A couple of basic questions about the SDS100

[KB2GOM]

I have the SDS200 and love it.

Now I'm thinking about a portable, database-based scanner. My understanding is that the 436 cannot be run off housepower and scan at the same time, yet my 125AT can.

Soooo, can the SDS100 be plugged into house power and scan? Or must it be unplugged and run off battery at all times?

Second question: I plan to use this scanner when traveling . . . recommendations for a good all-round antenna, or will the stock antenna do?

 

[KevinC]

My 436 scans while on external power just fine.

 

[KB2GOM]

My 436 scans while on external power just fine.

I have a ham pal that insists his won't. How do you hook yours up?

 

[KevinC]

USB cable to a 5v DC source. What it won’t do is charge while turned on I believe.

 

[mc48]

Just plug it into a USB jack and don't press anything or press no and it will be powered off the USB.

 

[KB2GOM]

Great stuff . . . antenna recommendations?

 

[KY4OA]

Make sure it is the higher power usb charger. The SDS 100 wont work with lower power ones.

 

[werinshades]

Soooo, can the SDS100 be plugged into house power and scan? Or must it be unplugged and run off battery at all times?

Second question: I plan to use this scanner when traveling . . . recommendations for a good all-round antenna, or will the stock antenna do?

Yes it can charge while on. The default setting when you receive it is set to off, just have to go into the menu, battery options and change it.

Antenna choice is more band specific, and I use the stock antenna and have had good luck.

 

[KevinC]

Yes it can charge while on. The default setting when you receive it is set to off, just have to go into the menu, battery options and change it.

Interesting, mine has no option to charge while turned on. Maybe you have a different FW version.

 

[werinshades]

Interesting, mine has no option to charge while turned on. Maybe you have a different FW version.

The SDS100 does.

 

[KevinC]

The SDS100 does.

Gotcha. I thought you were referring to the 436.

 

[werinshades]

Interesting, mine has no option to charge while turned on. Maybe you have a different FW version.

The SDS100 does.

Gotcha. I thought you were referring to the 436.

Corrected it. Originally replied from my phone.

 

[tvengr]

Now I'm thinking about a portable, database-based scanner. My understanding is that the 436 cannot be run off housepower and scan at the same time, yet my 125AT can.

The BCD436HP can scan using external power. It cannot scan and charge at the same time using external power. The SDS100 has a setting permitting both scanning and charging at the same time using external power.

 

[KK4JUG]

For the SDS100, there is a menu setting that will toggle the "scan and charge" feature.

 

[KevinC]

Did someone turn on the echo machine in this thread????

 

[Omanzz]

I have the SDS200 and love it.

Now I'm thinking about a portable, database-based scanner. My understanding is that the 436 cannot be run off housepower and scan at the same time, yet my 125AT can.

Soooo, can the SDS100 be plugged into house power and scan? Or must it be unplugged and run off battery at all times?

Second question: I plan to use this scanner when traveling . . . recommendations for a good all-round antenna, or will the stock antenna do?

SDS100 runs on DC adapter and scans at the same time

 

[KK4JUG]

SDS100 runs on DC adapter and scans at the same time

...and with a good, solid 2 amps, it will also charge the battery or keep it charged, as the case may be.

 

[Chris0516]

I have (3)AA Rechargeable batteries in my 436HP. I also have a USB going from the scanner, to a USB port on my PC. The USB cable serves the dual purpose,of. Both data transfer, and recharging.