How does the SDS100 work in Mass?
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divison200
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SDS-100 in Massachusetts
So far the SDS-100 in Eastern Massachusetts has worked fine. All audio is clear, P-25 systems and Motorola trunking systems are loud and clear. I do not listen to any nxdn, dmr systems at this time. I listen to one Pro Voice systems at this time the MBTA , loud and clear. I would rate the radio a ten out of ten. I do have the 536HP , 436HP, 992p and 325P. All fine radios, but the SDS-100 has been better than the other models mentioned.
So far the SDS-100 in Eastern Massachusetts has worked fine. All audio is clear, P-25 systems and Motorola trunking systems are loud and clear. I do not listen to any nxdn, dmr systems at this time. I listen to one Pro Voice systems at this time the MBTA , loud and clear. I would rate the radio a ten out of ten. I do have the 536HP , 436HP, 992p and 325P. All fine radios, but the SDS-100 has been better than the other models mentioned.
Don't think the Priest would appreciate such.
gordon115
Member
Curious how the SDS-100 does on conventional channels either analog or P25. In my opinion the 436 & 536 are poor at receiving conventional UHF & VHF compared to the 996P2 and GRE scanners. My 996P2 will get a full 5 bar loud and clear signal on local FD & PD channels while the 536 will scan right over them or get a weak distant sounding signal.
Gordon
Analog has gotten better with each firmware release. Still needs work. Conventional P25 works well. I never had any issues with analog on my x36's.
jfr
Member
From my location, none of my other scanners will decode the 700MHz Overlay, but my SDS100 does really well.
-JR
-JR
On my 436, P25 has been hit or miss listening to Cambridge on the Statewide system. I hold it on the system and it doesn't scan very well, even with the SQL set to 7. (Obviously) my APX 7000 gets it loud and clear.
I wonder if the SDS100 would be better - but with that said, I'm not sure the upgrade is worth it for me just yet.
Is the audio quality on P25 transmissions better on the SDS100? On the 436, I always feel like it's muffled.
I wonder if the SDS100 would be better - but with that said, I'm not sure the upgrade is worth it for me just yet.
Is the audio quality on P25 transmissions better on the SDS100? On the 436, I always feel like it's muffled.
6079smithw
Member
Dunno about Mass but we took one to a Bar Mitzvah last week and it worked perfectly! (Rimshot)
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npdexplorer911
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Anyone using the SDS out in Western Mass?
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jfr
Member
There is much more treble in the SDS100's audio vs the 436. "Brighter" might be the right term.
-JR
allandunn
Member
Just where are you located in Massachusetts? I am in Gardner northern Worcester County and am wondering if 700MHz is available near mer. I am almost 1300 feet above sea level and should be able to hear into Boston and Pioneer Valley locations. Just don't want to update if there is nothing to monitor.
jfr
Member
The 700 overlay is intended to cover inside Rt 128 in eastern Mass.
-JR
-JR
By his profile he is located in Walpole.
jfr
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allandunn
Member
I can probably hear it up here, then. But I am not sure I want to as I no longer live/commute in that area.
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for your reply.
It hasn't been widely advertised but the SDS100s ordered for Mass, require an additional update. As shipped, there are no Rs on the screen but an abundance of Hs. Once updated, "cah" becomes "car" on the screen and "Mahtha's Vineyard" becomes "Martha's Vineyard." 
jfr
Member
Well played, sir!
Where in Gardner is 1300'? I can take a ride over to the general area to see what I can rx.
I live here also and have not had a sniff of the 700 in the last X number of years with the 436. That being said, in one small part of Fitchburg (not in the hills, either) I did get a sniff of it with the SDS100. On occasion at home I get the Warwick site for the W. Mass P25, and I get it a bit more with the 100.
I haven't had enough time with the 100 on the road in the area yet, but I'm having some rx issues on both the analog MSP system and the Worcester P25 system. Basically it's not performing as well as I had hoped. There are still dead spots (or simul interference spots) on Rt 2 in Westminster on the MSP system and Worcester is weirdly hot or miss in some areas. The 436 will grab some transmissions the 100 will grab some transmissions and both will grab some transmissions.
Right now, I wouldn't get a 100 for home. This far away from the 700 system, I don't know how much simulcast interference there would be all the way out here so you may get it on a 436. While Worcester technically is TDMA, only Emg Management currently have TDMA talk groups.
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