SDS100/SDS200: SDS100 Terrible Reception

[hotdjdave]

I just recently got the SDS100 a few days ago. I have had my BDC396T for a few years. I put them side-by-side and tuned into a local LAPD dispatch channel (conventional P25) and put the channel in hold mode, using stock antennas on both and both set to 2 on the squelch. My 396 would pick up the transmission first, then a second later the SDS would pick it up; then sometimes the 396 would drop off the last second and the SDS would keep going until the end. This happened with almost every transmission. Both of them would drop the transmission occasionally, but at different times. Overall, the 396 picked up and held on to a call for more of a single transmission than the SDS did. I tried this on other LAPD dispatch channels with the same results. I was hoping for more out of the SDS and am somewhat disappointed in this.

 

[werinshades]

I just recently got the SDS100 a few days ago. I have had my BDC396T for a few years. I put them side-by-side and tuned into a local LAPD dispatch channel (conventional P25) and put the channel in hold mode, using stock antennas on both and both set to 2 on the squelch. My 396 would pick up the transmission first, then a second later the SDS would pick it up; then sometimes the 396 would drop off the last second and the SDS would keep going until the end. This happened with almost every transmission. Both of them would drop the transmission occasionally, but at different times. Overall, the 396 picked up and held on to a call for more of a single transmission than the SDS did. I tried this on other LAPD dispatch channels with the same results. I was hoping for more out of the SDS and am somewhat disappointed in this.

I monitor the CPD's 460Mhz. analog system with the filter settings, and they beat my 436hp (Even with the copper tape on the battery compartment that was needed), and was equeal to my 396XT that I used prior to that. Without starting another thread on Filters, check the forums, it's been discussed before.

I've noticed many here are not familiar with filters and immediately resort to the "scanner sucks on analog". They can be set to Global (entire scanner)..Site (specific trunking system) or Department (analog systems). Start small with a department, work your way up if it's better, if it is, perform a Read from Scanner to save your changes.

One additional change I forgot about, change all the analog frequencies to FM Modulation. It defaults to Auto, which usually ends up on NFM. Then use the Volume Offset to compensate for the slight audio drop out.

Have you tried any of these suggestions?

 

[trentbob]

Hot DJ Dave, read this entire thread. No sense in repeating everything LOL

 

[hotdjdave]

I just recently got the SDS100 a few days ago. I have had my BDC396T for a few years. ...

UPDATE: I meant BCD436HP, not BCD396T (sold that one several years ago).

 

[hotdjdave]

Have you tried any of these suggestions?

I will try them (if I can figure them out).

 

[hotdjdave]

One additional change I forgot about, change all the analog frequencies to FM Modulation. It defaults to Auto, which usually ends up on NFM.

What about P25 (e.g. LAPD), should that be set to FM or NFM? When is NFM used?

 

[Vinman]

What about P25 (e.g. LAPD), should that be set to FM or NFM? When is NFM used?

I had had better reception with all the LAPD channels set to FM instead of NFM.

 

[walter900]

Get rid of that antenna... Its awful on 800mhz and the cause of all your reception issues. I know what i'm talking about. Purchase a REM-810S. You will thank me. Seriously.

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[IAmSixNine]

I just recently got the SDS100 a few days ago. I have had my BDC396T for a few years. I put them side-by-side and tuned into a local LAPD dispatch channel (conventional P25) and put the channel in hold mode, using stock antennas on both and both set to 2 on the squelch. My 396 would pick up the transmission first, then a second later the SDS would pick it up; then sometimes the 396 would drop off the last second and the SDS would keep going until the end. This happened with almost every transmission. Both of them would drop the transmission occasionally, but at different times. Overall, the 396 picked up and held on to a call for more of a single transmission than the SDS did. I tried this on other LAPD dispatch channels with the same results. I was hoping for more out of the SDS and am somewhat disappointed in this.

If your using the stock antenna and not changed any of the filter settings you are not using the SDS100 at its full potential.
For my SDS100 getting a better antenna and testing out different filters made the scanner perform way way better.