Bearcat scanner 210XL

The 210XL has a LCD display. These symptoms are typical of a transmissive LCD, that is, one that has a backlight that illuminates the display from behind. The backlight is probably defective, or the LCD display itself is bad. One other possibility is that the LCD backplane drive voltage (usually a low frequency square waveform) is low or has stopped.

Unless you're adept at figuring out a circuit without benefit of schematic, any of these problems will require service manual/schematic and ability to troubleshoot the circuit. Test equipment such as a scope is invaluable here, but you might get by with a DVM if you know what you're looking for and where to find it.

Checkout this link------I had the same problem and fixed it with a capacitor replacement. The display is not a LCD but a fluorescent one.

Scan down about half the page to "Symptom: Blank Display". Let us know if this fixes your problem. Bill

On Sun, 26 Nov 2006 07:36:28 +0000, Jim Has Frothed:

Ever replaced a component on a printed circuit board? There is really no user serviceable part that would give you a quick fix. I used to repair these and other Bearcat scanners with fluorescent displays by the way.

I have one of those too. It looks something like this, from Brett's Scanner Photo Gallery:

I do not recall that the display reacts to room lighting. I have long considered its exceptionally bright display one of its biggest virtures, as you can clearly see what frequency you are on when it is in use as an underdash scanner in a car. Also, it has the loudest audio output of any of my mobile scanners. On the downside, it has only 18 channels.

I do not have the service manual for it, so I can't help you with your problem. If need be, I can make voltage measurements on mine for comparison with yours.

Best wishes.