SDS100/SDS200: SDS200 Programming via SD card reader

[GILLIG40]

Is the firmware located on the sd card? I’ve programmed my older SDS200s via card reader only. With the newer production runs and new hardware can I copy my existing sd card for a new SDS200. Or will there be firmware issues.

Thanks

 

[n1chu]

No. But you may be confusing firmware for software. If the SD Card worked with the older SDS200 it should work with the new one. Your method of programming using a card reader should work as before If it doesn’t, try uploading to Sentinel and then download to the new card.

 

[GILLIG40]

I used Sentinel to program the ones that I have. Just trying to figure out if the firmware is on the card. Don’t want to screw anything up with programming a sd card with older firmware version into a new scanner with the current version

 

[62Truck]

Yes, the firmware files are stored on the card.

 

[GILLIG40]

Ok thank you very much.

 

[ProScan]

Is the firmware located on the sd card? I’ve programmed my older SDS200s via card reader only. With the newer production runs and new hardware can I copy my existing sd card for a new SDS200. Or will there be firmware issues.

Thanks

The firmware bin file is temporarily stored on the SD card in the \BCDx36HP\firmware folder when using Sentinel to update the firmware. When the scanner reboots, the scanner will look in the \BCDx36HP\firmware folder for the firmware bin file and if present, the scanner firmware will update and the firmware file on the SD card will delete.

So you may want to check the SD card \BCDx36HP\firmware folder and delete the bin file if present, to prevent the scanner from loading another version.

 

[GILLIG40]

Thank you. I’ve installed Sentinel on another Windows 10 machine. I’ll start over with the newest firmware when the new SDS200 arrives.

 

[gary123]

The firmware update files are placed on the SD card in the BCDx36HP folder and in the "firmware" subfolder. Any firmware files in that folder will be loaded to the scanner when its turned on. Once loaded to the scanner the files are automatically deleted from the subfolder.

Downloaded firmware files are saved in the hidden Program Data > Uniden > BCDx36HP_Sentinel > Updater folder. These files remain there forever. So if you wanted you could reload an earlier version of FW. UMLESS Uniden has a version check that prevents you rolling back the version. I have not personally tried rolling back. CYA time if you try this and mess up the scanner its on you, I do not recommend experimenting on a $$$$ unit.

 

[GILLIG40]

At 70 years old I‘m not exactly computer savvy. I’ve programmed 3 Sds200s and 3 G4s. And they actually worked like they should have when I was done. So I’m not pressing my luck. I’ll check the firmware on the new one when it arrives . If it’s the same as what I have now then I’ll just make a new card as I’ve done before. If not I’ll start over on the fresh Sentinel install that’s on the other computer. Definitely don’t want to screw up a new scanner .

 

[ofd8001]

Well...

If it was me, I'd take the SD card from the new scanner and put it into the card reader for my computer.

Then I'd use Sentinel and go to Update>Update Firmware. Sentinel will check that the latest firmware is being "seen". (When using an SD Card in the card reader, for programming purposes, Sentinel thinks the card is the scanner.)

If a firmware update is appropriate, Sentinel will write the files to the SD card. You can then eject the SD card and re-install it back into the scanner and turn the scanner on. The scanner will then do a firmware update. Just follow the easy instructions shown on the scanner.

Following that, your next steps would be to program the new scanner with a Profile, Favorites Lists (if any) and update the database, as you've done with the other scanners.

While you can connect the scanner to the computer (using Mass Storage mode), you can do all these steps, the card reader method hastens the process.

 

[GILLIG40]

Well...

If it was me, I'd take the SD card from the new scanner and put it into the card reader for my computer.

Then I'd use Sentinel and go to Update>Update Firmware. Sentinel will check that the latest firmware is being "seen". (When using an SD Card in the card reader, for programming purposes, Sentinel thinks the card is the scanner.)

If a firmware update is appropriate, Sentinel will write the files to the SD card. You can then eject the SD card and re-install it back into the scanner and turn the scanner on. The scanner will then do a firmware update. Just follow the easy instructions shown on the scanner.

Following that, your next steps would be to program the new scanner with a Profile, Favorites Lists (if any) and update the database, as you've done with the other scanners.

While you can connect the scanner to the computer (using Mass Storage mode), you can do all these steps, the card reader method hastens the process.

That’s what I will do. The last one I programmed was August 2022. Before the recent firmware updates. That one I turned it on made sure everything was working Correctly. Then took a new sd card reformatted in the card reader and programmed it with the previous profiles,favorites list and quick keys. Then removed the original card and replaced it with the newly created one. Didn’t have any issues. I’ll see what firmware this new one ships with.

Thanks

 

[n1chu]

I don’t know how using the card reader in the computer would hasten the process when performing a FW update on a SDS200. (It’s certainly not faster if we were talking about the SDS100.) But I’m not all that confidant the SDS200’s SD Card socket is up to tolerating ejecting and re-inserting on a continual basis. I choose to use a programming cable and purchased aftermarket right-angle cables that stay plugged into the front socket on the scanner. It serves two purposes; any programming that’s needed does not have me searching for a cable and it also acts as a dust cover for the socket/port. So, using a card reader is only necessary when a programming cable is not easily had.

I have one of two SDS200’d mounted in my truck on top of the dash (the only place I found that was convienent-I have an external amplified speaker stashed in the storage bin below the center display and plug both into the cigarette lighter which makes the install a lot easier and quicker to remove when necessary). The cable is tucked underneath the radio when not in use, always plugged in. (I wish I could find a dust cover for the exposed RJ-45 jack above the programming socket where I have the cable plugged in.) My other SDS200 resides in my home… again, with its own cable, always plugged in. It keeps me from searching or forgetting the cable when I want to update my truck’s scanner.

This setup also saved me from getting a second laptop for the truck, dedicated to programming. I suppose if I had a second laptop I would have dedicated it to the truck and used the cables that came with the radios, but since I didn’t, buying two right-angle cables was cheaper. You could use the cables that came with the scanners but they stick out too much for me so I opted for the right-angle aftermarket cables.

 

[werinshades]

But I’m not all that confidant the SDS200’s SD Card socket is up to tolerating ejecting and re-inserting on a continual basis.

No issues with mine, and have been doing this once a week to clear recordings since I purchased one of the originals in February 2019.

Look into a USB/SD Card Reader if the computer doesn't have an SD card reader on it.

 

[n1chu]

No issues with mine, and have been doing this once a week to clear recordings since I purchased one of the originals in February 2019.

Look into a USB/SD Card Reader if the computer doesn't have an SD card reader on it.

That’s good to hear. But I haven’t the need to pull the card at all (barring a defective card). And my laptop has a reader built in so, I don’t need another. I just don’t trust those spring loaded sockets… best to leave well enough alone. There are enough reasons to send the scanner in for repairs without me adding another… so far, I haven’t had to send either of the SDS200’s or the SDS100 back for a “tuneup”, I’d like to keep it that way. But thanks for the report.

 

[werinshades]

That’s good to hear. But I haven’t the need to pull the card at all (barring a defective card). And my laptop has a reader built in so, I don’t need another. I just don’t trust those spring loaded sockets… best to leave well enough alone. There are enough reasons to send the scanner in for repairs without me adding another… so far, I haven’t had to send either of the SDS200’s or the SDS100 back for a “tuneup”, I’d like to keep it that way. But thanks for the report.

No need to caution unnecessarily is why I posted. I own 6 SDS 200's, swap out weekly (usually Sunday is the slow day), use an USB/SD Card Reader (many computers don't have an SD Slot Reader so this can still be accomplished), and a ball point pen (if your fingernails are short) and plenty of SD Cards (buy in bulk when on sale). The scanner won't fall apart in your hands as long as it's used with the intended purpose.

 

[n1chu]

No need to caution unnecessarily is why I posted. I own 6 SDS 200's, swap out weekly (usually Sunday is the slow day), use an USB/SD Card Reader (many computers don't have an SD Slot Reader so this can still be accomplished), and a ball point pen (if your fingernails are short) and plenty of SD Cards (buy in bulk when on sale). The scanner won't fall apart in your hands as long as it's used with the intended purpose.

Yes. As I said it’s good to hear. But my caution is not unnecessary, it’s more prudent than unnecessary. But you have a right to your opinion and I mine. You have stated yours and I have replied in turn. That should have been the end of it… at least I thought it was. In any case I’m moving on.

 

[werinshades]

To sum this up, feel free to use the SDS200's SD card slot as often as you need to update your firmware if you so desire. Ignore any caution previously mentioned as there isn't any known problems...ok, now we're done.

 

[n1chu]

Well, you just may be right… but there is this… there’s not much call to continually insert/remove/repeat so my caution still stands… it’s not a part that gets excercised that much. Meaning there is no data to support the argument either way. And as long as people leave the SD Card mounted, there won’t be. So, heed the caution, leave the card mounted. Remember, it’s NEVER a question of “if”, it’s a question of “when”. I go by the old adage If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

 

[werinshades]

Lol..ok..

 

[ofd8001]

I don’t know how using the card reader in the computer would hasten the process when performing a FW update on a SDS200. (It’s certainly not faster if we were talking about the SDS100.)

For those of us not blessed with laptops or lengthy cables, removing the SD card and using a card reader is faster. Factoring time to get the laptop, connect it, then put it away. Plus I discourage starting a vehicle in a garage for the time it takes to send programming/firmware to a scanner.

But its a free country and there are lots of ways to skin cats and program scanners - all of them work and the best way is the one you like the most. And I figured we were talking about SDS 200s, not 100s or 436s, etc.