Almost time to pull the trigger on the SDS-100 through S/M, but I am still confused about programming. I know the SDS-100 can be easy to set up with just your zip code, but the options available when ordering include programming services. What do they do that I can't do myself? I'm really tempted to get the GPS kit, but I'm not sure just how much traveling I'll be doing going forward. As usual, any feedback is appreciated. Thanks for your time.
I just got an SDS200 (mobile/base equivalent of the 100) last month. I'd recommend NOT purchasing programming, as everything they do you can do yourself with the free Sentinel software and Radio Reference Database access (which Sentinel provides).
I made the mistake of trying to "program in Sentinel" BEFORE I got the scanner. I really didn't know what I was doing and I think I worked at cross purposes to the excellent location-based tools the scanner provides. So, here's my recommendation (and take it with lots of grains of salt because I'm still a relative 'newbie'):
At first: just set your zip code, pick your Service Types, and let the scanner scan. This will let you experience what's out there. It will not, however, be 'optimal' because it will scan too much, and you won't have any "control" over what you listen to.
Next: Figure out what you enjoy listening to by playing with the Service Types. Select fewer to hear more.
Then, decide if Favorite Lists are for you. Do you want to be able to turn OFF certain things to focus on others? If so, FLs are for you.
Then, I used Sentinel (or the scanner) to start building some Service-List-Focused FLs for me. One FL is all dispatches, one FL is all Law- related, one FL is all FD/Rescue related. You get the picture. THAT really helped me focus on what to listen to, AND understand how to use FLs.
That should be enough to get you started. Other topics include: Analyzing Sites to explicitly Avoid those that you can't pick up at your location, Using Number Tags to quickly jump to a specific channel, and improving your scan lists and speed by fine-tuning your FLs.
Set your personal "Frustration Squelch" on as high a setting as you can, and if something seems impossible, read more and give it a day or two and you will be able to figure it out, or at least form a question for the forum.
Best of luck and Happy Scanning!