PC for Sentinel

[WeBeCinYa]

I need a PC to run the Sentinel software, as my last PC was turned in with my previous employer and all my computers are Mac's. I need to pick up a basic laptop to really only run the software for my 436. Any recommendations? I saw this...really will not use it for anything else.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-i...mmc-flash-memory-gray/6188326.p?skuId=6188326

 

[ShyFlyer]

I'd say it should be sufficient. I have Sentinel running on a PC with similar specs, but with 2GB RAM. Runs Sentinel fine.

 

[jonwienke]

Pretty much any netbook will work, as long as it has a way to connect to the internet, and a standard USB port. Sentinel's requirements are very modest.

 

[kikito]

I got me a similar Dell 15” for under $200 a few years ago and it’s been working fine for all my radio hobby stuff from programming radios to running UniTrunker, SDR dongles, etc.

 

[CQ]

VM

Try this before spending any money. You'll need Windows installation media and license of course. You'll have to passthrough USB from the host to guest OS.

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Mac OS X build instructions

Try this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

[greggill]

I’ve had luck running Sentinel on my Mac with WineBottler.

http://winebottler.kronenberg.org

https://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-thread-archives/282304-how-install-uniden-sentinel-mac.html


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[AB8XA]

I’ve had luck running Sentinel on my Mac with WineBottler.

WineBottler |*Run Windows-based Programs on a Mac

https://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-thread-archives/282304-how-install-uniden-sentinel-mac.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ditto... same post got me running Sentinel 2.00.05 on my 2016 MacBook Pro (with all USB-C ports). I don't have a scanner but am considering the SDS100 so I'm playing around with Sentinel using a microSD card reader.

 

[6079smithw]

I have a c. 2006 Dell D520 I believe cost me $35.00 or so at Goodwill 5 years ago. 1.6g CPU 2 gb 667 RAM, Win7 32-bit. Runs pretty much all my Motorola CPS, Kenwood/Icom and Sentinel no problem. Sturdy case plus the theft appeal of a Yugo. Use the $$ saved for DMR /NXDN upgrades.

 

[maus92]

I have a c. 2006 Dell D520 I believe cost me $35.00 or so at Goodwill 5 years ago. 1.6g CPU 2 gb 667 RAM, Win7 32-bit. Runs pretty much all my Motorola CPS, Kenwood/Icom and Sentinel no problem. Sturdy case plus the theft appeal of a Yugo. Use the $$ saved for DMR /NXDN upgrades.

While I cannot endorse running Win7/32, the concept of buying a used / refurbished notebook makes sense. Loads cheaper than buying the latest-and-greatest, and works fine with radio programming software.

 

[scosgt]

If you have a local Microcenter, they have a new Winbook "convertable" for $139
Win 10, 2 USB ports (1X 3.0), nice 11" TOUCH screen, keyboard, bluetooth, MicroSD slot, mini HDMI.
4 gig RAM, 32 GIG EED.
May need a 16 gig MicroSSD to the the Win 10 updates, but after all updates are done runs very very well, good bright screen, perfect for internet and scanner programming. If you want to stream scanner audio need a $7.00 external USB audio card, works perfectly.
Can't get much cheaper than that.

 

[Jay911]

Grab almost anything. I have run Sentinel on an Asus T100HA tablet/netbook hybrid.

 

[scosgt]

Grab almost anything. I have run Sentinel on an Asus T100HA tablet/netbook hybrid.

I have the TA200. Works great.
Only drawback is the 2 GIG RAM.
Not enough anymore.

 

[Ubbe]

Laptops usually cannot be upgraded so people sell theirs to be able to get the latest model. So there are great bargains to grab. As soon as you try to use a $20 SDR USB dongle you'll want a more powerful PC to run digital decode and view a frequency spectrum. There are so many applications for SDR dongles for all kind of things and with a less powerful PC for programming you'll need to get a second one. But no need to buy a brand new one.

/Ubbe