SDS100/SDS200: Buying Used vs New

[lynchy135]

I am currently looking to purchase an SDS100 and am just looking though both EBay (Used) and Amazon (New). Before I do anything, I want to make sure there aren’t any ‘gotchas’ by purchasing a used SDS100. Of course there is always the possibility of it not being treated well, but any issue with purchasing a DMR upgrade or any other warranty issues (warranty not transferring to me, etc)?

I tried to search through the forums here but have not been about to find a thread for this question.
Thanks!

 

[dcr_inc]

Theres PLENTY of SDS scanners on the Used market.. Research your seller if possible.. The rest is up to you..

 

[lynchy135]

Theres PLENTY of SDS scanners on the Used market.. Research your seller if possible.. The rest is up to you..

Yes, thats what I’ve found. I’m specifically asking about “gotcha’s” in terms of Uniden because of buying used. IE - cannot upgrade radio once its been ‘transferred’ to a new owner, etc

 

[jtwalker]

It would have to be a helluva deal before I would buy used, but that’s just me.

You could have issues buying upgrades if prior owner fails to remove unit from their “My Uniden” account.

 

[werinshades]

Yes, thats what I’ve found. I’m specifically asking about “gotcha’s” in terms of Uniden because of buying used. IE - cannot upgrade radio once its been ‘transferred’ to a new owner, etc

Depending on when it was purchased, the warranty expiration would be the "gotcha". You might be inheriting a cold solder joint issue?

 

[icemantim8]

Just my experience of course I have purchased several new and used SDS100 and SDS200 over the years. I also prefer to purchase new when possible BUT I have actually had more issues with the new units. Thankfully they were under warranty but sending them in for repair is a whole other thread...lol.
I agree with research the seller. I very recently purchased (2) used SDS100 off Ebay and they are both awesome. One of the sellers just happens to be a member here as well. Zip Scanners occasionally has refurbs as well as Amazon and Main Trading Company and HRO are also very good places to purchase items. Your mileage may vary. There have been several SDS100 for sale on here recently at very good prices. I believe Zip gives a 30 day warranty as well as MTC and HRO. And of course, with Amazon, you can almost always return the product if necessary.

 

[tglendye]

...
You could have issues buying upgrades if prior owner fails to remove unit from their “My Uniden” account.

I didn't think this was the case. Is this accurate?

 

[donc13]

Yes, thats what I’ve found. I’m specifically asking about “gotcha’s” in terms of Uniden because of buying used. IE - cannot upgrade radio once its been ‘transferred’ to a new owner, etc

Yes, you can update a used sds100.
All updates already in the radio stay there for use.
No, warranty is not transferable.

 

[jtwalker]

I didn't think this was the case. Is this accurate?

I must have it wrong. I thought others had stated they encountered an issue registering a unit that someone else had registered, but this doesn't appear to be the case based on other posts.

 

[tglendye]

I must have it wrong. I thought others had stated they encountered an issue registering a unit that someone else had registered, but this doesn't appear to be the case based on other posts.

I may have it wrong, too. I would like some clarification. I've programmed and purchased keys for others on MyUniden account. I had been under the impression it wouldn't matter leaving another person's scanner there.

 

[hiegtx]

It would have to be a helluva deal before I would buy used, but that’s just me.

You could have issues buying upgrades if prior owner fails to remove unit from their “My Uniden” account.

That would not have any effect. Uniden does not use that registration as a basis for warranty work. You always need to include a copy of your actual proof of purchase. Uniden's warranty policy states that it is applicable to the original retail purchaser, so a second (or third) owner, even if within the original 12 months warranty, might have an issue unless they can get the actual original receipt.

From the owner's manual:
WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (Uniden)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this
Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or
exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further
effect 12 months after the date of original retail sale

I may have it wrong, too. I would like some clarification. I've programmed and purchased keys for others on MyUniden account. I had been under the impression it wouldn't matter leaving another person's scanner there.

You are correct. Otherwise, how could a dealer, such as ScannerMaster or Bearcat Warehouse, purchase and load one of the upgrades without doing that via MyUniden. When the actual owner receives the scanner from one of the dealers, he or she can register it on MyUniden, but it will not show the upgrade purchase, since that transaction was done by the dealer.

 

[donc13]

I must have it wrong. I thought others had stated they encountered an issue registering a unit that someone else had registered, but this doesn't appear to be the case based on other posts.

The upgrade is specific to the individual radio, not to any person. You sell the radio, the upgrade goes with it. You buy the radio, you can add more upgrades if you wish. You cannot transfer an upgrade from one radio to another.

The only time upgrades are "moved" is via Uniden Repair when they have to replace the motherboard.

 

[LarryVavrek]

My advice is if your PD is going P-25 2 don’t waste your money on either.

 

[lynchy135]

My advice is if your PD is going P-25 2 don’t waste your money on either.

My PD is already on P-25 2. Are you referring to simulcast distortion issues?

 

[LarryVavrek]

My PD is already on P-25 2. Are you referring to simulcast distortion issues?

No I was talking about encrypted Police communications. If they are encrypted the SDS100 is useless.

 

[lynchy135]

No I was talking about encrypted Police communications. If they are encrypted the SDS100 is useless.

Yes I am aware of that. Thanks

 

[LarryVavrek]

Ok ya on the verge of tossing mine out really not worth it any more. So discouraging.

 

[snerd]

Ok ya on the verge of tossing mine out really not worth it any more. So discouraging.

How much ya want?

 

[jtwalker]

How much ya want?

I'll offer $10 more than @snerd is offering.

 

[fredva]

My advice is if your PD is going P-25 2 don’t waste your money on either.

No I was talking about encrypted Police communications. If they are encrypted the SDS100 is useless.

P-25 2 (as in "Phase 2") and encryption are two different things. P-25 Phase 2 can be monitored by the appropriate scanner if encryption hasn't been applied.