BCD436HP or SDS100...?

[werinshades]

I understand the SDS series isn't for everyone, and programming can be confusing. This is more likely to result in issues that develop, especially for those new or weren't previous owners of hp Uniden scanners. Many "on the fence", come on these forums looking for advice. I think it would be advantageous to acknowledge yours or anyone's unfamiliarity with programming methods of these scanners and your short time of ownership. From there, anyone willing to purchase one, can weigh his or her options. Many here do not have issues with the scan speed, analog or aircraft reception because we've mastered the programming and all the filters, and suggestions over the years from others. Maybe say it like that and you can have my vote.

 

[eddie8965]

slower than a snail on librium...i like that quote,its gonna come in handy one day

 

[pratzert]

In my opinion.... YES ! I agree it's more complicated, but more powerful unit and I think it's well worth the money.

Sentinal make it easier to program (once you learn it).

 

[jgorman21]

Tough decision. My take?

The Unication G5 is THE BEST radio receiver for simulcast. it is not a true “scanner.”

The SDS 100 is a serious investment in money and time. I’ve owned many, many radios over the years. And I’m not new to programming radios. I almost feel as though I should charge Uniden for the hours I’ve put into it. 😉 At the end of the day, I’m very disappointed in the SDS 100 as a “receiver!” And yes I can tweak this filter and push this and that…

Just my opinion and ears. No disrespect. And I’m very appreciative to all the nice people on here who helped me when I had questions.

So to answer the question, I’d go with the 436 is it? I do not own one. But I’ve read positive statements on here. If simulcast is a concern, the G5 is terrific! Then 436 and/or some “older” scanners in the Arsenal for conventional and various miscellaneous bands.

 

[KE7TJK]

I'm currently using a 436, and I'm looking to upgrade.

I'm not happy with the 436's audio, battery life, and size. I have upgraded to the highest mah batteries I can find, and only improved run time by maybe 30 minutes. Also, audio from the internal speaker is crap. I did buy a bluetooth dongle so I could use my bluetooth speaker, and that improved audio, but the dongle has too much latency.


I'm considering a Unication G5, or the SDS 100. I have demo'd a G5, and I liked it, but have zero experience with the SDS-100. How is the audio and battery life on the SDS-100? I do monitor two NXDN systems, but I use a NX-5200K3 portable for that, since I maintain both of those systems.

I appreciate the help choosing.

 

[Ensnared]

Generally speaking, my 436HP hits much quicker than the SDS 100. However, a 436HP in Houston, Texas is clearly less effective there. If you live in Chicago, I strongly recommend the SDS 100. However, I would check with the locals and/or Illinois forum to see if encryption is in the future.

When I go to Houston, I use "Use Site NAC" on the SDS 100. Most of the TxWarn sites have NAC codes.

In many parts of Houston, the 436HP does not even respond to Houston PD, TDMA dispatch talk groups.

I live in Waco, Texas where linear simulcast distortion is not that bad. Both radios work well here. The HOTRRS trunked system is small in comparison to TxWarn.

 

[Chris0516]

I'm not a fan of any of my microsd card scanners. I still prefer the older DMA scanners such as the GOAT Uniden 396XT.

While I have the 325p2. I am also not a fan of the Micro SD card scanners.

 

[donc13]

While I have the 325p2. I am also not a fan of the Micro SD card scanners.

Why? Use quality SD cards in them, zero problems.

 

[Chris0516]

Why? Use quality SD cards in them, zero problems.

Because of the small size. Both of the SD cards' itself. Also because of the storage. I have eye-hand and fine-motor problems. So, The tiny SD cards' for my digital camera, are hard enough to use. To have to use similar SD cards with a scanner, would be even more annoying.

 

[Omega-TI]

Because of the small size. Both of the SD cards' itself. Also because of the storage. I have eye-hand and fine-motor problems. So, The tiny SD cards' for my digital camera, are hard enough to use. To have to use similar SD cards with a scanner, would be even more annoying.

Then get an SDS200 instead, and plug in a micro SD card to SD card extender. They have different ones with different length cables. You could plug it in the front, wrap it under the radio and attach it to the top with a Command Strip.

 

[Chris0516]

Then get an SDS200 instead, and plug in a micro SD card to SD card extender. They have different ones with different length cables. You could plug it in the front, wrap it under the radio and attach it to the top with a Command Strip.

View attachment 128809

I'll stay with my 325P2. I don't room on my desk for SDS200.

 

[Ensnared]

It depends on where you live and if you travel to larger cities where there is a dense scanning environment. My 435HP is faster when compared with the "Snail on Librium", SDS 100. I have adjusted everything possible to speed up my SDS 100. It still locks on P25 trunked system like a pit bull in heat. Linear simulcast distortion in dense scanning is much better with the SDS 100.

 

[Ubbe]

I'm not happy with the 436's audio, battery life, and size.
Also, audio from the internal speaker is crap.
I'm considering a Unication G5, or the SDS 100.

Audio are much worse from the SDS100's tiny speaker compared to a 436. A SDS100 with the big battery have an awkward size for a portable scanner. Use a small 10AH power bank the size of a mobile phone, or one that use 4 AA cells, with the 436 to increase battery life. Amazon.com: ADCB POW1 - Emergency USB Battery Powered Power Bank Compact Portable 4 AA Batteries Ideal for Smartphones, Tablets, Mobile, Apple, iPhone, Android : Cell Phones & Accessories

/Ubbe

 

[Ensnared]

Audio are much worse from the SDS100's tiny speaker compared to a 436. A SDS100 with the big battery have an awkward size for a portable scanner. Use a small 10AH power bank the size of a mobile phone, or one that use 4 AA cells, with the 436 to increase battery life. Amazon.com: ADCB POW1 - Emergency USB Battery Powered Power Bank Compact Portable 4 AA Batteries Ideal for Smartphones, Tablets, Mobile, Apple, iPhone, Android : Cell Phones & Accessories

/Ubbe

I disagree. My SDS 100 is perfect for the interior of a Toyota in highway traffic. It is sufficient for someone who has listened to extremely loud music from 1969 (Steppenwolf) to this year (Rammstein). It is loud and very crisp in comparison.

The 436HP audio is piss poor in comparison to the SDS 100. Due to the substandard audio volume, I had to buy the Uniden Amplified speaker. Eventually, I got sick and tired of jacking around with the amplified speaker. I threw it in the trash. The next thing that is going in the trash is the GPS system I bought. Now, I use BT headphones on my 436HP. I don't need an external speaker or BT for my SDS 100.

However, I love the setup of my 436HP regarding batteries. I hate the SDS 100 battery system.

 

[garys]

I've had a SDS200 since they first came out and a SDS100 for almost 3 years. They are complex radios and I'm still learning new things.

I also have a 325P2 and while it's a handy little scaner, it's no where as capable as a x36HP or a SDS.

The nice thing about the micro SD scanners is that I can pre program a personality for when I travel and just pop it in when I get to my destination.

 

[Chris0516]

I've had a SDS200 since they first came out and a SDS100 for almost 3 years. They are complex radios and I'm still learning new things.

I also have a 325P2 and while it's a handy little scaner, it's no where as capable as a x36HP or a SDS.

The nice thing about the micro SD scanners is that I can pre program a personality for when I travel and just pop it in when I get to my destination.

Sure, It can't do simulcasting. But, Since I don't drive, I have no use for that capability. I also do not take it when I travel. Especially in airports. I don't want the TSA confiscating it.

 

[garys]

The TSA doesn't confiscate scanners. They've never even asked me what it was or to turn it on to prove it was really a radio. They are more interested in laptop computers and only to the extent that they swap the outside for explosive residue.

Please stop spreading silly fear mongering rumors.

 

[Chris0516]

The TSA doesn't confiscate scanners. They've never even asked me what it was or to turn it on to prove it was really a radio. They are more interested in laptop computers and only to the extent that they swap the outside for explosive residue.

Please stop spreading silly fear mongering rumors.

That is your opinion. My personal experience with the TSA is just that. My personal experience.

 

[garys]

Bless your heart.

That is your opinion. My personal experience with the TSA is just that. My personal experience.

 

[615tn]

My first time on the forum probably with a question you've heard before. Is the SDS100 really worth the extra $$$?

where i live not a chioce...a great scanner.