Was it worth it to buy the unlock codes for the SDS 200 scanner?

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Feb 16, 2025
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I don't even know what they are for or how many Uniden sells. I'm not that far yet. I just understand you have to pay extra to unlock the scanner for certain things. Was it worth it to you spending the extra money to unlock the scanner?
 

EAFrizzle

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Check through the RR database for your area to see if there's any DMR or NXDN systems that you're interested in hearing. I just moved to Dallas where one of the medevac helos is on a DMR system. It was well worth it for me, and I don't need to bother with NXDN or ProVoice unless something changes in the future.
 

K9KLC

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Check through the RR database for your area to see if there's any DMR or NXDN systems that you're interested in hearing. I just moved to Dallas where one of the medevac helos is on a DMR system. It was well worth it for me, and I don't need to bother with NXDN or ProVoice unless something changes in the future.
You and only you will know what you want to need to get for what you want to monitor.
 

gary123

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The waterfall is good for advanced users but for those not familiar with a spectrum display its a feature you can wait to get. The NXDN and especially the DMR are ones you should get. There is a lot of DMR in the 450-470 band.
 

dmfalk

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The waterfall is good for advanced users but for those not familiar with a spectrum display its a feature you can wait to get. The NXDN and especially the DMR are ones you should get. There is a lot of DMR in the 450-470 band.
The waterfall option has its uses, and is useful, so I'd say it's worth having, but certainly not a necessity or priority! Actually, it even works great in tandem with the other upgrades!
 

Whiskey3JMC

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Eh, another one of these "are they worth it" threads....:sleep:

OK I'll partake: Definitely worth it for me. Law enforcement is fully encrypted in my & most counties around me so I find myself listening to mostly businesses, hospitals, EDU, and other non-public safety related stuff, a lot of it being DMR & NXDN. My best advice to you @Invisibleflash is to consult the database for your area to make your own judgment if any of the paid upgrades would be worth it for you
 
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marcotor

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Worth it? This isn't reddit ;)

The only way to know if it is "worth it" is to know if you will use the features unlocked with the upgrade for DMR or NXDN. If one has no desire or need to listen to either of those modes, then one shouldn't buy them.
 

EAFrizzle

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The better question is, "Do I need one of these upgrades to hear an important system in my area?" Your state forum is a good place to ask that. Back in Houston, none of them were needed for any PS systems. I'm glad I asked in the Texas forum about DFW. The main medevac helos are on a DMR system, so that upgrade was worth it for me.

Don't worry about them right now. Ask in your state/province forum about what's in your area. You might even get some info about some good frequencies even though it might not be a service of your primary interest. If you decide you need one, buy it direct from Uniden.
 

BinaryMode

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If you're a REAL scanner nut, then DMR and NXDN will be modulation schemes you'll want. Especially knowing that some idiots will transmit DMR on the FRS (Family Radio Service) band. I've heard it around here a few times.

I have yet a need for Provoice, but they're out there.






If you do want the upgrades, it's probably cheaper from Uniden's website. That's where I went.

Also note a lot of railroads are using or will upgrade to NXDN.
 
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