SDS100 Help me with Will Co. IL

[Dylan4100]

Hi!

I just got my Uniden SDS100 and I'm trying to receive my local area of Lockport/Homer Glen, Orland Park, Tinley park, etc. I am using the stock antenna (But I ordered a Remtronics one) and my radio seems pretty deaf. I am only getting a few amateur radio transmissions. My scanner app on my phone picks up local fire and EMS just fine, so I'm trying to set up my Uniden to do the same. I'm trying to learn how trunks work and how to receive them. Is there something I'm missing? I've tried Sentinel too. I still need to work out favorites lists, but I should still be able to pick things up, right?

Also I could use help with understanding the RR database. I see all the frequencies for my area but beyond that I don't know how to tell what I'm looking at or how it relates to my scanner. Also to see if anything is encrypted or not.

Thank you!

 

[N9JIG]

Try checking out the Easier To Read manual at Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual, it is a fantastic resource!

As for the database, please be sure to update it with the free Sentinel software, the above resource explains how to get it and install it.

Read up on "Service Types" at the above as well, they are key to selecting what you want to listen to and once you understand how they work things will become a lot more clear.

 

[Dylan4100]

Try checking out the Easier To Read manual at Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual, it is a fantastic resource!

As for the database, please be sure to update it with the free Sentinel software, the above resource explains how to get it and install it.

Read up on "Service Types" at the above as well, they are key to selecting what you want to listen to and once you understand how they work things will become a lot more clear.

Thanks, I actually already updated the scanner firmware and the database using Sentinel. All the service types are selected ON.

 

[N9JIG]

Until you learn how to set up Favorites Lists be sure to keep the "Range" low, no more than 5 miles. If you have it set too high then you will have way too many channels to go thru and will miss things. I would start out at 1 mile and go up from there.

Next read up on making Favorites Lists. these allow you to tailor your listening to the stuff you want to hear instead of everything under the sun.

Third, check out the Database on Radio Reference. A lot of the police and even some fire in the area are encrypted but there is still a ton to listen to in the area.

 

[Enforcer52]

Check your email, top right of menu.

 

[RoninJoliet]

I don't use that Uniden model but it would help if you go to the radio reference "Will County" , then the Starcom List and program in Tower 1-13 and Tower 1-02 and start receiving the talk groups for Wescom for Lockport PD/FD...Orlando Park is on VHF 154.785 , Tinley Park PD is encrypted....Cook Co is encrypted,...When you create a FL with those tower red control channels all the ISP channels will also populate your system,...Also Homer Glen is on the Will Co Sheriff P25 system which is entirely different System than Starcom,...