Desktop vs. Mobile

[WVradiohead]

Is there a difference in performance and durability in a desktop vs mobile comparison (Example: SDS-200 vs SDS-100)? Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Question: sds100 vs sds200

Does anyone know if the sds 200 gets more distance then the sds100 ??? Has anyone tested the two for range distance side by side ?

forums.radioreference.com

SDS200 -vs- SDS100

I didn't see anther thread asking this, but I may have missed it. But how does the SDS200 compare to the SDS100 for the reception of LSM? Better... worse... or the same? I don't know why, but I feel the SDD200 "may" be slightly superior, but I don't have one and can't really compare for...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[jtwalker]

Durability should be obvious difference … an SDS200 stays in one place - either on a desk, in a rack or mounted in a vehicle. So it doesn’t get dropped or knocked over.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I don't have an SDS200 to compare with my SDS100 but my 536HP is less prone to overload when connected to rooftop antenna vs my 436HP. Both suffer the effects of simulcast distortion equally

 

[ofd8001]

I believe it all comes down to what you will be doing with it. If the scanner stays in one place, such as on a desk, mobile is just fine. If you move it around, go on trips, then a portable is the best bet.

Lastly, a mobile unit has a wider screen so you can have more characters on the display and not have to abbreviate FL, System or Department names to fit.

 

[mass-man]

Lastly, a mobile unit has a wider screen so you can have more characters on the display and not have to abbreviate FL, System or Department names to fit…
OR just makes it easier to read the screen! I hate squinting!

 

[bob550]

Think of it as being the difference between eating at a table in a nice restaurant, versus ordering takeout. It's the same food but with different packaging.

 

[dave3825]

Thought I read something on our site that said units (handhelds) with the components tightly packed close together are more susceptible to interference.

 

[CrabbyMilton]

The last desktop I bought was in 1990. The handheld is the only way to go for me.

 

[chief21]

In most cases, the advantages of a desktop/mobile form factor equate to no batteries/continuous power, better audio, (often) bigger screen, and a better (usually outdoor) antenna.
The advantages of a handheld primarily relate to its portability.

 

[CrabbyMilton]

True but unless you have a generator or huge power bank, the desktop will be at the mercy of the grid. As far as outdoor antenna, I don't have the patience to set something like that up. Audio seems to be fine too IMHO but there's always the option to plug in a bigger speaker.

 

[WVradiohead]

I was concerned about over heating issues with the mobile version as well as internal interference/component interactions.

 

[chief21]

I was concerned about over heating issues with the mobile version as well as internal interference/component interactions.

Can you clarify what you mean when you say "mobile"? Perhaps you are referring to a smaller, hand-held version, but it usually means a desktop-style model mounted in a vehicle.

 

[WVradiohead]

By mobile I meant hand-held. Sorry for the confusion.