SDS 100 vs BCD325P2

[SierraTangoAlpha]

Well I just picked up the SDS 100 and so far my BCD 325P2 is beating the pants off the 100. The major issue is the data set in the SDS 100 is too large and even though I have set the location manually,.the SDS 100 insists on scanning locations too far away. Alberta First Responders Radio Database is loaded and scanned in full from Devon to Wetaskiwin..not optimal if you are located in the city of Edmonton. Tough to find hold button on the SDS100..I am so used to 325P2...not really bonding with the SDS100 at all yet.n So my first impression is a properly programmed BCD325P2 will not miss any calls and so far has been easier to use. The SDS100 feels good in the hand but the Menus are pretty opaque compared to the 325P2...I'll find something to do with the SDS100..but what it won't be doing is replacing the Uniden BCD 325P2....SAVE YOUR MONEY

 

[sallen07]

Well I just picked up the SDS 100 and so far my BCD 325P2 is beating the pants off the 100. The major issue is the data set in the SDS 100 is too large and even though I have set the location manually,.the SDS 100 insists on scanning locations too far away

Have you downloaded Sentinal, and picked what you want to listen to?

The "zip code" method is easy, but does not give you the best results.

 

[iMONITOR]

Have you downloaded Sentinal, and picked what you want to listen to?

The "zip code" method is easy, but does not give you the best results.

When using the zip code method set the Range to 05.0 miles.

 

[iMONITOR]

So my first impression is a properly programmed BCD325P2 will not miss any calls and so far has been easier to use.

A properly programmed SDS100 will do the same thing.

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

Have you downloaded Sentinal, and picked what you want to listen to?

The "zip code" method is easy, but does not give you the best results.

I have not been able to use Sentinel yet..I am using Arc Butel software..and again its not as easy to use as the version for the BCD325P2.
HPD FILES on the SD Card again pretty opaque

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

When using the zip code method set the Range to 05.0 miles.

I will try that..30 miles is for sure too much. Ok did that and it still is scanning Thorhild to Wabamun,lol..

 

[iMONITOR]

I will try that..30 miles is for sure too much. Ok did that and it still is scanning Thorhild to Wabamun,lol..

Keep in mind 5 mile equates to 5 mile + the distance the radio will transmit, IE: 5 Miles + 20 Mile Range = 25 miles. Use AVOID to block systems you don't want.

 

[Ubbe]

The database have each transmitter stated with a position and a range. Sometimes the position aren't correct and at other times the range are not what you would expect. The scanners range setting add extra miles to those settings.

The database do not know if you use a portable scanner indoors or are using a much more efficient antenna high up on a buildings roof. Ideally the database should be done with ranges for indoor use with a rubber duckie antenna that also will more or less match using a portable scanner in a car. If you then use a roof antenna on your car you would add some miles in the scanners range setting and if using home with a roof antenna on your house you would increase the range setting even further.

As it seems the database use range values that are predicted for car use with roof antenna and the scanner cannot for some reasons be set to use negative numbers in its range setting to reduce the range to what actually can be received when sitting indoors at your desk.

If you push the avoid button on trunked system you will only avoid that specific TG that are active at that time. You will probably have to move everything to favorite lists and then edit those lists in the scanner or using ARC to permanently avoid unwanted sites. ARC probably allows you to edit the range setting for each site so you could also set those to a more appropriate value that matches your actual coverage range.

The ZIP function are more or less just a quick way to get you going and start scanning something in your area. It will need a lot of fine tuning in favorite lists to finally end up with what you actually want to scan.

/Ubbe

 

[fxdscon]

I will try that..30 miles is for sure too much. Ok did that and it still is scanning Thorhild to Wabamun,lol..

Have a read at this link for Uniden’s explanation of how location control works:

How it Works: Location, Location, Location

Uniden's HomePatrol-1 is the first digital TrunkTracker IV Communications Receiver that requires no user programming. Simply turn it on, enter your location, and you will immediately begin hearing communications in your area. This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system...

www.homepatrol.com

 

[marksmith]

You need to install Sentinel in order to update your firmware and update your database.

The other thing it does is enable you to create favorites lists, which will program the radio for exactly what you want to listen to. The same setup as your 325p2. Only programming it is easier. You just select stuff from the database and add it to a favorites list.

It can do everything that other software can, and also update your radio. It is the free software from Uniden that comes with and is specifically for the SDS100.

Don't compare the radio to others until you program it the same way. The SDS100 excells over the 325p2 in reception once you get it programmed. You will find stuff you could not hear at all with the 325p2. I have both.

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

You need to install Sentinel in order to update your firmware and update your database.

The other thing it does is enable you to create favorites lists, which will program the radio for exactly what you want to listen to. The same setup as your 325p2. Only programming it is easier. You just select stuff from the database and add it to a favorites list.

It can do everything that other software can, and also update your radio. It is the free software from Uniden that comes with and is specifically for the SDS100.

Don't compare the radio to others until you program it the same way. The SDS100 excells over the 325p2 in reception once you get it programmed. You will find stuff you could not hear at all with the 325p2. I have both.

My firmware was updated 3 weeks ago, I have the manual on PDF and in hand its going to be time to dig into it. I will pick up an SMA to BNC connector from ALFA Radio on friday and see what my Dual Band Whips do. I have yet to see a solid DECODE LED and associated data. My 325P2 will reliably give me the individual user Id i6993 for instnce i6001

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

You need to install Sentinel in order to update your firmware and update your database.

The other thing it does is enable you to create favorites lists, which will program the radio for exactly what you want to listen to. The same setup as your 325p2. Only programming it is easier. You just select stuff from the database and add it to a favorites list.

It can do everything that other software can, and also update your radio. It is the free software from Uniden that comes with and is specifically for the SDS100.

Don't compare the radio to others until you program it the same way. The SDS100 excells over the 325p2 in reception once you get it programmed. You will find stuff you could not hear at all with the 325p2. I have both.

I have the SDS with a site hold on the site and talk group I am interested in and can monitor both side by side have seen the SDS 100 miss calla and replies that the 325P2 grabbed...so far not impressed. The 325P2 is still easier to program with ARC Butel Pro.. I have only had it for 24 hours and my first thoughts remain. I have my 325P2 on and monitoring the SDS 100 is sitting beside it on charge. I'll have to bond with it and learn the keystokes that are second nature with the 325P2 after so long. I like. having the option but again so far not overly impressed (for the money)

 

[doctordialtone]

I have the SDS with a site hold on the site and talk group I am interested in and can monitor both side by side have seen the SDS 100 miss calla and replies that the 325P2 grabbed..

That's typical.

I run a 325P2 and 996p2 and SDS200 side-by-side.

Each one picks up transmissions that the others miss at various times.

The 325P2 is the best receiver of the 3, but still occasionally misses things at first.

I need to run all three and I'm sure I'm still missing things.

Nothings perfect. They're hobby radios - not professional receivers.

Enjoy!

 

[buddrousa]

Have you adjusted the SDS100 FILTERS?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 DECODE?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 to DISPLAY UID's?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 ADVANCED DISPLAY SETTINGS?

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

Have you adjusted the SDS100 FILTERS?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 DECODE?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 to DISPLAY UID's?
Have you adjusted the SDS100 ADVANCED DISPLAY SETTINGS?

Filters No,Decode No, UID's are being displayed and Yes to the colours..and Data Displayed options (changed the colours too...(still not impressed.) I got some honest to god Garbled cross talk (probably simulcast distortion yesterday) I have the manual and I have looked at it..the menus and are pretty easy to get to..I have figured out the buttons for the close call, site, dept etc. I will keep playing with it until its second nature. I need a different antenna for sure though

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

That's typical.

I run a 325P2 and 996p2 and SDS200 side-by-side.

Each one picks up transmissions that the others miss at various times.

The 325P2 is the best receiver of the 3, but still occasionally misses things at first.

I need to run all three and I'm sure I'm still missing things.

Nothings perfect. They're hobby radios - not professional receivers.

Enjoy!

Well...I have been tempted to buy an ICOM..Receiver only the huge price stopped me...https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/receivers/r9500/default.aspx

 

[buddrousa]

What you most likely heard was INTERMOD not SIMULCAST.
You have to fine tune a SDS100.
ICOM receiver does no do TRUNKING of any type.
Scanners are not automatic you have to tune them.
Buying and using a SDS100 scanner and not setting it up is like buying a Guitar and expecting it to play itself. It is not going to happen.

 

[Ubbe]

The 325 are a pretty complex scanner but SDS scanners are probably the most complex and hard to understand scanner you can get.
It is not as forgiving as the 325 and a SDS100 sometimes needs a lot of thinkering to make it work satisfactory, and sometimes the RF enviroment makes that very challenging. You really need to love to configure and be technically interested in scanners to enjoy that.

/Ubbe

 

[SierraTangoAlpha]

The 325 are a pretty complex scanner but SDS scanners are probably the most complex and hard to understand scanner you can get.
It is not as forgiving as the 325 and a SDS100 sometimes needs a lot of thinkering to make it work satisfactory, and sometimes the RF enviroment makes that very challenging. You really need to love to configure and be technically interested in scanners to enjoy that.

/Ubbe

I am so used to it..and with Butel Pro its easy to prune the dataset. I am using Butel with the SDS 100 but so far have not had the same experience with ease of programming. I don't know if I ''love to configure'' but I do like things to work in an optimal fashion. I'll keep trying to get what I want out of it..getting rid of the things I have no need or interest in