SDS100/SDS200: New scanner, used zip code

[tdel1]

I have not programmed any favorites, I wanted to see what I could grab using my zip code. I entered in the zip code and it found a lot of frequencies and I've heard a decent amount of activity by letting it scan. Now that I see what all is included in the main db using my zip code, I'd like to delete the zip code entry/db. Do I simply do that by going to a specific spot in the menu and removing the zip code?

I noticed within Sentinel there is a 'location' option (going by memory) and it has lat/lon which I assume was added as the result of inputting the zip code. I did not want to delete that entry as a test even though the scanner had no additional programming.

Follow up question, when the scanner boots up, it has to load the db/favorites. Is that happening on the fly from the microSD card? I assume there is no setting that would allow that process to be sped up? It seems that the boot time could take minutes if there are more db's/favorites to load.

Thanks.

 

[garys]

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

Try turning location control off for that Favorite List.

Yes it loads from the Micro SD card each time and if there is a way to speed it up, I've never seen it. Well, other than limiting the number of FLs you have programmed.

You can limit the number of FLs by playing around with range. The shorter the range the fewer the number of FLs. Try using a range of zero and see if that helps.

 

[tdel1]

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

Try turning location control off for that Favorite List.

Yes it loads from the Micro SD card each time and if there is a way to speed it up, I've never seen it. Well, other than limiting the number of FLs you have programmed.

You can limit the number of FLs by playing around with range. The shorter the range the fewer the number of FLs. Try using a range of zero and see if that helps.

I can turn the list off, but what if I want to remove it completely as a fresh start?

 

[garys]

From my experience downloading the DB in Sentinel and then to the scanner resets everything. At least it deletes all of the AVOIDS I end up setting when I go on a long trip out of my area.

Also, if you play with Service Types you can refine it a bit. For example when I go out of town and use GPS and the DB, I turn off Aircraft because I don't want to here the ATC or other radio traffic.

I can turn the list off, but what if I want to remove it completely as a fresh start?

 

[trentbob]

I have not programmed any favorites, I wanted to see what I could grab using my zip code. I entered in the zip code and it found a lot of frequencies and I've heard a decent amount of activity by letting it scan. Now that I see what all is included in the main db using my zip code, I'd like to delete the zip code entry/db. Do I simply do that by going to a specific spot in the menu and removing the zip code?

I noticed within Sentinel there is a 'location' option (going by memory) and it has lat/lon which I assume was added as the result of inputting the zip code. I did not want to delete that entry as a test even though the scanner had no additional programming.

Follow up question, when the scanner boots up, it has to load the db/favorites. Is that happening on the fly from the microSD card? I assume there is no setting that would allow that process to be sped up? It seems that the boot time could take minutes if there are more db's/favorites to load.

Thanks.

Not exactly sure what you're asking. You never mentioned what scanner you have but I assume it's a 436, 536, 100 or 200. You do not want to remove your ZIP code. If you want to turn the database off, press the menu button, choose set scan selection with the function button, choose full database and toggle It Off. If you want to increase or decrease what you hear in the database you set the range that you want. If you only want to hear certain things then add or remove service types but in general all of your service types should be turned on.

The link that Gary gave you to the easier to use guide is a terrific source.

 

[tdel1]

Not exactly sure what you're asking. You never mentioned what scanner you have but I assume it's a 436, 536, 100 or 200. You do not want to remove your ZIP code. If you want to turn the database off, press the menu button, choose set scan selection with the function button, choose full database and toggle It Off. If you want to increase or decrease what you hear in the database you set the range that you want. If you only want to hear certain things then add or remove service types but in general all of your service types should be turned on.

The link that Gary gave you to the easier to use guide is a terrific source.

My mistake, I said sds 100 in my head, but never typed it out.

I understand what you are saying, I can just toggle it off, I just wasn't sure if there was a way to delete it as if I never entered it into the scanner. That was my question, how can I 'remove/delete' the zip code I entered, but I can also just turn it off like you suggested. I do see lat/lon in Sentinel under a location option and it seems I can delete that, but I don't have the laptop with me where I have Sentinel installed, so I can't confirm the section where I saw the lat/lon settings.

 

[tdel1]

At least it deletes all of the AVOIDS I end up setting when I go on a long trip out of my area.

What about downloading the data from the scanner before you make/send changes from Sentinel to the scanner? I wonder if that will keep your Avoid list in tact.

 

[trentbob]

What about downloading the data from the scanner before you make/send changes from Sentinel to the scanner? I wonder if that will keep your Avoid list in tact.

You're bringing up a lot of different topics but yes once you program favorites list and get set up, changes that you make on the radio itself using the keyboard like avoids, applying filters to sites, adjusting volume offset and other changes you make directly on the scanner you are always going to want to transfer the data card from the radio to your profile first thing so as to save any changes you made on the radio itself.

As far as deleting the database from the radio? Why? There's only one database. Once you set up favorites list and name and number them by assigning quick keys you will turn the database off, you won't scan the database along with your favorites list. There's no need to actually remove the database from the radio.

Having your ZIP code in the radio which you should always have a zip code in your radio saved sets your approximate longitude and latitude. If you were in some rural area where the ZIP code covers a huge area then you can look up your longitude and latitude on your phone and enter it directly but other than that your ZIP code should do it, remember you always want a zip code in your radio whether you're searching the database or not..

Once you set up favorites list that are named and numbered with quick keys you will not turn location control on that favorites list, it plays no part in reception. Down the line if you get involved with GPS scanning you cross that bridge when you get to it.

 

[trentbob]

HTH... there's plenty of people here that are very skilled at Sentinel who will help you out. I'm sure other folks will chime in later, it's a high learning curve but read the manual Gary sent you, and do searches on the internet and they will take you right to the radio reference threads that will answer just about any question you have. You can also search right on radio reference and check out Wiki.

 

[tdel1]

You're bringing up a lot of different topics but yes once you program favorites list and get set up, changes that you make on the radio itself using the keyboard like avoids, applying filters to sites, adjusting volume offset and other changes you make directly on the scanner you are always going to want to transfer the data card from the radio to your profile first thing so as to save any changes you made on the radio itself.

I was trying to answer his question/help with his issue about his avoid scenario.

As far as deleting the database from the radio? Why? There's only one database. Once you set up favorites list and name and number them by assigning quick keys you will turn the database off, you won't scan the database along with your favorites list. There's no need to actually remove the database from the radio.

Having your ZIP code in the radio which you should always have a zip code in your radio saved sets your approximate longitude and latitude. If you were in some rural area where the ZIP code covers a huge area then you can look up your longitude and latitude on your phone and enter it directly but other than that your ZIP code should do it, remember you always want a zip code in your radio whether you're searching the database or not..

Once you set up favorites list that are named and numbered with quick keys you will not turn location control on that favorites list, it plays no part in reception. Down the line if you get involved with GPS scanning you cross that bridge when you get to it.

To answer the 'why' portion, I was just curious, that's all. Since you recommend that I have a zip, I will leave it as is.

Going forward I plan on leaving the lists/db off and turning on only the favorites that I want to scan.

Also, great suggestion for searching, I've been searching but some topics are either old or locked and I have found some answers to my questions. I will keep searching, there are many answers out there. I'm new to all of this, there is a lot of information not only on the forums, but the scanner as well.

Thanks again.

 

[drdispatch]

I will keep searching, there are many answers out there. I'm new to all of this, there is a lot of information not only on the forums, but the scanner as well.

Thanks again.

Since @garys and @trentbob got you headed down the right path, I won't add my $0.02 ($0.0002 in 2022 dollars) other than to say don't get discouraged. There is plenty of help available here, and we were all new once...

 

[tvengr]

To stop the database from scanning, do this on the scanner: Press MENU (lower half of button on left side of scanner). Set Scan Selection will be displayed. Press E. Scroll to Select Lists to Monitor. Press E. Full Database will be displayed. Press E again to turn Off Full Database. Press the left soft button or AVOID to exit the menus. You can also press MENU repeatedly until the scanner starts scanning.

 

[trentbob]

I was trying to answer his question/help with his issue about his avoid scenario.



To answer the 'why' portion, I was just curious, that's all. Since you recommend that I have a zip, I will leave it as is.

Going forward I plan on leaving the lists/db off and turning on only the favorites that I want to scan.

Also, great suggestion for searching, I've been searching but some topics are either old or locked and I have found some answers to my questions. I will keep searching, there are many answers out there. I'm new to all of this, there is a lot of information not only on the forums, but the scanner as well.

Thanks again.

You actually did figure out the answer to saving settings like avoids. You thought of transferring the scanner to Sentinel first before doing anything else and that was the answer.

It's good to leave your local zip code in the radio and save it. with the range set at 5 or 10 miles. The radio wants to know where it is all the time LOL. As I showed you it's very easy to go into the menu and set scan selection to toggle the database on and off. I think you'll be just fine.