SDS100/SDS200: Sentinel or Proscan education

[Madduck00]

I've an SDS100, should I download and learn Sentinel then Proscan? Our just go straight to Proscan?
Thanks
Jason

 

[buddrousa]

You need Sentinel to do Firmware updates and Databases even though I think Proscan does the Database now if I remember correctly.
Proscan lets you do name changes and other things so much easier plus the logging functions of Proscan.

 

[dave3825]

Yes, you should know some general Sentinel use, as its needed for applying firmware updates and profile settings to the scanners. You also need it to update the full database. Proscan is by far worth the price and offers a 30 day trial. Butel software also offers a 30 demo.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Agreed with above. Start on Sentinel so you get familiar with how favorites lists are created, updated, changes read & written to scanner etc. Once you feel you're well versed with Sentinel then you can move on to Proscan for greater FL customization & much much more

Sentinel SDS100/200 Software Manual
Proscan online manual

 

[nessnet]

As others have said - both.
Each have their advantages, but you NEED Sentinel for the radio's maintenance type stuff.
Proscan for superior favorite list editing tools, (like search/replace) and 'remote control' via PC, if wanted.
I still would still start with Sentinel for just starting out.

Ex:
I just used Proscan last night to adjust the range on 3-4 sites that were set too big in the database.
I just pulled up the system in Proscan's Google Maps overlay, drug each site's coverage circle to much better reflect RF propagation reality and then wrote them back into the radio. Being able to visually see and drag these coverage circles is a fantastic tool.

 

[Madduck00]

Thanks much to everyone.
I'll download the Sentinal first, get to know it, then learn the Proscan.
I've read all the good reviews and intel about it, i know the man who developed it is on here all the time. I like to support American and the small business owner, so I'm happy to contribute when and where i can.
Thanks much to everyone's time to help me.
Cheers, j-

 

[dave3825]

Being able to visually see and drag these coverage circles is a fantastic tool.

And when you live on an island, like Long Island, rectangles rock.

 

[dmfalk]

If you have any problems installing Sentinel, be sure to watch this video:
Installing .Net 2.0 on Windows 11

 

[bubbaearle]

I bought ProScan to program my 325P2's. I now have some profiles to import to start programming my SDS100.

ProScan looks to have a more intuitive user interface than Sentinel in my opinion.

 

[buddrousa]

It just does not do the FIRMWARE updates but what the heck I can live with that.

 

[Madduck00]

Thanks again everyone.
dmfalk, my bud put Windows on a old Mac for me, i have not used Windows in ages. And, as I age, I think I am starting to forget more than I knew so the tutorial vid will be helpful!

Cheers, j-

 

[dmfalk]

Considering much of the software needed to maintain your SDS100 (which I also have) require Windows (I don't think there are any that specifically work under Mac without Windows emulation), these are things you're just going to have to deal with, no matter what. But once you get past the learning curve for both Windows and the SDS100, you will find your new scanner quite rewarding, and a lot of fun! (I do!)

 

[nessnet]

And when you live on an island, like Long Island, rectangles rock.

Even out in the boonies...
I spend time every summer in MN (family there), so......