SDS100/SDS200: 436 vs SDS100 - How is analog receive ?

[xilix]

I know....not another thread about these two radios! But I've searched and can't seem to find a good comparison with how well the ANALOG receive works on both of these radios, particularly on VHF Low band (I'm in Los Angeles and our Highway Patrol is here) and on VHF High Band (most of the fire dept's I'm interested in).

Which radio has the better receiver for these bands ?

I will most likely be using this radio part-time as a mobile - can the stock SDS100 audio overcome the road noise ?

 

[trentbob]

LOL oh, you're correct, yet another thread about comparing the 436 to to the sds100. Lots and lots to read especially with regard to performance on analog frequencies already on RR.

A lot of the problems of the SDS series performance comes from user error. If you know how to use the radio proficiently and use all of the tools in the radio such as filters Etc I personally find the reception on analog VHF and UHF to be excellent on the SDS series. The 436 is a great radio that's now seven years old, it does not do great on Phase II tdma simulcast systems with some rare exceptions depending on location. If you don't care about the awesome display on the SDS and you have no simulcast issues then go with the 436.

As far as the audio in a mobile application you're going to find the same issues with the SDS or the 436... Use an amplified speaker, the earphone jack is deliberately muted to a low audio output so that you don't blow your eardrums out, so they say.

 

[djeplett]

In my opinion, the 436 would do better for what you wish to use it for. The SDS series are fine if you tweak the filters, but you can't tweak them as you're mobile. If you're going to possibly want to monitor P25 phase 1 or 2, then I would recommend the SDS instead as I feel that's what it was made for.

If I was only monitoring analog with mine I'd be unhappy. But that's not what I bought them for. I bought them to monitor a local simulcast system and to use them with a GPS mobile, traveling through several states along the way where I encounter many trunked systems. That's where they shine. I use other radios to monitor the analog stuff I listen to at home. It's great the SDSs receive analog also, but because of how the SDR chip in them automatically attenuates, that requires the use of the filters.

Of course I have to add that I don't own a 436 but I am going on what actual owners have claimed, and on my personal experience with my SDSs.

 

[Ubbe]

Which radio has the better receiver for these bands ?

I have both of them and the 436 have for sure the better receiver, on all bands, but especially on VHF and LOW-VHF. If you only plan to do analog then the 436 are the right choice. The stock antennas are just dummy loads on LOW-VHF so you'll probably want to use a car roof antenna, and then the SDS100 will be even more difficult to use. Most transmitters in LOW-VHF I have use no subtones and it's more or less impossible to scan the band while mobile using a SDS100 due to all the interferencies. If you use subtones it will be less annoying but the interferencies doesn't go away and will still be there.

can the stock SDS100 audio overcome the road noise ?

No. It's internal speaker are joke. The 436's speaker are better and can be used if you have the scanner in front of you with the speaker directed towards you. But are still nothing like a good 2-way handheld Motorola radio or even a $100 Tytera radio that easily outperforms the 436/SDS100 speakers and you have to use amplified speakers with either Uniden scanner. Cheapest solution are to use computer speakers that can be run on 12v and have analog input using a 3,5mm plug. Either cut the cable to the second speaker or unplug it if possible.

/Ubbe

 

[Arkmood]

As a scanner designed for both analog/digital receive my 436 gives me great satisfaction on analog signals... and while it is one of the few scanners at my monitoring station in use without the need for an external speaker, enhanced audio output could be a requirement in a mobile environment...

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Aside from the sub-par analog receive on the SDS100, another minor gripe I have is lack of volume and no bass output from the internal speaker. Whenever I crank the car AC up to the max it pretty much drowns out the SDS100 altogether. Yes I realize external speakers are available, but why must one spend an additional $30 to $50 after shelling out the $650 for the scanner? Just my two cents. Otherwise I love the scanner

 

[werinshades]

By using the filters/modulation adjustments in both the scanner/Sentinel, the SDS 100 out performed my 436 on analog in the same environment I'm in now. I had to purchase copper tape to put on the battery compartment holder on the 436 because the 460 Mhz. had some issues (It's been discussed here a while back). Once I had to do that, the scanners days were numbered and had it sold on Ebay for a very reasonable price. So understand...they both have flaws and if you happen to pick up one like I purchased, you might be wishing you went with the SDS 100. If you decide to purchase an SDS 100 or a 436, expect to dedicate time to learn the scanner you choose. Good luck on your decision.

 

[trentbob]

By using the filters/modulation adjustments in both the scanner/Sentinel, the SDS 100 out performed my 436 on analog in the same environment I'm in now. I had to purchase copper tape to put on the battery compartment holder on the 436 because the 460 Mhz. had some issues (It's been discussed here a while back). Once I had to do that, the scanners days were numbered and had it sold on Ebay for a very reasonable price. So understand...they both have flaws and if you happen to pick up one like I purchased, you might be wishing you went with the SDS 100. If you decide to purchase an SDS 100 or a 436, expect to dedicate time to learn the scanner you choose. Good luck on your decision.

Everybody's mileage will vary because of the different systems and object we're all listening to but I'd also get very good results on VHF and UHF and my modulation is very good on the 100

I remember the days of the copper foil on the inside of the battery door on the 436. I did the same as you did and ended up getting one that was new and improved and I still use it today. It definitely has its place in my Arsenal.

 

[Trucker700]

Aside from the sub-par analog receive on the SDS100, another minor gripe I have is lack of volume and no bass output from the internal speaker. Whenever I crank the car AC up to the max it pretty much drowns out the SDS100 altogether. Yes I realize external speakers are available, but why must one spend an additional $30 to $50 after shelling out the $650 for the scanner? Just my two cents. Otherwise I love the scanner

Given the size of the SDS-100 speaker, you should not be surprised that you can drown it out with the A/C running at max speed. When I drove over the road, I ran an SDS-100 in a 2004 Peterbilt. That truck had a Cat engine in it and big LOUD stacks. No way I could hear the SDS-100 driving down the road. I connected a Uniden amplified speaker to the headphone jack and the audio was clear and much easier to use.
I retired at the end of last year. I decided I wanted to run my SDS-100 in my pickup. ( 2016 Toyota Tacoma) I found that the audio on the SDS-100 was plenty loud and reasonably clear without having to use the amplified speaker. I also noticed some popping in the audio with the volume turned all the way up on airband sometimes. But, if I turned the volume down, to around 10 or so, and with the radio in the front cupholder, the audio was just fine.
I would suggest that if you often run your A/C at max speed, you go ahead and get an amplified speaker. Or use an earphone with the SDS-100. I have done that in the past and it works really well.
James
AKA: Trucker

 

[xilix]

Thanks everyone for your input. I went ahead and ordered the SDS100. I really like the display and the customization options available.
Was told they would start shipping the 3rd or 4th week of June.
If I do need to run an amplified speaker, I'll probably just run the line to my car stereo's line input. That will allow me to easily EQ the audio

- XiliX

 

[highwayman1224]

I have both of them and the 436 have for sure the better receiver, on all bands, but especially on VHF and LOW-VHF. If you only plan to do analog then the 436 are the right choice. The stock antennas are just dummy loads on LOW-VHF so you'll probably want to use a car roof antenna, and then the SDS100 will be even more difficult to use. Most transmitters in LOW-VHF I have use no subtones and it's more or less impossible to scan the band while mobile using a SDS100 due to all the interferencies. If you use subtones it will be less annoying but the interferencies doesn't go away and will still be there.
No. It's internal speaker are joke. The 436's speaker are better and can be used if you have the scanner in front of you with the speaker directed towards you. But are still nothing like a good 2-way handheld Motorola radio or even a $100 Tytera radio that easily outperforms the 436/SDS100 speakers and you have to use amplified speakers with either Uniden scanner. Cheapest solution are to use computer speakers that can be run on 12v and have analog input using a 3,5mm plug. Either cut the cable to the second speaker or unplug it if possible.

/Ubbe

I drive a semi for a living and have no problem hearing my SDS100 in my truck with the internal speaker.

 

[Dog]

Thanks everyone for your input. I went ahead and ordered the SDS100. I really like the display and the customization options available.
Was told they would start shipping the 3rd or 4th week of June.
If I do need to run an amplified speaker, I'll probably just run the line to my car stereo's line input. That will allow me to easily EQ the audio

- XiliX

Make a note if that ETA was from Bearcat Wharehouse it is a rolling date. It has changed in the last week.

 

[xilix]

Make a note if that ETA was from Bearcat Wharehouse it is a rolling date. It has changed in the last week.

It was from them - thanks!

 

[Dog]

It was from them - thanks!

I received an email blast from them today stating they will have SDS 100s in stock this coming Saturday... Hopefully mine ships. lol

 

[xilix]

I received an email blast from them today stating they will have SDS 100s in stock this coming Saturday... Hopefully mine ships. lol

They updated their SDS100 product description on the website stating they will ship the "week of June 21st", so I am cautiously optimistic.

 

[Dog]

They updated their SDS100 product description on the website stating they will ship the "week of June 21st", so I am cautiously optimistic.

My sds100 and ebc100 shipped this morning.

 

[fdnyfish]

My SDS-100 also shipped today from Bearcat Warehouse