SDS200 initial reviews

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mondaro

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SDS-200 Metro New Jersey Review -

After chasing down the UPS truck like a mental patient I got my Uniden SDS-200, I ordered from Scanner Master hands down the best in the biz as they set up, optimize, update database and firmware along with programming 1 county, you can do all of these yourself but I am lazy and challenged when it comes to stuff like this, The programming cable is different to keep things tidy I wish the Uniden would have kept it to only having to use one program cable for the X36 and SDS models only a small ***** no biggie, I downloaded my systems which are well north of 225 and went to work monitoring, The radio is excellent on all bands and I am receiving counties system I have never received before such as Morris County TRS and Somerset County TRS, I live in Western Hudson County so besides the crap coming out of the Newark area and the mountain to the west in the past with other radios it was impossible to hear those western systems. I was underwhelmed by the size of the radio it looks bigger from the videos, navigating was an initial challenge but thanks to the Scanner Master Videos on set up and a quick review I as off to the races. I would purchase another SDS-200 in a heartbeat, by the way, I did get the DMR and NXDN upgrades, the DMR sounds very good there was no need to mess with any of the settings. I hope this short reviewed help especially with those on the fence. - Tony
 

eaf1956

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I received my SDS 200 this afternoon and easily updated the firmware and database and uploaded my favorites. I was very pleased with the reception of the simulcast system that I monitor and the quality of the audio. The keypad is a little dim - when compared to the screen which I have set the dimmer to 100% high - but nothing that I can't live with.

About two hours ago I noticed that there was a pulsating line underneath the SYSTEM DEPART and CHANNEL text. This comes and goes and it is annoying as it catches my eyes when viewing the screen. I have reloaded my favorites, turned off all lamps, TV, other scanners, and PCs . . . the pulsating line is still there.

The photo below shows the line, but of course not the pulsation. Sometimes the line is full length of the screen, or it is choppy along the length of the screen, and about 20% of the time it is absent.


View attachment 68402
You mean the RSSI graph? Change your display to something else.

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eaf1956

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I received my SDS 200 this afternoon and easily updated the firmware and database and uploaded my favorites. I was very pleased with the reception of the simulcast system that I monitor and the quality of the audio. The keypad is a little dim - when compared to the screen which I have set the dimmer to 100% high - but nothing that I can't live with.

About two hours ago I noticed that there was a pulsating line underneath the SYSTEM DEPART and CHANNEL text. This comes and goes and it is annoying as it catches my eyes when viewing the screen. I have reloaded my favorites, turned off all lamps, TV, other scanners, and PCs . . . the pulsating line is still there.

The photo below shows the line, but of course not the pulsation. Sometimes the line is full length of the screen, or it is choppy along the length of the screen, and about 20% of the time it is absent.


View attachment 68402
If you mean the little dashed lines try reducing screen brightness settings. I run mine at 10% and it is perfectly readable. My highest setting is 50% but that is too bright.

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werinshades

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Has anyone noticed most initial reviews have resulted in very little performance problems? Decoding digital systems, analog system monitoring seem to be doing well unless some are holding back. Just taking notice.
 

eaf1956

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Has anyone noticed most initial reviews have resulted in very little performance problems? Decoding digital systems, analog system monitoring seem to be doing well unless some are holding back. Just taking notice.

The SDS 200 is awesome. Don't let minor issues keep you from a great scanner. The one I got has ZERO issues.
 

Houdini7

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The SDS 200 is awesome. Don't let minor issues keep you from a great scanner. The one I got has ZERO issues.
So you will be willing to SWAP your radio for one that has these ‘minor’ issues?
I’m sure there are several folks on here that will take you up on that today!
 

gillham

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Offering up an idea for those with issues on the LAN jack.
If you find yourself constantly needing to unplug your network cable, you could always cut off the tab on the RJ45 so you can pull the cable loose. Maybe keep a second cable with the tab on it, if you have a location that necessitates the tab.
Or keep a tweaker close by to release the tab.

Re: on the front, someone posted a right angle RJ45 plugged cable, route it under the scanner, chop off the end and terminate it to a RJ45 jack. Then you just have to worry about the thickness of the CAT5[6] cable. If you’re doing a faceplate/rack, notch it for the cable. Just a short little jumper.

Just a couple of ideas


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Fireplug

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The SDS200 works for me. Using mobile in Jeep Wrangler mounted on side of center console. A couple of initial observations. The display is fantastic as others have noted - large, clear, bright and easy to read in a mobile environment. Speaking of brightness, I see the issue about the keypad backlight but for me it’s suitable for night operations. I can see the keypad and that’s enough. Were it brighter, I would want to turn it down. By the way the dimmed keypad doesn’t affect the screen brightness. Audio is loud clear and distortion free so far. The “hum” isn’t an issue for me. Yes, it’s there and can be heard inside as a base unit as opposed to mobile but it’s not really distracting to me. It’s just not that distracting to me. If I turned off everything else in the house and sat in silence and the radio was not receiving traffic then it would be apparent but otherwise it’s not concerning. I let the radio do its thing as I go about what I have to do. I don’t spend much time staring at it waiting for a malfunction. I understand others have experienced a more severe problem but that’s just my take. Reception is a noticeable improvement over the 536 so far. Some have asked about aircraft AM reception which I find particularly improved. There’s enough discussion elsewhere on public safety simulcast and I, too, would agree on improved performance. Would I buy it again. Absolutely and without hesitation. It works well for my use.


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TailGator911

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Sounds like you got a good one, can you share within 100 numbers the last 4 of the S/N?

I see that UPman and Uniden Support have addressed the issues and I think if there were any sort of investigation initiated it would be from them if and when they see a trend develop, as acknowledged by their service repair reps. So far, they do not. Some may not agree with their responses to the complaints, but it is what it is and its from corporate representatives. I am not going to join in any polls or votes or throw my radio's serial numbers out there to help in any campaigns. I only see good reviews and a few bad reviews, nothing to warrant any kind of an investigation. It's always the same with every scanner released. No polls or votes for me, just my reviews of the product as I see it. I'm just as happy with my SDS200 as I am with my SDS100.

Scanners are not any different from any other products you purchase. You get a bad one, you contact the seller where you bought it and arrange an exchange. If they try to weasel out of it, you take advantage of their return policy. I know how it works, I used to manage a Rat Shack in Clearwater, FL. What would you do with a defective scanner before the internet and this website? The way things change, the more they stay the same.

JD
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Not quite Utube literate enough to do a video. But, I finally got to set up my SDS200 this evening.
It seems to be right on par with my SDS100 (both of them) which seem to do a fine job compared to
my 536 and 436. For one thing, the audio on the SDS200 and SDS100 both seem to have clearer audio.
I had thoughts of putting this radio in my 18 wheeler. But, it's a beast in size. So, probably one of the SDS100's
will get the job.
Trucker
I was going to get one also for my big truck, but after seeing the size of it I bought a 536 since they really went down in price. I probably should have gotten the sds100 to replace the 436 I have in here at the moment... Lol

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N5XTC

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I was going to get one also for my big truck, but after seeing the size of it I bought a 536 since they really went down in price. I probably should have gotten the sds100 to replace the 436 I have in here at the moment... Lol

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my 436 works so well, i can see needing to replace it with the 100. i got the 200 instead. lol
 

radio3353

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Waiting for someone to crack open the case and see if the lan socket can be easily flipped over! :)

Not likely. I am sure the jack is soldered directly to the PC board. Cutting off the tab on the RJ45 plug is my solution. Sometimes y'all just need to be a little creative instead of complaining. :)
 
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eaf1956

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Thank you. I reduced the high dimmer from 100% to 70% (while the scanner was displaying the annoying line) and the line went away. I did this about an hour ago and so far, so good!
I run mine normally at 10 if I want it bright 50

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TailGator911

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Oh I see what there is to see. For ten people, it's bad enough to return the scanner. So, return it! Ten people out of - what - hundreds, do you think sales is in the thousands by now? - are not happy customers. It's an individual issue and each and every customer should react accordingly and contact their seller.

<< But again, anyone who lucked out and got a good scanner is not going to believe anyone that got a bad one.>>

I don't think anyone here disbelieves that you got a bad scanner. What a thing to say. Seriously? I hope you 'luck out' and get a good one if you choose to go the traditional customer service route with your retailer.

There is no debate here. I just choose not to be involved. That's the beauty of living in a democracy. Choice.

JD
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scanner8143

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I received my SDS200 today that I ordered from Webtron-X yesterday and I have a question in regards to the upgrades, the PA State Police are on System Type: Project 25 Phase I, System Voice: APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive which upgrade would I need?
 

phask

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I received my SDS200 today that I ordered from Webtron-X yesterday and I have a question in regards to the upgrades, the PA State Police are on System Type: Project 25 Phase I, System Voice: APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive which upgrade would I need?
None
 
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