Sentinel and Banks?

[OfficerJim]

Not sure how to explain/ask, I have been playing with the Sentinel program in anticipation of getting my SDS200 today, I would like to program certain sites/departments into specific banks so I can turn off or on the ones I want to monitor at different times but I don't see how to do that, is it possible?

 

[mc48]

You can use Quick Keys.

SDS Sentinel Software Manual

 

[dmfalk]

Not sure how to explain/ask, I have been playing with the Sentinel program in anticipation of getting my SDS200 today, I would like to program certain sites/departments into specific banks so I can turn off or on the ones I want to monitor at different times but I don't see how to do that, is it possible?

They're called "Favorites Lists".

Get to know Sentinel here: Easier-To-Read Sentinel Manual
Get to know your new SDS unit here: Easier-To-Read SSDS100/SDS200 Manual

Have fun! I've certainly have been enjoying my SDS100.....😌

 

[OfficerJim]

Not a good start, I formatted my SD card using the software Uniden recommends, after reinserting it says to "clear user data" using the "Sentinel " software, it won't let me, I click on "scanner" then "clear user data" nothing shows up so I click "refresh" and it does nothing, I tried using a new SD card I hard laying around as well, same results. right now Uniden support is closed, I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[fxdscon]

Not a good start, I formatted my SD card using the software Uniden recommends, after reinserting it says to "clear user data" using the "Sentinel " software, it won't let me, I click on "scanner" then "clear user data" nothing shows up so I click "refresh" and it does nothing, I tried using a new SD card I hard laying around as well, same results. right now Uniden support is closed, I'll try again tomorrow.

Be certain you put the scanner in "Mass Storage" mode if you are using Sentinel with the card in the scanner rather than an external card reader.

The scanner and/or Sentinel won't recognize a new, or newly formatted card. The next step is to use the Sentinel "Clear User Data" function. From the top menu bar in Sentinel, click "Scanner", then "Clear User Data". When that window open up, check the box that says "Display All Drives", then click "OK". Then follow the screen prompts to finish.

 

[OfficerJim]

Be certain you put the scanner in "Mass Storage" mode if you are using Sentinel with the card in the scanner rather than an external card reader.

The scanner and/or Sentinel won't recognize a new, or newly formatted card. The next step is to use the Sentinel "Clear User Data" function. From the top menu bar in Sentinel, click "Scanner", then "Clear User Data". When that window open up, check the box that says "Display All Drives", then click "OK". Then follow the screen prompts to finish.

Does not give me that option, it automatically goes to the screen "SD card file error, use sentinel "clear user data" operation to initialize SD card
EDIT: after a few more tries it finally gave me the option, I am currently clearing user data, wish me luck, lol.

 

[fxdscon]

EDIT: after a few more tries it finally gave me the option, I am currently clearing user data, wish me luck, lol.

It's always faster to use an external card reader to use any of the Sentinel functions (including programming and updating), but if the card is in the scanner........ on the SDS200 when you have a new or newly formatted card in the scanner that doesn't yet have any files on it, to get into mass storage mode:

With the scanner off and the USB cable disconnected from the computer, insert the SD card into the scanner and then turn the scanner on before connecting the USB cable to the computer. Once you see the "SD Card File Error" on the screen, then connect the USB cable to the computer and the display will allow you to choose the mass storage mode.

If you put the newly formatted card in the SDS200 and the USB cable is already connected to the computer, when you turn the scanner on, it will get to the "SD Card File Error" screen, and won't go any further. If this happens, leave the scanner on and just disconnect the USB cable and then reconnect it.

Once you have the scanner up and running after the clear user data process, the very next thing to do is be sure to update the database and firmware in the scanner..... just follow the steps outlined under "Updating Firmware" and "Updating the Database" on pages 10 & 11 of your owner's manual.

Also, be sure you are using the latest version of the Sentinel Software (v 2.05.03 )

 

[dmfalk]

......And above all else, DON'T PANIC!!

 

[OfficerJim]

......And above all else, DON'T PANIC!!

I really appreciate the help. I finally have it up and running (after a few choice words and hair pulling, lol) it sounds great and I'm able to hear the departments I want again! These new scanners sure ain't easy to operate/program, certainly not like the ones I'm used to and grew up with, I'm going to play around with it later today, hopefully I don't mess anything up again, if so I'll be back, but thanks again for everyone's help

 

[buddrousa]

They are very easy to use and program after you get used to the new way this scanner works.

 

[RandyKuff]

I really appreciate the help. I finally have it up and running (after a few choice words and hair pulling, lol) it sounds great and I'm able to hear the departments I want again! These new scanners sure ain't easy to operate/program, certainly not like the ones I'm used to and grew up with, I'm going to play around with it later today, hopefully I don't mess anything up again, if so I'll be back, but thanks again for everyone's help

Just a suggestion...
Get another Micro SD card... That way you can play around with all the settings like quick keys etc etc...
That will help you get more famliar with the programming... You won't break anything by playing around with it...
Then when your done, pop your working SD card back in...
Self training without screwing up the card you have working...

 

[OfficerJim]

Just a suggestion...
Get another Micro SD card... That way you can play around with all the settings like quick keys etc etc...
That will help you get more famliar with the programming... You won't break anything by playing around with it...
Then when your done, pop your working SD card back in...
Self training without screwing up the card you have working...

Great idea, after yesterday I think the little girl next door learned a few words her parents wish she never heard, lol

 

[dmfalk]

They are very easy to use and program after you get used to the new way this scanner works.

This, definitely this!! For the most part, it isn't hard, just very different from the scanners of old... It's entirely database-based, with a master database and smaller databases that you make or import, called "favorites lists". Sure, you can directly enter frequencies, and save them in a favorites list, but it's not like a memory entry in a bank. And everything you need to know about what to do is available in the manuals we've linked, or you can search for answers here (and ask, if you're unable to find anything yet).

Additionally, you can use (import) anyone else's favourites lists, made for any of the SDS and HP series of scanners (any of the scanners that use either version of Sentinel), that you can find here or elsewhere.

Nextly, you can decide to buy upgrade keys for DMR and NXDN (as well as ProVoice, which isn't used much, and the Waterfall function, which isn't strictly necessary, but can be useful), to greatly expand what you can scan for on your SDS unit.

And lastly, I'll repeat myself, and again say DON'T PANIC!! You don't need to know everything all at once! I've had mine for over a year, and I'm still learning (and I have no regrets)..... 🙃

 

[rf_patriot200]

This, definitely this!! For the most part, it isn't hard, just very different from the scanners of old... It's entirely database-based, with a master database and smaller databases that you make or import, called "favorites lists". Sure, you can directly enter frequencies, and save them in a favorites list, but it's not like a memory entry in a bank. And everything you need to know about what to do is available in the manuals we've linked, or you can search for answers here (and ask, if you're unable to find anything yet).

Additionally, you can use (import) anyone else's favourites lists, made for any of the SDS and HP series of scanners (any of the scanners that use either version of Sentinel), that you can find here or elsewhere.

Nextly, you can decide to buy upgrade keys for DMR and NXDN (as well as ProVoice, which isn't used much, and the Waterfall function, which isn't strictly necessary, but can be useful), to greatly expand what you can scan for on your SDS unit.

And lastly, I'll repeat myself, and again say DON'T PANIC!! You don't need to know everything all at once! I've had mine for over a year, and I'm still learning (and I have no regrets)..... 🙃

Me too !! Everytime I delve into the land of Uniden, I learn something new !

 

[OfficerJim]

Thanks again for everyone's advice, I do have it set up with what I want to hear, I'm very happy with it, and yes, it's not like the scanners of old that I grew up on, I've been listening since I was a child, my Grandfather and Father got me into it, back in the days of "crystals", I'm now 59 so gives you an idea how long, lol. I've been fiddling around with "Quick keys", I did try the option of using my zip code and holy cow! I got overwhelmed with so much to listen too, is there a way to change the range with the zip code like you can if you use the GPS?

 

[rf_patriot200]

Thanks again for everyone's advice, I do have it set up with what I want to hear, I'm very happy with it, and yes, it's not like the scanners of old that I grew up on, I've been listening since I was a child, my Grandfather and Father got me into it, back in the days of "crystals", I'm now 59 so gives you an idea how long, lol. I've been fiddling around with "Quick keys", I did try the option of using my zip code and holy cow! I got overwhelmed with so much to listen too, is there a way to change the range with the zip code like you can if you use the GPS?

Press Squelch, for your SERVICE MENU and pick which services you want turned on or off, this helps a lot.