HRO Anaheim finally received several SDS-100s earlier today. I picked mine up about 4 PM (Weds).
First thing I did while at HRO was open box, inspect scanner, put on the rubber duck, and make sure no obvious damage or antenna connector problems. All OK, so took unit home.
To update Sentinel to 2.02, update 100 firmware, update database, and set up FLs on 100 exactly as on 436HP took maybe 15 mins. No problem. Of course, have this profile set to SDS-100, with back light on infinite even with battery, but dimmer set at 30%. All works fine, with no display problems what-so-ever.
Been scanning common sites here in LA/OC including LAPD, LA Sheriff, LA Cities, LA Co and City Fire, CHP, Civil Air, LA ICIS P25 sites, and OC CCCS. Have tons of other stuff programmed, but can only do so much in a few hours to start.
I like the light weight of scanner and of course, the display, is great. Have only used simple display at this point. LAPD P25 sounds very good, but really, just about same as the 436 (have not yet done any side-to-side comparisons). LA-ICIS P25 Pasadena and Glendale site also sound good, but again, not much different from 436. Low VHF analog OK but nothing special. I can hear Ventura County VHF on 436HP with radio shack center-coil antenna, but not using 100 tonight. VHF civil air OK, but my 436 seems better. UHF air seems better than VHF air (no military yet).
I have some rather difficult P25 stations on OC CCCS with P25 even after adjusting P25 settings, Have not tried SDS-100 yet on these; will compare in next couple of days. Also some systems like LA-STRS that I can't receive well with x36HPs. Will try on SDS-100 in next few days. These "difficult P25 channels" are academic in the sense that I want to compare scanners, but I don't really monitor them.
The SDS-100 is great in terms of display. I know that the SDS-100 is a game changer in many areas of the country with true simulcast systems. We don't really have those here in LA/Orange County. I really need a lot more time to play with the SDS and compare it directly with the 436 in head-to-head comparisons. Probably will do this weekend.
Frankly, my first impressions are that the SDS-100 is a good scanner with a beautiful display, but for those in my area who already use the 436/536 scanners, it probably will not be a real "game changer" in terms of RF performance. The SDS-100 will obviously shine more for those with true LSM simulcast issues. I'm looking forward to further reviews from other scanner colleagues here in the LA/OC area. Thanks to Uniden and Paul for this first SDR scanner.
First thing I did while at HRO was open box, inspect scanner, put on the rubber duck, and make sure no obvious damage or antenna connector problems. All OK, so took unit home.
To update Sentinel to 2.02, update 100 firmware, update database, and set up FLs on 100 exactly as on 436HP took maybe 15 mins. No problem. Of course, have this profile set to SDS-100, with back light on infinite even with battery, but dimmer set at 30%. All works fine, with no display problems what-so-ever.
Been scanning common sites here in LA/OC including LAPD, LA Sheriff, LA Cities, LA Co and City Fire, CHP, Civil Air, LA ICIS P25 sites, and OC CCCS. Have tons of other stuff programmed, but can only do so much in a few hours to start.
I like the light weight of scanner and of course, the display, is great. Have only used simple display at this point. LAPD P25 sounds very good, but really, just about same as the 436 (have not yet done any side-to-side comparisons). LA-ICIS P25 Pasadena and Glendale site also sound good, but again, not much different from 436. Low VHF analog OK but nothing special. I can hear Ventura County VHF on 436HP with radio shack center-coil antenna, but not using 100 tonight. VHF civil air OK, but my 436 seems better. UHF air seems better than VHF air (no military yet).
I have some rather difficult P25 stations on OC CCCS with P25 even after adjusting P25 settings, Have not tried SDS-100 yet on these; will compare in next couple of days. Also some systems like LA-STRS that I can't receive well with x36HPs. Will try on SDS-100 in next few days. These "difficult P25 channels" are academic in the sense that I want to compare scanners, but I don't really monitor them.
The SDS-100 is great in terms of display. I know that the SDS-100 is a game changer in many areas of the country with true simulcast systems. We don't really have those here in LA/Orange County. I really need a lot more time to play with the SDS and compare it directly with the 436 in head-to-head comparisons. Probably will do this weekend.
Frankly, my first impressions are that the SDS-100 is a good scanner with a beautiful display, but for those in my area who already use the 436/536 scanners, it probably will not be a real "game changer" in terms of RF performance. The SDS-100 will obviously shine more for those with true LSM simulcast issues. I'm looking forward to further reviews from other scanner colleagues here in the LA/OC area. Thanks to Uniden and Paul for this first SDR scanner.