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

Yeah, they were nice! I sold mine just before any issues developed, I
figured I may as well get my cash out before it went **** can.

Lou

"Cubit" wrote in message
. net...
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

hi if your in the usa g+g communcations might be able to help you.

"blake jones" wrote in message
...
hi if your in the usa g+g communcations might be able to help you.


Yes I am......... in the USA. I'm aware of G & G - Thanks! I was just
checking the thing out for a friend - found an issue and at the same time
the puzzling item and stopped to see if anyone had info regarding it. Aside
from information - I doubt my friend will want to "invest" much into it. I"m
merely doing it as a favor to him short of telling him to scrap it. Been
kind of busy since getting these e-mails - so haven't had a chance to get
back to it. I'm going to be free after tomorrow afternoon - so I can take
another "closer" look at it and make a decision - one way or another.

"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



Lou, maybe this info will help.

In looking through my Bearcat info, I found a schematic for a "250A". The
feature board is constructed a little differently than what they show in the
250 service manual and I have seen both boards used in 250s. The red wire
still goes to the collector of Q204 (NPN). The emitter of Q204 should have
8.4 Volts there. The base circuit of Q204 is a little different on the "A"
version. A 9.1 Volt 1 watt zener runs from the base of Q204 to ground.
(Cathode connects to the base of Q204). Now, the collector of Q206 (PNP)
connects to the base of Q204 through R239, a 150 ohm 1/2 watt resistor.
That's the only connection on the collector of Q206. Q206's base has R220,
a 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor that is connected to the cathode of D212, a 10
Volt 1 watt zener.

Hope this info helps you out. Keep us posted on your progress.

Mac

"Mike" wrote in message
et...

"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



Lou, maybe this info will help.

In looking through my Bearcat info, I found a schematic for a "250A". The
feature board is constructed a little differently than what they show in
the
250 service manual and I have seen both boards used in 250s. The red wire
still goes to the collector of Q204 (NPN). The emitter of Q204 should
have
8.4 Volts there. The base circuit of Q204 is a little different on the
"A"
version. A 9.1 Volt 1 watt zener runs from the base of Q204 to ground.
(Cathode connects to the base of Q204). Now, the collector of Q206 (PNP)
connects to the base of Q204 through R239, a 150 ohm 1/2 watt resistor.
That's the only connection on the collector of Q206. Q206's base has
R220,
a 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor that is connected to the cathode of D212, a 10
Volt 1 watt zener.

Hope this info helps you out. Keep us posted on your progress.

Mac



Sorry, I forgot to mention in my first response that the emitter of Q206
connects to the collector of Q204 (the red wire - 16 volts). Meanwhile, I
found another schematic for the 250 that shows the same circuit I described,
but also adds one resistor on Q206, between the emitter and base. The
resistor is labeled R242 and is a 1K 5% (wattage is not indicated).

Do you have the correct voltages at the output of the switching power
supply? (plus and minus 25 volts). If not, you probably need to diagnose
that problem first. Depending on what has failed there may determine
whether or not the scanner is repairable. If it's just a capacitor failure
(common) or a failure with IC-8 (it happens) then it is probably repairable,
but if the problem goes on back to IC-9, IC-7, or IC-6, the prognosis is not
so good.

Good luck!
Mac

"Mike" wrote in message
...

"Mike" wrote in message
et...

"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



Lou, maybe this info will help.

In looking through my Bearcat info, I found a schematic for a "250A".
The
feature board is constructed a little differently than what they show in
the
250 service manual and I have seen both boards used in 250s. The red
wire
still goes to the collector of Q204 (NPN). The emitter of Q204 should
have
8.4 Volts there. The base circuit of Q204 is a little different on the
"A"
version. A 9.1 Volt 1 watt zener runs from the base of Q204 to ground.
(Cathode connects to the base of Q204). Now, the collector of Q206 (PNP)
connects to the base of Q204 through R239, a 150 ohm 1/2 watt resistor.
That's the only connection on the collector of Q206. Q206's base has
R220,
a 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor that is connected to the cathode of D212, a
10
Volt 1 watt zener.

Hope this info helps you out. Keep us posted on your progress.

Mac



Sorry, I forgot to mention in my first response that the emitter of Q206
connects to the collector of Q204 (the red wire - 16 volts). Meanwhile, I
found another schematic for the 250 that shows the same circuit I
described,
but also adds one resistor on Q206, between the emitter and base. The
resistor is labeled R242 and is a 1K 5% (wattage is not indicated).

Do you have the correct voltages at the output of the switching power
supply? (plus and minus 25 volts). If not, you probably need to diagnose
that problem first. Depending on what has failed there may determine
whether or not the scanner is repairable. If it's just a capacitor
failure
(common) or a failure with IC-8 (it happens) then it is probably
repairable,
but if the problem goes on back to IC-9, IC-7, or IC-6, the prognosis is
not
so good.

Good luck!
Mac



Mike,

read all your replies to date.. since this is a "side" project to help a
friend - have gotten busy - didn't get back to it just yet. This is my first
week of free time.
Please take note - where Q204 is, in the book - it "shows" a Q206 and the
schematic shows parts going between Q204/206. In "this" model - there
appears to be NO Q206 OR even a place for one. I can elaborate more - but my
previous posts pretty much spell it out.

Thanks,

Lou

"Radiosrfun" wrote in message
...
"Mike" wrote in message
...

"Mike" wrote in message
et...

"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



Lou, maybe this info will help.

In looking through my Bearcat info, I found a schematic for a "250A".
The
feature board is constructed a little differently than what they show
in
the
250 service manual and I have seen both boards used in 250s. The red
wire
still goes to the collector of Q204 (NPN). The emitter of Q204 should
have
8.4 Volts there. The base circuit of Q204 is a little different on the
"A"
version. A 9.1 Volt 1 watt zener runs from the base of Q204 to ground.
(Cathode connects to the base of Q204). Now, the collector of Q206
(PNP)
connects to the base of Q204 through R239, a 150 ohm 1/2 watt resistor.
That's the only connection on the collector of Q206. Q206's base has
R220,
a 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor that is connected to the cathode of D212, a
10
Volt 1 watt zener.

Hope this info helps you out. Keep us posted on your progress.

Mac



Sorry, I forgot to mention in my first response that the emitter of Q206
connects to the collector of Q204 (the red wire - 16 volts). Meanwhile,
I
found another schematic for the 250 that shows the same circuit I
described,
but also adds one resistor on Q206, between the emitter and base. The
resistor is labeled R242 and is a 1K 5% (wattage is not indicated).

Do you have the correct voltages at the output of the switching power
supply? (plus and minus 25 volts). If not, you probably need to
diagnose
that problem first. Depending on what has failed there may determine
whether or not the scanner is repairable. If it's just a capacitor
failure
(common) or a failure with IC-8 (it happens) then it is probably
repairable,
but if the problem goes on back to IC-9, IC-7, or IC-6, the prognosis is
not
so good.

Good luck!
Mac



Mike,

read all your replies to date.. since this is a "side" project to help a
friend - have gotten busy - didn't get back to it just yet. This is my
first
week of free time.
Please take note - where Q204 is, in the book - it "shows" a Q206 and the
schematic shows parts going between Q204/206. In "this" model - there
appears to be NO Q206 OR even a place for one. I can elaborate more - but
my
previous posts pretty much spell it out.

Thanks,

Lou


Can you give us a part number off of the feature circuit board?