New to Scanning, First RadioReference Post and Lost in the Jungle

[JamesPal]

Please let me know if I have posted this in the wrong forum. So I'm a little past the "Prospective Owner" and have purchased a Uniden BCD160DN. Wifey says: so why did you do that? I always been a radio fan, SW listener on an old Knight Kit my uncle gave me, more modern radio around year 1997. All of my listening has been below 30Mhz. I've been drawn to scanning mainly to be able to listen to police and fire. Aviation and Marine are interesting too. I thought digital was important and I didn't want to jump in at the top of the price range. I also found out the lack of trunking will limit my access to police and fire.
What I have learned so far: Most importantly this is a lot more of a hobby than I thought I was getting into. I have downloaded and installed the Uniden firmware installer and programming software. I did try the firmware update, but I don't think there is a new version. I was able to connect to the radio with the programmer software. The software is very primitive. It looks like I can purchase better programming software. Right now the whole programming requirement looks like a monster. I don't even know what the screen should look like when it is properly programmed.
I thought I could program marine band, simple limited, should work in the USA and Canada? But then I found Marine listed on the programmer as a service list and service search. What the heck does that mean? For now I will continue reading the Wili Links for new commers and Uniden threads.
Does anyone have advice? I really would appreciate it.

 

[pb_lonny]

Most scanners have various service's, such as marine, airband and some others programmed as service searches, this is an easy way to search these bands. I personally dont use them much bu they do come in handy.

Whereto you live and what do you want to listen to? I am going to assume your in the USA?

 

[Enforcer52]

The scanner you bought just isn't the right scanner for your area, unless you just want to listen to some conventional stuff like schools, hospitals, air band, railroads, marine, etc.

The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) carries most of the public safety in your area and it is P25 Phase 2, which requires a SDS100 or SDS200 which are running around $700 dollars right now.

You could get four of the RTL-SDR dongles for around $160, a copy of the free SDRTrunk software, and a computer and be able to listen to everything on PSERN. Which is a lot cheaper than a SDS100/200. Might get by with less dongles depending on what towers you can receive at your location.

You might also need an outside antenna, depending on where you live in relation to the towers.

Also check out the Broadcastify listings for King County, these are free, and three new systems are being setup that cover Bellevue PD and other departments.

King County Washington Live Audio Feeds

King County Washington Live Audio Feeds

www.broadcastify.com

 

[JamesPal]

Most scanners have various service's, such as marine, airband and some others programmed as service searches, this is an easy way to search these bands. I personally dont use them much bu they do come in handy.

Whereto you live and what do you want to listen to? I am going to assume your in the USA?

I found the factory programmed marine and aviation bands. I live in Bellevue, Washington USA. Coordinate location is 47.61625995840323, -122.10761298681469. Currently the wife and I have our travel trailer in Port Angeles, WA. We are sitting on the south side of the
strait of Juan de Fuca. This is accross the strait from Victoria B. C.

 

[JamesPal]

The scanner you bought just isn't the right scanner for your area, unless you just want to listen to some conventional stuff like schools, hospitals, air band, railroads, marine, etc.

The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) carries most of the public safety in your area and it is P25 Phase 2, which requires a SDS100 or SDS200 which are running around $700 dollars right now.

You could get four of the RTL-SDR dongles for around $160, a copy of the free SDRTrunk software, and a computer and be able to listen to everything on PSERN. Which is a lot cheaper than a SDS100/200. Might get by with less dongles depending on what towers you can receive at your location.

You might also need an outside antenna, depending on where you live in relation to the towers.

Also check out the Broadcastify listings for King County, these are free, and three new systems are being setup that cover Bellevue PD and other departments.

King County Washington Live Audio Feeds

King County Washington Live Audio Feeds

www.broadcastify.com

I've learned about trunking since I bought this scanner. My primary interest is in police and fire. Living in the Seattle area there is a lot of activity. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get information out of our Bellevue PD. A couple of weeks ago there was a major police activity about a 1/4 mile behind out house, several cars, drone activity and on. This is what got me going.

My primary interest is Police, Fire and then the conventional stuff. I was looking at the SDS100 but the cost put my off. I bought the 160DN from Amazon so I should be able to return it. There might be a SDS100 in my future. As far as the PSERN goes, the Puget Sound area is very hilly and VHF/UHF com needs a lot of repeaters. For example I cannot get TV reception even though I live about four miles (as the crow flies) to the TX towers.

PSERN has a web page, looks like it operates on the 800Mhz band. I will need to read more about it. Bellevue PD has portable radios as part of their standard patrolman's gear and I seen them used in my area. This makes me thing there is good coverage near my house. I suspect they are not to open about where the repeater antennas are. Do you have any comments on that?

I don't think dongles are the right solution for me, but thanks for the idea. Currently we are in our RV in Port Angeles, WA. It is on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Shipping for Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver BC comes through here. There is a spit you can drive out on, The is a Coast Guard station with a Heliport. I will take the 160DN and see if I can catch some marine or air comms.

I get it about antennas. That would come after wrestling this 800# gorilla. Things are starting to make more sense.

I will be looking at Broadcastify. Thanks for the Link

JimP

 

[dmfalk]

Seriously, you get what you pay for with the SDS100. Although the DMR and NXDN activation keys are a separate expense, the SDS100 covers everything you could want {except anything encrypted). The P25 comes in handy if you want to listen to the Coast Guard. About half of all digital services are P25, with the rest being DMR and NXDN, and most of the activity on Puget Sound (ie: the Olympia-to-Seattle metro areas) are on regional trunked systems. I'd recommend trading in the 160DN for the SDS100, and get a payment plan, then get the upgrade keys directly from Uniden. Believe me, the SDS100 is really worth it, and it's actually much cheaper than a comparable scanner from 15-20 years ago. (The one other expense I'd recommend is, get a $30 telescopic antenna. Most are way better than the one that comes with the scanner.)

 

[JamesPal]

Seriously, you get what you pay for with the SDS100. Although the DMR and NXDN activation keys are a separate expense, the SDS100 covers everything you could want {except anything encrypted). The P25 comes in handy if you want to listen to the Coast Guard. About half of all digital services are P25, with the rest being DMR and NXDN, and most of the activity on Puget Sound (ie: the Olympia-to-Seattle metro areas) are on regional trunked systems. I'd recommend trading in the 160DN for the SDS100, and get a payment plan, then get the upgrade keys directly from Uniden. Believe me, the SDS100 is really worth it, and it's actually much cheaper than a comparable scanner from 15-20 years ago. (The one other expense I'd recommend is, get a $30 telescopic antenna. Most are way better than the one that comes with the scanner.)

dmfalk, thanks for the advice. I'd like to know how much the DMR and NXDM keys are. Also waterfall looks like a cool feature. I guess my job for tonight is read the SDS100 manual. Wifey says GFI if you want it. How many more features does this radio have?

 

[JamesPal]

At this point it is obvious to me the BCD160DN is not going to work for me. I've gone through the Amazon return process I just have to drop it at my UPS store. I've read the SDS100 manual and this radio looks very slick. There is a SDS100 sitting in my Amazon cart. The last thing I need to know before pulling the trigger is if the local (zip code 98008) police/fire are encrypting transmissions.

 

[dmfalk]

$50 & $60 for the DMR and NXDN. $20 for the waterfall. (I use it, too.) These are from Uniden, directly. Other scanner resellers charge MUCH more than that for these upgrades.

The waterfall isn't necessary, but it can be handy, for any number of reasons.

And, in answer to your last question, PLENTY.

Start here:

SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

You'll need these, too:

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

SDS Sentinel Software Manual

Also, there are plenty of YouTube videos on the SDS100 worth watching, as they'll help in understanding this feature-rich scanner.

 

[EAFrizzle]

The last thing I need to know before pulling the trigger is if the local (zip code 98008) police/fire are encrypting transmissions.

A quick glance shows PSERN mostly unencrypted there, although you'll get more accurate and specific info in the Washington state forum.

Looks like a lot of good trunked systems in the area, and the SDS100 excels at that. Definitely look into better antennas. A telescopic one is great to start with, and after you learn more about the systems you can look at a band-specific model.

The forum and wiki search functions are great for answers and info.

 

[GILLIG40]

Take a look at MTC Radio. They still have the pre tariff price on the SDS100. I believe that they are still not charging sales tax if you live outside the state of Texas. But double check that.

Uniden SDS100 Digital Police Scanner In Stock

Free shipping over $100, great deals on cool stuff, ham radio, icom, kenwood , yaesu, wouxun, MTC, scanner, two way, commercial

www.mtcradio.com

 

[JamesPal]

Take a look at MTC Radio. They still have the pre tariff price on the SDS100. I believe that they are still not charging sales tax if you live outside the state of Texas. But double check that.

Uniden SDS100 Digital Police Scanner In Stock

Free shipping over $100, great deals on cool stuff, ham radio, icom, kenwood , yaesu, wouxun, MTC, scanner, two way, commercial

www.mtcradio.com

$50 less than Amazon +1. I'm seeing used SDS100 on ebay buy it now for around $480. What is the down side for buying used? Here is a nice clean one at auction: Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[hiegtx]

$50 less than Amazon +1. I'm seeing used SDS100 on ebay buy it now for around $480. What is the down side for buying used? Here is a nice clean one at auction: Pardon Our Interruption...

The link you posted does not have a "Buy it now" option. Seller states:

I have no idea whether the description given is accurate, though apparently the seller has positive feedback. The downside, of buying one from eBay, is that there is no warranty. This seller also does not accept returns. While this is not tagged as "refurbished", the downside of refurbished, from one of the better known dealers, or Uniden, is that there is normally no more than a 90 day warranty. A brand new unit has a one year warranty. Note that Uniden limits warranty coverage to the original purchaser, and requires a copy of that original retail receipt for warranty repairs. So even if the unit is 'brand new', or only a couple months since original purchase, the warranty is not transferable.

There are several other auctions, for the same model, linked on the page, but I'm not going to speculate on how accurate any of them are. If you roll the dice & proceed with a purchase on eBay, I hope it turns out well for you. I have not personally purchased from any of the currently listed sellers.

 

[JamesPal]

My real concern is if I can register it with Uniden. Things like upgrade Keys and database updates. Any thoughts?

 

[RandyKuff]

If the description that @hiegtx posted is truthfull.... I would think it's never been registered with Uniden...

Database updates and firmware updates are done with the Sentinel software... Free to download from Uniden...
Scanner does not need to be registered for that...

To purchase the upgrade keys thru Uniden the scanner needs to be registered with them...

But as said above you will have no warranty...

 

[saioke]

Even if it has been registered, I've heard that the DMR and waterfall unlocks are permanent if the previous owner purchased them, but I can't speak confidently about that.
The SDR route is a great option if you have a PC laying around that you don't mind keeping on 24/7 if you want to listen 24/7. But of course, you'd need multiple devices depending on what site/sites you want to listen to, and you can't really scan a P25 tower AND conventional analog or DMR channels at the same time without dedicating one SDR to doing that specifically.

Me personally, I bought 2 SDR's, one to monitor one P25 site, and the other to scan conventional DMR, and the occasional SW listening. DSD+ Fast Lane costs $10 for a year, or #25 for a lifetime, which is great software used to decode P25/DMR/etc. Couple of antenna's about 20-30 a piece, probably spent about $130-160 total. I run a Rdio-Scanner server so I can even listen to it on the go with my phone, and I share my server with family that are interested in hearing what's going on around the area.

Though of course, going to SDR route means you'll have to learn a lot more. It will require more setup time and the occasional hitch to get it all running the way it should. You also need a fairly powerful PC and that will increase your electric bill more than a scanner would. The SDS100 or SDS200 will be much easier to set up and get going.

 

[RandyKuff]

Even if it has been registered, I've heard that the DMR and waterfall unlocks are permanent if the previous owner purchased them, but I can't speak confidently about that.

Update keys are tied to the internal (ESN) electronic serial number of the scanner...
They are loaded internally to the radio, not the SD card...
So yes they are permanent...

 

[hiegtx]

My real concern is if I can register it with Uniden. Things like upgrade Keys and database updates. Any thoughts?

Registering the scanner on the "My Uniden" site is not cross-referenced by Uniden. Even if, for a "previously owned" unit, the original owner did register on My Uniden, that has no impact on you, now, registering it once you obtain the scanner. Note that if the previous owner registered it, and had purchased one, or more, of the upgrades (DMR, NXDN, or Waterfall), those will not pop-up when you register it under your name. So, if purchasing a previously owned scanner, with upgrades installed, ask the seller for his/her proof of purchase for the upgrade, That could be a copy of the confirmation email they received during the registration process, or a "screen shot" of their "My Uniden/My Scanners" page. You need to get, and save, a copy of the key that was issued for the scanner.

Note that if, unknown to you, the original owner purchased an upgrade, while that will not show on your "My Uniden" page, were you to also purchase the upgrade, you would not be able to enter the key generated by the purchase, because the upgrade was already installed. So, ask if an upgrade was done, and if so, ask for the key. It would be a waste of your time, as well as money, to buy a duplicate key that you cannot apply to the scanner.

If the description that @hiegtx posted is truthfull.... I would think it's never been registered with Uniden...

The listing does not mention whether or not the original purchaser entered it on My Uniden. Even if he (or she) had done so, nothing prevents the new owner from registering it.

The seller on eBay (presumably the original purchaser of the scanner) should have the original purchase receipt, but that is going to reflect his/her name, not yours, if you tried to send it in for a warranty repair. That's regardless of whether they did, or did not, register it on My Uniden as well.

 

[JamesPal]

Registering the scanner on the "My Uniden" site is not cross-referenced by Uniden. Even if, for a "previously owned" unit, the original owner did register on My Uniden, that has no impact on you, now, registering it once you obtain the scanner. Note that if the previous owner registered it, and had purchased one, or more, of the upgrades (DMR, NXDN, or Waterfall), those will not pop-up when you register it under your name. So, if purchasing a previously owned scanner, with upgrades installed, ask the seller for his/her proof of purchase for the upgrade, That could be a copy of the confirmation email they received during the registration process, or a "screen shot" of their "My Uniden/My Scanners" page. You need to get, and save, a copy of the key that was issued for the scanner.

Note that if, unknown to you, the original owner purchased an upgrade, while that will not show on your "My Uniden" page, were you to also purchase the upgrade, you would not be able to enter the key generated by the purchase, because the upgrade was already installed. So, ask if an upgrade was done, and if so, ask for the key. It would be a waste of your time, as well as money, to buy a duplicate key that you cannot apply to the scanner.

The listing does not mention whether or not the original purchaser entered it on My Uniden. Even if he (or she) had done so, nothing prevents the new owner from registering it.

The seller on eBay (presumably the original purchaser of the scanner) should have the original purchase receipt, but that is going to reflect his/her name, not yours, if you tried to send it in for a warranty repair. That's regardless of whether they did, or did not, register it on My Uniden as well.

Steve good information, THX. I sent a message to the Uniden support page asking if the warrantee will transfer and can I register for upgrade keys and database updates. I'm not sure if My request regarding the upgrades was specific enough, I might need to make a second go at them. I will post what I find out.

 

[JamesPal]

I did bid on the ebay SDS100 starting at $380 with a max bid of $410. I was quickly out bid and now it is up to $457. This is in the range of two other ebay SDS100 radios that are buy it now. I was attracted to this seller, he has made 195 ebay sells, a member since 2000 and 100% positive feedback. I have had good luck with people like this. Back to the bidding, there are two people in a bidding war over this radio. The auction runs till Saturday. If they keep doing what they are doing this radio will not be a good deal. Tomorrow I get home from my RV trip and I will finish returning the Bearcat. I will keep an eye on ebay, but I'm leaning into a new Amazon SDS100. this should be settled by the end of next week. Thanks to everyone for the info. I will be back for more.