SDS100/SDS200: Uniden SDS100 results on simulcast/LSM Motorola trunked systems

[MrRadio]

So I've only had my SDS100 (first SDS scanner) since 12/27/19 but I'm so pleased with it, I had to post.

I primarily purchased this for listening to my local public safety systems in the middle of an EXTREMELY challenging RF environment.

My BCD325P2 was missing 30-80% of the traffic on my local trunked systems due to simulcast/LSM in my immediate area. It was so bad, it was basically useless for my location. Years ago, my BC780's, 785's, 796's and BCD396 worked great, but that was before simulcast was a problem in my area.

While my Unication G5 works wonders for this issue, you can only monitor 1 trunked system at a time with it. Also, there is no channel/talkgroup delay and it's very limited in "banks", "channels" etc. so it makes a poor choice for someone that wants to monitor more than 1 trunked system and/or dozens of talkgroups simultaniously.

After using the the SDS100 for just 3 days, I can honestly say it is EXCELLENT at handling simulcast/LSM issues in challenging RF areas. I will add that in addition to 700-800Mhz trunked systems, there are numerous radio transmitters of many bands in my area (about 4 miles from the home of Motorola)

This is comparing it to my G5 on the same systems. The SDS100 might miss 1/2 second of the beginning of a transmission but the G5 is parked on the control channel so it has a slight advantage.

I will try to write a short review at some point (after I have more time with the radio). For now however, I wanted to let anyone that was thinking about purchasing an SDS100, it should be excellent in bad simulcast areas. It works so well, I am thinking about adding an SDS200 at some point.

A big shout out to Uniden and Paul O. (you knocked it out of the park) and Rich, N9JIG at scannermaster for his honest opinions and assistance in answering questions before purchase.

Dave N9DAV

 

[JD21960]

Good to hear. Those Unidens 100/200 would be a perfect scanner for Dekalb Co IL too now that the County Sheriff has their own separate 700Mhz system* My recent Unication G5 tests were great but I had to use the Pro96 to hear the Starcom21 Dekalb City stuff at the same time. Having a radio that gets multiple systems is the way to go for some. ITHA/IDOT going crazy tonight with this snow/wind

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

A BCD436 and a BCD325P2 couldn't handle the simulcast issues I was having with the local county public safety system here at my house. An HP-2 did a little better, but not by much. Yeah sure, I could drive down the road about a mile or so, and get almost crystal clear reception, but who can "camp out" in their car for hours on end just to listen to their scanner, right? Maybe if I was retired... LOL!!

I've had my SDS100 for a little over a month now, and it is an excellent scanner. I'm picking up about 99.5% of all traffic on the county's system and I couldn't be happier. It was definitely a worthwhile investment.

 

[werinshades]

I've owned both the SDS series of scanners since introduction and haven't been disappointed either here in Illinois. Analog reception is not an issue once modulation and filters are adjusted for peak performance. I have been recommending the SDS 100 to a few friends who've asked "what scanner should I buy?" Happy to report, all users are very happy and those that previously owned Uniden scanners and have attempted to listen to Starcom are pleasantly surprised with it's performance.

 

[trentbob]

I have to agree with everybody here that the SDS series is very effective receiving systems that are subject to simulcast Distortion secondary to LSM.

They are the only consumers scanners that keep right up with commercial subscriber radios Sans the volume punch.

Paul did knock it out of the park on his final project.

 

[radio3353]

...While my Unication G5 works wonders for this issue, you can only monitor 1 trunked system at a time with it. Also, there is no channel/talkgroup delay and it's very limited in "banks", "channels" etc. so it makes a poor choice for someone that wants to monitor more than 1 trunked system and/or dozens of talkgroups simultaniously...

The good news is that Unication is looking at adding software features to the G series pagers to enable usage more akin to a scanner (monitoring multiple systems at one time, TG hold, etc.) There is a thread devoted to this in the Unication forum. Unication is actively seeking input from users.

 

[jonwienke]

Competition is a good thing.

Losing business to Unication was probably part of the reason Uniden developed the SDS scanners.

And losing business to Uniden probably factored into Unication's decision to update their firmware to match more of the features of scanners.