SDS100/SDS200: Updates via MacBook

[Peerlessk]

Does anyone use the MacBook Pro M1-5 to update your scanner ? What program if free will do it on a MacBook . If this has been asked please direct me

 

[nessnet]

The SDS100/200 uses Uniden's Sentinel software to update the database and the firmware on these radios.
Sentinel only runs on Windows....

 

[wrockjm]

As a fellow Mac iser, I can confirm that nothing runs native on MacOS for scanners. I use Parallels but you could also get a cheap windows laptop to run Sentinel / Proscan / Butel to update scanners.

 

[hiegtx]

Does anyone use the MacBook Pro M1-5 to update your scanner ? What program if free will do it on a MacBook . If this has been asked please direct me

As nessnet (and wrockjm) has already noted, you need to be able to run Windows in order to use Sentinel, which is the required software needed for firmware, as well as database updates for the SDS series scanners, as well as the x36HP series. None of the programs that can be used on both the Uniden scanners (all models}, as well as Whistler scanners, run on the MacBook's operating system. All, both Uniden's software, as well as third party software such as ProScan, and Butel's ARC series, require Windows.

See this page for more discussion on what can be done. To use your MacBook, you need one of the software programs that allow your Mac to boot up into Windows, plus you'd need a valid copy of Windows as well. Frankly, by the time you purchase the extra software needed, as well as a copy of Windows, it would be cheaper to find a previously owned Windows PC or laptop to use, As long as it can run Windows, Windows 7 or later, as well as connect to the internet, use it for updates and programming. None of the required scanner software requires a super fast processor, nor a lot of Ram memory. A basic machine will do just fine. You can find a used PC, or laptop, that meets the requirements at pawnshops, on eBay, or other places, at a cost less than acquiring the software needed to be able to use the Mac. Less than $200, and often much less than even that, if you keep your eyes open and look around.

 

[lu81fitter]

I picked up a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 at a pawn shop for $300. Bought a cheap Logitech cordless keyboard, and with the USB->USB- C adapters, it works great with Proscan, Sentinel, Freescan, and others. I can also hook it to both of my radios in the car and use it as a display running 2 instances of Proscan.

 

[mark40]

you could also get a cheap windows laptop to run Sentinel / Proscan / Butel to update scanners.

As a Mac user, his has worked out very well for me running Proscan and Sentinel. Plus there have been other electronics it's been used for. And having a spare laptop has been a good thing.