This is very helpful. I bet adding an internal GPS voids the Uniden Warranty. After the warranty has expired, I might take the plunge for internal GPS. It would be much easier than programming the entire route. I tend to be a bit OCD at times.
SDS100 or SDS 200 Reluctance
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This is very helpful. I bet adding an internal GPS voids the Uniden Warranty. After the warranty has expired, I might take the plunge for internal GPS. It would be much easier than programming the entire route. I tend to be a bit OCD at times.
GregOH
Member
That would be a good idea because any questions you have about anything will at some point help the community when searching. I often use search to dig up some of my old threads to re-read what was discussed because I have CRS.
That would be a good idea because any questions you have about anything will at some point help the community when searching. I often use search to dig up some of my old threads to re-read what was discussed because I have CRS.
I am completely lost. I thought this was the role of moderators. Since I don't want to step on toes, I am being very mindful of keeping within the parameters of the forums. I don't want to be excommunicated. So, how do I do this?
GregOH
Member
Many times threads run and go off topic, it's no big deal. Just start a new thread on whatever you wish to discuss.
Thank you. I did not want to jump threads.
Ubbe
Member
Even having the display completely off or fully bright on makes very little difference in battery drain that you probably wont notice it on the battery time. The same goes for the volume level.
/Ubbe
GregOH
Member
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Greg I have looked at those also.
GregOH
Member
It's seems to be a good connection.
I like using something like this to avoid plugging into and unplugging the cord directly to and from the scanner port all the time.
A little bit of a moment arm on that USB port....
GregOH
Member
It only works intermittently now for some reason Bud, so I'll be using something different.
I actually find the steep learning curve to be a plus. To me a hobby is more than turning a knob and waiting for a voice to come out of a box. Learning new things keeps things interesting. Also another reason some people might want an SDS100 or SDS200 is for "room to grow". To me there is nothing worse than spending money on something you'll outgrow in a couple of months.
I've also seen some negative comments about the upgrades, but honestly do you think someone who spends $650.00 and more on accessories is going to quibble over a few bucks for the upgrades (if they even need them)?
We have others like ourselves who enjoy the challenges associated with these scanners too. I learned to master the Sentinel software and have learned how to manually program my own Favorite Lists while using the information from the database.
As far as upgrades go and mentioned to you and others, start slow and learn the software and scanner. If you feel like you want to take on the next challenge and have systems you want to monitor that require the upgrade, go for it after you're comfortable with the basics. I've seen many here that come in with all this excitement and "gotta have it", to becoming frustrated shortly after purchasing.
Yep, if I didn't want a challenge, my 40 Channel Bearcat 800XLT is more than up to the task for 99% of everything that can be picked up in my area. For example, after 18 hours of continuous logging, I've had hits on 29 frequencies, one was on 52.525Mhz, and all except the other four were between 121.35 and 167.4375. The last four were in the 400MHz range. Only two hits were on a P25 system, two different talk groups, same frequency for a massive total of 1 minute and 36 seconds of talk. Everything else was conventional.
So now, armed with this information, I pretty much know for certain what level and capability of scanner I'm going to recommend to an old friend. Just because trunking systems show up on some list does not mean you must have it in a rural, 99 percent mostly conventional area. In fact only 5 frequencies had any appreciable amount of traffic on them of the variety that would interest him.
I don't know the area you're trying to monitor from, but it must not be a busy Trunking system, which could have been discovered by asking some questions in the State forum or make certain the site you're trying to monitor is carrying alot of activity. Since you're new to the game here, might want to ask in some local forums and see if they're experiencing the same traffic flow you are.
Other than that, and little or no chance the area is going to switch to a trunking system, or if their is a possibility of encryption, or you don't plan on making any trips, an analog only receiver is optimum.
Yeah he lives near a little Po-Dunk place called Salkum. Not exactly the center of high tech.
fasteddy64
Member
Some of are kind of stuck with this series of scanner. My area is primarily using an EDACS Provoice system with no indication of changing any time soon. If it weren’t for that I don’t believe I would be using the 100 and 200. I just don’t like them. Don’t like the display. Don’t like all of the settings and adjustments. I would rather enter my frequencies, hit scan and forget it.
Oh well. It is what it is.
Oh well. It is what it is.
I've seen your posts and if you would have done some homework, you would discovered all this before you purchased. Maybe a swap or sell it and purchase a 436/536 for the Provoice upgrade. The 70's are long gone, I stood in line at Radio Shack and purchased crystals but also have kept up with technology. As it says, been scanning 40+ years now.
Hey, an old-style crystal scanner would work quite well at my QTH. In fact I used to have one exactly like the one pictured below. It was an awesome scanner, built like a Sherman tank, rock solid and sounded great. Sometimes I wish I still had it. No reprogramming necessary, automatically comes back on after a power failure and perfect for a remote switch. The main players, (Sheriff, Fire and Ambulance) are still using the same frequencies as they were 40 years ago in my location. In my area I don't really need 10,000 channels. My 800XLT goes through the main channels a lot faster than my SDS100 that searches many more frequencies. What does that mean? Fewer missed calls! I'll probably keep the 800XLT until I croak, because there will always be something it can pick up. Sometimes old technology has practical advantages.
I've been scanning for 39 years myself. I had the RCA as shown above, then a BC-200XLT for portable use, and the 800XLT for home use, after that I used the Kenwood TH-79AD, which was kind of cool because it could monitor two different bands at the same time and is much smaller than the SDS100 that is NOT really practical to wear on a belt of shove in a shirt pocket with the smaller battery. The reason I got rid of the 200XLT is you had to have the battery attached to power the unit.
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