Forts said:
I believe it is this situation he described in this thread:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30576
(Hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in here, Mike)
Uniden BCT8 Scanner Problems
- Thread starter fxstdse
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I believe it is this situation he described in this thread:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30576
(Hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in here, Mike)
Hmm...Interesting. I haven't noticed that problem on my BCT-8.... But it's in my truck and to be honest I likely don't pay close enough attention to it. But! I also have my Pro-96 riding alongside on most days and I don't ever recall seeing patched talkgroups appearing on the Pro-96 and NOT on the BCT-8. Not to say it hasn't happened though. I'll keep a sharper eye on it.
imcleish
Member
Back to the initial discssion:
Just got off the phone with Lectron Radio.
They seem to have narrowed down the "garbled sounds" while monitoring fleetnet to being digital signal interference and not temperature related.
It was expressed that the same issues described here, and heard by myself while monitoring on a BCT8 have been observed at the repair facility.
I was also told Uniden is working on a Firmware update in hopes of fixing this issue.
Anybody else hear this or able to confirm this?
Just got off the phone with Lectron Radio.
They seem to have narrowed down the "garbled sounds" while monitoring fleetnet to being digital signal interference and not temperature related.
It was expressed that the same issues described here, and heard by myself while monitoring on a BCT8 have been observed at the repair facility.
I was also told Uniden is working on a Firmware update in hopes of fixing this issue.
Anybody else hear this or able to confirm this?
DaveH
Member
This may have been asked before, but is the BCT-8 capable of true narrow FM operation? If it isn't or not set up correctly, the distortion could be caused by digital (or even analog) activity on a channel 15kHz above or below.
I hear this effect on older non-trunked scanners that don't have narrow capability. If this is the case, don't know how firmware could fix it, unless it's the FM bandwidth that is not getting set up correctly.
Dave
I hear this effect on older non-trunked scanners that don't have narrow capability. If this is the case, don't know how firmware could fix it, unless it's the FM bandwidth that is not getting set up correctly.
Dave
imcleish
Member
Dave,
This does sound like a cause of the problem, I did not come across any option for setting the modulation to NFM, and didn't even think of this myself. Thanks.
I know the 246T does not allow you to specifiy the modulation of VHF trunk frequencies, this I believe leads to the low analog use volumes people complain of.
Thanks again for the input.
This does sound like a cause of the problem, I did not come across any option for setting the modulation to NFM, and didn't even think of this myself. Thanks.
I know the 246T does not allow you to specifiy the modulation of VHF trunk frequencies, this I believe leads to the low analog use volumes people complain of.
Thanks again for the input.
I have a BCT-8 and listen to the Cedarwoods site and have no issues considering two voice channels on that site are with in 15khz of each other.
003 Cedarwoods (Kitchener)
141.45000 141.72000 142.05000 142.06500 142.65000* 142.84500 143.10000* 143.17500
It would be nice if somebody could snag a recording of this garbled audio so we could hear it.
003 Cedarwoods (Kitchener)
141.45000 141.72000 142.05000 142.06500 142.65000* 142.84500 143.10000* 143.17500
It would be nice if somebody could snag a recording of this garbled audio so we could hear it.
....and it doesnt really explain why removing the scanner from the case fixes the problem. Or the fact that some BCT-8's (mine included) don't exhibit this problem at all.
hastingsmedic
Member
I'm not so sure...
I can't speak about other people's scanners, but mine clearly does have a temperature related problem, and there definately is something going on with the case.
I also spoke with Lectron, and was told the same thing: "intereference with a digital user on the same system". This makes no sense to me, since two BCT8s programmed exactly the same, when sitting side-by-side produce different results. It should be a system-wide problem in that case.
It also doesn't explain why the same transmissions monitored in non-trunked mode are not garbled (ie monitoring the frequencies only, not as a scan list).
I don't question that there are times that there may be interference, I hear it as a user of Fleetnet (EMS)... some calls do infact have a 'digital garbled' tone to them... but that isn't the same interference we're hearing on our BCT8s.
I have spoken directly to Uniden engineers, and they are working on the problem.
What ever the cause, it is still REALLY frustrating!
I just realized something that I read in someone's post... the only one of my 2 BCT8's that does this is the NASCAR branded one. Can anyone tell me if they have a non-NASCAR branded BCT8 that is acting up? Maybe we're looking at a production run issue.
Andrew
P.S. I do have a copy of the audio, but the upload feature on this site won't let me attach .wav files.
I can't speak about other people's scanners, but mine clearly does have a temperature related problem, and there definately is something going on with the case.
I also spoke with Lectron, and was told the same thing: "intereference with a digital user on the same system". This makes no sense to me, since two BCT8s programmed exactly the same, when sitting side-by-side produce different results. It should be a system-wide problem in that case.
It also doesn't explain why the same transmissions monitored in non-trunked mode are not garbled (ie monitoring the frequencies only, not as a scan list).
I don't question that there are times that there may be interference, I hear it as a user of Fleetnet (EMS)... some calls do infact have a 'digital garbled' tone to them... but that isn't the same interference we're hearing on our BCT8s.
I have spoken directly to Uniden engineers, and they are working on the problem.
What ever the cause, it is still REALLY frustrating!
I just realized something that I read in someone's post... the only one of my 2 BCT8's that does this is the NASCAR branded one. Can anyone tell me if they have a non-NASCAR branded BCT8 that is acting up? Maybe we're looking at a production run issue.
Andrew
P.S. I do have a copy of the audio, but the upload feature on this site won't let me attach .wav files.
What I've noticed on all Uniden scanners is sometimes they "stick" on the voice channel after a call and you end up hearing another call.
Could be as a result of it missing the end tone or the squelch close. Not really a Uniden problem but a problem with reception of the site.
Without the audio to hear, it's almost impossible to diagnose. Zip your wav file up and upload it. wav files are not uploadable but a zipped up wav file is.
Could be as a result of it missing the end tone or the squelch close. Not really a Uniden problem but a problem with reception of the site.
Without the audio to hear, it's almost impossible to diagnose. Zip your wav file up and upload it. wav files are not uploadable but a zipped up wav file is.
I seem to get this problem moreso on EDACS systems with digital talkgroups. For example in both London and Chatham if the radio stops on an analog talkgroup it then tends to hang there and catch part of a digital transmission that comes along. My 780 and BCT8 aren't tooooooo bad with this, but my BC246 is really bad. My Pro-96 doesn't exhibit this behaviour at all. I've tried setting the delays and hold times all to Zero on the 246, but it doesn't help.
unpltd
Member
Back from the dead!
Did anyone find out anything more on this? I have one of the "Nascar" ones (BCT-8) and mine been starting to display these symptoms now on 800mhz Peel region trunk.
Did anyone find out anything more on this? I have one of the "Nascar" ones (BCT-8) and mine been starting to display these symptoms now on 800mhz Peel region trunk.
unpltd said:
If you take the cover (the one with the speaker) and the problem corrects itself, the issue is most likey the speaker's coil throwing off the inductance of the adjustable coil that sits just below the speaker. I've had many BCT-8's on the bench with these characteristics, and slightly adjusting this coil (right below the speaker) rectifies the issue. It's worth a shot, and you won't frig anything up by doing this adjustment, especially if you mark the original position. The BCT-8 are plagued with these problems and the Nascar versions for some reason are particularily suspect.
If you're not comfortable doing the adjustment I can meet someone in Brampton (or Mississauga at lunch time) to do it for them, and I'll take a pic of what I'm doing and post it here...unfortunately I don't have a BCT-8 myself otherwise I'd have done this already.
unpltd
Member
phyberoptics said:
I've got some time tonight I'm going to give it a go and I think I'm going to do the D-tap at the same time.
unpltd
Member
homer545
Member
Thanks a million!!!!!
Guys, I can't thank you enough. My BCT8 had the garbled audio as described in the post. I took the bottom cover off tweaked the coil to the right a couple of millimeters and boom....clear audio. I love the internet
Guys, I can't thank you enough. My BCT8 had the garbled audio as described in the post. I took the bottom cover off tweaked the coil to the right a couple of millimeters and boom....clear audio. I love the internet
Bullmax
Member
Need help! I was having garbled transmissions as well. I tweaked my coil also and now I can't hear anything. Of course I did not mark the factory setting like a dummy.
How can I set it back to the factory position?
How can I set it back to the factory position?
bct 8 garbled audio on fleetnet trunk
hello there, i have two bct8 scanners and one is perfect on fleetnet and one is garbled on fleetnet, Both have identical settings down with the same programming software and file.
If you find out why this is happening please let me know, by reading most of these listings is sounds like once a capacitor inside gets too warm the problem happens- and if the cover is off then the capacitor does not get too warm?
thanks t
hello there, i have two bct8 scanners and one is perfect on fleetnet and one is garbled on fleetnet, Both have identical settings down with the same programming software and file.
If you find out why this is happening please let me know, by reading most of these listings is sounds like once a capacitor inside gets too warm the problem happens- and if the cover is off then the capacitor does not get too warm?
thanks t
kskarma
Member
Check the Uniden Scanners section for this exact problem
I just ran across this thread and thought I'd point out that I have had exactly this same problem with 2 of the 3 BCT-8's that I have...and now have it with the third one... All of them have developed the same symptoms....usually takes a few months...or the right temperature...for it to happen... And..it seems also to happen when the scanners are around 4-6 years old...in my case anyway...
So...in the Uniden Scanner Section, look for this thread .. (BCT-8 Garbled Audio in Trunking mode-only) ...there is pretty much the same info there as in this one...including the possible 'fix'...! I have mine next to me now and I will get it opened up very soon and give this little 'twist' a try....wish me luck...!
BCT-8 Garbled Audio in Trunking mode--only
I just ran across this thread and thought I'd point out that I have had exactly this same problem with 2 of the 3 BCT-8's that I have...and now have it with the third one... All of them have developed the same symptoms....usually takes a few months...or the right temperature...for it to happen... And..it seems also to happen when the scanners are around 4-6 years old...in my case anyway...
So...in the Uniden Scanner Section, look for this thread .. (BCT-8 Garbled Audio in Trunking mode-only) ...there is pretty much the same info there as in this one...including the possible 'fix'...! I have mine next to me now and I will get it opened up very soon and give this little 'twist' a try....wish me luck...!
BCT-8 Garbled Audio in Trunking mode--only
kskarma
Member
This looks like a Great FIX for BCT-8 garbled audio and other trunking issues.
I just posted this on Radio Ref...Uniden Scanners section
It looks like all it takes to remedy this condition is the "fix" that is outlined in homer545's posting. I just did that to my BCT-8...and BINGO....the audio is now clear and it stops on Trunked Transmissions as it did before..and just as my other two BCT-8's do.
Step-by-Step Directions....
Remove power from the scanner. Remove the 4 phillips head screws that are found on the sides of the bottom cover. Carefully pull off the bottom cover...it might be tight and there are wires to the speaker that you need to be aware of...so take it easy..
Locate a small tuneable coil that is close to the center of the circuit board. It is silver in color and about 1/4" square. Examine the top and you will see the 'slug' with a small screwdriver slot in it. For 'insurance' purposes, mark the exact location of the slot...just in case you need to reposition it if you screw up. (Ask me how I know to do this....!!)
At this point you might want to position the scanner so that you can re-attach the power cord and be able to put the bottom cover back to the point where it might be close to its original position. You might find that when you do this, the scanner will work as when new....or...you might not. This step is just a bit of 'experimenting' and might give you an idea as to how far out of alignment it is.
Now...for the actual 'surgery'...with a small screwdriver, turn the slug in the coil 'Clockwise' a very small amount ! In my case, it was almost the smallest amount that I could move it...and still be able to say that I had indeed adjusted it. Now...attach the power cord again...and give it a try. You should hear a big improvement...this might depend on how far out of adjustment it was. You may want to give that slug another slight tweak...or not. The 2mm movement that was mentioned in the preceeding post is a good guide...I don't think I went that far....but the change was immediate.
My Wild A** Guess about this is that some of the components (a capacitor most likely) in the tuned circuit has changed value over the years...with time, heat, cold, etc. and has allowed that tuned circuit to become 'detuned'.... Since I am guessing (again!)...that your BCT-8 was working fine for a long time and then over a period of a few months, it got more and more flaky...that would mean that only a tiny bit of tweaking is going to be all that is needed to bring it back to 100%..
Before reattaching the bottom cover, let it warm up for a half hour...listen to the audio...bask in your new success, give a big THANKS to Homer545...then remove power, replace the bottom...and SCAN AWAY!!
I am sending a stack of Virtual $50 bills to Homer545 for this tip....and if it works for you, please do the same...!!!
I just posted this on Radio Ref...Uniden Scanners section
It looks like all it takes to remedy this condition is the "fix" that is outlined in homer545's posting. I just did that to my BCT-8...and BINGO....the audio is now clear and it stops on Trunked Transmissions as it did before..and just as my other two BCT-8's do.
Step-by-Step Directions....
Remove power from the scanner. Remove the 4 phillips head screws that are found on the sides of the bottom cover. Carefully pull off the bottom cover...it might be tight and there are wires to the speaker that you need to be aware of...so take it easy..
Locate a small tuneable coil that is close to the center of the circuit board. It is silver in color and about 1/4" square. Examine the top and you will see the 'slug' with a small screwdriver slot in it. For 'insurance' purposes, mark the exact location of the slot...just in case you need to reposition it if you screw up. (Ask me how I know to do this....!!)
At this point you might want to position the scanner so that you can re-attach the power cord and be able to put the bottom cover back to the point where it might be close to its original position. You might find that when you do this, the scanner will work as when new....or...you might not. This step is just a bit of 'experimenting' and might give you an idea as to how far out of alignment it is.
Now...for the actual 'surgery'...with a small screwdriver, turn the slug in the coil 'Clockwise' a very small amount ! In my case, it was almost the smallest amount that I could move it...and still be able to say that I had indeed adjusted it. Now...attach the power cord again...and give it a try. You should hear a big improvement...this might depend on how far out of adjustment it was. You may want to give that slug another slight tweak...or not. The 2mm movement that was mentioned in the preceeding post is a good guide...I don't think I went that far....but the change was immediate.
My Wild A** Guess about this is that some of the components (a capacitor most likely) in the tuned circuit has changed value over the years...with time, heat, cold, etc. and has allowed that tuned circuit to become 'detuned'.... Since I am guessing (again!)...that your BCT-8 was working fine for a long time and then over a period of a few months, it got more and more flaky...that would mean that only a tiny bit of tweaking is going to be all that is needed to bring it back to 100%..
Before reattaching the bottom cover, let it warm up for a half hour...listen to the audio...bask in your new success, give a big THANKS to Homer545...then remove power, replace the bottom...and SCAN AWAY!!
I am sending a stack of Virtual $50 bills to Homer545 for this tip....and if it works for you, please do the same...!!!
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