SDS100/SDS200: Vehicle install/setup

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dave3825

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Auto locate is just that. It finds where you are based on what it receives after comparing to the full db. Gps will follow you as you drive but auto locate will not.
 

RobertI

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The problem is, auto locate fails 100% of the time for me. I don't recall the exact error. If I'm ever not in my home locations, I need to input a zip code. Not very 'auto'
 

dave3825

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The problem is, auto locate fails 100% of the time for me. I don't recall the exact error. If I'm ever not in my home locations, I need to input a zip code. Not very 'auto'


Did you have the full database enabled when trying autoscan?
 

RobertI

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Yes. Did various tests selecting only a handful of categories, then all, etc. Always fails. I'll try it this evening again and get the exact procedure.
 

nessnet

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Auto locate - no.
(It is basically useless).

When 'roaming', use GPS to scan the full database (using service types to select what to scan) if favorites are not built.
 

RobertI

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Auto locate - no.
(It is basically useless).

When 'roaming', use GPS to scan the full database (using service types to select what to scan) if favorites are not built.
That's exactly what I do or try, GPS to full database, but results have been questionable.
 

nessnet

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That's exactly what I do or try, GPS to full database, but results have been questionable.

The problem is a matter of sites.
With favorites and well laid out quick keys, (and GPS...), you can tightly control exactly what you scan.
When database scanning - you can't.

Remember, with trunking, you scan SITES - not talkgroups.
And, the more (sites) you scan, the less you'll hear.
 

SuperSixFour

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Has anyone done a nice SDS100 vehicle install? You know, with part numbers of the items used, things like that.
I'd like to get back to your original question, because I figured out a pretty nice system for my SDS100 and can give you all the parts I used. The only thing to be aware of is that I am in a Jeep Wrangler, so some of my mounting solutions are particular to my vehicle. Took me a while to dial it in. Attaching pics, too.

Ps. There may be cheaper options out there. I sourced from quite a few places but it is working for me.

Antenna run
Scanner mount
  • I am mounting to a Jeep E-dock and Bulletpoint Designs mounting arms as the basis for my mounting system. This may not work for your vehicle, but for Jeep owners, this is it.
  • From the mounting arm:
    • AMPS Mounting plate
    • Custom SDS100 AMPS Radio Mount
      • This thing is awesome. Someone found a way to clear the large battery of the SDS100, and make sure it's snug as a bug. No rattling or movement once it's attached. If you use another handheld mic holder or some "belt clip holder" you're bound to get some movement.
So, that's that! My guide to an SDS100 mount for a Jeep Wrangler. May be of inspiration to you or others.
 

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RobertI

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I'd like to get back to your original question, because I figured out a pretty nice system for my SDS100 and can give you all the parts I used.
Very nice, thank you! The correct right angle antenna and custom SDS100 mount is great. I have a Ford Police Interceptor Utility with a Havis center console (it came with the vehicle when I bought it) so mounting isn't too much of an issue. I have a variety of mounts, arms and proclip mounting options in my garage waiting for warmer weather, which is here.

Did you consider tackling the usb connector? I assume you are running on internal battery when mounted or charge as needed. Seems I may not be able to buy an shelf right angle (quick Amazon buy) due to different wiring config than normal. Shame no one makes one, or advertises it.
 

SuperSixFour

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Did you consider tackling the usb connector? I assume you are running on internal battery when mounted or charge as needed. Seems I may not be able to buy an shelf right angle (quick Amazon buy) due to different wiring config than normal. Shame no one makes one, or advertises it.
Yep, so far I just run on internal battery until it needs a charge. I keep a usb connector in my center console and connect it to a USB port I installed on the dash when needed. Can you elaborate, why don't the right angle USBs on Amazon work? I have had a few in my cart but still haven't purchased. Agreed it would make charging nice and tidy.
 

n1chu

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It's a perfect illustration and makes total sense. My normal commute (50 or so miles) wouldn't be difficult to rectangle it. However, this still doesn't address my reason for the GPS. Plop me in the middle of Arizona and I want my GPS to tell me where I am and get the local sheriff's frequency. I mean, that's the whole point of the auto locate feature, right?
Not sure I follow… you write “However, this still doesn’t address my reason for GPS.” I am guessing you’d like to simply turn on GPS and have it locate you and gather the local services. While that does work, I find it doesn’t limit what I receive, even when Range is set to zero or 1 mile. Is that your meaning?
 

n1chu

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Very nice, thank you! The correct right angle antenna and custom SDS100 mount is great. I have a Ford Police Interceptor Utility with a Havis center console (it came with the vehicle when I bought it) so mounting isn't too much of an issue. I have a variety of mounts, arms and proclip mounting options in my garage waiting for warmer weather, which is here.

Did you consider tackling the usb connector? I assume you are running on internal battery when mounted or charge as needed. Seems I may not be able to buy an shelf right angle (quick Amazon buy) due to different wiring config than normal. Shame no one makes one, or advertises it.
When you say usb connector, are you referring to the programming cable that plugs into the scanner? I run an SDS200, the connection I refer to is the one furthermost right bottom… the lower right hand side of the front panel labeled Micro USB. I searched and purchased a cable from Amazon with the 90 degree plug. I leave it plugged in to act as a dust cover and it’s always available for programming using my laptop computer. (The new cable doesn’t stick straight out like the OEM cable.

Beware, there are two cables available, a left hand turn and a right hand turn. I bought one of each and threw the wrong one in the glove box as a spare. (I have two SDS200’s, house and vehicle. I leave one of the OEM cables as a spare in the house and the other in the box.) There are also cables that look just like what I bought but they didn’t allow for programming. So you’ve got to be aware of that also. (In my case I bought the wrong cable twice, one didn’t program and the other was the wrong direction. I then bought two of the correct ones. Sorry I can’t advhise as to part numbers-I kick myself for not noting this in my Notes in my iPhone!
 

n1chu

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Yep, so far I just run on internal battery until it needs a charge. I keep a usb connector in my center console and connect it to a USB port I installed on the dash when needed. Can you elaborate, why don't the right angle USBs on Amazon work? I have had a few in my cart but still haven't purchased. Agreed it would make charging nice and tidy.
As noted in another post in this thread I ran into the same problem. The cable I bought from Amazon didn’t program. But I continued searching and found a right angle one that did. So, they are available. I just kept trying the different offerings until I found the right one. Sorry, I didn’t think to record the part number.
 
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