SDS100/SDS200: Computers not recognizing SDS200

[Vulcanccit]

I have read several threads on this issue, but I am still having issues. I tried another SD card formatted with the SDS Card formatter, Cleared user Data via a card reader and the Sentinel software. All of that works. However the PC (desktop and laptop) as well as a Mac do not recognize the SDS200. It doesnt give you the option to press the E or . I have tried 4 micro USB cables to no avail. This is with my original SD card and then another SD Card that I formatted per above (I see the BCD folder). Writing to the card via the card reader works and I can then transfer the card to the scanner and the scanner works. Its as if the MicroSD connector on the scanner is not working or some other internal issue. I have unplugged the scanner, plugged back in, and all of the usual USB tricks. This all worked just fine in January. The scanner has not moved or anything. Has anyone see this before? Suggestions? I appreciate your time.

 

[buddrousa]

Has any of the cables you have ever connected to this SDS200?

 

[fxdscon]

This all worked just fine in January. The scanner has not moved or anything. Has anyone see this before? Suggestions? I appreciate your time.

Any changes to your computer since it was last able to recognize the SDS200?

 

[Vulcanccit]

Has any of the cables you have ever connected to this SDS200?

Yes one of them... the others I do not think so. I ordered a new cable off of Amazon that should be here today...

 

[Vulcanccit]

Any changes to your computer since it was last able to recognize the SDS200?

no changes, but the scanner should at least be recognized, The computer doest recognize the device in any way. Even by using device manager and scanning for new hardware. I even tried a USB hub that lights up to prove the usb port on the pc is working (the hub is also the card reader), and connected the usb cable from the hub to the scanner and nothing.

 

[fxdscon]

no changes, but the scanner should at least be recognized, The computer doest recognize the device in any way. Even by using device manager and scanning for new hardware. I even tried a USB hub that lights up to prove the usb port on the pc is working (the hub is also the card reader), and connected the usb cable from the hub to the scanner and nothing.

This might be a longshot, but with the SD card in the card reader, I think you said you can see the card in Windows File Explorer...

If so, right click on the card drive and then choose "Properties". What does it say for the "Type" of drive?

 

[nessnet]

Since the SDS 200 does not need a 'special cable', (just a regular old USB micro) and you've tried other cables, I will bet that the root cause of this is a bad USB connector on the radio.

It needs to go to Uniden for repair.

 

[Vulcanccit]

This might be a longshot, but with the SD card in the card reader, I think you said you can see the card in Windows File Explorer...

If so, right click on the card drive and then choose "Properties". What does it say for the "Type" of drive?


View attachment 183692

Below are the 2 drives... the one that is the SDS200 is the new card. the 8 gig drive is the original card that I have used for years.

 

[hexagon_keyhole]

Since the SDS 200 does not need a 'special cable', (just a regular old USB micro) and you've tried other cables, I will bet that the root cause of this is a bad USB connector on the radio.

It needs to go to Uniden for repair.

Adding, you could also check to see if the USB port is providing power, there’s a detailed screen option to show voltage information for the mini and microUSB ports to verify that it’s getting anything through the cables.

Apologies, I realized this is the SDS200 which I don’t think my recommendation will show anything.

Are you using the front or rear USB ports?

 

[Enforcer52]

Just FYI for folks. Been in computers for over 40 years now, I have a large collection of cables stored in a plastic drawered container.

Not all cables are created equal. I just went through 46 micro usb cables. Out of the 46 tested on my SDS200 only 11 would actually see the scanner. I have known for a long time that usb cables come in two varieties, charge only and charge/data. The majority of devices only need a charge cable so that's why you end up with more charge only cables. The less wires and less connections the cheaper the cable to make.
The cables are also prone to wires breaking inside the connectors rendering a data cable useless.

I did take the time to mark them with my paint pen with a C for charge and D for data, so in the future I don't have to figure out when I need a Data cable.

 

[Vulcanccit]

Since the SDS 200 does not need a 'special cable', (just a regular old USB micro) and you've tried other cables, I will bet that the root cause of this is a bad USB connector on the radio.

It needs to go to Uniden for repair.

I was afraid of that, does anyone know what a typical repair cost is with them? so much per hour? As little as I program this, moving the card to a card reader works, but it would be nice to have it work the way it did. I should say that this scanner did fall off the desk between the time that it worked and now, but I dont see any damage to the unit, no dent, scratch etc...I was rearranging some other things on my desk and it slid off. about a 3 foot fall. Nothing chatters inside as in a broken part, or a chip that might have fallen out of a socket but I suspect everything is surfaced mounted. the scanner sits on the car mount bracket which I think it landed on as opposed to it falling on its side, or the front or something like that.

 

[nessnet]

I was afraid of that, does anyone know what a typical repair cost is with them? so much per hour? As little as I program this, moving the card to a card reader works, but it would be nice to have it work the way it did. I should say that this scanner did fall off the desk between the time that it worked and now, but I dont see any damage to the unit, no dent, scratch etc...I was rearranging some other things on my desk and it slid off. about a 3 foot fall. Nothing chatters inside as in a broken part, or a chip that might have fallen out of a socket but I suspect everything is surfaced mounted. the scanner sits on the car mount bracket which I think it landed on as opposed to it falling on its side, or the front or something like that.

It's flat rate - around $90 with shipping (back) if I remember correctly...

 

[Vulcanccit]

This just in! lol The beauty of living in Phoenix is that there is an Amazon hub right here in town. Earlier today, about the time I posted the message, I ordered a new cable from Amazon...a microUSB that is both charge/data... I know 2 of the cables I tried were ring camera battery charge cables, the other 2, I am not sure, where there came from but one of them did work at one point. As @Enforcer52 said the cables can break and not all are created equal. I ordered 3 of thes cables from Amazon so I should be good to go for many years. Thank you all. I hope this thread helps others.

 

[Vulcanccit]

Just FYI for folks. Been in computers for over 40 years now, I have a large collection of cables stored in a plastic drawered container.

Not all cables are created equal. I just went through 46 micro usb cables. Out of the 46 tested on my SDS200 only 11 would actually see the scanner. I have known for a long time that usb cables come in two varieties, charge only and charge/data. The majority of devices only need a charge cable so that's why you end up with more charge only cables. The less wires and less connections the cheaper the cable to make.
The cables are also prone to wires breaking inside the connectors rendering a data cable useless.

I did take the time to mark them with my paint pen with a C for charge and D for data, so in the future I don't have to figure out when I need a Data cable.

Same on Computers/Radio Broadcast Engineering, but my box of cables had very few MicroUSBs lol

 

[hiegtx]

I was afraid of that, does anyone know what a typical repair cost is with them? so much per hour?

This just in! lol The beauty of living in Phoenix is that there is an Amazon hub right here in town. Earlier today, about the time I posted the message, I ordered a new cable from Amazon...a microUSB that is both charge/data... I know 2 of the cables I tried were ring camera battery charge cables, the other 2, I am not sure, where there came from but one of them did work at one point. As @Enforcer52 said the cables can break and not all are created equal. I ordered 3 of thes cables from Amazon so I should be good to go for many years. Thank you all. I hope this thread helps others.

Sounds like it's going well with the new cable, which is great. And, apparently, no need to send the scanner in for repair.

For future reference, in case one of your scanners need repair at a later date, here's a few details which might come in handy:
Uniden charges a flat rate repair cost. That covers repair of just about any kind, unless you are dealing with a unit that has severe physical damage, such that from an accidental drop from 2nd or 3rd story window, or out a car window when driving. If it's just a case where the unit quit working, and has no physical damage, then almost certainly the flat rate repair will cover the cost.

Start at this page: Uniden | A World Without Wires - Uniden Repair Center
Choose the equipment type, 'scanner' and submit it. The page will then ask for the model number of your unit that needs attention. Submit that and you'll get this page: Uniden | A World Without Wires - Uniden Repair Center. You'll get a response page with your model number that needs repair. The flat rate for repair of most all scanners is $94.95. The repair cost is $79.95, plus $15 for return shipping. You will need the cost of shipping to Uniden, Use a carrier, such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS, that gives you a tracking number for shipping. Proceed and you'll get to this page. For units under warranty, provide proof of purchase such as the dealer's invoice when shipped to you. Be sure that you provide accurate contact information so that Uniden can get your payment details and if any other info is needed.

 

[Vulcanccit]

Sounds like it's going well with the new cable, which is great. And, apparently, no need to send the scanner in for repair.

For future reference, in case one of your scanners need repair at a later date, here's a few details which might come in handy:
Uniden charges a flat rate repair cost. That covers repair of just about any kind, unless you are dealing with a unit that has severe physical damage, such that from an accidental drop from 2nd or 3rd story window, or out a car window when driving. If it's just a case where the unit quit working, and has no physical damage, then almost certainly the flat rate repair will cover the cost.

Start at this page: Uniden | A World Without Wires - Uniden Repair Center
Choose the equipment type, 'scanner' and submit it. The page will then ask for the model number of your unit that needs attention. Submit that and you'll get this page: Uniden | A World Without Wires - Uniden Repair Center. You'll get a response page with your model number that needs repair. The flat rate for repair of most all scanners is $94.95. The repair cost is $79.95, plus $15 for return shipping. You will need the cost of shipping to Uniden, Use a carrier, such as FedEx, UPS, or USPS, that gives you a tracking number for shipping. Proceed and you'll get to this page. For units under warranty, provide proof of purchase such as the dealer's invoice when shipped to you. Be sure that you provide accurate contact information so that Uniden can get your payment details and if any other info is needed.

Awesome info! LOL at the "2nd or 3rd story window" hahahhah

 

[trentbob]

Awesome info! LOL at the "2nd or 3rd story window" hahahhah

It is what it is and you never know the real quality or capability of cables whether they're choked or not.. personally I always avoid the dollar store or five and below, just kidding with you, as I know that's not what you did. But many do.

 

[Vulcanccit]

It is what it is and you never know the real quality or capability of cables whether they're choked or not.. personally I always avoid the dollar store or five and below, just kidding with you, as I know that's not what you did. But many do.

LOL, the biggest issue is I have no idea where the USB cable that came with it went. I think this is the only device I have that uses a MicroUSB except for the Ring Camera chargers... I have had devices that used the MicroUSB cables in the past, like I believe an Android tablet and a Kindle, but short of that most of my stuff is USB2, USBC, and the much loved Apple lightning cable lol

 

[trentbob]

Way too complicated here, TMI. It's so simple, you have two connections for power, micro and mini USB. One will charge and power the unit, the other will just power the unit without the ability to charge while on. You don't even need batteries. This is basic 101 information.

Read read the information available on these slowly aging units. It's all there. Just Google your question and it'll take you right to the threads on radio reference that will clear up your question

 

[Vulcanccit]

Way too complicated here, TMI. It's so simple, you have two connections for power, micro and mini USB. One will charge and power the unit, the other will just power the unit without the ability to charge while on. You don't even need batteries. This is basic 101 information.

Read read the information available on these slowly aging units. It's all there. Just Google your question and it'll take you right to the threads on radio reference that will clear up your question

I know how it all works, I just had a bad cable and needed new one lol.