Easy Vehicle Installation Inquiry

[swfluncensored]

Hi.

I'm looking to leave NAS and move over to scanners, and SDS200 is at the top of my list. It has AMAZING features that are perfect for what I am doing - scanning.

How easy is a vehicle installation with the SDS200? I am looking to place it near the center-console area or passenger side area of the dashboard. I don't want to hassle myself with unnecessary wiring as I am a very sh*tty technician - so is there any way to hook it up to the 12V cigarette lighter?

On another note, are any of the stock glass or magnetic antennas from Uniden actually worth it? And should I buy an external speaker too or no?

On ANOTHER note (lots of notes!), is FPP with the SDS200 easy? I don't want anything to do with Sentinel - literal plug-and-play is all I want! Zip code, GPS, or whatever else is fine, as long as it can be done from the scanner itself.

Thank you!! All advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[dave3825]

is there any way to hook it up to the 12V cigarette lighter?

Comes with one and a 3 wire harness for hardwire.

is FPP with the SDS200 easy?

FPP?

I don't want anything to do with Sentinel

Sentinel is needed to update firmware, create favorites list if wanted, and to update the scanners master database with updated info.

 

[swfluncensored]

Comes with one and a 3 wire harness for hardwire.


FPP?


Sentinel is needed to update firmware, create favorites list if wanted, and to update the scanners master database with updated info.

Ok, so it comes with cigarette lighter? Perfect!

By FPP, I meant programmable via front panel. Is it easy to punch in a zip code or turn on the GPS-close call feature?

And also, would I need a laptop to update the scanner via Sentinel? Or how would I do that?

 

[dave3825]

Is it easy to punch in a zip code or turn on the GPS-close call feature?

And also, would I need a laptop to update the scanner via Sentinel?

Zip code is simple.

Sentinel is a Windows program so you would need something capable of running that. If you have Spectrum as an ISP, you would need the ability to run Sentinel from a mobile hotspot connection (from your pc or laptop) as that ISP seems to block FTP which is how Sentinel connects to Uniden servers.

 

[swfluncensored]

Zip code is simple.

Sentinel is a Windows program so you would need something capable of running that. If you have Spectrum as an ISP, you would need the ability to run Sentinel from a mobile hotspot connection (from your pc or laptop) as that ISP seems to block FTP which is how Sentinel connects to Uniden servers.

Ok I don't have spectrum so good there. And does it work over Bluetooth or do I need to run a 75 ft cable thru the house from the driveway? 🤣🤣🤣

 

[fxdscon]

Ok I don't have spectrum so good there. And does it work over Bluetooth or do I need to run a 75 ft cable thru the house from the driveway? 🤣🤣🤣

No Bluetooth. You can simply take the SD card out of the SDS200 and take it in the house to your laptop or desktop for updating and programming. That's a lot faster than doing it in the scanner anyway.

 

[jtwalker]

Although zip code scanning is nice to be able to listen to something the evening it arrives at your house and gps location based scanning is good for traveling in areas that you don’t frequent, if you don’t want to learn to program these with software don’t buy one. My $0.02.

The biggest issue with mounting an SDS200 in a vehicle is finding the room to fit it, and then to see it and press buttons.

 

[phask]

Zip code is simple.

Sentinel is a Windows program so you would need something capable of running that. If you have Spectrum as an ISP, you would need the ability to run Sentinel from a mobile hotspot connection (from your pc or laptop) as that ISP seems to block FTP which is how Sentinel connects to Uniden servers.

Spectrum issues must be local as I have had them for over 20 years and have used FTP for various things. I have also used Sentinel since the first week that the HP1 came out. Never had any ISP but Spectrum. (through various names/entities.)

To the OP - the database installed on the SDS will be a year or more old and may(probably) will be outdated.

Any Firmware updates will also require Sentinel.

 

[ten13]

I agree with phask: whatever problem "dave," above, has with Spectrum is localized, if that.

In the NY/NJ area, there's no problem vis-a-vis Spectrum and Sentinel.

Along similar lines, the idea of programming a 100/200 manually is probably the cause of most of the problem inquiries we see here. For some reason, there are some who are put-off about using Sentinel, then want the whole crowd here to solve their problems from their manual programming. What's worse, some of them then complain about the input they get as not being sufficient to correct their problems.

The complexity of the SDS radios, as well as mastering Sentinel, is a big learning curve. Those who are so-called "newbies" in this radio stuff, or old-timers used to crystals in the radios, had better realize that before they start tapping in their credit card number on a website to buy one.

 

[dave3825]

Spectrum issues must be local as I have had them for over 20 years and have used FTP for various things. I have also used Sentinel since the first week that the HP1 came out. Never had any ISP but Spectrum.

I agree with phask: whatever problem "dave," above, has with Spectrum is localized, if that.

I do not have Spectrum or any problems. Seen many threads where other users had issues updating Sentinel and in many of those cases those users had Spectrum and had to set up mobile hotspots or use VPN..

Search results for query: spectrum

forums.radioreference.com

 

[N9JIG]

Hi.

I'm looking to leave NAS and move over to scanners, and SDS200 is at the top of my list. It has AMAZING features that are perfect for what I am doing - scanning.

How easy is a vehicle installation with the SDS200? I am looking to place it near the center-console area or passenger side area of the dashboard. I don't want to hassle myself with unnecessary wiring as I am a very sh*tty technician - so is there any way to hook it up to the 12V cigarette lighter?

The size and format of the radio will dictate the mounting ability of it. It is about 7 inches wide, 3 inches tall and 5 inches deep plus knobs and the antenna connector. Mounting is by two threaded inserts, one on the right and another on the left roughly centered.

The SDS200 comes with 3 DC power cords, one of which is a cigarette plug. That and an antenna are all that you need, a remote speaker might be helpful but try it first before buying.

On another note, are any of the stock glass or magnetic antennas from Uniden actually worth it? And should I buy an external speaker too or no?

For a scanner an mag-mount antenna is usually fine. There are purists out there that swear that the only good antenna is drilled but in 50 years of scanning I have detected no difference in reception between a mag mount and an NMO mount antenna. That said I have NMO's on my car... Stay away (far away) from glass-mount antennas however.

On ANOTHER note (lots of notes!), is FPP with the SDS200 easy? I don't want anything to do with Sentinel - literal plug-and-play is all I want! Zip code, GPS, or whatever else is fine, as long as it can be done from the scanner itself.

Thank you!! All advice is greatly appreciated.

Some retailers (like ScannerMaster etc.) will perform the necessary database and some local programming for you for a fee. Sentinel is not really hard to use once it is installed and it is free. This allows you to also set up personal scanlists so you can tailor your listening to exactly what YOU want to listen to.

Once the database is updated you can use it in ZIP Code mode or buy the GPS if you travel a lot. Use Service Types to select the Services you want. Again, this is easy but you are better off making your own Scanlists in Sentinel, ProScan or ARC536.

You can program everything from the front panel but it is tedious at best!

 

[n1chu]

Suggest you go the “US Regional Radio Forums” under Forums here and scroll down to your state. Post your inquiry and ask if there is anyone local to you that’s running a SDS200 that can meet up with you and show you the radio, answer your questions, advise you. You say there’s a lot you like about the scanner but there’s a lot more to it than just a quick and easy programing process using zip codes. Or you can order one already pre-programmed. Call and ask if the dealer you choose does this. There is usually a fee. But regardless of which way you decide to go, do try the regional forums page and try to get someone to sit down with you, because you are going to have more questions… a lot more questions once you get the radio.

As for mounting it in a vehicle, first you should check your state laws regarding scanners in vehicles. Or list your city/town/state and type of vehicle so those familiar with that type of vehicle can advise.

One last item… you must first make a list of the agencies you want to listen to… they may be running encryption. A scanner can not decode encryption. There are agencies that encrypt and those that do not. You need to know which do and don’t. So, you have to decide if you still want to buy the scanner if some of what you want to monitor is encrypted.

 

[ofd8001]

Using the full database for scanning may not be very satisfying. There are so many things that are "different" formats such as NXDN, that the scanner will attempt to monitor. That results in ugly noises and you hit the Avoid button regularly. I used to do the full database, but now I create my own Favorites Lists, even when traveling.

So it's best to bite the bullet and learn Sentinel programming. Lots of good YouTube videos out there.

Yes to amplified speaker. I'd never consider putting a scanner in a vehicle without an outside antenna and an amplified speaker. GPS is also close to a "must" because of travel.

 

[swfluncensored]

Yes to amplified speaker. I'd never consider putting a scanner in a vehicle without an outside antenna and an amplified speaker. GPS is also close to a "must" because of travel.

Which speaker do you recommend I use?

 

[swfluncensored]

Suggest you go the “US Regional Radio Forums” under Forums here and scroll down to your state. Post your inquiry and ask if there is anyone local to you that’s running a SDS200 that can meet up with you and show you the radio, answer your questions, advise you. You say there’s a lot you like about the scanner but there’s a lot more to it than just a quick and easy programing process using zip codes. Or you can order one already pre-programmed. Call and ask if the dealer you choose does this. There is usually a fee. But regardless of which way you decide to go, do try the regional forums page and try to get someone to sit down with you, because you are going to have more questions… a lot more questions once you get the radio.

I have a buddy with the SDS200, so I will definitely ask him. He's the one that sparked my interest in it anyways vs continuing using an NAS radio. Thank you!

As for mounting it in a vehicle, first you should check your state laws regarding scanners in vehicles. Or list your city/town/state and type of vehicle so those familiar with that type of vehicle can advise.

I am in FL, and I believe there is some law about not having scanners in your vehicle. Regardless, I've seen plenty if not hundreds of people in person + online who have them mounted in their vehicle. Citable offense, anyways.. so I'm willing to take the bite.

I am also currently driving a Jeep Liberty Limited Sport Utility 4D. It is the 2010 model. There is a little slot in the upper center console that seems to be a perfect fit for it, but not sure if it will fit. I need to take appropriate measurements. Also, what are the thoughts on mounting the SDS200 on the dashboard or the roof?

One last item… you must first make a list of the agencies you want to listen to… they may be running encryption. A scanner can not decode encryption. There are agencies that encrypt and those that do not. You need to know which do and don’t. So, you have to decide if you still want to buy the scanner if some of what you want to monitor is encrypted.

When I NASed with Motorolas (still do), I made huge lists of agencies I wanted to monitor... TGIDs, band plans, zones, system IDs... the whole nine yards. I'm hoping that using Sentinel to program in new systems and lists is the same or hopefully easier? Definitely going to look into YouTube videos and the like.

 

[phask]

T

I am also currently driving a Jeep Liberty Limited Sport Utility 4D. It is the 2010 model. There is a little slot in the upper center console that seems to be a perfect fit for it, but not sure if it will fit. I need to take appropriate measurements. Also, what are the thoughts on mounting the SDS200 on the dashboard or the roof?

If you mean that cubby above the vents, looks too small - but have not seen one in person for awhile.

 

[swfluncensored]

If you mean that cubby above the vents, looks too small - but have not seen one in person for awhile.

Yes that is what I am referring to. I am going to try and take the measurements this afternoon. If it doesn't fit, do you think it would be ethical to place the scanner on the dash?

 

[n1chu]

What do you mean by NAS?

I’ve got mine sitting on the dash. But my ride is an F-150 pickup truck, bigger than your Jeep. The drawback to dash mounting is it may partially block your view of the road, which is a violation in most states. I have power seats which are raised to the max and I don’t have any problem seeing all of my hood and the road ahead. It also draws attention to the radio which is in plain sight from outside the vehicle (the silver metal backplate further draws attention because it sticks out like a sore thumb also). I secured the scanner using a mounting plate bracket that mounts in the glove tray and draped a black cloth over the back of the radio to further hide the scanner from being noticed by those looking at the truck from the front.

 

[swfluncensored]

What do you mean by NAS?

I used actual police radios - Motorola APX models - to scan the talkgroups without affiliating to the system. Basically the definition of going to the extreme to whack and scan.

I’ve got mine sitting on the dash. But my ride is an F-150 pickup truck, bigger than your Jeep. The drawback to dash mounting is it may partially block your view of the road, which is a violation in most states.

Does it get any damage from the sun? Is it fine to leave it there? I also was thinking of putting it near the center or passenger side of the dashboard to prevent it from blocking my view of the road. I want it to be clearly visible without obstructing my view - being able to glance over without fully distracting my attention.

Also, in regards to hiding your scanner... do people actually steal scanners??

 

[swfluncensored]

Also another thing- I want to scan a DMR repeater/possible TRS that is not in the RadioReference database. It is at a hospital.

I want to assume they are on some sort of TRS as I've seen their security officers way out-of-range from the hospital (almost cities away) and yet are still picking up the signal perfectly fine.

I have picked up the DMR signal from my house using a Baofeng - obviously, it cannot decrypt the signal (or whatever its called).

How can I pick up this system? Would I have to sit right outside the hospital and turn on the CloseCall feature? Could I do it just from my car? What can I do to have it saved permanently in my scanners SD card?