SDS200 Display Module

[NCAmateurRadioGuy]

Hello,
I bought a SDS200 third-hand a while back and when I received it the screen was fine and slowly has gotten worse due to the well-known screen issues.

I assume I’m almost certainly unable to get it fixed as a warranty repair and I really don’t want to spend ~$90 to have a cheap screen replaced, especially if could happen again. Does anyone know what screen module is used in the SDS200 and if it (or a suitable replacement) is available on eBay/Amazon? I think I would be comfortable doing the repair myself if I could get my hands on a replacement.

In the meantime, I’ve written an overly complicated and comprehensive python program to mirror the screen on my desktop, so I guess it’s not a huge rush.

PS: I don’t know it it’s important, but if I read the serial # correctly, mine was one of the first 1000 made in 2018

 

[Reconrider]

You could have spent 50$ on @ProScan if you use windows and saved yourself having to code an "overly complicated and comprehensive python program".

Proscan has a built in serial comm port that shows the scanner on the program as well as logs stuff to itself. I use it daily for my sds100

 

[hiegtx]

Hello,
I bought a SDS200 third-hand a while back and when I received it the screen was fine and slowly has gotten worse due to the well-known screen issues.

I assume I’m almost certainly unable to get it fixed as a warranty repair and I really don’t want to spend ~$90 to have a cheap screen replaced, especially if could happen again. Does anyone know what screen module is used in the SDS200 and if it (or a suitable replacement) is available on eBay/Amazon? I think I would be comfortable doing the repair myself if I could get my hands on a replacement.

In the meantime, I’ve written an overly complicated and comprehensive python program to mirror the screen on my desktop, so I guess it’s not a huge rush.

PS: I don’t know it it’s important, but if I read the serial # correctly, mine was one of the first 1000 made in 2018

I don't have any suggestions as to availability of a replacement display module. My SDS200 is also one of the early production units. So far, I have not had any of the problems posted previous, such as display problems, nor any hum. But apparently, you've drawn the short straw, and have a defective display.

But the first thing I'd try would be to open up the scanner & verify that all the ribbon cables are securely seated. Also make sure any other socket mounted components are fully seated as well.

ProScan lets you control all operations of the scanner via your PC, along with a virtual display of the scanner. Whether that is more functional than what you've brewed up on your own, I would not know. But ProScan does have a 30 day full function free trial period. Download ProScan to try it out (if you have not tried it previously). ProScan (Recon typed a bit quicker on this. )

 

[NCAmateurRadioGuy]

You could have spent 50$ on @ProScan if you use windows and saved yourself having to code an "overly complicated and comprehensive python program".

Proscan has a built in serial comm port that shows the scanner on the program as well as logs stuff to itself. I use it daily for my sds100

I actually do think I will buy ProScan, but I haven’t yet for two reasons: I’m not 100% I’ll use it (I have tried the free trial) and the project was for fun and I may use it as a basis for my own head unit at some point. I’ve actually done it before as well using arduino code based on a 2012-13 thread and was reinspired by the more recent one, though my code is wholly mine.

 

[NCAmateurRadioGuy]

I don't have any suggestions as to availability of a replacement display module. My SDS200 is also one of the early production units. So far, I have not had any of the problems posted previous, such as display problems, nor any hum. But apparently, you've drawn the short straw, and have a defective display.

But the first thing I'd try would be to open up the scanner & verify that all the ribbon cables are securely seated. Also make sure any other socket mounted components are fully seated as well.

ProScan lets you control all operations of the scanner via your PC, along with a virtual display of the scanner. Whether that is more functional than what you've brewed up on your own, I would not know. But ProScan does have a 30 day full function free trial period. Download ProScan to try it out (if you have not tried it previously). ProScan (Recon typed a bit quicker on this. )

Ok, I’ll try that out. I don’t have any hum issues and wonder if maybe that has been repaired by a previous owner/Uniden.

 

[n1chu]

I own two of the SDS200’s. I believe both came from the second manufacturing run. One developed the bad display issue which got progressively worse to a point where it was unacceptable but I never sent it back for repair/replacement. It started acting up while it was installed in my pickup truck so I swapped it out with the other which resided in my house. I never learned why it developed the problem but strangely enough, once I got it permanently residing in my house, it stopped getting worse and instead started to improve. Today I have two SDS200’s behaving as if nothing ever went wrong… meaning the problem went away on its own which caused me to suspect it was an ambient temp problem, living in Ct., any scanner installed in a vehicle is exposed to some drastic temp swings. But the SDS200 that replaced the defective one has never experienced any issues at all, so, go figure… it prevents me from forming any conclusions why one has had a problem and the other not. Truth be known, I never expected the scanner to improve all by itself… guess I just lucked out! But I’ll tell you this, No way is it going back in my pickup! I’m a firm believer in “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

It may be a long shot but if your SDS200 is installed in a vehicle that is exposed to drastic temp swings, bringing it indoors for a month or so may help.

 

[mule1075]

Send it in and get it repaired.$ 90 is a really small price to pay even if it is 3rd hand. And if you decide to sell it you will get the money you spent on the repair back in the end.

 

[K5mow]

I personally would send it in to Uniden and have it repaired. $90 seems worth it for such a good expensive radio that you will have.

Roger

 

[NCAmateurRadioGuy]

I h

I own two of the SDS200’s. I believe both came from the second manufacturing run. One developed the bad display issue which got progressively worse to a point where it was unacceptable but I never sent it back for repair/replacement. It started acting up while it was installed in my pickup truck so I swapped it out with the other which resided in my house. I never learned why it developed the problem but strangely enough, once I got it permanently residing in my house, it stopped getting worse and instead started to improve. Today I have two SDS200’s behaving as if nothing ever went wrong… meaning the problem went away on its own which caused me to suspect it was an ambient temp problem, living in Ct., any scanner installed in a vehicle is exposed to some drastic temp swings. But the SDS200 that replaced the defective one has never experienced any issues at all, so, go figure… it prevents me from forming any conclusions why one has had a problem and the other not. Truth be known, I never expected the scanner to improve all by itself… guess I just lucked out! But I’ll tell you this, No way is it going back in my pickup! I’m a firm believer in “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

It may be a long shot but if your SDS200 is installed in a vehicle that is exposed to drastic temp swings, bringing it indoors for a month or so may help.

I have heard of temp being the problem or at least a factor, but mine is indoors on my desk, away from the window and we’ll exposed to air. I’m very glad it solved it for you, but mine seems too far gone.