Uniden SDS100/SDS200 comprehensive review: Best scanner money can buy
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- No question, this is the best scanner money can buy, but many won't really need it.
For GPS capability, you'll need two pieces below.
Scanner GPS Puck
www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BR-3...
Scanner GPS Connector
www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC-UTGC...
They redesigned the battery since its original release. It first came with a smaller battery, but it didn't last but a few hours. They went with a much larger battery and that is the reason it is larger at the base of the scanner.
Rock on! I live in Linn County/CR so that was coincidental when I tuned in to your video!
My father was a Sargent in the Chicago Police for 30 yrs! Got love your Dad's !
FANTASTIC Simulcast demo!!!
Excellent video, just purchased the SDS200 and can't wait for it to arrive. Subscribed!
Very well done. Other reviewers, take note. This is the first review of these radios I've been able to watch to the end. All meat, no fat. Thanks.
Thanks for the great video I just ordered the sds100
I ordered both of them. I can't wait to get started again scanning. Thanks for your time...
Mike hello I was interested in knowing if you received your scanners yet. Did you get the SDS200 hooked up yet and if so how was it. Is your SDS200 receiving ok. What area do you live in I live in Butler, Pa. I purchased one and hooked it up, so far I am not happy. I am only interested in hearing my local police, fire, ems services. I live less than 1 1/2 miles from our 911 communication center and can see the tower out my bedroom window. I live 8 blocks away from the hospital. The only thing I have been picking up is the hospital when they transmit as far as anything else this unit is dead. I hope you have better results than I did. So far I have nothing more than a 750.00 paper weight.
Mike I have been looking for help with this SDS200 and have asked a couple of people but it seems I am on my own to figure it out. I may try to see if I can just send it back and just forget it or keep the paper weight and accept the 750.00 loss. I was thinking about getting both when I first placed my order but now I am having 2nd thoughts. Good luck with yours. If you have any advise fill free to let me know. Thanks again.
@@BoruParanormal do your research b4 buying
Great video, The loading of favorites demo just sold me on it. I do alot of traveling, & always do custom groups. Been scanning for 20 years, So I'm very very picky on UI and look forward setting up this baby
You get one yet?
I have the SDS 100 and love it. I do not listen to Police or Fire or EMS much but do enjoy listening to Air and Railroads and local Public Safety ( Security of Stores and Condos where I live as well as Mall security). Some of those require DMR and NXDN and so I have purchased those modes. Of course in the event of a fire or police action in my area I can listen to them. But living in New York City has burnt me out on listening to Police and Fire ( hundreds of Police and Fire stations to listen to gets old after a while.) If I lived in a smaller community then I could see listening to Police and Fire because I would probably know them personally. And if at all possible please lower or turn off the beeps as they are not needed and are annoying. Thanks..
Thank you for the review. I was looking at a better p25 scanner and this helps me in my decision. Sounds like great response and clarity. Trying to reduce missed calls and digitAl delay and noise. Lt. Dan
Great job. I hope to pick up the SDS100 shortly. Hope I can figure it out
Hope to see more content regarding the sds100. Great video quality btw
Thanks!
ICOM R30 is a Superior SCANNER.
Mark Plott If there’s no p25 phase 2 , then its hardly better in my books
@@TheFykle - P25 Phase 2 is 2 slot TDMA using the 700 mhz Public Safety band.
and p25 Phase 2 uses the AMBE+ vocoder like iDAS and NXDN uses.
and is NOT backward compatable with Phase 1.
Phase 2 is also 6.25 khz unlike the less efficient Phase 1 12.5 khz.
@@markplott4820
The Icom R30 can not decode DMR, P25 Phase 2 and can not trunk track. For many people the SDS100 is a better option. If Icom ever adds DMR decoding to the R30 it would become a more viable option. Still the inability to trunk track will always be a downside. Having both a SDS100 and R30 would be nice. The AOR AR-DV10 would have been a great receiver if not for the serious frequency drift issue.
You have a great broadcast voice!
I would add a good attitude as well. He was thorough and patient, too.
Man i was thinking of going for the Bcd325, but after your review i think im sold on it, especially for the easy on the fly programming to find the local frequencies.
Simulcast is the exact problem I'm having with my Pro-197. The SDS100 sure looks interesting.
To answer your question the database is directly pulled from the RadioReference database into the Uniden servers. The database is updated every Monday morning.
Awesome review! The best on CZcams! Thank you.
very good description of the differences, thanks.
i liked the sliding in there. thanks for the review.
I guess I am kinda off topic but do anyone know a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?
@Weston Deacon i would suggest Flixzone. You can find it by googling =)
@Judah Callum yup, I've been watching on Flixzone for years myself =)
@Judah Callum thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it !!
@Weston Deacon you are welcome :)
I just ordered the Sds200. Looking forward to playing with it. Can’t wait 😛.
Good luck! Unfortunately 95% of all law enforcement, sheriff's, state police, federal, and municipal are all using encrypted digital systems now. A major major blow to the scanner industry and enthusiasts. All of media has been fighting it to no avail. Some news outlets are allowed limited access via permissions by some jurisdictions. Long gone are the days of listening in on our so-called public servants..."police safety" is their mantra excuse for zero access to their communications.
Unfortunately 95% of all law enforcement, sheriff's, state police, federal, and municipal are all using encrypted digital systems now. A major major blow to the scanner industry and enthusiasts. All of media has been fighting it to no avail. Some news outlets are allowed limited access via permissions by some jurisdictions. Long gone are the days of listening in on our so-called public servants..."police safety" is their mantra excuse for zero access to their communications.
If the SDS100 or SDS200 could follow a trunked Tetra system as well, then that would be the icing on the cake for me 🙂
And this is why scanners are basically useless in the UK. Encrypted DMR and Tetra for anything interesting.
farout bro... i love my sds200, im a RF Researcher and its awesome
I got Both Scanner’s 🇺🇸⭐️The SDS 100 & 200 are Absolutely the Greatest 👍Thanks for the Super Video
Thanks man for a great video I just ordered a sds200
Does yours have the hum problem?
I hear it when the room is completely quiet doesn’t bother me
@@mikefab12 There is a fix. Small easy to install part free from Uniden.....costs about $5 S and H.uniden.com/products/nmp200 . Apply the code for FREE S and H.
Great video! Thanks!
Truly enjoyed your video. I have both. I'm partial more to the 200 especially with an external speaker but you definitely get what your paying for with both👍
Love my SDS200!!!
Darn! I was sold on getting a 200, now I'm leaning 100
I’ll be getting the SDS200E for the home base.
For portable/ in car, i’ll prob go uniden ubcd 436 PT
My north iowa Town switch over there system late last year not sure what it is I think this will cover everything I'm looking for and more
4/22 - latest batch of these are back in stores - and being returned to stores because of screen fit / light bleed issues.
I wish I could learn a lot more about the sds200. I love it a lot. But I wish I understood quick keys and or setting priority. So far I give up. I got my unit programmed by a good friend he understands the systems.
There’s been a bunch of the sds100’s just stop working and need to be sent in to have fixed. There’s a couple videos on CZcams showing the cold solder joints from the factory and how to fix it yourself because they’re charging a few hundred dollars to fix it if the one year warranty has past, and they’ll have it for a good month and a half to two months. Something to consider gentleman.
I thought the SDS100 was a battery hog and it’s obviously eating the battery by generating a lot of heat. I also thought it was near deaf on VHF. Ultimately it went full deaf on all bands in about a month which is not uncommon. I sent it back and got a Unication because I only use it for simulcast systems. It’s definitely more sensitive on 700/800 and handles simulcast perfectly.
Thank You
I’m still a beginner to scanners and just recently picked up a BCD436HP that I’m still trying to figure out, but I almost got the SDS100 instead….how much of a difference would you say there is between the 2….for when I finally get to the point where I need it?
Thank you
Thanks bro
Recently bought an SDS100E - Live in the U.K, so can’t use zip/postal codes! But can programme quickly using sentinel
Hello, I live in Argentina. What opinion can you give me? Do you think I can decipher trunked eavesdropping? Do you think I can put my zip code of my country on the scanner? Thanks for your reply and great video.
The SDS 200 keypad backlight even on the highest setting is very very Dim in a dark environment like a car at night.
I too have had many scanners over the years ... 2 weeks ago I got the sds200 ...and Like you said The sds does a great job with simulcast
DO I need to buy the above 2 items for the SDS-200 also? I'm planning a BART road trip in the future,and it dose not have anything to do with the California BART system can you guess what BART stands for?
Foes the silver function knob on the sds200 feel a little wiggly? I purchased a new one today and compared to the volume and squelch it is not nearly as tight feeling.
Nice Video
Hi just wondering what frequencies sentinel had that Radio Reference didn’t have? How is it possible unless you hand programmed in a frequency that hasn’t been submitted to RR yet like a brand new agency or business. Did you submit the frequency to RR so that we all get to listen in? Thanks keep up the good work and Stay Safe!
Just wondering what the answer is?
Is there any way to get network connectivity on with the SDS100? Thats one feature I really like on the SDS200 with it's Ethernet port.
Will this Scanner scan frequencies that the Washington State Patrol, Spokane County and Spokane PD use in Washington State? How will I find them. I do believe that some of the dept use Trunk system.. etc.. How do I find out about this information.. Thanks in advance..
Well I wish they hurry up and ship mine. I'm getting an external speaker and outside antenna.
I'm looking at the Uniden 436. Not sure how it handles simulcast?
I'm just getting into it and I find it very confusing where I live in California they have project 25 Phase 1 It's All Digital system with this thing be able to pick up that stuff
So can u listen to phone call
God id love to have one
Question: does this unit pick-up non simulcast / non digital frequencies?
How can I program using Mac?
Any idea when that BC-UTGC cable will become available again?
can u check if it picks up creston iowa new digitail before i buy one
Great video. Please what is NXDN, Pro BOys and DMR?
DMR is a non brand specific , universal digital mode
I've been thinking of selling my BCD436HP for get a SDS-100
How about receiving UHF or VHF frequencies?? I am curious as I have read a lot of negative reviews
Curious why best $$ I can spend when most police frequencies that would be interesting to listen to... soon will be encrypted & will not be legally to listen to??
nice looking microphone, what is the model number
What is all that stuff? DMR, NXDN, ProVoice EDACS? What would you need it for?
What scanner would you suggest for a beginner ?
Do you think it's better than the icom ic r30?
The new SDS-100 is like new Macbooks. Looks great, smoothly working. But too pricey and expensive. And even for its price doesn't include DMR, NXDN, ProVoice. A little bit cheaper TRX-1 is including all of these features mentioned before. Yeah, I know that Whistler said they are no longer supported TRX-1, TRX-2 and basically discontinued it. This is not an excuse for Uniden mentioned on 5:53 by author. If you don't need it it doesn't mean that others don't need it too. For this price around 700USD+, it would be pretty nice to have all these features included. Uniden has an awful price policy. Whistler proved that producing TRX-1.
ICOM R30 is a Superior scanner, it can do P25, NXDN, iDAS, dPMR, D-Star, and DCR.
ICOM comes with Built in GPS (no Hockey puck) and Bluetooth.
another Great scanner is the AOR DV-10 which has C4FM, DMR, P25, TETRA, dPMR, NXDN, IDAS, DCR and GMSK.
@@markplott4820
Neither the Icom IC-R30 or AOR AR-DV10 can track trunking systems. The IC-R30 lacks the ability to decode DMR and P25 Phase 2 which are being used in many areas of the US. The AR-DV10 also can not decode P25 Phase 2 and has a very serious frequency drift issue that AOR can not fix through firmware. Many dealers have stopped selling the AR-DV10 because of that serious flaw.
Whats the best scanner as of right now.. fellow Iowan here.
Can you have an external speaker for the 200?
Is the analog better on the sds200 vs. sds100?
Does the SDS100 have a removable antenna? Also, is there an Apple software version?
so,i have to progaram it out of the box? how do i do that
can the Uniden BCD536HP HomePatrol Series Digital Phase 2 hear the new police radios ?
Would you say the 100 is a good unit for someone new to scanning? Cost aside, and I’m not the most tech savvy guy in the room... but I’d like something more simple to setup, and quality is important to me. If not this unit, do you have a suggestion that might fit my request and current ability? Thanks for your input!!!
Stay far away from the sds200.
I am from UK and cannot seems to get a direct answer to fellows hear with regards to the above.I am looking for
a radio scanner that will scan modelplane 2.4ghz radio for a nearby club.I want to know what type of radio scanner your club use
I need a radio that can display type of transmitter that is being use says futaba,spektrum etc.and how many is is use at one time.
Also will I be able to use the scanner as far as 1200 meters from the club too.
Thank you for your time.
Kind Regards
sam
I'm interested in this scanner.. I have a few questions>
how do you follow a conversation? In the old days when I was a kid a hot call would go out on the area freq then you would switch to channel 1 ( Phoenix PD) and you could follow the hot call. I could never figure this out with my bcd396t. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank You
with EDACS or Analog Trunking , the Control channel (can be Multiple), assigns a OPEN channel to a Mobile or Handheld Radio. when the Officer keys up , that channel remains open until the Converation with Dispatch is finished. IF they do a Records Search , and key off, a Different Frequency is used from all OPEN channels.
the Channels are Recycled from open channels. and all units can hear Dispactch from their own Department, (sanitation, EMS, Fire, Police , Detectives …..)
when Scanning its the same , the scanner has to be Programed for the RIGHT control channel and channels.
IF your Banks are NOT programed correctly , you will miss the Conversation.
However, radio reference provides FREE Database for Whistler & Uniden scanners, and are Updated weekly, as many Departments are switching to DIGITAL mode. and you Cant hear a Digital Transmission on a Analog Scanner.
so, my Whistler 1088 Scanner , updates my Channels for FREE.
and for my area (SF bay area) we are on a COUNTY wide Digital System, with Multiple City on the same System, and they are Able to Communicate with one another. smaller County and City will still use Analog and Simplex.
but, many are Upgrading.
You mention 'encryption' , so just get simulcast. We have police here in Ontario, Canada where all their comms are encrypted. I doubt this scanner can monitor them...correct ?
I plan to do a few cross country tips, I'm retired with friends and family scattered all over the Americas.I have an iPhone8 and plan to get a weeBoost. I also Have a Garmin and a Rand Mac Naley map book.I think i should get one of the scanners but I'v never had one before. I see the value of a weather emergency radio, and knowing about upcoming traffic issues Please help out a newbee and tell me what to buy , about what approx cost is, and where to get it. Thanks guys. Sa hello to the old retired guy ing the old British Sports car pulling a little box to sleep in. In 2022 I hope to leave my home base in NC for trips tp Canada, California, Oregon, Florida plus some short trips nearer home in central NC!
Unfortunately 95% of all law enforcement, sheriff's, state police, federal, and municipal are all using encrypted digital systems now. A major major blow to the scanner industry and enthusiasts. All of media has been fighting it to no avail. Some news outlets are allowed limited access via permissions by some jurisdictions. Long gone are the days of listening in on our so-called public servants..."police safety" is their mantra excuse for zero access to their communications.
The only reason I'm considering the 200 is because I will like to hook it to internet so I can access it and hear it remotely , is there a way to do that with the 100?
Not to my knowledge. That is a specific 200 feature.
You can hook the SDS100 up to a computer using a USB cable then run an application such as Proscan which has a web server/remote IP feature that allows you to access the scanner remotely through a web browser or Proscan client application.
Any scanner do Bluetooth?
Does this run P25 well and Viper systems? Would it be worth it to invest is such an expensive unit. I travel the east coast often.
It can pick up and decode unencrypted P25 Phase I and Phase II
I have the BCD436HP, is the 100 worth it to upgrade?
I bet someone found that talk group with the discovery function
Do u need to incorporate gps for long road trips and highway patrol. Plug and play type sitch where it picks up the nearest frequency?
It's pretty plug and play. Just need to make sure the service types are on like law TAC/talk, etc.
Ok I’m going to be that guy that ask that question! I used to be a scanner owner 20 years ago when my best friend was a local policeman and I became very close to joining the force too, I took a job in Denver CO. Moved away and left that life behind me. Recently I have wanted to listen again now that I’m back in Tennessee but all of the city and county forces have gone digital with encryption. I saw a couple CZcams videos explaining why that happened but then I saw this and it appears with this unit you can listen to those broadcast correct? How can I find out if I spend $600 I will be able to listen to local city and county in my home town? Thank you!!
Rob Abbott Jr If what you want to listen to is encrypted, it won’t decode it. There is no scanner made that can hear encrypted traffic. Also, even if through some miracle it could decode it, it’s illegal to monitor unauthorized encrypted radio traffic.
That makes sense. How can I find out if the ones local here are encrypted or not? Is there a list somewhere? Thank you again
Rob Abbott Jr You’re quite welcome. Check the database at www.radioreference.com Also, you can post a question about your local area on the Tennessee section of the forum there and hopefully someone from your home area will respond. If I can be of additional assistance, just let me know and I’ll be glad to help if I can. 👍
ROB - best way is to go to RadioReference and check your LOCAL Database to see Who is using Digital with Encryption and weither or not its worth it .
at Least in my Area SF Bay, not everyone Encrypts and not everyone is Digital yet.
for the most part , my area Broadcasts Digital in the CLEAR.
and with a ICOM scanner you can Listen to CORDLESS Phones, Baby Monitors, Wireless Intercom, Wireless Mic and Small Unlicensed radios (toy radios).
Is it tdma p25
That are although I cannot pickup what I wanted. They even threaten jail time.
Can you use a Mac with any of the software?
No windows only
I just purchased the SDS100 and once I received it I charged the battery and updated it. And then programmed it. I could not recieve any signals on it. But that I received 3 signals but nothing from my local area . So I sent it back .Iam not paying 650.00 for a scanner that doesn't work. And my area is not encrypted.
Sounds like you need to learn to read an owners manual 😂 had my firmware updated and my databases loaded from sentinels software on my PC in 10 minutes out of the box listening.
hey guys total newbie here, looking into this for fun. But I live in Michigan (Washtenaw county) isn't everything going encryption at least the police?
Scanners have VERY narrow Bandwidth, and CHEAP Receivers.
a Communication Receiver (scanner) can Continiously scan 100 khz to 3500 Mhz.
in ANY Band and ANY mode. and offers MUCH more than a scanner.
In my expierence , not Everyone will Encrypt, but many are Migrating to Digital.
and smaller city/county often still use Analog Simplex and Analog Trunking.
It's best to research your area by going to the Radio Reference website at www.radioreference.com/ . That's the best place to look and ask in the area or local forum.
Just sue
I don’t know to much about the scanning hobby. What are some things I can do with it?
You can listen to allot of two way radio conversations including police, ambulance, fire department, security, commercial businesses, etc.
You have to be careful though, as some police use encryption and you cannot listen to their conversations. Always check your local area and know what you can listen to before you buy.
@@davidbee3704. What’s a really good one?
@@nathan7265 Depends on your budget. If you are just starting out, I would recommend getting a second hand one - even if it just does analogue only. Get to learn and understand about scanning different frequencies and then progress from there.
Which country are you in?
Do I need to use with software can I use it right out of the box or do I need software to use
Use it right out of the box! Just enter zip code
The SDS 100 looks small in the hand ?
Fine for me, it's a nice fit honestly.
do have recommendations for good scanners under $150?
What do you think about the Bcd436hp &bcd536hp? The sds’s seam too expensive for me
I used to have BCD536HP in my old newsroom, it's a beast of a scanner! Only real limitation is Simulcast that I can think of off the top of my head.
TheNStew ok
SDS200 has a hum problem that can only be eliminated by opening the unit up and scraping the lacqure off the display board screw holes to provide a ground.
@@NStewWX I agree .. I have the bcd536hp as well ... And of course the smaller screen on the 535 is a negative
the BCD536HP base are notorious for the rotary knob failing and skipping all thru the menu as you rotate it.
How much can you actually here without an external antenna?
I listen to transmissions that are over 35 miles away that are digital simulcast with a rubber duckie 800 mhz antenna
Had mine for about a week, sold it and got the BCD436-HP and it is way better than the sds series..
What is better about it. Just curious. Cause I just ordered a sds100
Questions, I just watched this video and have been debating on the Sds100 first the site in looking at will preprogram up to 35 counties for cost, is that worth it? In this video it kinda looked easy. They also will add some or all the dmr/edacs/nxdn for a price for each. In your opinion do you think any of that is worth it?
I just ordered the sds 200 over the phone and was told I didn't need the dmr/edacs/nydn so I'm not sure either. I guess I ll just keep my fingers crossed
@@slinginlead6647 there is one website that claimed they'd let you know what you needed in your area if anything at all. Which they told me I needed the edacs. This website installs these extras for you for a cost. All three would be like $250ish. That being said I looked and it doesn't seem to difficult to install yourself and the prices are about $15 cheaper if you do it yourself.
@@mikepowell5488 ok. Thanks for the info. I ll keep that in mind when I get mine. 👍
@@slinginlead6647 once you get it you'll have to login in and register it on the uniden site then that will lead you to the add on extras. And there are videos about how to upgrade to the most recent software and how to do all the other extra stuff on CZcams.
@@mikepowell5488 Your starting to scare me now!! I'm not tech savvy at all!! I paid for programming and was hoping all I had to do is turn it on and listen!!!
Have tried the Unication G4 or G5?
I have. I got the g4. I sent it back and got the sds100. I love it and well worth the $$$.
Joel - Unication is NOT a Scanner, its a Public Safety pager.
it can to AM - FM Broadcast radio , nor can it Receive HAM Transmissions.
the ICOM R30 is Superior in every way.
Can you program / add channels with a MacBook?
I do not believe it works on Mac as of now.