I have the bcd996p2 at the moment. Thinking about another scanner. Any suggestions? I've read some negatives on the SDS200. Such as screen going out.
Just wondering.
Just wondering.
Is the SDS 200 worth it?
- Thread starter officer58
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Is the SDS 200 worth it?... Yes.
I'll leave it up to the next dozens of posts to explain.
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Yes, the SDS200 is worth every penny I paid for it…. Including all 3 paid upgrades. As to whether it would be worth it for you, only you can judge that. Just be sure to purchase from a reputable vendor with a good return policy, and try it out.
Try it out for a while before purchasing any upgrades in case you do decide to return it.
Try it out for a while before purchasing any upgrades in case you do decide to return it.
If you read long enough, you will come across negatives written about most every scanner out there. The screen problems reported were few and far between. The “hum” problem plaguing earlier scanners has been rectified at the production level.
Hiking_Mando
Newbie
Recently bought a used one. Completely happy with it so far.
The main question is: do you have simulcast? If not, I would stick with the 996p2. I own both myself.
Reconrider
Inside the Galaxy
I have the sds100 and have loved it every day for the paste 2 years or so. After I find a good deal on a 200, I’m buying one
SDS versus 996p2? If your area is using digital simulcast (or planning for it), you really have no choice.
That not correct. In some cases many if not all non "SDS" P25 digital scanners work just fine with simulcast systems, even complex ones. I speak from personal experience. Every location can be different, sometimes just a mile down the road.
I disagree completely, My 396XT HP-2 and 436HP don't work "just fine" with simulcast, there is no comparison with my SDS100's or 200.
There are times when the audio is terrible and other times silence, while My SDS scanners are receiving perfectly clear audio. This is at a stationary location or while on the road.
There are times when the audio is terrible and other times silence, while My SDS scanners are receiving perfectly clear audio. This is at a stationary location or while on the road.
It is extremely simple. If you have simulcast systems within the areas you travel/monitor, you have only one (1) choice, namely the SDS 100 or 200. End of story. If you don't have any simulcast systems in the area(s) you travel/monitor/live, you should be fine with a 536 (which still does DMR, NXDN etc, i.e. everything except simulcast).
That's very possible, no disagreement from me.
I broke down and bought a second SDS200. (I know it's a lot of money, but I worked extra hours to save up for it) Was using one in my home with great results. Tried the 536 and HP-2 but they were not doing the job in the car on the simulcast systems here in the NYC area. Even the 536 at home with rooftop antenna misses some transmissions on the Metro-25 and NYC ICN systems. Now I am confident I hear everything on the simulcast systems. I guess it matters on how many simulcast systems are in your area and how good or bad reception is on other radios besides the SDS series. I should mention I also use a BCT-15 in the car for analog and the HP-2 is still in there for other comms.
1 SDS200 and 2 SDS100 the answer is yes you just have to learn it.
Buying a SDS Scanner and complaining about it not working is like not knowing how to Ice Skate and buying Ice Skates and complaining about them not working right.
Buying a SDS Scanner and complaining about it not working is like not knowing how to Ice Skate and buying Ice Skates and complaining about them not working right.
IF you have simulcast in your area, get the SDS200 for a desk top or the SDS100 for portability. The difference in cash getting new units isn't that much. BUT, if your sure not much simulcast towers in your area, the 436/536 should work. look at the data base and look at the towers in your area. Do your research and figure it out! I purchased the SDS200, my 1st desktop in many years, and am pleased how it performs.
Since 2005 I have used a bcd396t for police and fire. No problems in Colorado with simulcast (at least not where I lived. However, my wife and I also travel a lot in our RV. 12,000 miles/year. Prior to a trip, I would program in the states I planned on going through as different "systems" that were turned on/off by quick keys. That worked but wasn't safe to switch systems while driving. Not that big a deal, but was an annoying process.
A little over a year ago, I got an sds200 (and sold the 396) and the Uniden GPS kit. I do nothing now when I travel, I let the GPS and service types do all the figuring for me. I have had zero problems, get good reception, good audio and no stops to switch "states". I get much more information now on the road because the small towns and jurisdictions on my route are all received.
Just my 2 cents
A little over a year ago, I got an sds200 (and sold the 396) and the Uniden GPS kit. I do nothing now when I travel, I let the GPS and service types do all the figuring for me. I have had zero problems, get good reception, good audio and no stops to switch "states". I get much more information now on the road because the small towns and jurisdictions on my route are all received.
Just my 2 cents
Thank you for all your replys, sounds like they are worth it , I hope so, I have one coming tomorrow. I'll have a lot to learn.
Get to know Sentinel or a 3rd party Program like Proscan
Definitely get proscan
So far loving the SDS200. I thought I had a scanner until I got this one. Haven't started learning everthing yet, but I do know how to make a profile and favorites list, so I am started.
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