SDS250 potential?

[KE4ZNR]

All HP and SDS scanners use DMA and don't reserve memory between programmed channels that will be unused.

/Ubbe

As someone that helped bring scanners since the 396XT to market via beta testing the above is correct. Uniden considers all HP & SDS scanners "DMA" scanners since they don't use channel banks.

 

[redbeard]

A scanner like BC125 uses channel numbers so that ch1 gets memory location 1 and ch5 get memory location 5. If not using ch2-3-4 you will be wasting those memory locations.

Uniden then came up with DMA that doesn't use channel numbers but instead systems and departments. You can number tag frequencies to let them have channel numbers but if you enter a frequency for ch1 that gets location 1 and then enter a frequency as ch5 it will get memory location 2 so that no memory are wasted, hence Dynamic Memory Architecture. All HP and SDS scanners use DMA and don't reserve memory between programmed channels that will be unused.

/Ubbe

I'm still not sure why you are tellling me this... For the purposes of my post a DMA scanner quite simply means one that is not an HP. If I were referring to an HP scanner, I'd call it an HP scanner. But since the specific models I mentioned were not HP scanners, I referred to them by their next best feature... DMA.

See our wiki if you have further confusion about DMA models:

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

I could have been more specific and said DMA tier 2 when I mentioned we may perhaps see an SDR-based DMA scanner, but I used actual model numbers so I didn't feel like I needed to get any further into it to make my point.

 

[Ubbe]

I'm still not sure why you are tellling me this...

Because you made an inaccurate statement that I wanted to correct so people reading here at RR trying to learn things doesn't get any wrong information. Scanners that use fixed channel numbers that can be programmed or left unprogrammed are not DMA and all other Uniden scanners use DMA, including the SDS models that use SDR receivers.

After all, we don't have an SDR-based Dynamic Memory scanner yet.

/Ubbe

 

[wa8pyr]

Because you made an inaccurate statement that I wanted to correct so people reading here at RR trying to learn things doesn't get any wrong information. Scanners that use fixed channel numbers that can be programmed or left unprogrammed are not DMA and all other Uniden scanners use DMA, including the SDS models that use SDR receivers.


/Ubbe

Drifting off topic here, kids. No pi**ing matches. Let's keep it on topic, ie an SDS250 (if that ever happens).

 

[ratboy]

I will be shocked if there isn't an SDS250 coming, it seems logical and I would probably buy one pretty quickly. An improved receiver would be nice, and a little faster scan couldn't hurt. I would split my current SDS200's systems with the 250 getting the NW Ohio system that has the most traffic on it with the 200 getting MSPCS, which isn't quite in range at my apartment. A mile up the road, and it's slamming in.

 

[JDKelley]

Everybody -
I'll be the first to admit that Uniden has given us some really good toys with the SDS100/150/200. But, anything conceived by Man can be improved by Man, so how about we explore what we'd like to see in the next "dot upgrade" iteration of these units? I'm not talking about core technology upgrades, more a set of "you know, this would be really useful . . ." upgrades.

Now, I've just got an SDS100, and I'm still figuring the thing out (memory issues from a TBI and the damn thing is smarter than I am, coupled with I don't get to sit and play with it much because the XYL doesn't like it when I pick up a data channel . . .) So, it's possible that one or two of these may be integrated and I just don't know about it.

But, this is a good place, I think, to talk about what we'd like to see in the SDS175/SDS225. Let's brainstorm and see what we can come up with!

SDS175:
- Bluetooth that can handle multiple sets of earbuds (I've got a buddy who's a budding scannist as well, and I want to encourage him. But, I want to keep the data channels from being heard by the XYL. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth module I found only links up to one pair of earbuds. . .)
- Wi-Fi to connect to computer. I know, USB and all that, but there are situations where I spend more time wrangling cords than listening, and that gets really irritating!
- Scanner programmable through WiFi (with Sentinel) or Bluetooth (with app - UAware?) Standard encryption to be applied
- Shorter encoder knob (protrudes less from case.) Mine has been knackered about, and I've had to, er, "encourage" it to stand properly a couple of times now. A shorter knob is less of a lever arm to deal with when force is applied, and less bending potential.
- If the bluetooth and WiFi isn't done, then respond to that with a copper spray inside the case before the window is fitted. I have done this with other scanners to good results, using the spray copper "head gasket sealant" one can get from a well-stocked parts house. Very light spray, multiple coats. Each coat should be just enough to fully cover the inside surface of the case as removed.
- Keyboard lighting that doesn't peter out at the edges. Yes, I know, this would call for multiple LEDs or an EL panel. Please? I prefer to be able to see the whole thing, instead of trying to remember what the periphery buttons do once I wander off of the number island.

SDS225:
Now, it should be borne in mind that I haven't had the chance to do anything with the SDS200 yet (although getting one is on my list of things to do - I like to have a base and an HT. Reminds me, I do need to fix these three PRO-2006 units. . .) so I may cite something already done or planned. Forgive me if I do, please.
- Bluetooth that can handle multiple sets of earbuds, for the same reason as with the SDS175, above
- WiFi as well as 100-Base-T connection.
- Programmable through 802.11 and Bluetooth, as above, including encryption.
- Keyboard thoroughly lit
- I'd really like to hear from SDS200 owners on this one, it will take me a while to pick one up! (I'd spend as much for an SDS200 as I would for a decent 1911, and the 1911 has high priority on my list. . .)

Lucky

 

[JDKelley]

Brain zap!

SDS300 (DIN), SDS325 (DIN.5), & SDS350 (2xDIN) scanners as car stereo head units. Similar in principle to the SDS150 or SDS175, mounted in the vehicle dashboard. Partner with someone like Kenwood for the stereo part, have a front panel USB-A input to plug in a thumb drive with .mp3/.wav/.flac/other audio format to play.

Like other "media player" stereo units, this need not be a full-depth unit, since it's not playing cassettes or CDs (I've put these in my vehicles, since I don't need much. I'd rather put my music in on a thumb drive anyhow - a CD-ROM holds 700MB, I have several 512GB thumb drives in service.) Bluetooth to connect phones for hands-free operation, voice control so you don't have to even reach for a button. Voice control does not need many commands: "Answer," "Call xxxx" (with "xxxx" being either a contact or a number given one digit at a time, expecting ten digits,) "End call." It's not like it needs to be a natural-language interface.

 

[JDKelley]

Sometimes I think the manufacturers of scanners and specialty receivers do not have their ear to the ground. Asking what features are wanted in a place like RR would go a long way in designing a unit. This is not to say that the community cannot come up with some non practical requests such as "strobing back light color based on the radio ID seen at certain times of the day" (yea someone actually asked for that as a FW option).

A HF(0-30ish MHZ) scanner would be a nice toy provided it has all mode and 100hz resolution. But these should not be mixed with regular scanners.

I am almost tempted to star a thread on designing the ultimate portable and mobile scanner or making a practical wish list for such a device.

'S why I started this thread - SDS175/SDS225 Possibilty?. This is for realistic add-ons, not "cupholders and racing stripes," and other asinine stuff (although I admit the in-dash idea is somewhat fringe. Most of the states that restrict mounting the scanner in the vehicle, I believe, make exceptions for amateur radio.)

This is for practical ideas, so let's see what we can come up with. I'm sure everybody's got something percolating around in their melon somewhere, so let's let it bubble up, see what's practical (and can be done with current tech - which is still fairly extensive. . .) and see what Uniden has to say to our ideas. . .

Lucky

 

[JDKelley]

Yes. (And part of that cost is tariffs, FWIW.) You're getting a lot more bang for the buck, compared to others, and especially scanners of old, if you adjust cost per inflation.

You know, I've never gotten a straight answer to this - "Why does the economy need inflation, at any particular percentage rate?" Seems to me we were doing just fine until Nixon took us off the Gold Standard in 1971 and screwed it all up. . .

 

[JDKelley]

Another idea that hit me - instead of the 8GB card "limit" (which a number of people found extends neatly to 32GB,) could we get support for larger cards - and a firmware update that allows the larger card to be addressed in the older scanners? It would allow much more room for recording to, say, stick a 256 or 512GB card in there instead of a 8, 16 or 32GB - record a bunch of stuff while you're on the road, and dump it when you get home?

 

[vagrant]

VSS/VSC variable syllabic squelch - This may make your XYL content. The Icom R30 has it, but for FM only. Improved receivers have it for SSB. Still, FM only VSC should be on your list.

 

[ladn]

An external control head for either radio would be at the top of my wish list.

 

[hiegtx]

Another idea that hit me - instead of the 8GB card "limit" (which a number of people found extends neatly to 32GB,) could we get support for larger cards - and a firmware update that allows the larger card to be addressed in the older scanners? It would allow much more room for recording to, say, stick a 256 or 512GB card in there instead of a 8, 16 or 32GB - record a bunch of stuff while you're on the road, and dump it when you get home?

Uniden, in the past, has noted that they only "supported" micro-SD cards up to 32gb. Which likely meant that if your scanner was having issues accessing a card, they would only work to troubleshoot the issue, either via tech support, or as part of the repair process, if the card was 32gb or smaller. They would not try to work issues for cards larger than that. However, past comments, both hear in the forums, as well as the online chat groups (previously Yahoo groups, now Groups-IO) are from users using cards up to 64gb, with (I think) one at least one comment about using a 128gb card, with no issues reported.

The only need for a much larger card is strictly related to saving multiple days worth ofrecordings. Even a 4 or 8gb card can easily handle a week's worth of audio on normally active systems. The ease (now) of physically accessing the card on the new SDS150, as well the current SDS200, and most likely the speculated SDS250, makes it easy to swap out cards. Keep one or more inexpensive extra cards, preloaded (with your Favorites lists of choice, and current database loaded) and you could easily swap it out whenever desired. If I were trying to record a very exceptionally long. session, like on a trip, I'd prefer to rely on a set of several smaller cards, rather than very large cards, to insure that some sort of unexpected power glitch, or perhaps an accidental drop, in the midst of a recording being sent to the card, corrupting a card with multiple days, if not weeks, of audio file.

 

[JDKelley]

VSS/VSC variable syllabic squelch - This may make your XYL content. The Icom R30 has it, but for FM only. Improved receivers have it for SSB. Still, FM only VSC should be on your list.

Interesting. So how's that work, then?

 

[vagrant]

VSS / VSC (Voice Squelch Control) is a radio feature that mutes the speaker audio unless a signal with human voice modulation is detected. It ignores unmodulated signals, data bursts, and noise.

Typically military radios of late, as well as some Icom radios, offer the VSC feature. While the Icom R30 receiver has been discontinued, the Icom R15 also offers VSC in FM and FM narrow. Spend even more money and get the Icom 8600.

 

[pb_lonny]

You all forgot the waffle maker

 

[JDKelley]

VSS / VSC (Voice Squelch Control) is a radio feature that mutes the speaker audio unless a signal with human voice modulation is detected. It ignores unmodulated signals, data bursts, and noise.

Typically military radios of late, as well as some Icom radios, offer the VSC feature. While the Icom R30 receiver has been discontinued, the Icom R15 also offers VSC in FM and FM narrow. Spend even more money and get the Icom 8600.

Ah, I see. Perhaps that should be a scanner feature in general. . .

 

[JDKelley]

You all forgot the waffle maker

This thread is for practical features, you knob. . .

(Bonus points if you get the reference)

 

[ratboy]

A shorter encoder knob would be a good idea, and I kind of wish there was a "wall" next to it to keep it from taking a hit. My main fears, as far as breakage goes is the encoder knob, and the USB port. The list of damages I've done to radios over the last 40 years of having handheld scanners/HTs isn't huge, but there have been "fatalities" when a radio is dropped and I tried to catch it. Metal cases don't do well slammed onto a concrete floor. It's always a concrete floor or asphalt.

I've had several phones where the USB type C port has either become intermittent, or doesn't charge the phone at all anymore. I will probably start charging the SDS150 batteries only on the cradle to help prevent/delay this. For sure after I can get another cradle.

Other than the above, direct Bluetooth connection to earbuds/headphones would be nice, and the keypad backlight could be a little better, and if I really want to get picky, a different type of keypad, and a slightly larger one would be great.

 

[buddrousa]

@JDKelley
The waffle maker was something UPMan the man that designed the SDS series among other scanners started years before you joined RR.
That was a salute to Paul UPMan Optiz.