SDS100/SDS200: SDS 100 Quick Keys

[jgorman21]

So I know there are several posts on this topic on here But in an effort not to have to read through so many, does anyone have a quick and easy chart/manual/list of how to properly use the quick keys? The manual (as usual) is useless. And I temporarily had a dead radio with nothing in it till I read it back from my file. Maybe I don't need quick keys? But I'd like to at least understand how they work.

I received a lot of help on here with the filters and such which has greatly improved this expensive radio to being "almost as good" as some of my other radios. Im trying not to vent here really. Just looking for help!

Thanks!

 

[Reconrider]

Favorite . System . Department

Here's the "easy to read" manual that explains it

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

And here's a really good video that I learned a little from after the text manual didn't help.

Credits to "Boy and a Scanner"

 

[ofd8001]

If you do Favorites List from a computer/sentinel, many folks will incorporate the given Quick Key as part of the Favorites List/System/Department Name. Helps with memory.

For example "F01 Home", "S01 Jefferson Co", "D01 Fire".

 

[n1chu]

As it relates to your comment regarding filters on the SDS100;

“I received a lot of help on here with the filters and such which has greatly improved this expensive radio to being "almost as good" as some of my other radios.”

Curious about your methodology used in determining which filter to use (or not use). I know filters come with the “Your results may vary” tag, because different locations has a bearing on which setting to use, and I will keep that in mind. My method was to try different filter settings on a stationary SDS200/100 (where the scanner location or antenna did not change) and compare results… a hit or miss process. In my case, I found satisfactory results when not using any filter settings. But that’s just me, my location. Did you do the same comparison tests?

It’s interesting to note these filter settings were originally only for bench testing at Uniden. But after Uniden realized a good portion of SDS scanners were returned for repair due to poor reception on trunked systems, which they improved by utilizing these filters, it was deemed releasing filter settings to the general public would reduce returns for repair. I haven’t any insight on how they determined which filter settings were to be used, as the right filter choice is dependent upon the scanner’s location, (what works at Uniden’s repair facility may not work at your home). I would venture a guess that Uniden returned the scanners with a note that explains the process of a tedious and timely effort to compare filter settings. So, how did you determine which settings were to be used?

 

[jgorman21]

Favorite . System . Department

Here's the "easy to read" manual that explains it

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

And here's a really good video that I learned a little from after the text manual didn't help.

Credits to "Boy and a Scanner"

Thank you. I’ll check all of this out. Much appreciated!

 

[jgorman21]

As it relates to your comment regarding filters on the SDS100;

“I received a lot of help on here with the filters and such which has greatly improved this expensive radio to being "almost as good" as some of my other radios.”

Curious about your methodology used in determining which filter to use (or not use). I know filters come with the “Your results may vary” tag, because different locations has a bearing on which setting to use, and I will keep that in mind. My method was to try different filter settings on a stationary SDS200/100 (where the scanner location or antenna did not change) and compare results… a hit or miss process. In my case, I found satisfactory results when not using any filter settings. But that’s just me, my location. Did you do the same comparison tests?

It’s interesting to note these filter settings were originally only for bench testing at Uniden. But after Uniden realized a good portion of SDS scanners were returned for repair due to poor reception on trunked systems, which they improved by utilizing these filters, it was deemed releasing filter settings to the general public would reduce returns for repair. I haven’t any insight on how they determined which filter settings were to be used, as the right filter choice is dependent upon the scanner’s location, (what works at Uniden’s repair facility may not work at your home). I would venture a guess that Uniden returned the scanners with a note that explains the process of a tedious and timely effort to compare filter settings. So, how did you determine which settings were to be used?

There was a post called: “ What is the difference with all the filters in the SDS 100 scanner”. it is rather lengthy but it’s a treasure trove On the filters. But I forgot about the other important tip. Changing the mode from NFM to FM. Doing this improved reception greatly. Seems that no one is sure why, but it works!

As far as my experience, the radio was basically “deaf” on VHF Hi and UHF say 440-470 as an example. Also airband. Back and forth with settings and “side by side” with other radios. Oh and I only adjusted filters on conventional channels. Basically the best settings (generally) were:
Wide normal (VHF-UHF)
Wide invert (AM Aircraft)
Wide invert (Rail)

I have been using a Unication G5 for years for simulcast systems near me. I absolutely love this pager for this purpose. In my experience (ears and side by side) it is far superior for these systems! Why then did I get the SDS 100? Basically to update my scanners. My ”newest” radio prior to the SDS 100 was a GRE PSR 500. Still using it. Still great. I probably could have gone with one of the “lesser” non simulcast models.

The SDS is ok. There is a steep learning curve and I’m still a “babe in the woods!” In fact I just posted a question on the “magic world” of quick keys! Baby steps I guess for me With this radio.

If it’s working well for you as is, that’s great! If it ain’t broke…

 

[jgorman21]

Favorite . System . Department

Here's the "easy to read" manual that explains it

Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual

And here's a really good video that I learned a little from after the text manual didn't help.

Credits to "Boy and a Scanner"

Ohhhh….I think I see now! Do you think it’s easier from the radio? Or with sentinel?

 

[n1chu]

There was a post called: “ What is the difference with all the filters in the SDS 100 scanner”. it is rather lengthy but it’s a treasure trove On the filters. But I forgot about the other important tip. Changing the mode from NFM to FM. Doing this improved reception greatly. Seems that no one is sure why, but it works!

As far as my experience, the radio was basically “deaf” on VHF Hi and UHF say 440-470 as an example. Also airband. Back and forth with settings and “side by side” with other radios. Oh and I only adjusted filters on conventional channels. Basically the best settings (generally) were:
Wide normal (VHF-UHF)
Wide invert (AM Aircraft)
Wide invert (Rail)

I have been using a Unication G5 for years for simulcast systems near me. I absolutely love this pager for this purpose. In my experience (ears and side by side) it is far superior for these systems! Why then did I get the SDS 100? Basically to update my scanners. My ”newest” radio prior to the SDS 100 was a GRE PSR 500. Still using it. Still great. I probably could have gone with one of the “lesser” non simulcast models.

The SDS is ok. There is a steep learning curve and I’m still a “babe in the woods!” In fact I just posted a question on the “magic world” of quick keys! Baby steps I guess for me With this radio.

If it’s working well for you as is, that’s great! If it ain’t broke…

Thanks. I will search for that post “What is the difference with all the filters in the SDS100 scanner”.

 

[jgorman21]

Thanks. I will search for that post “What is the difference with all the filters in the SDS100 scanner”.

The switch from NFM to FM was huge!

 

[Ensnared]

I constructed very detailed pics showing the various ways to program the entire radio with the exception of the start up keys. I was not using them when I made these. If you would like for me to send them, send a PM with an email and I will forward. Each act of program has written instructions.

 

[Reconrider]

Ohhhh….I think I see now! Do you think it’s easier from the radio? Or with sentinel?

I'm kind of bias towards @ProScan

I hate sentinel because it's ugly and "bloated" with how you have to click 4 times to edit 1 thing and in proscan you click maybe once or twice.

But 100% it's MUCH easier on the computer no matter what program you're using.

 

[kbraszzz]

The switch from NFM to FM was huge!

I just now tried this and it is huge. How did I not know about this? Is this specific to the scanner?

 

[Ensnared]

I'm kind of bias towards @ProScan

I hate sentinel because it's ugly and "bloated" with how you have to click 4 times to edit 1 thing and in proscan you click maybe once or twice.

But 100% it's MUCH easier on the computer no matter what program you're using.

With Pro-Scan, are you able to load all of your Favorites at once?

 

[ProScan]

With Pro-Scan, are you able to load all of your Favorites at once?

Yes like in this image



ProScan has extra capabilities that I don't believe Sentinel has such as:

• Multiple Favorites on the same tree which makes it easy to Copy & Paste and Drag & Drop systems
• Find Duplicates utility
• Find & Replace utility
• Update Text Tags utility
• Import directly from RRDB. RadioReference subscription required
• Import from the Win Clipboard or from a RR web page. No RadioReference subscription required
• Versatile Sorting options
• Google Maps showing all the systems with circles or rectangles
• Export nicely formatted web page showing any or all (user selectable) the FQK's, SQK's, Number Tags, and systems
• Copy & Paste and Drag & Drop nodes to other systems and other ProScan instances
• SDS200 FTP Read & Write using the Ethernet connection
• View the differences between ProScan and the Scanner favorites when writing and reading to and from the scanner

 

[werinshades]

I just now tried this and it is huge. How did I not know about this? Is this specific to the scanner?

Because to complain is easier than attempting some fixes. Filters, Modulation changes all will help.

 

[jgorman21]

Because to complain is easier than attempting some fixes. Filters, Modulation changes all will help.

Absolutely!

 

[jgorman21]

I just now tried this and it is huge. How did I not know about this? Is this specific to the scanner?

Not sure. A couple of the people that were talking about this really couldn’t explain it. Just said it works.

This radio has a great deal of “mysteries!”