I'm sure the technology could/would evolve, but Uniden needs to see digital scanners as a viable business line. As more systems encrypt, scanner demand will drop or has dropped already, so that will be their deciding factor when weighing whether to develop a whole new radio, not technology. They could keep doing minor tweaks to the current radios perhaps.
SDS100/SDS200: Considering an SDS100, have simulcast in the area
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I'm sure the technology could/would evolve, but Uniden needs to see digital scanners as a viable business line. As more systems encrypt, scanner demand will drop or has dropped already, so that will be their deciding factor when weighing whether to develop a whole new radio, not technology. They could keep doing minor tweaks to the current radios perhaps.
I think you answered your own question in the context of this thread.
Still not sure whether to buy one though. The SDS100/200 are imperfect, and may never be improved, but also may never be replaced. Ah hell, it's only money.
MStep
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I waited nearly 2 years after the SDS series came out and only bought one to keep me occupied while another radio was being repaired. But never regretted the purchase. Now of course you might be saying--- "Well, if I buy one now, they are sure to come out with a new model one day after my return period expires.....", and that could happen. Nevertheless, even if they came out with a new model, a lot of folks would not want to be the first to purchase, especially given Uniden's track record with the SDS100 introduction and the cold solder joint issue.
There will never be a perfect radio. There will always be bugs, glitches, issues, ad nauseam. And folks will always find something to complain about--- it's just human nature. For those sitting on the fence, this appears to be the best time to buy. Availability has been sketchy over the past several months and it now appears that units have been delivered to dealers and they have stocked up in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. "Black Friday" is just a week away, and although I do not believe there will be any substantial discounts on the SDS, it could be the day that folks start buying for the holidays and there could be on and off supply issues again.
It's only money---- very true, and don't forget the other saying, "You only live once". All the usual disclaimers-- I have no vested interest in Uniden, and all the FWIW and YMMV that I can muster.
Keep in mind also that major retailers like Amazon and Walmart usually extend the return period from around Black Friday, through Christmas and through most of January, basically to assure folks who are buying for gift giving during the holidays. So keep an eye open for that as well.
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spikestabber
Member
Get a good FM notch filter if you are mobile scanning or live suburban where there are a lot of FM broadcast, makes a big difference on these radios.
The increase of "funky signals" as you say are likely due to an increase in the number of antenna tower sites in the simulcast system. A SDS100 or SDS200 will handle that very well!
I've never heard of any catastrophic power or bricking issues with any Uniden scanners. "Catastrophic" in my mind would indicate totally dead, irreparable, useless.
The SDS100 is still susceptible to problems that could require it being sent to Uniden for repair.
The SDS200 appears to be reliable without any chronic serious problems.
Not if you create your own Favorites list rather than scanning the Zip code method with a 20 mile Range set.
One way to speed up things considerably is to scan only the sites you really need that carry the TG's you're interested in. Michigan's MPSCS has an ungodly number of sites! I have several within monitoring range of my home buy I only really need to sit on one (Macomb County) as it carry's about 95% of the TG's I need to monitor. I also do not mix digital and analog sites together on one scanner as that creates a slowdown in scanning speed. Also don't use the programmable filters built into the SDS series as that will also slow things down.
Typically I scan all local PD & FD on one scanner, and everything else on a second scanner.
Typically I scan all local PD & FD on one scanner, and everything else on a second scanner.
I would agree with this. While there have been a few instances of the scanner 'not booting up', the majority of these type issues are related to a corrupted memory card, not a hardware issue on the scanner itself. Memory card problems can occur on any of the database scanners, regardless of whether the Mfg. is Uniden or Whistler.
My 200 has been flawless, it was a replacement from Uniden. I had a 100 but don’t travel much anymore and prefer the 200. My only wish would be a built in front facing speaker like the days of old (see avatar)
I use it for simulcast, works great.
I use it for simulcast, works great.
GregOH
Member
I highly agree. I only scan what's within range (departments and sites) and everything else is on permanent avoid. I figure if I do want to take it with me where I'll need to scan other departments and sites, I can go to the review avoids section of my sds100 and remove the avoids for them.
I get more than enough traffic most of the time when only scanning a few sites being in this simulcast cell and I think the sds100 is the scanner to have.
I'm just wondering if someone were to buy one, if the best way to go would be to buy a refurbished one from Uniden (if possible) because you figure if Uniden had gotten them back and had to fix them before they sell them off again, the issues with them would be corrected. My sds100 is a Uniden refurb but the thing I don't know is, what was fixed before it came to me.
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GregOH
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I don't have a sds200, but I've used a Bluetooth transmitter and a small Bluetooth speaker with my scanners and like it much better.My 200 has been flawless, it was a replacement from Uniden. I had a 100 but don’t travel much anymore and prefer the 200. My only wish would be a built in front facing speaker like the days of old (see avatar)
I use it for simulcast, works great.
I did this with my father in law's base scanner because he likes to sit out on his porch on summer evenings and be able to listen to what's on the scanner.
My two SDS 100's have been flawless also. I bought them when they first came out and they run 24/7. They are my first to go with me on the road. If there is a better consumer scanner, I haven't seen or heard about it yet. I would definitely buy a super scanner if Uniden or anyone produced one.
As a follow-up, I got an SDS100 and am pretty pleased with it. I pretty much set it up like my 436, so haven't used any of the unique features. It's nice having a lit display, audio is great, and haven't noticed the multi-path issues I have on my 436 and 396XT. Might have to sell those and get an SDS200 to replace my 996XT feed scanner. Still some room for Uniden to improve it, such as drop-in charging, more compact (would have to use less power), bluetooth output, Wifi to directly update frquencies, etc.
My 200 has been flawless, it was a replacement from Uniden. I had a 100 but don’t travel much anymore and prefer the 200. My only wish would be a built in front facing speaker like the days of old (see avatar)
I use it for simulcast, works great.
I'm amazed someone hasn't made a 3D printed holder for the SDS100 that has one built in.
I was not able to find a 3D printed scanner holder for the SDS100 with a built-in speaker enclosure, but I did manage to find a nice one with a good base and even non-slip rubber on the bottom. It actually looks better in person than these closeup images. I'm very happy with it... of course I'd be happier if my scanner arrived so I could use it!
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