WS1065: Unknown error after turning on scanner few a few seconds

[N0MLP]

I've had this Whistler WS1065 Scanner running pretty much non stop now for over 2 years without any issues. The other day I came into my shack and noticed it said unknown error on the screen. I turned off the scanner and then turned it back on and it began scanning just fine even picking up local traffic. when it went back to scanning however, it beeped and displayed the unknown error again. I have since tried reprogramming the radio with my backup file. When that didn't work I re-flashed the firmware. That didn't work so I factory reset the scanner and then re-uploaded my backup file. Still now after just a few seconds of scanning it beeps and displays unknown error. Has anyone had this issue? I've searched the forum for anything similar and did not come up with anything. A google search only brought up questions about programming and Heap errors. The scanner works fine until the error pops up. I'm at a loss at this point. Any Idea's. Thanks.

 

[tvengr]

Try performing the EEPROM memory test. Some scanners have had failure of the EEPROM. At the welcome screen, press 0 and then 5. You will need to reprogram the scanner again.

 

[ka3aaa]

Here is a thought, maybe try to replace the battery for the memory if it uses one, don't know how or where the memory is stored or anything else about the ws1065.

 

[N0MLP]

Try performing the EEPROM memory test. Some scanners have had failure of the EEPROM. At the welcome screen, press 0 and then 5. You will need to reprogram the scanner again.

EEPROM check does indicate an error. I'm assuming this will require hardware repair. Unless there is a neat little trick someone knows lol. Thanks for that information. I did not know about the EEPROM check.

 

[N0MLP]

Here is a thought, maybe try to replace the battery for the memory if it uses one, don't know how or where the memory is stored or anything else about the ws1065.

I will check for an internal battery. The length of time I've had the scanner does make sense for a potential depleted ROM battery.

 

[KevinC]

I will check for an internal battery. The length of time I've had the scanner does make sense for a potential depleted ROM battery.

Pretty sure that model doesn't have an internal battery.

 

[N0MLP]

Pretty sure that model doesn't have an internal battery.

Yeah I didn't think so, but just did some digging and it uses Non Volatile EEPROM so no battery needed.

 

[tvengr]

The display says to cycle power (turn off and back on). Reprogram scanner. If scanner continues to do the same thing, it sounds like time for a trip to Whistler. Shoot an email to Whistler and see if they agree. I don't know of any batteries in the WS1065.

 

[Ronaldski]

There's more-more of those models and portables coming up with that error now. Ive seen at least one, try as I might it was shot.
Besides Whistler-> Support Options & Contact Us

Comes well recommended on this site for many years, gcomradio.

Home Page

 

[Ronaldski]

See Having Uniden repair a PRO-197

Has some extra info WS1065 DSP Boot Screen Error

 

[N0MLP]

Well Guys, as of Right now I have the scanner up and running. I did another factory reset and then Loaded an old backup programming that I had done not long after getting the scanner. It worked, so I just edited and updated the programming to what I wanted and sent that to the scanner and now she is happily chugging along. I'm assuming at this point that the EEPROM is having a midlife crisis and me knocking it around a few times lined it out for now. Thankfully I caught it before it Quit its job, bought a convertible, and took off to Cancun with a 22 year old! lol. For now, it's working, but I suspect the unknown error will likely creep back onto the screen at some point.
Thanks to everyone for their input, ya'll led me in the right direction. I guess interventions really do work!

 

[tvengr]

Glad to hear it's working again. It's like telling your dog that you are taking it to the vet. I guess it works with scanners also.

 

[crippledchicken]

I've had mine screw up after a power glitch before. I've replaced the tiny EEPROM soic chip a while back. I had'nt done any soldering like that in a few years. I've got a hot air pencil now which might come in handy some day.

 

[N0MLP]

I've had mine screw up after a power glitch before. I've replaced the tiny EEPROM soic chip a while back. I had'nt done any soldering like that in a few years. I've got a hot air pencil now which might come in handy some day.

I have a rework station with hot air and smd soldering iron. I suppose if I ever have to I can replace the little chip. Just have to find out the part#. I've been doing xbox1 hdmi replacements as a tiny side hustle for a bit. They aren't too bad.

 

[N5SRG]

Try performing the EEPROM memory test. Some scanners have had failure of the EEPROM. At the welcome screen, press 0 and then 5. You will need to reprogram the scanner again.

Tried doing this test on my 1065. All I got was select test but no way to check eeprom. Pressing any button and it goes back to scanning. What am I doing wrong?