SDS100/SDS200: Scanner Purchase, please help

[KK4JUG]

I promise not to say anything. (Good Vermont maple, since you ask.)

 

[CocoaBeWhere]

G'day all. Just an update on my pursuit for an SDS100. I have one on the way from our friends at HamRadio.com Salem DHL says delivery by tomorrow...WOOT!

Thanks to all for the recommendations and constructive insight on this product. Can't wait to get it.

Got an extra battery and the REM-820S. Ended up saving over $100 including the duties and freight compared to purchasing from the Canadian dealer (if it was even in stock).

Anyway, the 820S covers my 700-900 scanning needs but I have to ask what do you use for the 70cm/2m range with the SDS100? I'll probably do like most of you and just use the included Ducky for whipping/punishing purposes only

 

[trentbob]

Although 842s is not optimal on 7 - 800 it does better than the stock antenna. You will find VHF and UHF is decent, far better than the stock antenna which is not very good... your 820s will really outperform the stock antenna on 7 - 800 and does a decent job on UHF but is terrible on vhf high.

 

[CocoaBeWhere]

thanks for that. I figured I would need to swap out the antenna for VHF anyway.

I am trying to find reviews on this one since my local ship has it in stock

Diamond Antenna SRH-77CA VHF Handheld Antenna, - Radioworld

2 meter 14" rubber antenna, SMA

www.radioworld.ca

 

[KK4JUG]

First of all, you have a lot of gall trying to put this thread back on track.

Second, I'm glad you were able to fight through the red tape and other problems to get what you wanted.

 

[trentbob]

The 77 is a decent antenna, it's a ham antenna used to transmit that you're not doing. Personally on a HT I use a Comet sma 24... kind of long and clumsy but a better performer. The reason I suggested the antenna I did is it's a scanner antenna and it's got good coverage on everything. Choice is yours and I guess you have to look at availability.

 

[ko6jw_2]

The chip shortage is only one issue. These radios are assembled in Vietnam (probably from Chinese parts but that's another story). Vietnam is having serious COVID-19 issues which are affecting their production capabilities in many areas. Clothing and shoes for example. Think Nike. There isn't one simple reason for shortages. Shipping to Canada is a problem for some suppliers and not others. I once tried to get a scanner shipped to my brother-in-law in Anchorage and was told by the seller that it was an "international" address. I replied that Alaska was still part of the US as far as I knew. No luck. Ordered from someone else and no issue. I'm not sure if the lack of 700MHz coverage is a problem in Canada, but this is certainly a reason not to buy the European version. Some parts of Europe still use the 66-88MHz band. Not useful in Canada. Warranties are a valid concern too. Spent some time in camera and radio stores in Tokyo. Prices are a little higher and no US warranty. I did buy a couple of things, but accessories that I have never seen in the US.

Bottom line is that shortages will be with us for a while. I recently wanted a Sony receiver (audio) amplifier. Ordered one from Amazon. Wanted another one and Amazon was on backorder. Tried a big supplier in NY. Our of stock. Picked one up from stock at my local Best Buy. Have had the same experience with camera equipment. Keep looking, someone may have stock somewhere. Otherwise, be patient.

 

[JoeBearcat]

thanks for that. I figured I would need to swap out the antenna for VHF anyway.

I am trying to find reviews on this one since my local ship has it in stock

Diamond Antenna SRH-77CA VHF Handheld Antenna, - Radioworld

2 meter 14" rubber antenna, SMA

www.radioworld.ca

This is "out of my wheelhouse" somewhat, but I do know the "800" MHz antennas perform better than stock on UHF - or about the same as stock.

Yes, VHF will suffer.

 

[ko6jw_2]

GigaParts had SDS100 and 200 in stock earlier this week. Both Huntsville and Las Vegas stores.

 

[hobby4me]

RadioWorld is sold out. They didn't give me an ETA as their site mentions 'on order'.

Another radio shop out in Calgary also mentions sold out. I don't know what it is about the SDS100 but even eBay doesn't list any.

Where in Calgary are you speaking of? I live in Coaldale, which is 2.5 hours south of there. I would be interested in learning who up there sells.

Bill