Prospective no more!
- Thread starter TheSnake
- Start date
MStep
Member
Have fun with the new "toy".
I'm sure I will, but so far, I'm picking up nothing. We'll see how it goes.
MStep
Member
Always try with your local NOAA station. And then make sure all available service types are enabled. Overlooking the service types is what throws most people for a loop. The SDS series are great radios, but patience and perseverance are required.
Thanks for that - I will. Mike
If you haven't done this already, download & install Sentinel on your PC & update the database. When the scanner is first shipped, also when Sentinel is first installed, the database almost surely will be several years out of date. Update it in Sentinel, then write the update to the scanner.
Make sure that your correct location is entered. You can set that in the scanner, but you also need to have it correct in your Sentinel profile. If you only set it in the scanner, but not Sentinel, every time you downloaded Favorites lists and a database update to the scanner, whatever location was set in Sentinel would also be loaded, even if incorrect.
As MStep has noted, also make sure you have the service types you want enabled. Initially, when shipped, only the Dispatch types for public safety are enabled. i.e. Law Dispatch, Fire Dispatch, EMS Dispatch, and Multi-Dispatch. You should also enable the Tac & Talk types for those categories, such as Fire Tac, Law Talk, etc.
bearcatrp
Member
If this is your first digital scanner, suggest you use location scanning by entering your zip code and set range to 10 miles. Also select your services. Good way to enjoy your scanner while learning it. As suggested above, download sentinel. You will need this to update the database plus create favorites when your ready. Enjoy your new toy. It’s just the beginning. By next year, you will own more.
haha, you guys are great - thanks for all the assistance. encouraging me to buy more scanners - that's a help!
MikeI get WX transmissions, and the very occasional radio traffic; so I guess the unit is working fine. I have services enabled thru Sentinel; I guess just not much getting thru into the house - I suspect aluminum siding has something to do with it. Gonna take a drive mid-day to day and see what I can pick up. Also looking at the Rem-842S antenna. Mike
MStep
Member
I take it then that this is your first radio. Most folks here have progressed up from other units and into the SDS series, so they know what they should and should not be hearing based on past experience. As far as having "services enabled through Sentinel", make sure that you write (save) those to your radio as well.
Time, patience, and Radio Reference are your best friends.
Hello. No, not my first radio; third, actually. It's been a while since I've listened much, too many other hobbies. Anyway, I appreciate all the help everyone has given, I'll just have to be patient and put more time into it. Mike
I have it, thanks, am looking at it now. Mike
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