Hi,
Looking for recommendations for what to look for when purchasing a hand held scanner.
Also, I am not familiar with scanner programming so, is it better to have the seller program the scanner?
Lastly, what sellers would you recommend that are honest and have great after-the-sale customer service.
Thank’s in advance for your help.
There are multiple videos on YouTube, demonstrating programming how to program the Uniden x36HP & SDS series scanners. In addition, there are a number of Wiki articles about various aspects & features of these scanner models. Plus, there is also the Easier to Read manuals site, that has step by step instructions for programming multiple scanner models.
Any article or video about programming one of the x36HP (436HP & 536HP), or SDS series scanners (SDS100 & SDS200) is going to apply to all of these. While the SDS scanners have a couple of features not found on the x36HP scanners (such as Filters and using the Site NAC), the base programming scheme for Systems, Sites and Talkgroups for trunked systems, as well as entry of conventional frequencies is the same.
p.s,About 2 years ago I bought a SDS100 and returned it because I was barely receiving broadcasts.
The SDS series scanners can be a challenge for new users, especially those that are not familiar with Uniden's DMA programming system.
For your previous SDS100 scanner, did you try programming Favorites lists, or did you simply try to scan using the main database along with your location and a range?
When you receive a new Uniden database scanner, whether it's an SDS scanner, or the earlier x36HP or Home Patrol database scanners, the database in the scanner is usually well out of date, sometimes 2 years or more. If you don't update the scanner, and just use what was in it when you opened the box, you'll miss any system updates, changes, or entirely new systems, that have been added since the database installed when the scanner was assembled.
More on using location:
How it Works: Location, Location, Location
Also, only a limited number of service types for public safety agencies (Dispatch service type only for Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Multi-Dispatch). But there are two other service types that should also be enabled,
Tac and
Talk (examples Law Talk, Fire Tac, etc). Making sure that you have all the service types you want is one thing that many new users neglect.
The SDS scanners have filters that are used to enhance the reception of the scanner by eliminating interference. Finding the correct filter can be tricky, there is a method of using some different readings on the scanner to select the correct filter but I personally just go with what sounds best to me. All of my digital systems are using the Wide Normal setting, if I try and use some of the other filters the scanner will hardly receive anything on these systems and this could have been your issue as well. I absolutely love the SDS100 for the P25 systems in the area, it just works great..... For conventional analog frequencies though, it just doesn't preform and I use my BC125AT. I'd suggest the SDS100 or SDS200 depending on your preference. With your Premium membership here at RR, and good addition would be the ProScan software and you'll be set!
This ^^^^
The filters can improve reception on some problematic systems, and should be utilized if one or more particular systems are not being received clearly.
When using the main database, or a Favorites list that has Location Control enabled, you do need to make sure that you have an accurate location entered, and the range you want. More here:
How it Works: Location, Location, Location
The
Will County system is capable of using P25 Phase II, but at present, all talkgroups are still using Phase I, as indicated by the
D in the mode column.
The statewide system,
STARCOM21, is also {25 Phase II capable. But all the talkgroups for your county are still tagged as Phase I. (Joliet is fully encrypted). Since these systems support Phase II, I would expect that, at some point, you'll see various agencies move to that format as funds become available and radios are replaced, or new ones added.
The Will County
system is indeed simulcast, which can be tough for any scanners other than the SDS series to handle. (For the SDS scanners, you might need to tweak the filters setting, but these are the best for dealing with simulcast.)
Simulcast digital distortion - The RadioReference Wiki
As
Mstep has already suggested, you would be able to get more information on scanning in your area in the Illinois Regional Forum. Being a Premium Subscriber, you can use software such as
ProScan to import exactly what you want. Besides programming ProScan lets you log activity as well as virtually control the scanner with your PC. (The "Pro" version of ARC 536 also allows virtual control and logging, but is $20 more than ProScan. The 'Basic' version of ARC 536 is programming only. Both programs have a 30 day free trial. ProScan supports multiple other scanners. ARC 536 only handles the SDS100, SDS200, 436HP, and 536HP.)
ScannerMaster, as well as Bearcat Warehouse are both reputable dealers, well regarded by members on this site. However,
Do Not pay
any dealer to program your scanner for you. It's overpriced in my opinion, and is something that you can do yourself with a little coaching. Also, do not pay any dealer to install upgrades such as DMR or NXDN. The dealers charge $75 and up. You can deal direct with Uniden, and get DMR for $60, and NXDN for $50. But I would not add either upgrade until you have received your new scanner & are comfortable with it. Also, waiting a few days or a couple of weeks gives you time to verify that there are no problems with the scanner and it needs to be returned for whatever reason. (I would not expect problems, but with anything mechanical or electronic, there's always that slim chance that something could crop up.)
