I may buy the SDS100 on your recommendation tomorrow. Another question--will the zip code "home patrol" function work well for Clay County or do you recommend me programming it myself? Thanks again.
As soon as you get the scanner, be sure to update it's database. Actually, you can install Sentinel & start getting familiar with it while you wait for your radio to arrive. When shipped, the scanner's database is months, if not over a year out of date. The same with Sentinel when first installed. Update the database in Sentinel, then when the SDS100 arrives, write the updated database to the scanner.
Scanning using location & zip code will get you started, but long term, most people get better results by creating their own Favorites lists based on their personal interests. Remember that when shipped (or Sentinel is first installed), only the "Dispatch" service types for public safety are enabled for monitoring. (i.e. Law Dispatch, Fire Dispatch, EMS Dispatch, and Multi-Dispatch). You should also enable the
Tac and
Talk service types (Law Talk, Fire Tac, etc).
A better explanation of what to expect using location and range can be found here:
How it Works: Location, Location, Location
There is an "Easier to Read" manual available to help you get started with Sentinel:
There's also one tailored for the x36HP series scanners:
Well over 90% of programming steps for the 436HP/536HP also apply to the SDS series scanners. So, reading posted comments on one model nearly always applies to the other scanners in the family. The most noticeable difference between the x36HP & SDS series scanners is the customizable display for the SDS scanners. You can also set a Site NAC for a trunked system in the SDS scanners, but not the x36HP series.
Here's the easier to read manual for the SDS scanners:
A number of other pages with useful information are in the Wiki.
Take a look at this one, and explore the multiple links on the pages.
SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page - The RadioReference Wiki