SDS100/SDS200: Confused about SDS100 backlight options

[Anderegg]

Have to run the damn thing all night in a car, and I am trying to configure it for maximum battery life. I cannot find a way to actually use the scanner and have the backlight turn off while it is NOT receiving transmissions. I can get it to cut off between transmissions, but the moment I adjust the volume or hold on a channel, it goes back to always on backlight. Can someone advise how to operate the scanner the way I am trying to, if that is even possible?

Paul

 

[nessnet]

1st - why not get a (more than 2A) USB adapter and power/charge the damn thing, in the car....?

If not, in Sentinel, you can edit the profile and click on display options tab
For squelch light, use Open squelch (or timer, if you prefer...)
For keypress light, set for lowest (15 sec), or longer, if desired..

 

[pro106import]

Just an FYI, I did some current draw measurements and the difference between no backlight and 70% backlight was like 20ma. After finding this, I leave my backlight on all the time now. That amounts to like 6 min. of total playtime difference.

 

[Anderegg]

This is an emergency use scanner and I need to use it for a full shift while my work car full of Motorola APX's is in the shop. I had keypress to infinite, I assumed squelch setting replaced the keypress operation, but I guess that was not correct

I am leaving my backlight at the lowest setting, it's dark at night, so maybe it will survive...I turned on battery saver.

Paul

 

[slayer816]

This is an emergency use scanner and I need to use it for a full shift while my work car full of Motorola APX's is in the shop. I had keypress to infinite, I assumed squelch setting replaced the keypress operation, but I guess that was not correct

I am leaving my backlight at the lowest setting, it's dark at night, so maybe it will survive...I turned on battery saver.

Paul

From my experience, backlight versus no backlight effects the battery life very little. I would get extra batteries and have some charged up ready to go. I have three which have helped me during power outages.

As far as the settings on the display menu; squelch does replace the keypress operation UNTIL you press something which basically turns it off. If you set the scanner to squelch and then hit the power key to dim it, it will light up on transmissions only. But you can't touch anything.

Best idea here is to set the backlight to squelch and keypress to infinite. Hit the power key to turn off the display and leave it alone. If you have to change volume or hit channel hold, reactivate squelch mode when youre done by hitting the power key again.

 

[Anderegg]

I found a USB-C to USB-Ugly cable, so I will be able to power it from my Mactop computer.

Paul

 

[RadioSc]

I found a USB-C to USB-Ugly cable, so I will be able to power it from my Mactop computer.

Paul

Did this method work?
You didn't receive a low Usb Voltage Error?
While using The SDS and Charging it at the same time. The red Charging light will stay on until its fully charged then it turns green. Usually when Charging off a computer or something not a 2.4 or 3 A charger you're not actually charging the scanner

 

[Anderegg]

Red and happy...the new full size Macbooks put out a LOT of AMPS out of each Thunderbolt/USB-C port.

Paul

 

[Patch42]

I know this isn't what you asked but for $20 you can get a good quality 10Ah power bank that should run the SDS100 for a full day when combined with the stock battery.

 

[TexTAC]

Menu -> Display Options -> Backlight Options -> Set Timer

Then set “Squlch” Open Squelch and “Key Press” to 15 seconds. It should turn on when receiving and off when not receiving. Will stay on for 15 secs if you press a button.

Tap power button to override and toggle backlight on/off.

 

[Ubbe]

I turned on battery saver.

It's only working if you leave scan and search and disable priority mode and you sit permanently on a conventional analog channel.

The simplest solution would be to have permanent backlight on and use a power bank. I've tested several and they all work with a SDS100. If you are unlucky with the power bank or the USB cable are of poor quality, then only power and do not charge. When the power bank goes low in voltage then switch it off and it will revert back to the scanners own battery.

/Ubbe