Wondering about SDS200

[cvg1mak]

Good morning all, I am looking into upgrading my scanner to a digital P25 capable device. My research is pointing me to the SDS200 to cover all my needs, but the amount of upgrades offered and programming is a bit over my head. I am looking for something to receive both digital and analog as my county currently still uses both, digital for law and analog for us in fire and EMS. I am in SW Missouri and would also like to hear the MOSWIN broadcast for state police, and Motorola radios in the adjoining county. ( I think it is Motorola). My county is upgrading all LE to a NXDN system.
Would the SDS200 be the best choice for me to hear everything, and if so will I need to buy the upgrades in order to do so?
Would I need to purchase software to program, or could it be done manually?
Would I be better off having the programming done for me? I have always programmed my scanners but am new to the digital broadcasts, The last one I programmed was my BC15XT.

I appreciate any help or ideas I can get, and any suggestions are welcome if there are other options.

 

[eaf1956]

If there are no Simulcast systems you may consider the 536 or even the 996P2 scanners.

 

[jtwalker]

You would be much further ahead of the game learning to program it yourself using software. Sentinel is provided at no cost by Uniden and can be used to program the SDS200 scanner. There are two other pieces of software that can program, log and remotely monitor the scanner, but personally I'd probably get started with Sentinel and then decide if you want to buy another. ProScan is one of those and I have it and like it.

While theoretically it could be programmed manually on the scanner directly, it's way too cumbersome for me to make more than a very small change directly.

 

[fxdscon]

and if so will I need to buy the upgrades in order to do so?

You will need paid upgrades for NXDN or DMR if you want, but don't pay the dealer to install those at the time of purchase. You can purchase and install those yourself directly from Uniden for less of a cost at any time after the purchase. The NXDN upgrade directly from Uniden is $50. All you do is purchase a digital key directly from Uniden and enter that series of characters into your scanner through the menu system.

 

[KK4JUG]

If your budget permits, I'd buy the SDS200. It will allow you to hear just about everything you're allowed to monitor. In addition, it will handle simulcast and it seems that's becoming more and more prevalent. If you're traveling with the scanner, you're bound to run into some simulcast.

 

[nosig55]

This is info for your area: Buffalo 700 Site Details (Missouri Statewide Wireless Interoperable Network (MOSWIN))

You might not need the DMR unless you travel around Christian County. Springfield is in the process of upgrading their system to P25. You might be on the fringe of receiving Springfield.

 

[hiegtx]

Good morning all, I am looking into upgrading my scanner to a digital P25 capable device. My research is pointing me to the SDS200 to cover all my needs, but the amount of upgrades offered and programming is a bit over my head. I am looking for something to receive both digital and analog as my county currently still uses both, digital for law and analog for us in fire and EMS. I am in SW Missouri and would also like to hear the MOSWIN broadcast for state police, and Motorola radios in the adjoining county. ( I think it is Motorola). My county is upgrading all LE to a NXDN system.
Would the SDS200 be the best choice for me to hear everything, and if so will I need to buy the upgrades in order to do so?
Would I need to purchase software to program, or could it be done manually?
Would I be better off having the programming done for me? I have always programmed my scanners but am new to the digital broadcasts, The last one I programmed was my BC15XT.

I appreciate any help or ideas I can get, and any suggestions are welcome if there are other options.

As already suggested, the 536HP should work for you. You're not dealing with simulcast in your home county, though you would encounter it in Greene County. If you plan, at sometime later, to travel to or through a larger metro area, and take your scanner, you will almost certainly will have to deal with simulcast. If simulcast may be an issue (for, example Greene County), then the SDS200 is your best choice.

As already noted, don't pay a dealer to add the upgrades. You can easily do that yourself. Also, don't pay a dealer to program your scanner. Install Sentinel on your PC (which you can do before a scanner arrives) & update its database. When you receive the scanner, update it's database, then you can begin scanning using your zip code & a range. Lots of videos and other 'how to's' are accessible to help you create your own, personalized, Favorites list.

 

[cvg1mak]

Thank you all for the great info. I do a lot of travel so i am thinking the 200 will be the one for me. Thanks especially for the heads up on going through Uniden for the upgrades, it appeared to me like I had to have that done through the retailer.
I see some of you have multiple units, one of my concerns is interference. I have read some reviews stating there is an issue picking up additional radios, and I am planning on swapping this one into my truck along with my Icom 5400
Icom 3400 and Icom F50. Has anyone else had any issues with this?