Worth upgrading?

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togo54

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First post. I live in Paris, Arkansas and have a BCT15X and a BCD996P2 (with DMR). Both are programmed with the county that I live in (Logan) and all adjacent counties. Both are connected to a Tram 1411 discone antenna. No problems with simulcast on the 996P2. Any reason to upgrade to the SDS200 (other than the fact that it's blingier)?
 

iMONITOR

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Any reason to upgrade to the SDS200 (other than the fact that it's blingier)?

I'm a big fan of the BCD996P2 scanner, however:

The SDS series have a much larger color display that is more than just bling. You can modify/customize the display fonts, layout, additional fields for much more information. The background and text colors not only look great but can be useful in how all the additional information is presented.

It has a RJ45 network port which is great for remote control, programming, and streaming.

The SDS scanners have a Micro SD memory card that stores the entire Radio Reference database for the U.S. and Canada so you don't need to access RR by a computer to program it. You can store numerous profiles that allow you to instantly change your scanner's programming to accomdate various situations such as using it at home, at work, your cottage, on the road etc. Adding a GPS can automatically reprogram your scanner as you drive across town or the entire country! The memory card makes it easy to backup and share programming profiles and favorites with other SDS scanners and share with friends/associates/departments ETC.

The SDS series have the ability to record, store and playback audio without the need of a computer and additional software.

Although some people have no problems with simulcast P25 digital distortion on the BCD996P2 depending on many things being just right. But if you do experience simulcast problems in your area or while on the road, a SDS scanner will normally cope with it well and produce clear un-fragmented audio that rivals commercial Motorola gear.
 

WB9YBM

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First post. I live in Paris, Arkansas and have a BCT15X and a BCD996P2 (with DMR). Both are programmed with the county that I live in (Logan) and all adjacent counties. Both are connected to a Tram 1411 discone antenna. No problems with simulcast on the 996P2. Any reason to upgrade to the SDS200 (other than the fact that it's blingier)?

Compare the spec's and see which: 1.) you like better, and 2.) fills your needs better
 

4436time

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+1

I'm a big fan of the BCD996P2 scanner, however:

The SDS series have a much larger color display that is more than just bling. You can modify/customize the display fonts, layout, additional fields for much more information. The background and text colors not only look great but can be useful in how all the additional information is presented.

It has a RJ45 network port which is great for remote control, programming, and streaming.

The SDS scanners have a Micro SD memory card that stores the entire Radio Reference database for the U.S. and Canada so you don't need to access RR by a computer to program it. You can store numerous profiles that allow you to instantly change your scanner's programming to accomdate various situations such as using it at home, at work, your cottage, on the road etc. Adding a GPS can automatically reprogram your scanner as you drive across town or the entire country! The memory card makes it easy to backup and share programming profiles and favorites with other SDS scanners and share with friends/associates/departments ETC.

The SDS series have the ability to record, store and playback audio without the need of a computer and additional software.

Although some people have no problems with simulcast P25 digital distortion on the BCD996P2 depending on many things being just right. But if you do experience simulcast problems in your area or while on the road, a SDS scanner will normally cope with it well and produce clear un-fragmented audio that rivals commercial Motorola gear.
 

RoninJoliet

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How did you make the background "Yellow" on your 325P2
 

togo54

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The display color is actually pretty close to the color of the 996 display. Not sure why they look so yellowish.
 

Cheeseburgers

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Hmmm I have never dissembled my 325... Im sure swapping in a different light would be fairly easy.,..
 

hagensieker

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If you are scanning the systems you have now to your satisfaction then there isn't really a reason to upgrade. My upgrade path would be to get Proscan.

Having said all that I own several scanners :)
 

darkness975

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First post. I live in Paris, Arkansas and have a BCT15X and a BCD996P2 (with DMR). Both are programmed with the county that I live in (Logan) and all adjacent counties. Both are connected to a Tram 1411 discone antenna. No problems with simulcast on the 996P2. Any reason to upgrade to the SDS200 (other than the fact that it's blingier)?
Future proofing isn't a bad thing.
I have the new SDS series scanners but I kept my BCD325P2 and others too. No reason to not continue using them as they do still work.
 
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