Best scanner to look into, not SDS Series?

[chad_96]

To circle back to your original question - I believe either the bcd536hp or bcd996p2 would make good replacements if you decide to part with the sds200. I have used both of these on the CO DTRS in northern Colorado with no issues.

RMason,

Thank you for your recommendation. I truly do appreciate your input, debate, whatever the cause.. you've been a great help.

Even if you took it out into left field 🤣

Edit* - your well put together definitions of what is simulcast and multicast and the short summary is the BEST straight to the point example I have ever seen! Sums all of it up in a hurry!

I'm simply hearing what I'm hearing due to affiliation to the sites. Nothing more nothing less. Got that a long time ago.

Want to hear me describe how a radio affiliates to a site? You don't want to miss this horrible description I put together in my own words...

Thank you

 

[hazrat8990]

Honestly, I think the best solution would be to post it up in the classified section. You can either sell it outright and buy a 536, or maybe you'll get lucky and be able to trade with someone that lives in a simulcast area, that way both parties would benefit.

@chad_96 I feel your frustration and have been there myself. Truth is that no amount of tweaking settings has ever been able to get my SDS200 to run as good as my 436 or either one of my 536's. In reality, the only things I even like about the SDS200 are the color screen, and direct LAN connection. What I stated in post #7 pretty much sums up my experience with owning one. Best scanner to look into, not SDS Series?

 

[chad_96]

Honestly, I think the best solution would be to post it up in the classified section. You can either sell it outright and buy a 536, or maybe you'll get lucky and be able to trade with someone that lives in a simulcast area, that way both parties would benefit.

@chad_96 I feel your frustration and have been there myself. Truth is that no amount of tweaking settings has ever been able to get my SDS200 to run as good as my 436 or either one of my 536's. In reality, the only things I even like about the SDS200 are the color screen, and direct LAN connection. What I stated in post #7 pretty much sums up my experience with owning one. Best scanner to look into, not SDS Series?

Yeah, that's been a consideration. I do have someone local who wants to buy it as well. I don't really want to do trade as I've done that in the past and got past a bad trade. Rather buy new. But I get what you're saying.

I am a firm believer in no amount of tweaking settings and so on will make a sds unit work as well as others. I believe this as I think it also falls into the specific area and all the interference in that are in play for that area. Just as the filters are described " what works in one area will be different in another". This is simply backed up by the absolute garbage front end the sds series has.

A better scanner whether it be the 536hp or 996p2, both handle weaker signals better and aren't subject to interference as much. Both huge bonuses. I do admit I like the look and well everything about the 200. I have it working pretty well since I ditched the outdoor antenna and put a band specific remtronix on it. Just a few mysterious issues thay truly aren't too bad at this point. But I know I could have better results and scanning. Been a hard decision to make.

Anyways, thanks for the advice. I agree with you for sure. Thanks again!

 

[ryolsen8]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm still debating on ditching the SDS series. I have been told by a few people if I don't have simulcast and don't need the SDS series, get rid of them. Those are folks who are very active on these forums and like many very knowledgeable.

Main reason, I don't need anything for simulcast (it appears), and the receivers are much better in other models, that I've been told to look at. I'm in a bit of a crappy area with signal issues and interference. This being their reasoning as to suggesting to ditch the SDS scanners for other models.

So, in limbo on what I'm going to do overall.

I was a member of a few FB groups. Still am on a couple. Of you're speaking of Frank Belcher, I'm in a couple of his groups. If you're speaking of Mark Levine, he's a P.O.S. who I called out and he banned me for proving factual points on his "Huge groups" that are no different than the rest. But, thanks for the help and insight.

Yes, Frank Belcher is who I was referring to. I would suggest to weight out your options, as you've certainly received a lot of very good answers here. Figure out what is important to you, and make a decision. I hope your scanning needs are met with a different unit and are successful.

 

[chad_96]

Yes, Frank Belcher is who I was referring to. I would suggest to weight out your options, as you've certainly received a lot of very good answers here. Figure out what is important to you, and make a decision. I hope your scanning needs are met with a different unit and are successful.

Thanks much for the advice! I will, absolutely. Yes, I know frank, great guy.

Thanks again!

 

[a727469]

I know nothing about Colorado systems, but I do know this thread has gone on for 4 pages and seems to come down to a simple answer….buy a 996 ( which I own one a great unit) try it on the systems you want to listen to…if it works, keep it and sell the 200, if not, keep the 200 and return the 996…simple. If the timing is right(credit card, selling a radio etc.) you might not have to put out any money. I own both units and love them both.