SDS150: SDS150 No SubCPU firmware

[n3617400]

A user of the SDS150 scanner contacted me.
He’s having a problem: the subprocessor isn’t being detected, and when the scanner boots up, it freezes for about 30 seconds after loading the favorites list.
Sentinel cannot update the subprocessor firmware because, apparently, there are no subprocessor firmware updates for this scanner model on the update server yet.
I would like to ask @jasonhouk to help upload the subprocessor firmware to the update server.
Before sending the scanner in for repair, try flashing the scanner with the subprocessor firmware; this might solve the problem.
Thanks

 

[werinshades]

I would start by reformatting the card in Windows, go to Sentinel and go under the Clear User Data tab to reload the necessary programming files, check the box to Display All Drives, Update Firmware, Write to Scanner. I would use a USB to SD card adapter in the computer to perform these tasks. It looks like the “user” didn’t complete the Update Firmware process the first time.

 

[n3617400]

The subprocessor firmware was initially (first time) flashed at the factory. It wasn't flashed a second time because there is no firmware for the subprocessor on the update server.

 

[werinshades]

The subprocessor firmware was initially (first time) flashed at the factory. It wasn't flashed a second time because there is no firmware for the subprocessor on the update server.

Until you get a definitive answer, I would recommend the steps I mentioned. Over the years, I’ve had some issues trying different SPU’ s that caused the scanner to get all funky. These steps worked so it’s why suggested it. If the computer has an SD Card reader or a USB to SD card reader, it’ll be much less of a headache. Make sure the “user” has the latest Sentinel and correct Target Model too. Another possibility is the internet provider.

 

[n3617400]

We formatted the SD card, replaced the SD card, connected an external USB power source, and reflashed the main processor's firmware; Sentinel is currently running the latest version, 3.01.01.

The issues remain the same:

• Freezes for 30 seconds during boot
• No signal reception
• Cannot enter Custom Search mode
• The SubCPU version does not appear in the Firmware Version menu

 

[werinshades]

We formatted the SD card, replaced the SD card, connected an external USB power source, and reflashed the main processor's firmware; Sentinel is currently running the latest version, 3.01.01.

The issues remain the same:

• Freezes for 30 seconds during boot
• No signal reception
• Cannot enter Custom Search mode
• The SubCPU version does not appear in the Firmware Version menu

I just tried the steps with a blank SD Card and was able to load both the Firmware and Sub CPU in correctly and the scanner is working properly. I have no other suggestions, and hopefully @jasonhouk can help you and the user figure it out.

Did you try loading the original main firmware 1.00.43 here:

https://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/SDS150FirmwareUpdate#1_00_43_Main_12_04_2025

 

[tvengr]

Try a new SD card. A bad SD card can cause all kinds of strange problems. It never hurts to have a spare card available.

 

[buddrousa]

I would start with a trip to Texas Uniden Support Center let the Factory fix it.

 

[n3617400]

Try a new SD card. A bad SD card can cause all kinds of strange problems. It never hurts to have a spare card available.

Changing the SD card did not solve the problem.

 

[jasonhouk]

A user of the SDS150 scanner contacted me.
He’s having a problem: the subprocessor isn’t being detected, and when the scanner boots up, it freezes for about 30 seconds after loading the favorites list.
Sentinel cannot update the subprocessor firmware because, apparently, there are no subprocessor firmware updates for this scanner model on the update server yet.
I would like to ask @jasonhouk to help upload the subprocessor firmware to the update server.
Before sending the scanner in for repair, try flashing the scanner with the subprocessor firmware; this might solve the problem.
Thanks

I have sent a message to UJE.

 

[Ubbe]

We formatted the SD card, replaced the SD card, connected an external USB power source, and reflashed the main processor's firmware; Sentinel is currently running the latest version, 3.01.01.

The DSP firm file are the exact same in all models and versions of SDS100/200 as they all use the R864 receiver chip.
What happens if flashing with the sub processor image for SDS100/200?
Sooner or later there will be a firm upgrade to fix some receive issues.

/Ubbe

 

[jasonhouk]

From UJE:

"First, he needs to either completely format the SD card to erase the device's firmware information, or replace it with a new one, so that Sentinel can download the Sub firmware.

If the problem persists even after downloading the firmware, there may be a malfunction, so he should contact customer support."

 

[buddrousa]

To the OP as stated by you that a new SD Card did not fix the problem. So a trip to Uniden is in order be sure to state in the form when this started what steps you tried and the results. When you get the scanner back please let us know what the problem found was and the fix.

 

[n3617400]

From UJE:

"First, he needs to either completely format the SD card to erase the device's firmware information, or replace it with a new one, so that Sentinel can download the Sub firmware.

There is NO firmware for the subprocessor on the update server to do this.

 

[buddrousa]

You need to contact Support at

SUPPORT

Explore Uniden’s trusted, intuitive technology designed to enhance adventure, safety, and awareness over the airwaves, the road, the water, or off the grid.

uniden.com

 

[n3617400]

You need to contact Support at

SUPPORT

Explore Uniden’s trusted, intuitive technology designed to enhance adventure, safety, and awareness over the airwaves, the road, the water, or off the grid.

uniden.com

It's difficult to send a package containing a scanner from “Antarctica” to the U.S., so I'm trying to resolve this issue remotely.

 

[buddrousa]

The Uniden Factory Rep posted in POST #12 your options. It sounds like a Hardware issue with the Firmware.
1. New SD Card result did not work.
2. Return the SDS150 to Uniden Support for repair.
Not sure how long you will be there but the scanner is not working so 2 Options
1. Do not send it back and let the warranty expire Spend over $100 for repair.
2. Send it back while under warranty and get it fixed for free.

 

[n3617400]

You're missing an important point in UJE's response: "First, he needs to either completely format the SD card to erase the device's firmware information, or replace it with a new one, so that Sentinel can download the Sub firmware.", which I mentioned earlier in my reply, and I'm trying to get this subprocessor firmware.

 

[buddrousa]

Owning 8 SDS Scanners 6 536's 3 436's I am not missing anything.

 

[werinshades]

There is NO firmware for the subprocessor on the update server to do this.

When the "user" purchased this scanner, charged the battery, turned it on and attempted to load Favorites Lists or the Full Database, there was no Sub CPU on the scanner? Or...did this occur when updating the firmware for the first time?