, and it did make a difference.

I recently bought some RF-EMI shielding compound to apply to the battery door. I am planning on several coats, so I will be without the 436 for a little while. So I dusted off my trusty 396xt, popped in some batteries and turned it on. What a difference! I had forgotten how much I love this radio! Everything is loud and clear. Not the constant static that I have become used to with the 436.

I really wish Uniden would acknowledge this issue, and come up with a plan to fix it. Oh well rant over, and I hope the shielding compound improves reception. If it wasn't for P25 phase 2 and DMR, I would've stuck with the 396xt.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[k3fs]

I received the capacitors from Mouser (http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...bwVZl/9gk=), and managed to get it soldered in place.

UHF reception is now the same as it is with the treated door. Much improved as compared to no treated door, and before capacitor added.

VHF reception is much improved over radio with treated battery door. Significantly improved over radio without treated battery door and before capacitor was added.

Battery door treatment is comparable to capacitor on UHF. Capacitor shows more improvement on VHF.

When there is a problem, admit it as soon as possible.

Customers are not stupid. Ignoring or denying a legitimate problem is not the way to handle it.

 

[KC0KBC]

Frank, your link is not taking me to a specific product. Would you mind double checking it? Thank you.

 

[k3fs]

Here is the correct link.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...EpiMZZMsh%2b1woXyUXj70UFERBp%2b3YP1bwVZl/9gk=

I previewed it before posting this time and it was working.

When there is a problem, admit it as soon as possible.
Customers are not stupid. Ignoring or denying a legitimate problem is not the way to handle it.

 

[Ubbe]

Just a tip, when you refere to links on a webpage with products, you are often assigned some kind of temporary id that identify you on that website. That is all that gibberish at the end of the link and can be removed. In this case you can delete everything to the right that begins with /?qs=

http://www.mouser.se/ProductDetail/AVX/06035C103KAT2A

/Ubbe

 

[vannossc]

New Batch Serial start? Date?

Yes because it is still the best scanner to date for 800mhz trunking p25 simulcast! And not everyone has the uhf problem. I use mine for a uhf trbo cap plus system no problems, but mine is a new batch of 436s.

When did Uniden release the "new" batch? Just wondering if I'm affected...

Scott

 

[jeffm77]

So, if there is a new batch of 436s, who would be selling the newest serial numbered radios? i mean, who would have the freshest inventory?

 

[Nasby]

So, if there is a new batch of 436s, who would be selling the newest serial numbered radios? i mean, who would have the freshest inventory?

There's no way to know.

And Uniden certainly won't tell you because they want to unload all of the older models.

After all, would you buy a unit from a dealer if you knew it was an older production model with all these issues?

 

[MarcInIllinois]

Was just going to ask if anyone had purchased from Amazon lately and gotten the newer, revised 436 model, but not sure if anyone who has , has taken theirs apart..

 

[vannossc]

Would this work? I "may" be suffering this issue...

http://a.co/23rTbMH

HDCustom Copper Shielding Tape for Guitar/Bass, 3" x 24"

Edit: I got my 436 from Amazon last April.