SDS100/SDS200: Newbie Needs Help

[DSC45]

Hi Everyone! I've recently made contact with (nfd540) Tom, whom lives in Toms River, New Jersey. Tom is new to programming and needs as much help as we can give him. I remember my first encounters with the x36HP's and programming, very intimidating!! To say the least. I told Tom to monitor this thread, and that help will be coming!

Thanks for helping Tom!

 

[dfw1193]

Start by watching some you tube videos by searching uniden sds100 on you tube web site.

 

[buddrousa]

Also you can read the easier to read 436/536 manual located here.
Easier to Read BCD436/536HP Digital Scanner Manual
BCDX36HP Sentinel Software Manual

 

[TailGator911]

Both good bits of advice above. My suggestion has always been to make a good pot of coffee and sit down with both the easier to read manual, you tube vids, and searching out the very informative threads here on this forum. Best thing to do is just jump right in and try it step-by-step. It will take you a few times (initial programming) but the more you dabble with it, the easier it becomes and the better you comprehend it. I always suggest customizing your own Favorite Lists rather than zipcode programming so as to get to know your scanner and how to navigate the menu options. It's a learning curve and somewhat intimidating at first, but then the light at the end of the tunnel appears and you suddenly get it. Trial by error, baptism by fire, all of that. Ok, two pots of coffee.

JD
kf4anc

 

[dfw1193]

Remember once you get an understanding you will want to delete everything and start over from the beginning since you now understand how it really works was not the way you thought it worked ....

 

[gillham]

Should we merge threads? https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/need-help-programming-sds100.382816

In any event.. why not just tell him to update the DB, punch in his Zipcode, set his range, and let him mess with service types (and permanent lockouts) to get his feet wet. Who knows, maybe that's all he wants to listen to anyways. If he needs more (or less), he can start to dabble in favorites lists.

 

[werinshades]

Both good bits of advice above. My suggestion has always been to make a good pot of coffee and sit down with both the easier to read manual, you tube vids, and searching out the very informative threads here on this forum. Best thing to do is just jump right in and try it step-by-step. It will take you a few times (initial programming) but the more you dabble with it, the easier it becomes and the better you comprehend it. I always suggest customizing your own Favorite Lists rather than zipcode programming so as to get to know your scanner and how to navigate the menu options. It's a learning curve and somewhat intimidating at first, but then the light at the end of the tunnel appears and you suddenly get it. Trial by error, baptism by fire, all of that. Ok, two pots of coffee.

JD
kf4anc

Exactly what I did (just 1 pot of coffee though), and my advice to a couple others who have purchased this scanner. Once you get the jist of it, you'll enjoy it more. It won't happen overnight, be patient. I always say "don't let it beat you". When you fell like that, step away and come back to it later.

 

[TailGator911]

Remember once you get an understanding you will want to delete everything and start over from the beginning since you now understand how it really works was not the way you thought it worked ....

Also, when a particular configuration works for you, be sure to save the file (auto saves to your Documents folder) and name it something consecutive (date/time) so you will always have a good base configuration to fall back on when you hopelessly screw it up (and you will). I did this, at the behest of a late great RR member and silent key mentor named troymail, and it was the best advice anyone gave to me. Thanks to weeks of his kindness and patience, I came to fully understand the programming aspects of all of my digital scanners. We traded files back and forth via email and he 'graded' my process and explained things to me. I still have the notes he sent and the programming sequences he sent to me. I offered to pay him for his time, but he simply said to me - 'Pay it forward' - words to live by.

What I love the most about this place - ask, and someone will answer.

JD
kf4anc