New Guy is Confused

[jonwienke]

For mobile use, a SDS model is the only viable scanner option. All of the simulcast antenna and setting kludges require the receiver to be in a fixed location. None of them will work in a vehicle.

 

[BananaPepper]

I have downloaded the Sentinel software, which is new to me. What type of software is recommended for the SDS100?

 

[StaticDischarge]

Sentinel and ProScan.

 

[jonwienke]

Sentinel. With the green shield icon. There is a separate version for HomePatrol with an orange shield icon.

 

[BananaPepper]

I have the green shield.... now. I have created a program and am waiting for the scanner to come in. It will be the first time programming for me. Hope it goes well.

 

[BananaPepper]

Programming an SDS100 that is.

 

[Hit_Factor]

I do not live in Ottawa County but program scanners for a customer there....

I have downloaded the Sentinel software, which is new to me. What type of software is recommended for the SDS100?

I have the green shield.... now. I have created a program and am waiting for the scanner to come in. It will be the first time programming for me. Hope it goes well.

There are a ton of posts about programming FL in Sentinel. Time to get to reading the archive...

 

[u2brent]

And here's a link to instructions for using Sentinel as well.
BCDX36HP Sentinel Software Manual

 

[BananaPepper]

Thank you.

 

[smithken]

I have downloaded the Sentinel software, which is new to me. What type of software is recommended for the SDS100?

You will have to use Sentinel to update the firmware on the SDS100 and to update the database. You can use Proscan, Sentinel, or I'm sure Butel has a program for the SDS100, to program favorite lists.

 

[smithken]

I've been staying quiet on the subject for several months now. But it's time to speak out again. I'm in S.E. Michigan, Macomb County, Macomb Township, Michigan near 25 Mile & Romeo Plank Rd. I currently own one SDS200 and two BCD536HP's and they all work perfect. Side by side I can't tell the difference! Same goes for Uniden's BCD436HP, BCD996P2, and Whistler's TRX-2, and Radio Shack's PRO-197. This is from my home office using the stock-supplied antenna indoors. Now if I go mobile it's a different story. There are numerous areas that will work ok, but not while driving, only stationary.

I have two friends in Washington Township, Michigan near Van Dyke Rd and 29 Mile Rd using Whistler WS-1098 and they're completely satisfied.

So my advice is try and borrow one from a friend to try before you buy, or buy from a reputable dealer that will allow you a full-refund if you're not satisfied and can return it. If it works you'll save a couple hundred bucks. In the future if your situation/location changes you might wish you bought a SDS200.

I live in the southeast corner of Livonia and, like iMonitor, I have no trouble with the Wayne County Simulcast sites on my 996T, 396XT or 296D, from what I've read on the Uniden forums I'm lucky. I use these scanners inside with the stock antennas. I haven't tried them anywhere else in this area so I can't say how they do away from home in a simulcast area.