info/question

[italia2006]

I haven't purchased a scanner since my ws1080 many years ago. Itching to get newer scanner for my area, ( Hartford County ). Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. Are they worth the money? If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades. ( I looked and don't think so ). I never owned a Uniden and possibly want to try one, but 700.00 is steep. Saw some on ebay and Marketplace, but dont trust these on line person sales for this kind of money. Sorry for the rambling and thanks in advance

 

[doctordialtone]

I haven't purchased a scanner since my ws1080 many years ago. Itching to get newer scanner for my area, ( Hartford County ). Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. Are they worth the money? If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades. ( I looked and don't think so ). I never owned a Uniden and possibly want to try one, but 700.00 is steep. Saw some on ebay and Marketplace, but dont trust these on line person sales for this kind of money. Sorry for the rambling and thanks in advance

I can recommend the SDS 200 but not the 100 since I don't own one.

I do see more complaints from 100 owners for hardware related breakdowns.

I also have even better experiences with my 325P2 handheld and even better, the Uniden 996p2.

I am in the Cromwell area.

👍 good luck!

 

[Windsor]

A thought. Are you looking for a base unit (SDS200) or a portable unit (SDS 100). The SDS 200 can be both a base unit or moved and used in the car but it is NOT a hand held unit. Also, are you going to use a computer to update your files? I have a SDS 200 and use a computer and download the Uniden website to update the files. i have never used the 325P2 or 996P2 so I can not comment on these units.

 

[W1KNE]

It helps to know what you intend to receive. Are you looking at public safety? CLMRN Trunk? Railroad? Aviation?

 

[n1chu]

I haven't purchased a scanner since my ws1080 many years ago. Itching to get newer scanner for my area, ( Hartford County ). Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. Are they worth the money? If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades. ( I looked and don't think so ). I never owned a Uniden and possibly want to try one, but 700.00 is steep. Saw some on ebay and Marketplace, but dont trust these on line person sales for this kind of money. Sorry for the rambling and thanks in advance

“Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. I have the SDS100, no issues. Live in Farmington. Are they worth the money? That’s a question only you an answer. If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades.” No, unless you have already identified an agency that requires an upgrade. But you can add one, two or three at any time. You do not need to order the upgrades at the time you purchase the radio. My suggestion to you is to first list everything you might care to monitor. Then post it here so we can determine if it’s doable. No sense plunking down that amount of money if the scanner won’t monitor everything you are interested in, or close to everything.

Encrypted transmissions are not something you can monitor. There are no “workarounds” short of hanging around a cruiser that uses encryption and has the volume turned up!

 

[italia2006]

I can recommend the SDS 200 but not the 100 since I don't own one.

I do see more complaints from 100 owners for hardware related breakdowns.

I also have even better experiences with my 325P2 handheld and even better, the Uniden 996p2.

I am in the Cromwell area.

👍 good luck!

OK, thanks for your info. Any opinions on TRX-1? Also would you say the 325p2 or 996p2 be better than the ws1080 from many years ago? Do you think the sds 200 is worth the extra money? If i get 996 or 325 i should be able to hear all of my area? Hartford County, CSP, etc... I live in Berlin in case that info helps. The 1080, I think performs ok but i have nothing to compare it to. Would be nice to try the 996 or 325 for a week to see if the reception works for me. Sorry i ramble on too mjuch, but 700.00 is steep

 

[doctordialtone]

OK, thanks for your info. Any opinions on TRX-1? Also would you say the 325p2 or 996p2 be better than the ws1080 from many years ago? Do you think the sds 200 is worth the extra money? If i get 996 or 325 i should be able to hear all of my area? Hartford County, CSP, etc... I live in Berlin in case that info helps. The 1080, I think performs ok but i have nothing to compare it to. Would be nice to try the 996 or 325 for a week to see if the reception works for me. Sorry i ramble on too mjuch, but 700.00 is steep

I don't own any Whistler scanners. I prefer Uniden and their scanners work perfect for me.

I live right down the road from you.

The 996p2 would be ideal for you and yes it will receive CSP and all of the local agencies.👌

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I can recommend the SDS 200 but not the 100 since I don't own one.

I can recommend the 100 & strongly do so. The one time I've been to Connecticut I was able to monitor the CLMRN reliably from inside a rest stop. I have numerous simulcast systems in my region & the SDS100 tracks them all like a champ

 

[italia2006]

“Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. I have the SDS100, no issues. Live in Farmington. Are they worth the money? That’s a question only you an answer. If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades.” No, unless you have already identified an agency that requires an upgrade. But you can add one, two or three at any time. You do not need to order the upgrades at the time you purchase the radio. My suggestion to you is to first list everything you might care to monitor. Then post it here so we can determine if it’s doable. No sense plunking down that amount of money if the scanner won’t monitor everything you are interested in, or close to everything.

Encrypted transmissions are not something you can monitor. There are no “workarounds” short of hanging around a cruiser that uses encryption and has the volume turned up!

Mainly just Hartford County and CSP. Live in Berlin and listen to Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, CSP, Berlin, Rocky Hill, Lifestar, and Cromwell. Would listen to more if im able to

Thanks and sorry if silly questions

 

[doctordialtone]

Mainly just Hartford County and CSP. Live in Berlin and listen to Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, CSP, Berlin, Rocky Hill, Lifestar, and Cromwell. Would listen to more if im able to

Thanks and sorry if silly questions

No problem with a 996p2 or 325p2 if that's what you go with.

 

[italia2006]

I don't own any Whistler scanners. I prefer Uniden and their scanners work perfect for me.

I live right down the road from you.

The 996p2 would be ideal for you and yes it will receive CSP and all of the local agencies.👌

Thank you What additional accessories would i need

 

[italia2006]

Are the 325 and 996 the same, just one is mobile and one is base?

 

[doctordialtone]

Are the 325 and 996 the same, just one is mobile and one is base?

Essentially yes.

I use the same program file for both.

You don't need any accessories.

I just run mine through powered speakers but that's optional.

 

[italia2006]

Essentially yes.

I use the same program file for both.

You don't need any accessories.

I just run mine through powered speakers but that's optional.

Thanks again ill look into the 996 and maybe pull the trigger

 

[W1KNE]

If you're looking to monitor CLMRN or any agency on the CLMRN, you'll want the SDS scanner. It is literally designed for systems like CLMRN. Despite some users unique experience with the 996P2, it is not a simulcast capable scanner and you may find you'll start missing transmissions. Their experience is somewhat unique to their location, and their situation.

 

[italia2006]

If you're looking to monitor CLMRN or any agency on the CLMRN, you'll want the SDS scanner. It is literally designed for systems like CLMRN. Despite some users unique experience with the 996P2, it is not a simulcast capable scanner and you may find you'll start missing transmissions. Their experience is somewhat unique to their location, and their situation.

Thanks for your info and help with this issue

 

[GTR8000]

You would be wise to listen to @W1KNE, he knows what he's talking about.

The 996P2 and 325P2 were not designed to handle simulcast P25 trunking well, so I'm not sure why one member in particular keeps pushing the false narrative that "they work just fine". If you are going to be monitoring a 700/800 MHz simulcast P25 system like CLMRN, spend the extra money on the SDS series, which were purpose built for the task.

 

[scanningct]

I haven't purchased a scanner since my ws1080 many years ago. Itching to get newer scanner for my area, ( Hartford County ). Just want a new scanner to add to my arsenal. Looking maybe at SDS100 or TRX-1. Are they worth the money? If SDS 100, do i really need the upgrades. ( I looked and don't think so ). I never owned a Uniden and possibly want to try one, but 700.00 is steep. Saw some on ebay and Marketplace, but dont trust these on line person sales for this kind of money. Sorry for the rambling and thanks in advance

Have you looked into SDR? Much lower cost compared to the SDS and its capable of receiving CLMRN and traditional analog/digital. Its also more fun to play around with.

 

[firebuff17]

@italia2006
I am just south of you in Meriden. I run the 325P2 in my truck with an NMO mount antenna. I have all of what you want to listen to programmed into it. It works great for the analog departments. I have several CLMRN sites programmed in it and have very spotty coverage. Literally a handful of feet makes a difference of receiving a transmission or not from CLMRN in my case. I do not listen to standard CSP traffic, FD only.

 

[cg]

One issue with the 996P2 & the 325. If you run ID search to catch new groups and want to program everything already known in, there is a limit of 500 groups. I think the system is probably over 1000 now with some of the big cities coming online and all the ISSI groups.
The limits on the SDS100/200 is higher.

chris