SDS = Simulcast Dominating Scanner
Don't buy any of the upgrades through whichever dealer you order from. Depending on the seller, they add $15 to as much as $40 to the cost of the upgrade. You can purchase direct from Uniden & save the money. Also, don't pay a dealer to program it. They'll only add the systems for your area that are in the database. You can do that yourself, by updating the scanner's database via Sentinel, then scanning using your location, range, & service types, or by appending from the main database in Sentinel on your PC. There are a number of 'how-to' videos on YouTube, as well as online resources here on RadioReference to help you get up & running.Ok sports fans.. I've decided on the SDS100 after watching WAAAAAAAY too many reviews... The next thing I'd like to know is, do I need to buy one or all three upgrades (ProVoice, DMR and NXDN)?? Again, I live in the Washington DC/Northern VA area. I have zero clue what these do. Any thoughts?
Don't buy any of the upgrades through whichever dealer you order from. Depending on the seller, they add $15 to as much as $40 to the cost of the upgrade. You can purchase direct from Uniden & save the money. Also, don't pay a dealer to program it. They'll only add the systems for your area that are in the database. You can do that yourself, by updating the scanner's database via Sentinel, then scanning using your location, range, & service types, or by appending from the main database in Sentinel on your PC. There are a number of 'how-to' videos on YouTube, as well as online resources here on RadioReference to help you get up & running.
I would not do any upgrades until you get the scanner, & use it a few days to make sure there are no problems, and you're going to keep it. If you immediately added upgrades, but then there was some sort of issue (possible, though not likely) where you needed to return it, the upgrades cannot be transferred to another scanner.
There appear to be no systems in your area using ProVoice, so that upgrade would not be of use. ProVoice is no longer supported by it's manufacturer, so no new systems will be put into service.
Look at the database for your location, and the surrounding counties, to see what DMR and NXDN systems are in the database. These formats are commonly used by businesses, though some smaller public safety agencies also use them, as well as certain facilities, like a hospital, hotel or sports complex. If any of those interest you, then you can always add the upgrade whenever you're ready.
The Remtronix antenna is a good choice for 700/800MHz systems.SUPER solid advice... thanks @hiegtx .. I will hold off on any software upgrades until after I get the unit and let it run for a bit... I plan on using the SDS100 as mainly a desktop scanner but obviously with the mobile option if I want to bring it with me. Given that, are there any accessories that you'd recommend to make it perform at its max potential? Here are the accessories I plan on getting: REMtronix antenna (since I'll mainly be listening to 700-800Mhz bands, desktop stand and cup holder stand for when I take in the truck with me. I'll use the included power adapter to just run it off house power while its on my desk. Anything else you'd suggest?
The Remtronix antenna is a good choice for 700/800MHz systems.
I use this adapter to power my SDS100 in my SUV. It has a cable with the mini-USB end that fits the scanner. Also has two additional USB ports for other devices. More than enough power to both run & charge my SDS100, plus also power a second scanner, such as one of my 436HPs.
Should you want another, spare, cable, look for one like this:
It has heavier wires for the power circuit. Some of the cheaper cables you'll find online or at your local big box store only have the smaller, 28AWG wiring, which may not handle the power the scanner needs to both scan & charge at the same time.
You should be able to zip code scan with it right outta the box if I remember correctly.
You could download Sentinel today and begin getting familiar with it and creating a favorites list. I did just that and my programming was ready before the scanner arrived.
There are but I know nothing about them.Ok... that sounds like a plan... I'll download it today and start messing around with it. Are there any more software programs I should look into that will help maximize the performance of the SDS100??
You can do your programming via Sentinel. Be sure to update it's database once you install it. When you first get your scanner, as well as when you first install Sentinel, the database will not be up to date. So, get it updated in Sentinel, then, when you get your scanner, write that update to the radio.Ok... that sounds like a plan... I'll download it today and start messing around with it. Are there any more software programs I should look into that will help maximize the performance of the SDS100??
You can do your programming via Sentinel. Be sure to update it's database once you install it. When you first get your scanner, as well as when you first install Sentinel, the database will not be up to date. So, get it updated in Sentinel, then, when you get your scanner, write that update to the radio.
You can use Sentinel for programming, creating a Favorites either by appending systems from the database to a list, or simply using your location, range, & selected Service types to have Sentinel create a 'starter' list for you. Then you can tweak it to suit your preferences.
Software such as ProScan or ARC536 can also be used to create and/or edit Favorites lists. Should you, at some point, want to use logging or virtual control for the scanner, you'd need either ProScan ($50), or ARC536 Pro ($69.95; the Basic version of ARC536, $39.95, only handles programming). I prefer ProScan because it does everything that ARC536 Pro does, for less money, as well as ProScan supports many other models of Uniden scanners.
If you later become a Premium Subscriber, then you could use ProScan or ARC536 to import systems from the RadioReference database, selecting only what you want. You don't need Premium status to use Sentinel to append systems, but for larger regional or statewide systems, when you try to append only the specific departments of interest, it also appends all of the sites for the system. When that occurs, you can either set the sites not needed to Avoid status, delete them, or use location & range so that they are not enabled.
You may also want to review some of the information in the Wiki. Explore the links included in this set of pages:
SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page - The RadioReference Wiki
...Just got my brand spankin new SDS100!!! HOLY CRAP.. this thing does like...everything! I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the options and capabilities this scanner can do. As everyone suggested, the first thing I did was update the firmware and database. I'm also learning to get my favorites lists populated. I know I'm just scratching the surface on this scanner but so far, I'm pretty happy. I like that it handles simulcast much better than my SDR Dongle set up. I'll spend the next day or so figuring out all the features and options. Thanks again to everyone that gave me great advice. If you have some cool tips or tricks, feel free to post them. I'm a newbie with this thing so I welcome any and all help. Stay safe...
In addition, at the very bottom, are YouTube links for the 100 and 200. They may also be of help
Mike
How far away from your location is the nearest site in the system? If you're not far away, the stock antenna or a Remtronix may be good enough.So if I was to get a solid, reliable outdoor base antenna for my SDS100, what would be my best option? I'm looking at the Diamond Discone antennas and the Spider Procomm base antennas as options. I need one that will give me the best reception over all bands. Either one of those two better than the other?