SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 has broken my brain

[ProScan]

Proscan was better at complex tasks but Sentinel was better for more straightforward ones.

Hi W2IRT. If you don't mind, can you give me an example where Sentinel was better for more straightforward ones so I can improve upon that area if needed. Thanks.

 

[W2IRT]

Hi W2IRT. If you don't mind, can you give me an example where Sentinel was better for more straightforward ones so I can improve upon that area if needed. Thanks.

Hi Bob,
Perhaps I'm missing something entirely, but I couldn't figure out how to add from the database without connecting to RR and downloading that way. So if I want to quickly add conventional frequencies from a municipality or two I find it much easier to do in Sentinel since that program has the full database included. Likewise I couldn't figure out how or where to add the local FD tones to monitor for standby or change display parameters, startup screen message, etc.

Proscan is so much better than Sentinel for reorganizing the scan lists themselves, copy/pasting between FLs, creating and saving new profiles/codeplugs, etc. But, respectfully, I find the interface difficult to navigate. Proscan is powerful and has hundreds of features, but sad to say, I'll never use most of them—broadcastify, RSOIP, audio recording, etc. So for fast adds, etc, Sentinel's sparse interface is easier to use in those limited circumstances. What I'd like to see Proscan incorporate are beginner/intermediate/expert modes that hide the advanced tools for those who just need a powerful codeplug editor, and also help bubbles on mouse rollover for the various features.

 

[ProScan]

Hi Bob,
Perhaps I'm missing something entirely, but I couldn't figure out how to add from the database without connecting to RR and downloading that way. So if I want to quickly add conventional frequencies from a municipality or two I find it much easier to do in Sentinel since that program has the full database included.

I see now. Perhaps I could make it so ProScan can open the HPDB for the purpose of importing into the Favorites. Sentinel will still be required to update the HPDB from the Uniden server.

{edit} You can add conventional frequencies using the Get Clipboard function. Basically you select the frequencies on a document or web page then in ProScan at the Department or Channel level, click the Get Clipboard menu item then choose a few options and that's it.

Likewise I couldn't figure out how or where to add the local FD tones to monitor for standby or change display parameters, startup screen message, etc.

That's in the Profile area. That I probably not going to do as that will be 100% duplication of effort. I don't think ProScan can improve in the Profile area.

But, respectfully, I find the interface difficult to navigate. Proscan is powerful and has hundreds of features, but sad to say, I'll never use most of them—broadcastify, RSOIP, audio recording, etc. So for fast adds, etc, Sentinel's sparse interface is easier to use in those limited
circumstances. What I'd like to see Proscan incorporate are beginner/intermediate/expert modes that hide the advanced tools for those who just need a powerful codeplug editor, and also help bubbles on mouse rollover for the various features.

That's the learning curve. From what I've seen in the first few hours of use, some may be overwhelmed with the features and options offered then as they progress, they are doing all kind of things. I'm not sure beginner to advance mode is the way to go. What is considered a "beginner"? Some may be a beginner when it comes to audio streaming but advanced in the database area or visa-versa. Some may be a beginner for the first few hours. If a beginner mode was offered then some may keep it in that mode so it will be harder to advance and they will never be aware of the other features. Also what features and options do you put in the Beginner's mode? I think that will open a can of worms. I think all the features and options should be exposed. Each feature is in a tab to keep them separate and can be ignored if not using or some may want to explore and learn about the other features. One day you may want to remote control your scanner/s.
{edit} I think if you get to know ProScan, then after awhile, you may see things differently.

 

[W2IRT]

I doubt I'll ever stream or remote my scanners. There are plenty of online scanners in my home area (some duplicating each other, in fact), and at the end of the day there are maybe 20 frequencies/TGs that I'm interested in on a primary basis, and maybe that many again when I move around in my daily travels.

I see your point about defining beginner/expert modes and I guess it would be arbitrary, but I still think some hierarchy of feature-availability might be helpful for those still on the learning curve.

Re the profile editor, that's unfortunate. I was hoping to be able to completely abandon Sentinel and stay 100% on Proscan for everything. When I connect a scanner to software, it's either to modify the frequency/TGID organization or change some overall operating parameter of the radio. Once the radio is setup as I like, I usually leave the codeplug alone for months at a time, the only reason to reconnect is when a local agency switches to the statewide Phase-II system, TGs re-organize, or similar reasons. But setting up a new radio with a new memory configuration that's as radically different as the x36 or SDS series requires a more robust solution. Sentinel is hot garbage for scan list manipulation, especially when you have to have several copies of the system in multiple FLs, copying sites and agencies en masse, etc. Proscan is the only other piece of software that I found which handles that task with ease.