If there ever is another firmware update for the SDS scanners, I would like to place an order

[MStep]

We've already gone through these "suggestions". Look up "Help me, help you " thread from 15 months ago. Voyager Bearcat can't get anything done, so don't waste your time.

Agreed. My impression is that the folks are Uniden are in sheer panic at the idea of changing even a single line of code in their firmware after the demise of their head architect. There is a well-known philosophy that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". (See footnote). So the menu items are a little out of logical order. Big deal. The thing works. Another phrase to remember, "leave well-enough alone".

Footnote:

From Google:

Bert Lance is credited as the one who popularized this phrase. He worked for President Jimmy Carter as Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the year 1977. Lance was quoted as saying “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” in the May 1977 issue of a magazine called Nation's Business.

 

[GROL]

Agreed. My impression is that the folks are Uniden are in sheer panic at the idea of changing even a single line of code in their firmware after the demise of their head architect. There is a well-known philosophy that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". (See footnote). So the menu items are a little out of logical order. Big deal. The thing works. Another phrase to remember, "leave well-enough alone".

Footnote:

From Google:

Bert Lance is credited as the one who popularized this phrase. He worked for President Jimmy Carter as Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the year 1977. Lance was quoted as saying “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” in the May 1977 issue of a magazine called Nation's Business.

There was a lot broke in the Carter Administration that desperately needed fixing. Bert Lance was one example. It got fixed by him having to resign in the first year. He was lucky he wasn't convicted in 1980.

Smartphones get updates all the time. Not just for bugs or security. Many times for improvements and enhancements.

Uniden has added many enhancements before. Hopefully they will again.

 

[GROL]

Please stay. You suggestion is spot on and should be seriously considered for implimentation.

Sarah

Thanks. Kind of you to say. We will see how it goes.

 

[GROL]

Better yet, add a menu system above the current menu. A selection of service types for say type 1, just mil air, type 2, P25 only, etc. Sucks having to disable services and select different services to scan. If a menu to have these services by services, would make scanning much easier.

This is interesting. Selecting service types is also a bit deep in the menu. Also in line with what I was thinking about. Better arrangement in the menu or programmable function keys to get right to a menu item you frequently use. I have three buttons on my FT-857D programmed to items I hate having to dig for in the menus. Really helps mobile operation. Hard to see the menu items when driving.

 

[MStep]

This is interesting. Selecting service type the late also a bit deep in the menu. Also in line with what I was thinking about. Better arrangement in the menu or programmable function keys to get right to a menu item you frequently use. I have three buttons on my FT-857D programmed to items I hate having to dig for in the menus. Really helps mobile operation. Hard to see the menu items when driving.

One suggestion that I made many months ago was to have the ablitity to either enable to disable all service types at one time (lest one default, or you would get the feared "nothing the scan message"). This would make it very easy to turn everything off and then just activate Fire or Law or whatever without having to go through some many on/off selections. One default would always have to stay on prevent the Nothing To Scan scenario.

My thinking was that in immediate crisis situation, you would be able to configure desired service types in the radio much more quickly. Others have suggested the same or similar, but that I believe that a general paralysis has swept rampant over the Uniden programming department with no one seemingly in charge. At least no one who wields the same knowledge and respect at the same level that Paul had.

And even my suggestion, while enhancing the operation a bit through the menu system, would have no effect on improving sensitivity or selectivity.

So those waiting for new firmware to appear before they buy an SDS 100/200 radio, my educated guess is that a new SDS300 or 400 may come out before Uniden addresses issues with the SDS100/200 firmware.

There is really nothing wrong with the current SDS series--- technically they are very good--- those looking for firmware upgrades seem to be concentrating more on window dressing than actual operation.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Wow. All this just because I prefer the menu list in a more logical order? ...

Just put n1chu on ignore, just like that, never again.

 

[thunderr10]

No UPman = No UPdates... Been that way ever since..... He was the genius.

 

[Ubbe]

Are anyone actually using the quick keys Search1-Search2-Search3 ? Those could instead be quick menu keys. You do Fn and hold the key to program the level you are at in a menu and then recall that with Fn + key. It could also be used for a lot of other things that are used much more often than Searches. A little problem are the texts on the faceplate or buttons that perhaps would need to be changed.

/Ubbe

 

[bearcatrp]

Will have to read the manual again but can I set up a quick key to scan only mil air? Then back to my zip code scanning based on my preferences?

 

[Ubbe]

Will have to read the manual again but can I set up a quick key to scan only mil air? Then back to my zip code scanning based on my preferences?

Uniden scanners have all their selections for what to scan as toggle functions for each type. If you have 5 things selected and would like to only scan one of them you will have to toggle each one of the unwanted ones to off.

What Uniden scanners miss are a personality selection where you could save your current setup to one of several memory positions that you quickly can recall. One of them could be an almost empty setting you have stored where you can start from scratch. The current settings in the scanner are stored in a small file on the SD card. It would be easy to just add additional config files to store and recall from.

/Ubbe

 

[scannh2005]

What's the current firmware? mine is main 1.10,08 is that correct?

 

[fxdscon]

What's the current firmware? mine is main 1.10,08 is that correct?

The current main firmware version that is publicly available in Sentinel is 1.10.00.

There are newer versions shipping in recently manufactured scanners that address end of life component changes etc.

 

[motorman105]

I have the SDS100 and I assume the SDS200 is the same.
In the Menu, under "Set Scan Selection", move "Select Lists to Monitor" to the top. Manage Quick Key Status second, then Nationwide Systems.

Great idea!