Repair Tips for Bearcat Scanner RadiosRepair Tips for Bearcat Scanner RadiosFebruary 15, 1999.Copyright (C) 1993-1999Bob Parnass, AJ9S ([email protected])- All Rights Reserved -NOTICE: This article may not be reproduced in whole or inpart on CDROMS, in bulletin boards, networks, orpublications which charge for service without permission ofthe author. It is posted twice monthly on the USENETgroups rec.radio.scanner, alt.radio.scanner,sci.electronics.repair, and rec.radio.info. It is alsoavailable electronically from the rec.radio.scanner ftparchive on the official USENET FAQ library.The author writes a monthly 'Scanner Equipment' column forMonitoring Times magazine, published by Grove Enterprises,but views expressed in this article are his own.IntroductionThe original Bearcat scanner line was manufactured byElectra Company, a division of Masco Corp of Indiana. Inthe mid 1980s, Uniden, a Japanese company, bought out theBearcat scanner line and Uniden's first Bearcat scanner wasthe BC800XLT model.Most of the models discussed in this article arebase/mobile units made by Electra during the 1970s and1980s although some of the capacitor failures occur in theUniden BC800XLT, too.Electra stamped all of its scanners with a manufacturingdate code on the rear of the cabinet. The code is comprisedof a single character (C = Cumberland, Indiana, P = PuertoRico), followed by four digits denoting year and week theradio was built. For example, 'P8422' denotes the radio wasmade in the Puerto Rico factory during the 22nd week of1984.One way to roughly estimate a radio's age is to examine the4 digit date codes often stamped on the integratedcircuits.
The radio must have been made after the mostrecent date stamp.Schematics, Owner's Manuals, and Parts AvailableThe re-incorporated Electra Corporation sells crystals,antennas, power cords, owner's manuals ($11 ea) for someolder (pre-Uniden) Bearcat scanners. Electra Corporationis located at 11915 E. Washington St., Cumberland, IN46229. Phone 317-894-3229.I cannot furnish schematics, manuals or parts. To order auser manual for an Electra/Bearcat scanner from Uniden,call (800)235-3874 extension 2553.Some schematic diagrams may be obtained fromUniden/Bearcat's parts department, (800)297-1023. Unidencurrently charges a flat rate of $54 for scanner repairs.They will repair and return 'out of warranty' items withoutan estimate unless the repair charges exceed the flat ratecharges.The phone number for repair is (800)297-1023, too.
I am looking for manuals for Bearcat Scanners 210XL & 211.
Irecommend you call repair before sending the brokenscanner. Items for repair via UPS (include receipt ifstill under warranty) are usually sent to:Uniden America Corp.4700 Amon Carter Blvd.P.O.