SDS100/SDS200: Unsure about this New Uniden SDS100 ....

[K9RNW]

Howdy y'all. I just purchased an SDS100 and started playing around with it. I entered my zip code for full-database zip-based scanning, which in the Chicago suburbs which should result in getting a good deal of "hits", but I am getting very little action. I tried swapping out the stock antenna for a Diamond RH77CA, and that didn't seem to improve things. I even took it on a car ride downtown, but nary a peep from Chicago Police Department. And, the analog reception for amateur bands seems...not as good as my 15 year old Radio Shack unit????

Another thing bugging me with this, is that it isn't as intuitive to so a straight scan of services. It is pretty easy to just scan either amateur, aircraft, marine, railroad, and GMRS/FRS/MURS, alone at one time by just using one physical button on the keypad. On the SDS100, it doesn't really seem like you can do that *easily*, but I'd love (and hope) to hear that I'm wrong. Still really scratching my head that I am picking up *zero* from CPD, and my local PD.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Howdy y'all. I just purchased an SDS100 and started playing around with it. I entered my zip code for full-database zip-based scanning, which in the Chicago suburbs which should result in getting a good deal of "hits", but I am getting very little action.

Instead of zip code scanning, program only the systems and agencies you want to hear into a favorites list or more using Uniden Sentinel (no RR premium sub needed). If you just unboxed the scanner without running a full database update via Sentinel and writing the changes to the radio then your zip code scanning of the full database might contain outdated info, this is one of many reasons why programming favorites lists is preferred over zip code scanning, you program only the items you want to hear & don't need to skip or avoid unwanted stuff that zip code scanning will pull up. Make sure all applicable service types are turned on for the services you want to hear (reference "tag" column per talkgroup table in the RRDB. The SDS100 is a superb scanner once you get the hang of using it, plenty of resources right here on the forums to help you out

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

SDS Sentinel Software Manual

 

[tvengr]

Chicago is in the process of changing radio systems. I suggest that you click on Report and request that your thread be moved to the Chicago Metro Area Discussion in the Illinois forum. That is the place to get the answers. You need to install Uniden Sentinel to create favorites lists. and update the database and firmware. Another member may even have a favorites list file to share with you.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Still really scratching my head that I am picking up *zero* from CPD, and my local PD.

According to the RR database CPD is P25 encrypted, so you shouldn't be hearing them. Note the P25E in the mode column.

Cook County, Illinois (IL) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Cook County, Illinois (IL)

www.radioreference.com

 

[trentbob]

Original poster, I agree with making sure all your service types are turned on as has been mentioned, by default they aren't all enabled out of the box, you can always eliminate a service type if it's something you don't want to listen to.

Also as previously mentioned, it's best to use sentinel and make favorites lists numbered with a quick key but if you are using the ZIP code method try reducing your range to 5 MI, you will actually reach out further than that but if your range is too large you will miss a lot of stuff.

 

[Harold]

When you use Zip Code scanning your scanner is switching to every site in the geographical area you selected. It takes time to cycle through all those sites. Create Favorite lists and select only the sites you want to monitor.

 

[rk911]

Howdy y'all. I just purchased an SDS100 and started playing around with it. I entered my zip code for full-database zip-based scanning, which in the Chicago suburbs which should result in getting a good deal of "hits", but I am getting very little action. I tried swapping out the stock antenna for a Diamond RH77CA, and that didn't seem to improve things. I even took it on a car ride downtown, but nary a peep from Chicago Police Department. And, the analog reception for amateur bands seems...not as good as my 15 year old Radio Shack unit????

Another thing bugging me with this, is that it isn't as intuitive to so a straight scan of services. It is pretty easy to just scan either amateur, aircraft, marine, railroad, and GMRS/FRS/MURS, alone at one time by just using one physical button on the keypad. On the SDS100, it doesn't really seem like you can do that *easily*, but I'd love (and hope) to hear that I'm wrong. Still really scratching my head that I am picking up *zero* from CPD, and my local PD.

you've already received some good imformation but...which suburbs are you especially interested in? in addition to Chicago PD much of Cook County law including the sherriff are also encrypted. Most of DuPage County is currently open (exceptions are Naperville and Aurora) but the 'word' is they, too, are moving to encryption (PD only, FD will stay open). Ths Illinois State Police are and are likely to remain mostly open.

 

[n1chu]

As for the lack of intuitiveness of the scanner, things have changed since your previous Radio Shack scanner. Back in the day you could through the manual over your left shoulder, you didn’t need it… but those days are gone. Today, with trunking, different modes, etc., you don’t want to go the manual route. If you were to manually program your scanner it would take you a month of Sundays and you’d make mistakes. But we now have the ability to download entire systems using computer software… which makes that old intuitive scanner somewhat obsolete, unless all you care to listen to are VHF Low band simplex, CB, trains, planes and ham radio (except for the digital ham modes!).

 

[werinshades]

Howdy y'all. I just purchased an SDS100 and started playing around with it. I entered my zip code for full-database zip-based scanning, which in the Chicago suburbs which should result in getting a good deal of "hits", but I am getting very little action. I tried swapping out the stock antenna for a Diamond RH77CA, and that didn't seem to improve things. I even took it on a car ride downtown, but nary a peep from Chicago Police Department. And, the analog reception for amateur bands seems...not as good as my 15 year old Radio Shack unit????

Another thing bugging me with this, is that it isn't as intuitive to so a straight scan of services. It is pretty easy to just scan either amateur, aircraft, marine, railroad, and GMRS/FRS/MURS, alone at one time by just using one physical button on the keypad. On the SDS100, it doesn't really seem like you can do that *easily*, but I'd love (and hope) to hear that I'm wrong. Still really scratching my head that I am picking up *zero* from CPD, and my local PD.

Are you in the north suburbs? Your screen name seems familiar?

 

[donc13]

When you use Zip Code scanning your scanner is switching to every site in the geographical area you selected. It takes time to cycle through all those sites. Create Favorite lists and select only the sites you want to monitor.

Only scans a site if you have the appropriate service type turned on. It does not scan every site within range. That's the whole point of location scanning and service types.

 

[Harold]

Only scans a site if you have the appropriate service type turned on. It does not scan every site within range. That's the whole point of location scanning and service types.

How does the scanner know what service types are active on a site unless it polls the control channel? So yes it checks every site within the range.

 

[K9RNW]

Thanks for the replies.

The thought process I am struggling with is that, this thing is just too complicated for its own good. And what I mean by that is, the user interface on both the radio and Sentinel are pretty third-rate. The shortcut of simply taking a carbon copy of Radio Reference, and using that as a basis for literally everything seems like a half baked approach (at best). There are a few different amateur band repeaters in the northern Cook County area that are used for SkyWarn (severe weather) reporting, and it took forever to find the four I wanted to add to a favorites list. Everything is scattered across different "folders" and groupings in ways that doesn't always make sense. I know that's because it's indexed under whatever headings the RR site has it under, but, even just a simple text search would have cut that time expanding and collapsing innumerable lists in Sentinel just to find a SkyWarn repeater to less than half.

I could more readily forgive most of that if the SDS had a genuine "Service Search" function, that would allow someone to very easily do a sweeping scan of the different frequency bands. Even on the newer 325P2 and 125AT, you have a Service Search function like every other scanner since 30+ years ago. Sometimes, you just want to scan the 2m or 70cm amateur bands, or sweep the GMRS/FRS/MURS bands and see if anyone is out there. Or heck, scan the Marine band if you're on vacation somewhere near water, and have it show both frequency and channel number. With no more effort than pressing a physical Service Search button, scrolling through a list, and selecting the band whose frequency range you want to continuously scan up and down.

Call me crazy, but I emphatically believe that shouldn't be a feature left out on a "flagship" scanner. And the more I read, the more it doesn't look like you can program in frequency ranges like that even if you wanted to do the monumentally laborious task of creating "Service Search" favorites lists, because it's all based on Radio Reference's database of specific *things* on a given frequency, not the frequency ranges themselves. For example, the sum total of the 2m amateur band I can choose to have the SDS scan in Sentinel are the handful of "official" calling frequencies, I guess the rest of 144-148mHz doesn't exist.

TL;DR: Sentinel is needlessly clunky, and Service Search is not an expendable feature.

 

[Computrguy]

I am going to disagree with K9RNW.
Sure, in the beginning, there is a steep learning curve for this scanner. I struggled in the beginning but put the time in to understand. Now, it is pretty easy. One also needs to understand this is more than an old school scanner. It can do so much. With that it requires software and a user interface that has a lot of options.
Sentinel is what is included in the purchase. If one doesn't like it there are 3rd party options out there. Maybe one should look at those options if Sentinel doesn't meet the needs of a user. Sentinel works for me as does both a SDS100 and a BCD436.

 

[ProScan]

I could more readily forgive most of that if the SDS had a genuine "Service Search" function, that would allow someone to very easily do a sweeping scan of the different frequency bands.

It does. It's called 'Custom Search'. 10 of them. You could put in any frequency that the scanner receives in the lower and upper limits.

 

[IAmSixNine]

Wonder what his response will be when i mention filters. LOL
Yes adjusting filters will also make the unit RX better.

 

[werinshades]

Thanks for the replies.

The thought process I am struggling with is that, this thing is just too complicated for its own good. And what I mean by that is, the user interface on both the radio and Sentinel are pretty third-rate. The shortcut of simply taking a carbon copy of Radio Reference, and using that as a basis for literally everything seems like a half baked approach (at best). There are a few different amateur band repeaters in the northern Cook County area that are used for SkyWarn (severe weather) reporting, and it took forever to find the four I wanted to add to a favorites list. Everything is scattered across different "folders" and groupings in ways that doesn't always make sense. I know that's because it's indexed under whatever headings the RR site has it under, but, even just a simple text search would have cut that time expanding and collapsing innumerable lists in Sentinel just to find a SkyWarn repeater to less than half.

I could more readily forgive most of that if the SDS had a genuine "Service Search" function, that would allow someone to very easily do a sweeping scan of the different frequency bands. Even on the newer 325P2 and 125AT, you have a Service Search function like every other scanner since 30+ years ago. Sometimes, you just want to scan the 2m or 70cm amateur bands, or sweep the GMRS/FRS/MURS bands and see if anyone is out there. Or heck, scan the Marine band if you're on vacation somewhere near water, and have it show both frequency and channel number. With no more effort than pressing a physical Service Search button, scrolling through a list, and selecting the band whose frequency range you want to continuously scan up and down.

Call me crazy, but I emphatically believe that shouldn't be a feature left out on a "flagship" scanner. And the more I read, the more it doesn't look like you can program in frequency ranges like that even if you wanted to do the monumentally laborious task of creating "Service Search" favorites lists, because it's all based on Radio Reference's database of specific *things* on a given frequency, not the frequency ranges themselves. For example, the sum total of the 2m amateur band I can choose to have the SDS scan in Sentinel are the handful of "official" calling frequencies, I guess the rest of 144-148mHz doesn't exist.

TL;DR: Sentinel is needlessly clunky, and Service Search is not an expendable feature.

You need to do some homework. All the Search issues you desire are available, but a familiarity on how to "self-program" is necessary. You can edit frequency ranges, call it what you want, save, write to scanner and you're all set.

As far as the "clunkiness" of Sentinel, I refer back to my "self-programming" comment. Once you don't have to depend on uploading a database/zip code programming, but instead, set it up yourself with Radio Reference database entries as your "guide", you'll enjoy and understand the programming structure much better and it will become clearer.

However, this all takes "time and effort" to learn, make mistakes, erase, swear and repeat all over again. You also have to take in your location and your equipment when you're programming. In addition to all this, by "self-programming", and creating your own favorite lists, you can take advantage of filter usage, volume offsets, modulation changes amongst other little things. A handheld scanner with a stock or after market antenna is limited on range. You also have alot of encryption to deal with up there, so you'll also be limited as to what you hear. The "old scanner" days are long gone, and they have kept up with the evolution and complication of radio systems. Buying crystals or just "punching in some numbers to listen" days are long gone. So it's a matter of keeping up, or being left in the dust.

 

[Computrguy]

It does. It's called 'Custom Search'. 10 of them. You could put in any frequency that the scanner receives in the lower and upper limits.

Correct, just like this, when I went on a cruise recently. Works well once one understands it.

 

[jgorman21]

Thanks for the replies.

The thought process I am struggling with is that, this thing is just too complicated for its own good. And what I mean by that is, the user interface on both the radio and Sentinel are pretty third-rate. The shortcut of simply taking a carbon copy of Radio Reference, and using that as a basis for literally everything seems like a half baked approach (at best). There are a few different amateur band repeaters in the northern Cook County area that are used for SkyWarn (severe weather) reporting, and it took forever to find the four I wanted to add to a favorites list. Everything is scattered across different "folders" and groupings in ways that doesn't always make sense. I know that's because it's indexed under whatever headings the RR site has it under, but, even just a simple text search would have cut that time expanding and collapsing innumerable lists in Sentinel just to find a SkyWarn repeater to less than half.

I could more readily forgive most of that if the SDS had a genuine "Service Search" function, that would allow someone to very easily do a sweeping scan of the different frequency bands. Even on the newer 325P2 and 125AT, you have a Service Search function like every other scanner since 30+ years ago. Sometimes, you just want to scan the 2m or 70cm amateur bands, or sweep the GMRS/FRS/MURS bands and see if anyone is out there. Or heck, scan the Marine band if you're on vacation somewhere near water, and have it show both frequency and channel number. With no more effort than pressing a physical Service Search button, scrolling through a list, and selecting the band whose frequency range you want to continuously scan up and down.

Call me crazy, but I emphatically believe that shouldn't be a feature left out on a "flagship" scanner. And the more I read, the more it doesn't look like you can program in frequency ranges like that even if you wanted to do the monumentally laborious task of creating "Service Search" favorites lists, because it's all based on Radio Reference's database of specific *things* on a given frequency, not the frequency ranges themselves. For example, the sum total of the 2m amateur band I can choose to have the SDS scan in Sentinel are the handful of "official" calling frequencies, I guess the rest of 144-148mHz doesn't exist.

TL;DR: Sentinel is needlessly clunky, and Service Search is not an expendable feature.

It’ll get better over time…somewhat. Lots of nice folks on here willing to help. Took me about 12-14 months (with a lot of help) for things to click! Seems cliche, but patience is in order.

it’s not an “out of the box” ready to use “old school” type scanner. It’s a “software defined radio!” DMA is surely different for many of us. For me it was (and still is at times) a head twister!

Ive got mine working fairly well at home. But it’s still somewhat of a mystery when I travel to be honest. Which is why I bring multiple radios. Put simply (IMHO) for the price, it shouldn’t be so hard to deal with. Oh. I might add that I have a Unication G5 which I purchased way before the SDS 100. Just my opinion (and I’ll duck), it’s still far superior on simulcast! Truly a better “receiver!” And yes, I acknowledge some of the “limitations.”

Hang in there. Keep trying things. Talk to folks on here. As I’ve stated before at Least now I’d consider it a “serviceable” unit.

 

[donc13]

How does the scanner know what service types are active on a site unless it polls the control channel? So yes it checks every site within the range.

First of all, convential channels... Just an example, if you only have law dispatch set, it's not going to scan aircraft channels, or business channels or even fire channels, etc. For trunked sites, same thing, if a trunked system is for a school district, it won't scan it.

Yes, for a trunked system that does include law enforcement dispatch along with other agencies, it will check for which talkgroups are currently active. So in that case, it will scan each site. But it will not scan or check sites that are in range but don't contain any law enforcement dispatch talkgroups.

 

[dave3825]

When you use Zip Code scanning your scanner is switching to every site in the geographical area you selected. It takes time to cycle through all those sites. Create Favorite lists and select only the sites you want to monitor.

While creating a favorites list gives one the most flexibility,and is the preferred method, if one is not traveling with the scanner, one can open Sentinel and go into the full db and set avoids on anything desired.

I live on Long Island and have to pass thru NYC when traveling. I use fav lists for all my areas of interest and full db for everything else. I have much of NYC and NYS set to avoid as I use my own fav lists. Works quite well..