SDS150, SDS100, or BCD 436?

[LoneOwl]

I already have the SDS200 (Love It!), BCD996P, & a BCD325P, and I'm looking to replace the 325, mainly 'cause these old eyes aren't seeing the screen very well anymore.
I like the looks of the 100/150, and the 436 looks like it'd be easier on the eyes, too, but it lacks 'them purdy colors'.
And I really don't envision using the 150s GPS or BT, much, if at all.
So...SDS100 or BCD436?

 

[KK4JW]

The SDS150 is worth the extra cost alone just for the drop in charger and easier SD card access. I don't use the GPS on mine either, but man, that drop in charger is a flat out game changer that I didn't think I'd appreciate as much as I do.

Totally recommend the 100/150.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

So...SDS100 or BCD436?

Main question to you would be what will you be listening to with the new scanner? Looks like simulcast distortion won't be a factor in Wake County on Viper @RaleighGuy can let me know if I'm missing anything. That's really the main make or break factor when narrowing the two models down. There's about a $150 price difference between the two, totally up to you if you feel it's worth it mainly for "them purdy colors"

See also:

SDS100 or BCD436HP

So I'm looking to get a scanner that can handle digital modes like P25 and DMR (I know I'll have to buy the additional license for DMR). I'm looking for advice on deciding between the Uniden BCD436HP and the SDS100. From what I gather, the advantage of the SDS100, other than being newer and...

forums.radioreference.com

There are also numerous YouTube videos comparing various aspects of both models. I own both & they each have their pros & cons. One 436HP pro for me would be the use of AA batteries versus a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery pack

 

[J-Wrock]

I already have the SDS200 (Love It!), BCD996P, & a BCD325P, and I'm looking to replace the 325, mainly 'cause these old eyes aren't seeing the screen very well anymore.
I like the looks of the 100/150, and the 436 looks like it'd be easier on the eyes, too, but it lacks 'them purdy colors'.
And I really don't envision using the 150s GPS or BT, much, if at all.
So...SDS100 or BCD436?

Two questions: 1) Do you live an area that has or is about to get Simulcast? If so, then the 100 will work a lot better. 2) Is money a factor? If you don't have to deal with Simulcast, then it goes down to personal choice. You said you like the pretty colors of the 100's display so that might be a good reason to buy the 100; however, the 436 is cheaper. Since you said the GPS or BT of the 150 isn't a selling factor for you, then I wouldn't recommend the 150 over the 100 unless you just really wanted the top of the line most recent scanner and cost was absolutely not an issue.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Main question to you would be what will you be listening to with the new scanner? Looks like simulcast distortion won't be a factor in Wake County on Viper @RaleighGuy can let me know if I'm missing anything. That's really the main make or break factor when narrowing the two models down. There's about a $150 price difference between the two, totally up to you if you feel it's worth it mainly for "them purdy colors"

See also:

SDS100 or BCD436HP

So I'm looking to get a scanner that can handle digital modes like P25 and DMR (I know I'll have to buy the additional license for DMR). I'm looking for advice on deciding between the Uniden BCD436HP and the SDS100. From what I gather, the advantage of the SDS100, other than being newer and...

forums.radioreference.com

There are also numerous YouTube videos comparing both models. I own both & they each have their pros & cons. One 436HP pro for me would be the use of AA batteries versus a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery pack

Just to clarify some things....Simulcast can definitely be an issue in Wake County as Wake county operates on a simulcast system. They don't use VIPER for day to day comms. There are 3 main simulcast systems in Central NC: Wake County, Town of Cary, and city of Durham. VIPER is multicast in most areas but does have simulcast cells in areas where agreements have been made with local towns/counties.

Having a scanner or receiver that handles simulcast systems well is a must in Central NC.

 

[RaleighGuy]

I already have the SDS200 (Love It!), BCD996P, & a BCD325P, and I'm looking to replace the 325, mainly 'cause these old eyes aren't seeing the screen very well anymore.
I like the looks of the 100/150, and the 436 looks like it'd be easier on the eyes, too, but it lacks 'them purdy colors'.
And I really don't envision using the 150s GPS or BT, much, if at all.
So...SDS100 or BCD436?

Main question to you would be what will you be listening to with the new scanner? Looks like simulcast distortion won't be a factor in Wake County on Viper @RaleighGuy can let me know if I'm missing anything.

I missed this since it is in the Uniden Tech thread...If you want to listen to anything in Wake County (except VIPER which does not have local agencies from Wake CO) you will suffer from simulcast issues. It is a big problem on the Cary/Wake system.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Nice to receive a respectable correction from those in the know. A pleasant change over certain individuals bellyaching about out of area folk impeding on their precious territory & offering little to no advice for the OP. Just because you have a red bar under your name doesn't make you king of your domain. However in this case I'll put myself in time out for not doing a thorough enough RRDB investigation

, BCD996P, & a BCD325P, and I'm looking to replace the 325,

Guess the next question to the OP would be how do these scanners perform on your local simulcast site(s)?

 

[RaleighGuy]

Nice to receive a respectable correction from those in the know. A pleasant change over certain individuals bellyaching about out of area folk impeding on their precious territory & offering little to no advice for the OP. I'll put myself in time out for not doing a thorough enough RRDB investigation


Guess the next question would be how do these scanners perform on your local simulcast site(s)?

For Wake I use a Unication G5 because my TRX-1 doesn't work. I can not answer anything except third party about uniden. Maybe @KE4ZNR can.

 

[mc48]

The 150 has the best display, noticeably better than the 100, Brighter, clearer and more vibrant colors. The receiver is also the best of them all and no need for filters and like stated above the drop in charger and improved battery make it the best option.

 

[LoneOwl]

Main question to you would be what will you be listening to with the new scanner? Looks like simulcast distortion won't be a factor in Wake County on Viper @RaleighGuy can let me know if I'm missing anything. That's really the main make or break factor when narrowing the two models down. There's about a $150 price difference between the two, totally up to you if you feel it's worth it mainly for "them purdy colors"

See also:

SDS100 or BCD436HP

So I'm looking to get a scanner that can handle digital modes like P25 and DMR (I know I'll have to buy the additional license for DMR). I'm looking for advice on deciding between the Uniden BCD436HP and the SDS100. From what I gather, the advantage of the SDS100, other than being newer and...

forums.radioreference.com

There are also numerous YouTube videos comparing various aspects of both models. I own both & they each have their pros & cons. One 436HP pro for me would be the use of AA batteries versus a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery packI

I totally forgot about the simulcast! That narrows it down. And thanks for the link. I guess I should have done a littlre more digging. He's basically asking the same thing I am!
Again, thanks.

 

[LoneOwl]

I missed this since it is in the Uniden Tech thread...If you want to listen to anything in Wake County (except VIPER which does not have local agencies from Wake CO) you will suffer from simulcast issues. It is a big problem on the Cary/Wake system.

Thanks, RaleighGuy. Will be mostly Wake County - Wake Fire, SO, RPD, with some milair & civilian air on occasion.
Looks like the 150 will be in my cart shortly.
Again, thanks.

 

[LoneOwl]

The SDS150 is worth the extra cost alone just for the drop in charger and easier SD card access. I don't use the GPS on mine either, but man, that drop in charger is a flat out game changer that I didn't think I'd appreciate as much as I do.

Totally recommend the 100/150.

Thanks, KK4JW

 

[RaleighGuy]

Thanks, RaleighGuy. Will be mostly Wake County - Wake Fire, SO, RPD, with some milair & civilian air on occasion.
Looks like the 150 will be in my cart shortly.
Again, thanks.

I believe this is a good choice for the area

 

[J-Wrock]

I think you'll enjoy the SDS 150. It's a bit pricey but a good little scanner. Happy scanning!

 

[richardbritt]

Late reply to one question you asked about the BCD-325 working in a simulcast system. I took my BCD-325 to the Outer Banks which runs their own simulcast system. I didn't hear a peep and I was driving around from Manteo to Kitty Hawk. I have received ok using my BCD-436, and on my mobile BCD-536. I do hear distortion but it's not severe, just noticable. I recently bought a Unication G5+ and am going to try it out at the Outer Banks soon. It should be solid.

 

[Chris0516]

Main question to you would be what will you be listening to with the new scanner? Looks like simulcast distortion won't be a factor in Wake County on Viper @RaleighGuy can let me know if I'm missing anything. That's really the main make or break factor when narrowing the two models down. There's about a $150 price difference between the two, totally up to you if you feel it's worth it mainly for "them purdy colors"

See also:

SDS100 or BCD436HP

So I'm looking to get a scanner that can handle digital modes like P25 and DMR (I know I'll have to buy the additional license for DMR). I'm looking for advice on deciding between the Uniden BCD436HP and the SDS100. From what I gather, the advantage of the SDS100, other than being newer and...

forums.radioreference.com

There are also numerous YouTube videos comparing various aspects of both models. I own both & they each have their pros & cons. One 436HP pro for me would be the use of AA batteries versus a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery pack

Wake County, no; City of Cary, yes. I can get Wake County, on both. My SDS100 n' BCD436HP. I can only hear the City of Cary on my SDS100.

As for the batteries, I am 50\50

Li-ion: They hold a longer charge, but. They can catch fire, and. They can separate.
AA Rechargeable: Won't catch fire, or leak, but. Have to change them, more.

 

[bearcatrp]

If you have the bucks, the 150 is the best option. My 150 is picking up more than my 200 ever did. Will be testing out the gps this weekend on my camping trip. Uniden did there homework with the 150. Aviation is allot better than the 100/200. You won’t regret it.

 

[dmfalk]

Because the entire RF section has been redesigned to reduce noise and improve reception, there have been reports of the 150 having a 6-10dB improvement on reception. Keep in mind 6dB is a doubling of signal strength/reception. Between the rebuilt RF, a much faster processor (loading & scanning speeds greatly improved, not to mention, it runs significantly cooler than the 100), a redesigned battery system, a drop-in charger, etc., this makes the 150 a better choice than the 100. GPS and Bluetooth are merely icing on the cake! The only extras I'd recommend is the same for the 100: get the DMR and NXDN options. The waterfall option is free and already available on the 150, and actually can be handy at times.

Seriously, go for the champion. 🏆 It's better than spending even more extra just to step up to the 150 by going right to it, right off.

 

[ofd8001]

Also, if you travel with a scanner, simulcast may be an issue at your destinations if not with your home area.

Having used a 436 and SDS 100, I'd never go back from the SDS 100.

 

[LoneOwl]

Also, if you travel with a scanner, simulcast may be an issue at your destinations if not with your home area.

Having used a 436 and SDS 100, I'd never go back from the SDS 100.

Thank you for your input. As they say, it only costs an extra nickle to go first class, so I ordered the 150.
Again, thanks for your input.