Buying a digital scanner

[timhir25]

I am also looking to buy a new scanner. I have a GRE500, Two PSR800's, and a WS1098. The WS1098 I have on 24/7.
I have been thinking SDS200.
Here are some of my concerns though before I shell out almost $900.

1) The TRX2 comes with the DMR and the NXDN already installed. Where as the SDS200 I have to pay another $75 for each upgrade.
2) What is this I have been reading about the cold solder joint and the humming.
I mean I don't want to here about any problems with the 200 when you are spending that kind of money.
3) Finally is the SDS200 that much better then the TRX2

I live in Willoughby Ohio and my scanners set up to listen to Lake County.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Happy Holidays everyone, and STAY SAFE
Tim

 

[timhir25]

I recently purchased the SDS200 and haven't had a single problem with it.

If you live in a Simulcast-prone area, it's the only solution that works.

Is Willoughy Ohio a simulcast. I get confused sometimes with all the systems

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I recently purchased the SDS200 and haven't had a single problem with it.

If you live in a Simulcast-prone area, it's the only solution that works.

Based on Tim's location, looks like Ohio MARCS-IP would be the primary system of interest for LE, Fire, EMS, etc. System is Phase-I so it doesn't appear simulcast distortion would be an issue on it since none of the sites are reported as simulcast. TRX-2 should work just fine

 

[timhir25]

Based on Tim's location, looks like Ohio MARCS-IP would be the primary system of interest for LE, Fire, EMS, etc. System is Phase-I so it doesn't appear simulcast distortion would be an issue on it since none of the sites are reported as simulcast. TRX-2 should work just fine

My WS1098 seems to work just fine. Also I am use to the EZ Scan software. That's why I was thinking TRX2 but I read about how great the SDS200 is.

 

[buddrousa]

I am also looking to buy a new scanner. I have a GRE500, Two PSR800's, and a WS1098. The WS1098 I have on 24/7.
I have been thinking SDS200.
Here are some of my concerns though before I shell out almost $900.

1) The TRX2 comes with the DMR and the NXDN already installed. Where as the SDS200 I have to pay another $75 for each upgrade.
2) What is this I have been reading about the cold solder joint and the humming.
I mean I don't want to here about any problems with the 200 when you are spending that kind of money.
3) Finally is the SDS200 that much better then the TRX2

I live in Willoughby Ohio and my scanners set up to listen to Lake County.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Happy Holidays everyone, and STAY SAFE
Tim

If you buy direct from Uniden at my.uniden.com
NXDN = $50
DMR = $50
PROVOICE = $50

 

[timhir25]

If you buy direct from Uniden at my.uniden.com
NXDN = $50
DMR = $50
PROVOICE = $50

Thanks for the info, that would be $50 cheaper

 

[Nasby]

Is Willoughy Ohio a simulcast. I get confused sometimes with all the systems

Willoughby is on the Lake County MARCS Simulcast system. From experience I can tell you it is one of the trickiest systems to monitor unless you have an SDS 100/200.

 

[BigJimbo]

If Lake County is simulcast, you will be much happier with an SDS. If there's any chance you would listen while mobile, or just like to take the scanner anywhere in the house, you may want to consider the SDS100. The 200 has a larger speaker, and does produce a bit nicer sound, but they both perform the same.

I have both. I've not had any issues with the 200. The battery clip that holds the battery cover to the radio broke on my 100. I ordered replacement clips from a member here on RR and replaced the clip myself. Easy to replace and my radio was back to normal in a week, as opposed to sending it to Uniden for repair.

Also- If you're going to upgrade (I've done the DMR and NXDN on both) go direct thru uniden, much cheaper.

 

[fredva]

Based on Tim's location, looks like Ohio MARCS-IP would be the primary system of interest for LE, Fire, EMS, etc. System is Phase-I so it doesn't appear simulcast distortion would be an issue on it since none of the sites are reported as simulcast. TRX-2 should work just fine

MARCS is a mixture of multi-site and simulcast. The System Type being Phase 1 or Phase 2 is not an indicator of whether simulcast is being used but rather whether TDMA or FDMA digital modes are used.

 

[iMONITOR]

2) What is this I have been reading about the cold solder joint and the humming.
I mean I don't want to here about any problems with the 200 when you are spending that kind of money.
3) Finally is the SDS200 that much better then the TRX2

Buy from a reputable Uniden dealer like Scanner Master where you can return a radio for a refund or replacement if you get a bad one. It appears new SDS scanners shipping in recent months are without problems.

Scanner Master

Police Scanners, Radios, Programming, Accessories | Scannermaster.com

 

[fordcobra04]

Going to throw the Unication G4/G5 in the ring. Superior performance on simulcast systems over any consumer grade scanner on the market. A little more pricy, but worth it for the performance.

 

[jonwienke]

The Unications are a good option if you're only trying to monitor a single system. But they're not really suitable for general scanning.