SDS100/SDS200: The Uniden Waterfall key is not being accepted when entered into SDS100 with the new firmware update

[JrsRaptor1]

Greetings Uniden Tech Support,

My name is Jose, I wish everyone a happy new year.

I own a Uniden SDS100 scanner, and I have it registered through the Uniden portal. I've run into a problem with entering the new Waterfall key after completing the new Uniden firmware update.

I used the Sentinel software to update my SDS100's with the latest Uniden firmware, which includes the new Waterfall feature. Please note that I always and only use Sentinel and prior to this new Uniden update, I had no issue at all entering my DNR and NXDN keys with PERFECT results.






After the successful firmware update (Main - 1.23.03) (Sub - 1.03.02), I immediately logged into my Uniden Portal and purchased the copy of the Waterfall key needed to activate all the features. I captured my Uniden Waterfall license key on the My Uniden portal and also received my Waterfall key via my personal email.

I moved ahead to carefully input my new Waterfall key using the on-screen menu system on my SDS100.

The SDS100 will not accept my purchased waterfall key as needed. It continues to say, “INCORRECT KEY ENTERED. PRESS ANY KEY.” I have restarted the SDS100, and it has been to no avail with this issue.

Interestingly enough, I discovered that the first position on the SDS100 screen won't allow for any character whatsoever to be entered without giving you that "INCORRECT KEY ENTERED. PRESS ANY KEY" message after you press enter.

Uniden Tech Support, has anybody else encountered this problem and brought it to your attention?

I have also emailed Uniden, explaining every single detail I could capture of my issue, including screenshots. I'm hoping a Uniden team member will respond to my email soon.

I am hoping that Uniden is already aware of some of these issues and is currently working on releasing a fix, patch, or new firmware update to resolve this issue.

Kind regards,

-Jose

 

[n0esc]

There is a thread here about the SDS200 and someone with a similar issue: SDS200: - SDS 200 Waterfall Key

Sounds like you are entering it in the right place, but perhaps the suggestion to make sure you are selecting any hyphens as well, and if there are any Bs or 8s in the key, make sure you are selecting the correct one for each of those, apparently the font makes both look similar.

Not an SDS owner, so take my advice with a grain of salt, hopefully it's helpful until someone with more knowledge or direct experience comes along.

 

[n1chu]

Happy New Years Jose. I haven’t any help for you, just a request… to let us know if Uniden responds to your inquiry. If I were to guess, I’d say don’t hold your breath. Uniden isn’t known for their customer service. Paul Opitz did a good job of informing us when he was running the show but he has since passed. RIP. However, there is someone watching the forums who is (apparently) associated with Uniden scanners… maybe he will pass along your question. But any correspondence you have submitted probably won’t be addressed.

 

[kruser]

Greetings Uniden Tech Support,

My name is Jose, I wish everyone a happy new year.

I own a Uniden SDS100 scanner, and I have it registered through the Uniden portal. I've run into a problem with entering the new Waterfall key after completing the new Uniden firmware update.

I used the Sentinel software to update my SDS100's with the latest Uniden firmware, which includes the new Waterfall feature. Please note that I always and only use Sentinel and prior to this new Uniden update, I had no issue at all entering my DNR and NXDN keys with PERFECT results.


Interestingly enough, I discovered that the first position on the SDS100 screen won't allow for any character whatsoever to be entered without giving you that "INCORRECT KEY ENTERED. PRESS ANY KEY" message after you press enter.

Kind regards,

-Jose

Do NOT press Enter after a hex digit or hyphen is entered, the enter E key is only pressed after all digits and hyphens are entered.
Use the left and right arrow soft keys below the display to move the cursor right and left to enter each digit of your key.
Only press enter after all digits and the hyphens are entered in the input field.

 

[dave3825]

If I were to guess, I’d say don’t hold your breath. Uniden isn’t known for their customer service.

So true. Uniden was telling people, just 3 months ago, that Uniden does NOT sell upgrade keys.

I called Uniden customer service yesterday. They wanted to be very clear they don't sell the upgrade keys. Those are third party but they'll check and see if someone can help.

Uniden as communicated by the technical support rep I spoke to. I purchased the key direct from uniden (exactly as you show) and told her as much. She kept saying the keys are third party. She was friendly and seemed helpful but a bit defensive about the whole topic. She also said I She created a case and I would hear back in 24-48 "business hours". We'll see, I'm not holding my breath.

 

[fxdscon]

I am hoping that Uniden is already aware of some of these issues and is currently working on releasing a fix, patch, or new firmware update to resolve this issue.

You’re most likely not entering the key properly. Follow the instructions on page 1 here:

https://www.uniden.info/download/ompdf/SDS200Waterfallom.pdf

 

[KC4ASF]

I am having the same problem with my SDS 200 and I have input my key number multiple times without any success. Yes, I have verified my key letters and even had my wife read them out to me.

 

[fxdscon]

I am having the same problem with my SDS 200 and I have input my key number multiple times without any success. Yes, I have verified my key letters and even had my wife read them out to me.

Are you following the instructions at the bottom of page 1 at this link?

https://www.uniden.info/download/ompdf/SDS200Waterfallom.pdf

 

[KC4ASF]

Y

Are you following the instructions at the bottom of page 1 at this link?

https://www.uniden.info/download/ompdf/SDS200Waterfallom.pdf

Yes, verbatim

 

[fxdscon]

Y

Yes, verbatim

At what part of the process of entering the key are you seeing an error?

 

[JrsRaptor1]

Good Morning,

Thank you for responding to my post.

The issue I was having with my SDS100 unit and waterfall key, as stated in my RadioReference post, was resolved.

With all your help, I've concluded that the root cause of my original issue was operator error and not the new Uniden firmware update or the Waterfall key.

NOTE: IN ORDER FOR THE WATERFALL KEY TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE SDS100 SOFTWARE, ALL 27 CHARACTERS (XXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXX) OF YOUR KEY MUST BE INPUT BEFORE PRESSING THE ENTER BUTTON.

I especially want to thank KRUSER and FXDSCON for identifying the problem and recommending the FIX for my issue.

-Jose

 

[nessnet]

So true. Uniden was telling people, just 3 months ago, that Uniden does NOT sell upgrade keys.

You got a very ill informed Customer Service Rep.
They have ALWAYS sold upgrade keys via my.uniden.com
And, "my.uniden.com" resolves to Uniden - NOT any "3rd party"

QUESTION
dig @1.0.0.1 my.uniden.com. A
ANSWER
my.uniden.com. 3600 A 12.208.173.93

or.....

TypeDomain NameTTLAddress
my.uniden.com
12.208.173.93Check IP Blacklist
Owner: Uniden America Corp WHOIS AS7018

 

[dave3825]

You got a very ill informed Customer Service Rep.

Lol HandiScratchy is the one that had that happen. If you read all the Uniden CS posts, it's clear they have many ill informed reps.

 

[KC4ASF]

OK, after 6 tries I decided to literally remove everything on the SDS 200 and re-install everything....... NOW everything works including the Waterfall.... SMH....

 

[JrsRaptor1]

KC4ASF,

I'm glad to hear that your last attempt at the firmware upgrade and Waterfall activation on your SDS200 was a complete success. Nice way to start off the new year.

Something I would like to point out that I have noticed since running this new firmware update. My recent listening to the same programmed frequencies using the same antenna system from the same location at home seems to have improved. It seems to me that this firmware update has somehow optimized the receiver on my SDS100. The noticeable improvements include no more audio clipping or cut-offs from the radio transmissions. To sum up, my received radio traffic appears to be much cleaner and readable. Enjoy and have fun.

-Jose

 

[hiegtx]

Lol HandiScratchy is the one that had that happen. If you read all the Uniden CS posts, it's clear they have many ill informed reps.

I don't know if this still the case, but the late UPMan responded to one 'customer service' issue post, that the "Uniden Customer Service" phone number was answered by a contract third party in (I believe) Minnesota, These were not actual Uniden employees, and so were not fully familiar with many of the issues where assistance was requested,

Bottom line, though, is that whoever is answering that line should be more familiar and in touch with the product line & common topics that came in on that line, regardless of which company's name is on their paycheck.

 

[fxdscon]

I don't know if this still the case, but the late UPMan responded to one 'customer service' issue post, that the "Uniden Customer Service" phone number was answered by a contract third party in (I believe) Minnesota,

This might be the post..... from 2018:

UnidenSupport User

Nice to see this tag frequenting the board lately. We all know that Upman is one person with a full plate. I've long thought that him, having a side-kick, would probably help immensely even though both of their participation is voluntary. FWIW, thanks for being around UnidenSupport!

forums.radioreference.com

 

[hiegtx]

This might be the post..... from 2018:

UnidenSupport User

Nice to see this tag frequenting the board lately. We all know that Upman is one person with a full plate. I've long thought that him, having a side-kick, would probably help immensely even though both of their participation is voluntary. FWIW, thanks for being around UnidenSupport!

forums.radioreference.com

Yep, that's the one I was thinking of.

 

[teedee911]

Greetings Uniden Tech Support,

My name is Jose, I wish everyone a happy new year.

I own a Uniden SDS100 scanner, and I have it registered through the Uniden portal. I've run into a problem with entering the new Waterfall key after completing the new Uniden firmware update.

I used the Sentinel software to update my SDS100's with the latest Uniden firmware, which includes the new Waterfall feature. Please note that I always and only use Sentinel and prior to this new Uniden update, I had no issue at all entering my DNR and NXDN keys with PERFECT results.

View attachment 154006


View attachment 154005

After the successful firmware update (Main - 1.23.03) (Sub - 1.03.02), I immediately logged into my Uniden Portal and purchased the copy of the Waterfall key needed to activate all the features. I captured my Uniden Waterfall license key on the My Uniden portal and also received my Waterfall key via my personal email.

I moved ahead to carefully input my new Waterfall key using the on-screen menu system on my SDS100.

The SDS100 will not accept my purchased waterfall key as needed. It continues to say, “INCORRECT KEY ENTERED. PRESS ANY KEY.” I have restarted the SDS100, and it has been to no avail with this issue.

Interestingly enough, I discovered that the first position on the SDS100 screen won't allow for any character whatsoever to be entered without giving you that "INCORRECT KEY ENTERED. PRESS ANY KEY" message after you press enter.

Uniden Tech Support, has anybody else encountered this problem and brought it to your attention?

I have also emailed Uniden, explaining every single detail I could capture of my issue, including screenshots. I'm hoping a Uniden team member will respond to my email soon.

I am hoping that Uniden is already aware of some of these issues and is currently working on releasing a fix, patch, or new firmware update to resolve this issue.

Kind regards,

-Jose

I can tell you that I was positive I entered my 'Waterfall' key correctly but I was wrong. It wasn't until after I magnified the key (times 10) that I realized the letter 'B' was actually a numerical '8', this was the case for two digits. Just throwing it out there, I'm pushing 60+ so I have magnifying and reading glasses scattered everywhere around the house.

 

[crippledchicken]

I know the feeling I'm pushing the big 70 and lots of health problems.