SDS100/SDS200: Where should I buy an SDS-100?

[red37129]

Should I buy it from Uniden, or Amazon or Ebay? Not sure if Uniden sends the SDS-100 with the bigger battery or not. And it seems zip scanners are expensive, but they offer programming, I was thinking Uniden because to get the newest manufactured unit. But is getting it programed from elsewhere worth it? I can program a Radio Shack pro-668, so it shouldn't be harder, or is it?

 

[dave3825]

I used Bearcat warehouse for my 200 and did upgrades myself

There is a thread going about best please to get a 200 but dealer reputation is most likely be the same regardless of the model.

Thread 'Best place to order SDS200'
Best place to order SDS200

 

[Enforcer52]

Instead of spending the money to have a retailer program the radio, just buy a copy of ProScan ($50) and learn to do it yourself. Programming the 100/200 scanners has a learning curve, but there are plenty of folks who will help you, and the author is always available here on RR. Retailers normally just use your zip code location and program in any and everything in the area.

In addition to programming, Proscan offers the ability to setup streaming to Broadcastify or other services, in addition to a Web Server application and Remote over IP.

You will still need Sentinel to initially setup the scanner and download the master database and any updates. You can also use it to program the scanner but Proscan just has a ton more features.

 

[wrockjm]

I just bought a SDS 100 a couple days ago from Scanner Master as they had some accessories that I wanted along with it. Otherwise I would go with Uniden, Scanner Master or Bearcat warehouse as they are reputable dealers (and Uniden makes the radios!) I would be weary of Amazon because they tend to use 3rd party sellers and given the expense of the radio, I would want to know exactly where the radio was coming from. For that reason, I would steer away from eBay unless you either know the seller or really trust that they are going to give you a new radio and not an used one that might have a cold shoulder joint issue. Just my humble two cents.

Yes, Uniden sells the SDS 100 with the bigger battery. The advantage of paying to have it programmed is you don't have to mess with programming (still want to download the latest firmware through Sentinel) but you know your area and what you want to listen to better than anyone else and if you program the radio yourself, you'll learn how to use it and customize to your liking quicker. And with the zip code feature, you just enter your zip code into the radio and it loads your area from the internal database (which can and should be updated through Sentinel) so you can figure out what you can hear and what catches your attention. Again, just my thoughts.

 

[dmfalk]

FWIW, they long since stopped shipping with the smaller battery, so you're good to go, there.

eBay is hit and miss- I was lucky, got mine used, with all the upgrades (pre-waterfall), as well as antennas, GPS and external charger with second battery, for $700. Works like a charm!

You will need to consider the DMR and NXDN upgrades, as you'll discover more with these. ProVoice is not as essential, but there's still a few systems using it. The waterfall is a nice, sometimes useful addition, but not required. Do not get these upgrades from anywhere but Uniden.

Definitely, most definitely, you WILL need a replacement antenna, as what comes with the SDS100 is.......just short of deaf.

There are plenty of resources here on RadioRefence for the SDS100, including links to YouTube videos.

This scanner WILL seem quite daunting, as there's so much is such a small package, but after a bit, you'll be scanning like a pro!

And above all else, DON'T PANIC! Search these forums for answers, first, then if you have questions after that, ask! That's what we're here for!

 

[GILLIG40]

MTC RADIO is currently having a sale. Place your SDS100 in the cart and then enter coupon code Hamvention2025. This will take the price of an SDS100 down to $584.99. Not sure how long this coupon code will be valid. Free shipping. I believe it’s still no sales tax if you live outside of the state of Texas.

Uniden SDS100 Digital Police Scanner In Stock

Free shipping over $100, great deals on cool stuff, ham radio, icom, kenwood , yaesu, wouxun, MTC, scanner, two way, commercial

www.mtcradio.com

 

[red37129]

MTC RADIO is currently having a sale. Place your SDS100 in the cart and then enter coupon code Hamvention2025. This will take the price of an SDS100 down to $584.99. Not sure how long this coupon code will be valid. Free shipping. I believe it’s still no sales tax if you live outside of the state of Texas.

Uniden SDS100 Digital Police Scanner In Stock

Free shipping over $100, great deals on cool stuff, ham radio, icom, kenwood , yaesu, wouxun, MTC, scanner, two way, commercial

www.mtcradio.com

Thanks, I may get it, took off $57, They are charging tax now on outside residents or at least Tn residents, went from $731 with tax to $642.

 

[trp2525]

Thanks, I may get it...

If you want the Uniden EBC100 external battery charger kit (which includes an extra battery) for your new SDS100, I would recommend purchasing it from Amazon for $69.99 with FREE shipping included. It is Sold by and Ships from Amazon.com so you will not be dealing with any 3rd party vendor.

The regular price for the EBC100 battery charger kit at Main Trading Company is $89.99. If you use their current 10% off coupon at checkout (hamvention2025), that will only bring their price down to $80.99.