SDS200 Beginner Questions

[BOBRR]

Hello,

Brand new user, so please bear with me some.
Am reading everything I can get my hands on to learn, but there sure is a lot to know.

Is this the correct Forum for true beginner questions, but specific to the SDS200 ?

Have a SDS200.

a. Can't seem to get the Keys to illuminate or backlight.
Went to Display Options and then Backlight Options
Then Set Key Backlight to ON and pressed the Eyes key

Doesn't seem to work.
What am i doing wrong ?

b. When the scanner stops on a broadcast, what's the easiest/preferred way to get it scanning again ?

c. Right under the Uniden and SDS 200 logo on the upper right:
Sometimes it flashes.
What does this signify ?

d. When in one of the menu structures, what do I press to go back to actual scanning, without pressing the on/off ?

Much thanks,
Bob

 

[StaticDischarge]

BOBRR,

Congratulations on your SDS200!

a. Back light may be working for you, it is just dimmer than you might expect. Try turning the room lights off at night. I cannot really notice mine during the day or even at night with a room light on.
b. The scanner should just resume scanning when the signal terminates. Otherwise you may have a hold on that stops it from resuming or there is a time delay set.
c. The light signifies a preset System, Department or Channel that was programmed to alert you on it's usage.
d. Pressing the "Squelch/Menu" knob repeatedly, depending on how many levels you are into your menu, will exit to the main screen without having to cycle power.

Below is a link to an online manual that will get you up to speed better than the provided manual. Although it is not specifically written for the SDS200 most of what is contained pertains to the SDS200. Beyond that, searching the forum and wiki can often answer your questions.

Easier to Read BCD436HP/BCD536HP Digital Scanner Manual

 

[ka3jjz]

And of course, that manual is linked in the SDS200 FAQ wiki I gave in another thread...Mike

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Thank you very much.

Just a note on the backlight.
Really funny, or poor design/qc:

The first column on numbers is just about totally unlit.
The second and third column, although not what it should be, are probably "livable with"

You would expect I think, that whatever the illumination level is, it would be the exact same for all the numbers.

Thanks again for help,
Bob

 

[sonm10]

Hi,

Thank you very much.

Just a note on the backlight.
Really funny, or poor design/qc:

The first column on numbers is just about totally unlit.
The second and third column, although not what it should be, are probably "livable with"

You would expect I think, that whatever the illumination level is, it would be the exact same for all the numbers.

Thanks again for help,
Bob

That is, I believe, by Uniden's design

 

[Joe_Blough]

That is, I believe, by Uniden's design

Like the hum and the flickering display?

Real engineers would have provided uniform lighting across all keys with multiple levels or brightness to satisfy everyone, but that's none of my business.

 

[MisterLongwire]

Like the hum and the flickering display?

Real engineers would have provided uniform lighting across all keys with multiple levels or brightness to satisfy everyone, but that's none of my business.

Aw cmon. Let it go. Quit your hating! The SDS200 is a good radio and I have 3 good ones to prove it. They are the best on the market. If you don't have one you have no right complaining. Surprised they even let you here in this forum for you to make comments due to your negativity

 

[Ubbe]

b. When the scanner stops on a broadcast, what's the easiest/preferred way to get it scanning again ?

Turn the dial wheel.

d. When in one of the menu structures, what do I press to go back to actual scanning, without pressing the on/off ?

Push the system button.

/Ubbe

 

[iMONITOR]

Hi,

Thank you very much.

Just a note on the backlight.
Really funny, or poor design/qc:

The first column on numbers is just about totally unlit.
The second and third column, although not what it should be, are probably "livable with"

You would expect I think, that whatever the illumination level is, it would be the exact same for all the numbers.

Thanks again for help,
Bob

Not a poor design, a defective unit is more like it. Accourding to numerous users not all of them have that issues so I would say yours if defective just like mine was.