SDS100/SDS200: Is Their A Problem With My SDS100 - Poor reception?

[lightninhopkins]

Hi @JoeBearcat

I previously called the support team but was unable to reach the technical staff directly. Instead, my concerns were relayed through the operator (made it a bit tough to explain in detail). I'll try calling again today to speak directly with the tech team.

Regarding my SDS100, I've noticed an interesting issue with P25 transmissions. Randomly, I receive decode errors near 100, but when I re-scan and reacquire the same channel during the same broadcast (even within 500ms), the errors disappear. I mentioned this earlier, but I wanted to bring it to your attention. Thank you.

 

[Ubbe]

Start a debug log that covers the time when the errors have built up and to the time you switch frequencies and come back to the same channel and the errors are gone. It will help Uniden to analyze the cause of this bug, or at least let them try to repeat the scenario by themselves.

/Ubbe

 

[tzukows]

I posted recent experiences in another thread, so i won't duplicate all the here.

But, for me it seemed to be filter and locations.

Tried stock antenna, Remtronix 920, Comet telescopic antenna, and a Larsen mobile tri-band.

Best result for my SDS100 so far has been setting Global Filter to Wide Inverted on my Larsen tri-band LMO mobile antenna on magneticneric base.

For me wide inverted opend signal reception more than anything else.

 

[n1chu]

For myself, concerning filter settings (with the understanding that simulcast distortion is highly dependent upon my location at any given time), I first turned off the Global Filter setting and then each and every independant Filter setting I found within each entry (agency) in my programming. That was my starting point. I wanted to start without ANY Filter settings, and then, if I found any troublesome systems, try various Filter settings to see if I could improve on my reception. The only trouble with that was twofold… I have two SDS200’s, one mobile and one base station at home. The mobile was going to be impossible to learn if any Filter setting would work in my area as simulcast distortion varies depending upon location, which is constantly changing as I drive. The home base also could be affected because I use a directional antenna with a rotator (the slightest movement of the antenna could bring me into a dead spot, as even a movement in inches has been known to improve or make worse my reception). Luckily for me I don’t seem to experience simulcast distortion, or to a degree where I makes a difference at home. So, I left ALL Filter settings turned off. The mobile is another story altogether as it is impossible to determine when and if I might benefit from the use of Filters… I’m always moving, changing my location. But again, the agencies I monitor are either strong enough to not need any corrective action through the use of Filters or I am fortunate that simulcast distortion isn’t an issue in the areas I roam. In any case, determining if Filters are beneficial involves a lengthy process of trial and error, something I found was not necessary. But, as the simulcast systems grow in size. (I have one that is a statewide system, available for all state agencies. It also allows for towns and cities to join. As additions come on board the infrastructure could change whereby distortion could raise its ugly head and have me searching for relief through the use of filters. It’s then I will need to determine which Filter works best for my home location, a task I don’t look forward to!)