I just threw two Bearcat 250s in my garbage can this morning. I had
purchased them as defective units years ago. I assumed I could use parts
from each to make a good one, but they both had repairwork damage on the
circuitboard under the keyboard.

That was a wonderful scanner because of the feature that would search a
section of band and record a list of hits through the day. You could then
program the hit frequencies into a bank, or two, and find something
interesting.

"Radiosrfun" wrote in message
...
Anyone here with "in-depth" knowledge of the Bearcat 250 Scanner and
repairs? I am way out of tune with these things. Haven't seen one - let
alone worked on one for close to 10 years if not much longer. I have a
model here just came in the door for repair. I've had a manual from days
gone by. There appears to be some differences - not shown in the manual.
I'm wondering if I can pick someone's brains about this model or it's
differences.

1. Was there more than one version of service manual? At the time I
purchased this, I don't believe I was told of anymore than the one - I
usually ask about revisions.

2. Did the updates in this model produce differences in circuitry (I'm
sure they probably did) - and how?

3. The issue I "currently" see - is I have "low level" audio, no squelch
action, no receive, no display, no dot. I started troubleshooting it and
this book has a Q206 listed in it as providing a particular voltage to the
circuit (can't recall which part of the circuit - without the book in
front of me). THIS unit shows NO Q206 where the book shows it to be. I can
be more specific in parts layout in that area if someone asks - but for
now - I'm missing some voltage and need to find out why Q206 is not there
OR whatever. The "Q204" is putting out like 4 - 6 volts less than it
should. I'm not sure that is the "only" issue here - but the first I found
thus far. I'm just trying to clear up the mystery of Q206 for the moment.
The book shows it "supposedly" on the "Features" board. Along with that
issue, there is in the same leg of circuit - according to my manual - a
47K ohm resistor there tied to Q204 and a wire coming from the 18V
supply - with an 9v Zener in that area also. This model has a 1xxxx ohm
resistor there OR at least it appears to. It is burned in the center from
heat - but the first band is clearly "brown" - so this isn't the 47K as
called for in my manual. Basically, the circuit leg is all there - minus
Q206! There's not even a place for it "to" be, from what I'm seeing.

IF I'm in error of voltages/values specified - its' only I'm going from
memory - the book is in the shop - but I"m not off in my description
otherwise.

I can provide more specific info such as Serial Number, Board numbers
and/or revisions, whatever - if requested, I just don't have it in front
of me at the moment.

I realize some parts of this radio are impossible to get now-days - so - I
want to make sure I can trace this down to something repairable and get it
done OR find out quick it isn't possible and hand it back without wasting
much more time.

Any info? Please answer here - my address is a spam catcher only.

Thanks,

Lou