SDS100/SDS200: Problem activating IFX on SDS100

[KC8STN]

I'm trying to figure out how to activate IFX on an SDS100. I have complex display mode turned on, and an IFX symbol should appear in the bottom left area of my display.

While scanning, I've tried to press the function key and then 7, but that doesn't activate the IFX symbol. I've also tried to wait for some active chatter, and then performed a channel hold. Then from the channel hold, I press function and 7. That still doesn't activate the IFX symbol on the display. I feel like I must be missing something.

Thanks!

 

[tvengr]

You need to set up IFX in Edit Display in Sentinel.

 

[trentbob]

If you are sitting on a conventional frequency that you want to apply IFX to then toggle function 7, if it helps and you leave it on it will apply to that frequency everywhere that it is in your radio.

If it doesn't help simply toggle It Off. It sounds like you're doing everything right. I was under the impression that IFX was on the display by default?

 

[trentbob]

@KC8STN, are you by chance attempting to apply it to a talk group in a trunked system?

If you experience a delay with your responses, because you are a newbie, you will be moderated for the first handful or so of posts.

 

[tvengr]

I was under the impression that IFX was on the display by default?

It should be 3rd from the left on the bottom line of the display (above soft keys) by default. It is an editable field. If IFX doesn't show on the display, either the frequency is not set to IFX or the field needs to be added to the display.

 

[KC8STN]

I'm trying to use it on a trunked P25 system. It's the third from the left icon on the bottom.

 

[Ubbe]

I'm trying to figure out how to activate IFX on an SDS100.

You will need to first make a hold on the actual frequency, as IFX cannot be done to talk groups. For trunked systems you will need to note the frequency that are displayed, if you have configure it to show, and then do Channel Hold, enter that frequency, then Channel Hold again and then you can toggle that frequencies IFX. When done then push the To Scan button.

/Ubbe

 

[trentbob]

It should be 3rd from the left on the bottom line of the display (above soft keys) by default. It is an editable field. If IFX doesn't show on the display, either the frequency is not set to IFX or the field needs to be added to the display.

Agreed, I have removed so much from my display, actually most of the stuff, but I don't ever remember having to set up IFX initially, I actually don't remember lol.

I've only used it on a handful of conventional frequencies, mostly Aviation and Marine.

 

[trentbob]

You will need to first make a hold on the actual frequency, as IFX cannot be done to talk groups.

Yep, that's the reason I asked the question in post #4.

 

[KC8STN]

You will need to first make a hold on the actual frequency, as IFX cannot be done to talk groups. For trunked systems you will need to note the frequency that are displayed, if you have configure it to show, and then do Channel Hold, enter that frequency, then Channel Hold again and then you can toggle that frequencies IFX. When done then push the To Scan button.

/Ubbe

Thanks!

 

[hazrat8990]

It is by far easier to apply IFX to the frequencies that need it by adding them to the list in Sentinel. Open up the profile editor, and select the miscellaneous tab, click on the button to review/edit, then add each one.

 

[Ubbe]

It is by far easier to apply IFX to the frequencies that need it by adding them to the list in Sentinel.

Yes, maybe. But I assume you'll need to do it on the scanner first as you are immediately testing if it improves anything. I will be a bit awkward to have to connect the scanner to your PC and use Sentinel and reprogram the scanner and have to wait for it to go into mass storage mode , program the scanner, and then it does its start up initializing, compared to the 3 sec it takes to do it from the keypad and without messing up any other settings like active scan lists, avoids, volume levels and so on. If a manual IFX test works to improve reception then you can program that into Sentinel so that the IFX setting are kept at each programming of the scanner.

/Ubbe

 

[phask]

Yes, maybe. But I assume you'll need to do it on the scanner first as you are immediately testing if it improves anything. I will be a bit awkward to have to connect the scanner to your PC and use Sentinel and reprogram the scanner and have to wait for it to go into mass storage mode , program the scanner, and then it does its start up initializing, compared to the 3 sec it takes to do it from the keypad and without messing up any other settings like active scan lists, avoids, volume levels and so on. If a manual IFX test works to improve reception then you can program that into Sentinel so that the IFX setting are kept at each programming of the scanner.

/Ubbe

Nice to know that I've been doing it wrong all these years. I have always done it via Sentinel with ZERO problems. Most are P-25 systems and much easier. Also easier to revert if needed.

Maybe it's just YOU who have the problem.

 

[a727469]

I think the idea here is that there are good 2 ways to do it based on whether you want to test ”on the fly” without sentinel or if you already know a batch of frequencies to ifx…neither way is right or wrong.

 

[Ubbe]

Nice to know that I've been doing it wrong all these years.

You probably have. There's settings in the scanner, like filters and IFX, that allows you to do instant changes to check if it helped. Then you can enter those changes permanently in Sentinel, or just read the scanner from Sentinel when you are done with the evaluation. IFX are frequency dependent so usually you cannot set IFX to a bunch of frequencies in one go, as one frequency might improve from IFX but others could be worse. The same goes for the filter settings.

/Ubbe

 

[phask]

Dude - you obviously don't get sarcasm.

 

[KevinC]

Dude - you obviously don't get sarcasm.

@Ubbe must be a wrecker driver cuz he just towed you!

 

[phask]

@Ubbe must be a wrecker driver cuz he just towed you!

Naw - trying to educate me on a SDS or other Uniden - Nope. I probably receive more P25 traffic in one day than any European will in a month. Since most everything there is ENC or not P25, probably more traffic. (period). I take all his posts with a boulder of salt. He has posted so much incorrect info. I just gloss over it.

 

[a727469]

I normally don’t respond to this type of thing, but I do not think the amount of scanner traffic really affects how good we are with the technical or operational side. If that were the case, I would be considered incompetent 😵‍💫since my area is not that active being rural. However, I would put my knowledge of both technical and operations up against many people in these forums anytime having been involved for many decades… Ubbe has always been very helpful to someone needing help. Also , I have learned much by reading his posts. Are all of us correct all the time? No, but we should be thankful that people take the time to help…just my personal opinion.