Andrew Im a retired Firemen SFFD. Calif. I started fooling around with the knobs and lost all the FD tacs and other things. You my friend are an excellent teacher!! You do not go to fast and for all of us ADHD people who HAVE to SEE as we learn, you did that. You are a blessing brother, you made my day. Additional note. We see the worst of the worst when we go to calls. Not all are terrible bad. We pur all those horrible calls in a little box in our brain and we forget about them. Thank God for that. Once in a while there are calls that haunt us to this day. Those calls don't get into the box, not sure why.. Calls that concern children are the worst. Accident scene trauma is terrible. I mean terrible. Not sure why I mention this maybe because there are young men and women who want to become Firemen or Police Officers and it helps me to pass thjis on to them. Maybe it is a form of therapy. You seen like a very nice person and I feel comfortable mentioning this. Thanks for tjhe opportunity .:) Drive safe everyone, stay out of the fast lane...!
Thank you so much my friend, for your kind feedback. I have a background in law enforcement, healthcare security and psychiatric services. I know the boxes of which you speak and I also know of those occasional things that refuse to be placed in a box. I am so glad my video was able to help you out! Thank you too, for your service. Those things that linger in our hearts and minds can sometimes be the lasting cost of service . Most people don't realize our firemen and police officers continue paying that cost long after the initial call they responded to was resolved. So Thank you for being one who served, despite that lingering cost! Hey, if you would like to keep in touch, let me know and we'll figure out a way to private message or something!
Thanks for the video. I have the SDS 100 and have programmed it with the zip option when I first got it. Eventually I moved away from the Zip code option as most of what I listen to is not found on Radio Reference directly. I do use Radio Reference to look up frequencies in a given GPS Coordinate using their FCC connection. For the most part I do not listen to Police or EMS or Fire. I like to listen to my Coop Security and Maintenance as well as Mall Security and Store Security (Target, Costco, Best buy etc) and colleges Security and Hospital Security. Living in New York City I got burnt out on listen to Police and Fire and EMS some time ago. I can actually hear every Police Precinct and use to listen to them in the 80's but do not find listening to them interesting anymore. I do enjoy taking my SDS 100 with me when I go out and using Close Call to find new frequencies and collecting them and adding them to the scanner in a Favorite list.
I agree that there's a lot to listen to besides police, fire and ems. You listed some of my favorites too... mall and hospital security. I also like listening to highway flaggers... they can get quite colorful when people don't follow their directions. Also, frs and gmrs is fun, especially when the campers and hunters are out!
Thank you for the video tips on the SDS100. Received mine after a year of wishful thinking....then finally pressed the BUY button. My previous scanner was the old RS Pro-2006. The SDS100 is light years ahead and an amazing product. After watching the video multiple times, it finally clicked that you are near me - I'm just north of Boeing Field. Hi neighbor and THANK YOU for the video tips !!
A great video and excellent series on the SDS 100! I've found your resources to be extremely helpful, informative and useful in helping to wrap my brain around the "beast" this is the SDS 100...keep up the great work and 73!
This made it so easy to setup a favorite file. Just got this scanner today. And loving it.now i have to get the sds200.thanks for showing how to setup favorites. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the feedback... I'm glad the information was helpful. When I first got my SDS100, it was challenging finding information that was digestible. My goal has always been to break things down and make them as easy as possible to understand!
@@ResearchReviews Also, just wanted to say that I appreciate the effort you put into cramming information into your videos and editing them down to just the relevant content. Keep up the good work brother.
Really enjoyed the Video, much easier to follow then some other videos on the SDS100. I have KEYS for the ProVoice, NXDN, and DMR. Mayby sometime you can make a video on how to install them. Its beyond me. I just got into the Scanner thing because of the turmoil in our Country. Thanks, Ron
Thank you Ron, for the feedback. I haven't purchased any of the upgrades yet but if a need for one comes up in my area, I'll definitely do a video on the install!
Andrew, really want to purchase one of these scanners however the programming or updating has me a bit confused. With a new scanner will I need to download the simulcast software? I only have iOS and a chromebook. I’m pretty sure I can get through the zip code set up but concerned about the software update. Any help before I spend $650.
These are pricy investments, so I understand your concerns. The scanner should arrive with the national database installed so you would have that as a starting point. Setting up favorites with the Sentinel software hugely simplifies the setup process, though, and I suspect trying to set the scanner up without it would be very frustrating for you. An option you might consider is having the vendor you buy from program up a set of favorite lists for you. Some vendors will do that for a fee. You would still lack a means for obtaining updates, but it's at least an option to consider. The bottom line for the best experience would be having access to a computer that will run the Sentinel software.
Andrew when we want to listen to a particular favorite, for example, police, do we have to turn off all the other favorites, like EMS or fire every time we listen to one of the favorites? Is there not a setting that will allow us to just choose the favorite we want to listen to, and it automatically shuts off everything else but that one we want to listen to?
Hi... I'm not aware of a setting that does exactly what you're asking, but assigning quick keys might sort of accomplish what you are looking to do. I made a short video on quick keys you can check here for guidance on that: ua-cam.com/video/kmLMNjbXO24/v-deo.htmlsi=j2mYsl3hmdF5RmWD
@@ResearchReviews I have a iMac and could not download the update or upgrade. or sentinel. Going to try on my wifes Hp computer. Without your instruction I would be screwed. Im aretired Firemen from Sacramento and am trying to listen to the radio trafficfrom the riots. I can listen but much of it is very static. Static. Not sure if my antenna (factory with rubber washer) is the correct one. Sacramento is on Motorola trunking. They use the 57200 for a frequency. Not sure what it is called. (digital?) If a phone conference is necessary we would gladly pay for your time. No problem. Do these scanners automatically pick up Moto trunking???
Good morning. My understanding is that Sentinel will only work on Windows based computers, not Apple. I'm guessing you will have better luck with your wife's computer.
Thank You for your quick response. It did help clear some things up. Probably going to pick up a small Windows laptop for this purpose and also a gps I have that needs Windows.. Won't need much ram or memory and I''ve seeb them for as little as $189..Thanks again.
I like your style. It took me awhile to wrangle full and precise control of my favorites lists along with granular control with quick keys. I was frustrated for awhile, but think I've conquered it for now. The only thing that doesn't seem to work is setting tgs to priority scan. Those don't work. Thanks for the great tips.
Excellent tutorial. Sentinel is daunting at first You explained it very well. You just have to play . Could you please do a tutorial on setting up quick keys?
I eventually will get one of these. I watched this entire video, and saw your zip. That's where I live is in SnoCo! How small of a world lol. But thank you for making this so simple!
I'm glad you found the video useful. I've recently retired and live in Gray's Harbor County now but am up in Snohomish County almost weekly. You're right... its a small world!
@Research & Reviews congrats on retirement Sir! Greatly deserved! I more question, is there a 2 minute delay like other scanners, or is this in live time? Some scanners I've used had a 2 minute delay.
Thank you! Retirement is amazing so far. I'm loving it. On the delay... I have always presumed the reception was real time. I have not seen anything in the literature indicating a delay but bottom line, I don't know. Ha! Guess I'm not much help with this one :)
Andrew I purchases a sds 100 and paid for 2 counties programmed by bearcat warehouse. Is the national data base loaded in my scanner or do I have to load the freqs. From watching this video it looks like you are saying the National Data Base is already installed. Is this correct? Ifso once sentinel is installed all you ever have to do is check for updated (System changes & Freq changes) and firmware updates. Wish I had found your UA-cam B4 paying that extra money.
Thank you Jim! I'm not sure how they set things up from the factory but my guess, and thats only a guess, it that the national database is there. If you click the function key, The top item on the menu is "Set Scan Selection". Press the multifunction knob on top. Then scroll down to "Select Lists To Monitor". Press the multifunction knob again. The first item in the next page should be "Full Database". If it is... you have it. And you are correct, you can update both the national database and the firmware as needed through Sentinel. Thank you for your feedback... I'm learning as I'm going too!
I hope you don't mind a question... I created a favorites list and uploaded to my SDS100. I select the new favorite list however a lot of the channels I added to the favorite list do not scan. Any idea what I could have done wrong? Thanks for your time
Hi... questions are always welcome though I may nit always have the right answers. Without having your radio in hand, the only think I might suggest is double checking to make sure the channels you want to scan are turned on in the master database. If there aren't any problems there, I don't have a next step for you. One person that might have additional ideas is the guy who does A Boy And His Scanner. He knows a lot and may have some good ideas to follow-up on. Best of luck!
Hi! I'm sorry for the delay getting back to you. I've been traveling a bit and needed my scanner in hand to be able to see the steps I'm going to describe. This may not be the solution you need but it's at least something to check. Start by pressing the menu button which is the lower part of the button on the left side of the scanner as you're holding it. Using the kbob on top, scroll to Service Types and select by pressing the knob. All service types will be listed. Ones that correspond to frequencies you've added to favorite lists should say "On" next to them. Scroll through all of them to make sure they do. If any say "Off", just press the kbob on top and they will toggle to "On". You can then press the Menu button twice and you will be back to scan mode. I'm not sure this will be a fix for you but it's at least something to check. If that doesn't help, like I said, The Boy And His Scanner may have some ideas for you as well.
Andrew, on the Sentinel Software I think I found a BOO BOO. Look under Georgia Statewide. In every County why is Tennessee Advanced Communication Network there. When I load any Zip Code it loads this. How do I ellimate Tenn. Adv. Network? Thanks
Hi Jim! Looks like TACN has frequencies in Catoosa, Dade, Walker and Whitfield counties plus some other mutual aid resources so I'm guessing that's why they included it in the Georgia statewide list. Zipcode programming can throw in more frequencies than you may want to listen too but removing TACN should be pretty easy. Open up the favorite list it was included in, right click TACN (Tennessee Advanced Communication Network), and you should see an option to remove from the favorite list. Click on that and follow the prompts and it should be removed from your favorite list. You'll need to re-write the favorite list to your scanner and you should be good to go. And worse case scenario... if you make a mistake, you can delete the favorite list and re-do the zip code programming. I hope this helps!
Fantastic video it was awesome!!!! Why don't you go ahead and make the video for downloading the Sentinel software and how to update firmware and where to find the Sentinel software also. Thank you. John.
Hi... icapologize for the delay getting back to you... thus so.mer I've been prepping and selling my house and now I'm in the process if buying a new one... then comes moving! I've had to put my channel on hold but will be back once om re-settled!
Let me do a little research on that one... it's a little outside my skill set at the moment. I'll let you know if I can figure it out and will post a video if I do!
I don't have a scanner yet but I downloaded Sentinel to get a feel for it. I'm confused though. Sentinel says my local police dept. is using NFM. But Radio Reference says they use P25E. Who do I believe? Again, no scanner yet so I can't test it out. And I don't want to spend $650--$700 if I can't hear my local police dept. (New Milford, CT.)
I apologize for the delay getting back to you. I had to do a little research. NFM as I understand it, stands for Narrow Band FM. The E after the P25 in radio reference identifies it as an encrypted system, meaning you would not be able to hear anything intelligible. To double check, you could touch bases with the guys at Zip Scanners because they are very knowledgeable, but based on my little bit of research here, you will be able to listen to fire and ems but not police.
@@ResearchReviews Thanks. I think Zip would just tell me what I already saw on RadioReference. I guess I could just call my local PD and ask. It's just weird that Sentinel, which is updated frequently, says NFM and RadioReference says P25E. Nothing really exciting happens here but they're supposedly encrypted. Yet the larger towns (population wise) and a city all within a 15 mile radius, are not encrypted. Go figure.
Andrew, this is blinko656. Im thinking about buying a sds200 and was wondering if you knew anything about it. I think the programming by zip code is pretty much the same. Any thoughts..
I've never owned or played with the SDS200. My guess is that you would expect a similar experience as with the 100 and depending on the antenna you install, perhaps better reception performance... just my guess though :)
Hi... If I'm understanding your questions correctly, you are asking about how best to clean your screen and maintain the keypad so it doesn't wear out prematurely. I know the screens can be fragile and that screen protectors are available, though I don't personally use one. I rarely need to clean my screen and have only used a mildly damp cloth for cleaning. The keypad is sealed but like anything mechanical, can wear with use. I avoid using anything with an edge when pressing the buttons... like fingernails or pen tips because over time such items can crease and eventually pierce the membrain. I only use the pad of my finger when pressing the buttons. I hope this helps!
hello... I bought the sds100 and in my country Argentina I don't have the possibility to enter my postal code in the handy... my question is, can I also scan automatically without entering my postal code? how can i achieve it? thanks for your reply
Hi Walter. Not having a national database to download limits the functionality significantly but one thing you might try is setting scan ranges and searching for things to hear that way. I did a video on how to scan a range of frequencies... here is a link: ua-cam.com/video/gcm0TeXNK_k/v-deo.html
Nice video, but you like Zip Scanners? Is that still the case? I have found them to be very non-responsive and pretty much done with someone after sale...
Thank you for the feedback. It's been a while since I've communicated with Zip Scanners. I found them very helpful with guidance before the sale. After the sale I consulted their educational material but did not ask any direct questions, Other than their educational library, I don't have any other experience with them beyond their pre purchase support and educational videos.
Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You should be able to find Sentinel at: info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD436HP Click on BCDx36HPSentinel to download.
Yes much appreciated how you slowly click the top button and show the side menu button before you click it. and explain what you’re doing while you are doing it. It lets us novices take it all In well. And all these steps don’t seem so complex and overwhelming
Thank you for the feedback. Being a novice myself, I've noticed a lot of tutorials move way too fast and can loose people. I try to a avoid that mistake and break it down very slowly.
Hi... you need to deselect the full database from your scanning list, otherwise the scanner will treat it like a favorite list and begin scanning through the entire national database. In addition to taking an enormous amount of time for the scanning process, you would be listening to everything... police, fire, railroad, marine, aircraft, military, private business, ham radio, FRS, GMRS, and on and on... every category imaginable. It would make following conversations virtually impossible and you would end up missing everything you programmed into your favorites while being stuck listening to all the things you didn't want to hear.
Hi! It's a little bit of a process so what I'll do is work up a short video to show you how. I should hopefully be able to knock it out over the next few days.
Andrew can you do a video on how to change out SD CARD on SDS100. I saw on Facebook scanner group the people were saying when you change sd card make sure you get a fast card, PLEASE advise what is a good sd card. Also when and how do you tell when you need a larger card. Thanks Jim
@@ResearchReviews After watching I think I thought the SD card saved the stuff you put in the Favorites to scan. But if I heard you correctly it is used to record broadcast so you can play audio back that was broadcast. Right???????????
As I understand it, the master database and all your favorites are stored on the SD card. These are relatively small files though, in comparison to the number and size of audio files that can accumulated if you record a lot. Now if you have an astronomical number of favorites lists... hundreds or thousands perhaps, a larger card might be of benefit, otherwise, probably not unless you record a lot of audio.
What is the worst time to learn how to program a new scanner? During an emergency. We got hit by an ice storm and of course the wife asks me to turn on the scanner. Little did I know it was set to scan ALL lists which by default includes full database. Time to learn this (expletive deleted). Lights are flashing... are we going to lose power... learn fast. Don't let this happen to you. Good luck with that :-) 73 de KT1R PS--thanks for a great video, I learned a lot, fast.
I'm so glad the video helped... an emergency is no time to try to figure out an SDS100! I hope you got it working well enough to get through the crisis! Take care, K7AXZ!
And what was the scanner going to do to help you through the ice storm?😂 These things are for entertainment purposes only for real time nosiness. I love my scanners because I am a chismoso (nosy). But, any one of my scanners would be the last thing I would turn to in case of emergency. You cannot communicate through a scanner. That’s what our mobile phones and 2 way radios are for.
how do you deleted sites from favorites that you program in.. i monitor viper in NC and it has a ton of sites. sites i don't need to scan. same with nxdn fleet talk.has a lot of sites.but only need kings mountain. thanks
Its actually pretty easy but I need my scanner in front of me to explain it. I'm away from home for a couple of days. When I get back I'll work up a quick video for you.
Glad you got it figured out... its a good topic for a video though and I have half the script done already... I'll go ahead and publish it maybe tomorrow and hopefully it can help someone else!
Hi... I'm guessing the menus on the SDS100 and 200 are the same... I'd check to make sure you have the service types turned on for the favorites you want to hear. That's my best guess... I hope it helps!
Hi... have you tried hitting Control-ALT-Delete to open the Task Manager and stop Sentinel there, and then trying to re-start it? You might also try a restart on your computer... choose "Restart", not "Reboot" and see if that helps. If not, I'm afraid the problem is above my pay grade to fix. If you continue having this issue, do a search for "A Boy And His Scanner" and ask him for guidance. He has a much deeper understanding of the software than I do. I hope some of this helps!
I am confused why for your new favorites list you only selected business, security & media saved your favorites list, then stated pro tip reentered the favorites list and turned ALL db’s back on reversing your selections when creating Favorites 0. That totally confused me.
I can see how that could be confusing. When I created the list and selected business/security & media, I did so only options in that category would show up for me to select for the list. If I hadn't, mor selections, outside what I was specifically desiring would have possibly shown up, increasing the possibility of confusion and maybe putting things in the list I hadn't intended. After I selected what I wanted in my list, when backing out to the overall favorites list, I switched the radio back to hear ALL. I did this so as I scanned several different favorites, the radio would be able to "hear" all the categories that were different for each favorite. If I didn't switch back to ALL when scanning through all my favorites, the only thing I would actually hear would be those frequencies in the last favorite I set up... all the others would be ignores. I know it's a bit confusing, I hope this clarifies for you, if not, let me know and I'll explain it in another way :)
Dang!!! I had all my police and fire frequencies just how I like them. Tried to create a ham list with this video and now it’s all gone. :(. I didn’t touch the favorites that I had, added a new favorite called ham.
Darn... I'm sorry for the difficulty you're having. One thing you might check is under Service Types, make sure the service types for the other favorite lists are turned on.
I have some favorite lists that are specialized... for police, for fire, for ham radio, etc. If you set up a favorite via zip code for say... police, but later want to listen to a list you set up for railroad, you won't be able to hear them unless you turn on that service type. That's my reasoning for always turning back on all my service types.
Yeah after everything is downloaded you have to turn on /off service types anyways your confusing people as long as you leave that service type on just turn on the Favorites list and make sure its being monitored
If you mean how to delete a favorite, it's pretty easy. If you are using Sentinel, you will see your Favorites listed below the USA and Canada databases. Just clock on the favorite you want to remove and click the red X icon located about midpoint on the row of icons toward the top of the screen. If you want to delete a favorite using the scanner, press the program button, scroll down to Manage Favorites, SELECT, scroll down to the Favorite you want to delete, SELECT, scroll down to Delete and follow the prompts to confirm. I hope I'm answering the right question. If not, let me know.
Haven't updated any firmware on my SDS100 and no idea how. Total novice with pc. Have tried to upload Sentinel on pc. Have failed miserabaly. All UA-cam videos go by so quickly unable to undrstand.
Hi. I'm sorry you've been having difficulties here. Sometimes the technical aspects of getting these Scanners set up can be challenging. I'm thinking in your case, hands on support might be helpful. I did some asking around for options for you, and did get a couple of ideas to consider. One was to touch bases with a local computer repair shop and ask them if they could set things up for you. A second idea was similar... to touch bases with one of the larger tech stores, like Best Buy, who runs their tech support Geek Squad, and see if they can offer you some assistance. I hope one of these ideas can get your scanner up and running!
I followed all the steps. But when it begins to scan, it's showing locations that are far away from my zip code. I even set the range to 10 miles, and it's showing things farther away.
This is not uncommon as the zip code programming method is much less precise. It gets things programmed rapidly but to get a higher and more refined level of programming, making specific selections through Sentinel will tighten things up quite a bit for you.
@@ResearchReviews I tried Sentinel. When I try to import to the SD card, the window that says "Select MicroSD" pops up, but there's nothing in it to select.
@@ResearchReviews Problem solved. I wasn't selecting "Mass storage" for USB connection. So it wasn't seeing the SD card. Also, my battery wasn't charging.....thank God for UA-camrs. :-)
Yes, encryption does limit scanning opportunities. Hopefully you will find other things to listen to that will interest you... I include things like utility companies, rail, aircraft, marine and GMRS/FRS. I once found local law enforcement using GMRS while conducting surveillance on a bad guy. I guess they were concerned he had a scanner!
@@ResearchReviews I did set my scanner for about everything although I miss our local Sheriff Department. I use MURS on our farm to keep in touch with the family roaming around. No cell service out here although I do have to go back to the city.
I've got the sds100,but the Sentinal software won't run, tries to download .Net for ever, and never downloads. All the so called help on the internet hasn't worked, yet, the Uniden software for the UBCT396T works fine. I've tried all the obvious stuff, like Programs and Features in Windows 10 x64 but it doesn't help. If uou can find a fix for that, you'll be a Legend.
It sounds like you have quite the problem there. I'm far from an expert but one thing I might try is un-installing the Uniden software for the UBCT396T. I'm just wondering if there is a software conflict of some kind. Another thing might be, if you have a laptop, try installing Sentinel there and see how it goes. I'd love to be elivated to Legend status but I don't know if my ideas can help you. Good luck my friend!
@@ResearchReviews Did all that. formatted the drive and installed new win 10 x64, still no good. If I could just update the scanner's Firmware, that might be a step forward. You know, I'll bet I'm not the only one on the planet with this problem, but Windows and Uniden just tackle the easy stuff, never the Hard Stuff. Sad when even Microsoft has no idea. But how come there's no problems with all the other software ? They must have written them right, only their for other scanners. Anyhow, there might be a fix out there in 10 years time. I could be dead by then.
@@ResearchReviews Don't know if I should be telling you this, but I've been at this for 2 days and nights. Anyhow, no progress. I suddenly remembered I had about 1/4 of a bottle of Scotch in a cupboard. Got up and pored a big one, sat down at the comp, and for no reason, I clicked on the Sentinel Install software. You guessed it, it installed in seconds. I don't care what gives any more, or why, but it suddenly works, even though I didn't even do anything. Guess this is one for the Twilight Zone. Regards.
Well, hopefully you will find a solution before that. I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you out with this one. Perhaps a savvy subscriber will see this and have some thoughts for you
Andrew Im a retired Firemen SFFD. Calif. I started fooling around with the knobs and lost all the FD tacs and other things. You my friend are an excellent teacher!!
You do not go to fast and for all of us ADHD people who HAVE to SEE as we learn, you did that. You are a blessing brother, you made my day. Additional note.
We see the worst of the worst when we go to calls. Not all are terrible bad. We pur all those horrible calls in a little box in our brain and we forget about them. Thank God for that.
Once in a while there are calls that haunt us to this day. Those calls don't get into the box, not sure why.. Calls that concern children are the worst. Accident scene trauma is terrible. I mean terrible. Not sure why I mention this maybe because there are young men and women who want to become Firemen or Police Officers and it helps me to pass
thjis on to them. Maybe it is a form of therapy. You seen like a very nice person and I feel comfortable mentioning this. Thanks for tjhe opportunity .:) Drive safe everyone, stay out of the fast lane...!
Thank you so much my friend, for your kind feedback. I have a background in law enforcement, healthcare security and psychiatric services. I know the boxes of which you speak and I also know of those occasional things that refuse to be placed in a box. I am so glad my video was able to help you out!
Thank you too, for your service. Those things that linger in our hearts and minds can sometimes be the lasting cost of service . Most people don't realize our firemen and police officers continue paying that cost long after the initial call they responded to was resolved. So Thank you for being one who served, despite that lingering cost!
Hey, if you would like to keep in touch, let me know and we'll figure out a way to private message or something!
@@ResearchReviews Thank you for your reply! You ae more understanding than my Kaiser DR. haha. Doing well now. Again thank you for your service.!!
Thanks for the video. I have the SDS 100 and have programmed it with the zip option when I first got it. Eventually I moved away from the Zip code option as most of what I listen to is not found on Radio Reference directly. I do use Radio Reference to look up frequencies in a given GPS Coordinate using their FCC connection. For the most part I do not listen to Police or EMS or Fire. I like to listen to my Coop Security and Maintenance as well as Mall Security and Store Security (Target, Costco, Best buy etc) and colleges Security and Hospital Security. Living in New York City I got burnt out on listen to Police and Fire and EMS some time ago. I can actually hear every Police Precinct and use to listen to them in the 80's but do not find listening to them interesting anymore. I do enjoy taking my SDS 100 with me when I go out and using Close Call to find new frequencies and collecting them and adding them to the scanner in a Favorite list.
I agree that there's a lot to listen to besides police, fire and ems. You listed some of my favorites too... mall and hospital security. I also like listening to highway flaggers... they can get quite colorful when people don't follow their directions. Also, frs and gmrs is fun, especially when the campers and hunters are out!
Thank you for the video tips on the SDS100. Received mine after a year of wishful thinking....then finally pressed the BUY button. My previous scanner was the old RS Pro-2006. The SDS100 is light years ahead and an amazing product. After watching the video multiple times, it finally clicked that you are near me - I'm just north of Boeing Field. Hi neighbor and THANK YOU for the video tips !!
Thank you so much for the feedback... I appreciate it a lot. I drive by your area regularly... I know the area well!
A great video and excellent series on the SDS 100! I've found your resources to be extremely helpful, informative and useful in helping to wrap my brain around the "beast" this is the SDS 100...keep up the great work and 73!
Thank you sir! I'm so glad the information was helpful.
This made it so easy to setup a favorite file. Just got this scanner today. And loving it.now i have to get the sds200.thanks for showing how to setup favorites. Much appreciated.
Thank you for the feedback... I'm glad the information was helpful. When I first got my SDS100, it was challenging finding information that was digestible. My goal has always been to break things down and make them as easy as possible to understand!
Well you did. Great job.
EXCELLENT Video. Learned a lot. I am waiting for SDS 100, coming soon.
I'm glad the video was helpful. You're going to love your SDS100!
Great video! I just got my SDS100 and this helped me to get started really quickly.
Thank you! I'm glad the information was helpful. Sometimes having things presented in just the right way helps a lot!
Thanks for this video. I just picked up an SDS100 and this gives me a heads up on what to expect. Looks like a fun little radio!
I really enjoy mine... I think you will like yours too. Thank you for your feedback!
@@ResearchReviews Also, just wanted to say that I appreciate the effort you put into cramming information into your videos and editing them down to just the relevant content. Keep up the good work brother.
Thank you! I shall!
Thanks for the kind words about ZipScanners and great videos.
Really enjoyed the Video, much easier to follow then some other videos on the SDS100. I have KEYS for the ProVoice, NXDN, and DMR. Mayby sometime you can make a video on how to install them. Its beyond me. I just got into the Scanner thing because of the turmoil in our Country. Thanks, Ron
Thank you Ron, for the feedback. I haven't purchased any of the upgrades yet but if a need for one comes up in my area, I'll definitely do a video on the install!
Excellent presentation of the SDS100
Thank you sir!
Andrew, really want to purchase one of these scanners however the programming or updating has me a bit confused. With a new scanner will I need to download the simulcast software? I only have iOS and a chromebook. I’m pretty sure I can get through the zip code set up but concerned about the software update. Any help before I spend $650.
These are pricy investments, so I understand your concerns. The scanner should arrive with the national database installed so you would have that as a starting point. Setting up favorites with the Sentinel software hugely simplifies the setup process, though, and I suspect trying to set the scanner up without it would be very frustrating for you.
An option you might consider is having the vendor you buy from program up a set of favorite lists for you. Some vendors will do that for a fee. You would still lack a means for obtaining updates, but it's at least an option to consider. The bottom line for the best experience would be having access to a computer that will run the Sentinel software.
Andrew when we want to listen to a particular favorite, for example, police, do we have to turn off all the other favorites, like EMS or fire every time we listen to one of the favorites? Is there not a setting that will allow us to just choose the favorite we want to listen to, and it automatically shuts off everything else but that one we want to listen to?
Hi... I'm not aware of a setting that does exactly what you're asking, but assigning quick keys might sort of accomplish what you are looking to do. I made a short video on quick keys you can check here for guidance on that:
ua-cam.com/video/kmLMNjbXO24/v-deo.htmlsi=j2mYsl3hmdF5RmWD
YOU are a great teacher!!! Thank you so much..
You are very welcome!
@@ResearchReviews I have a iMac and could not download the update or upgrade. or sentinel. Going to try on my wifes Hp computer. Without your instruction I would be screwed. Im aretired Firemen from Sacramento and am trying to listen to the radio trafficfrom the riots.
I can listen but much of it is very static. Static. Not sure if my antenna (factory with rubber washer) is the correct one. Sacramento is on Motorola trunking. They use the 57200 for a frequency. Not sure what it is called. (digital?) If a phone conference is necessary we would gladly pay for your time. No problem. Do these scanners automatically pick up Moto trunking???
Good morning. My understanding is that Sentinel will only work on Windows based computers, not Apple. I'm guessing you will have better luck with your wife's computer.
@@ResearchReviews Thanks....!
Thank You for your quick response. It did help clear some things up. Probably going to pick up a small Windows laptop for this purpose and also a gps I have that needs Windows.. Won't need much ram or memory and I''ve seeb them for as little as $189..Thanks again.
I'm glad I could help. I hope you enjoy your scanner!
Thank you sir. This was very helpful.
My pleasure!
I like your style. It took me awhile to wrangle full and precise control of my favorites lists along with granular control with quick keys. I was frustrated for awhile, but think I've conquered it for now. The only thing that doesn't seem to work is setting tgs to priority scan. Those don't work. Thanks for the great tips.
I'm glad I was able to help! Thanks!
Excellent tutorial. Sentinel is daunting at first
You explained it very well. You just have to play . Could you please do a tutorial on setting up quick keys?
I haven't used quick keys yet... I'll study up and see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion!
I just posted a video on setting up quick keys:
ua-cam.com/video/kmLMNjbXO24/v-deo.html
I eventually will get one of these. I watched this entire video, and saw your zip. That's where I live is in SnoCo! How small of a world lol. But thank you for making this so simple!
I'm glad you found the video useful. I've recently retired and live in Gray's Harbor County now but am up in Snohomish County almost weekly. You're right... its a small world!
@Research & Reviews congrats on retirement Sir! Greatly deserved! I more question, is there a 2 minute delay like other scanners, or is this in live time? Some scanners I've used had a 2 minute delay.
Thank you! Retirement is amazing so far. I'm loving it. On the delay... I have always presumed the reception was real time. I have not seen anything in the literature indicating a delay but bottom line, I don't know. Ha! Guess I'm not much help with this one :)
Andrew I purchases a sds 100 and paid for 2 counties programmed by bearcat warehouse. Is the national data base loaded in my scanner or do I have to load the freqs. From watching this video it looks like you are saying the National Data Base is already installed. Is this correct? Ifso once sentinel is installed all you ever have to do is check for updated (System changes & Freq changes) and firmware updates. Wish I had found your UA-cam B4 paying that extra money.
Thank you Jim! I'm not sure how they set things up from the factory but my guess, and thats only a guess, it that the national database is there. If you click the function key, The top item on the menu is "Set Scan Selection". Press the multifunction knob on top. Then scroll down to "Select Lists To Monitor". Press the multifunction knob again. The first item in the next page should be "Full Database". If it is... you have it. And you are correct, you can update both the national database and the firmware as needed through Sentinel. Thank you for your feedback... I'm learning as I'm going too!
Hello can you please tell how to get the new data base & update the firm ware? Thank you.
Absolutely. I actually did a video on that and it should walk you through the process. Here's the link:
ua-cam.com/video/XDuxPTu074s/v-deo.html
Excellent help thank you
You're very welcome!
Great video!!
Thank you sir!
I hope you don't mind a question... I created a favorites list and uploaded to my SDS100. I select the new favorite list however a lot of the channels I added to the favorite list do not scan. Any idea what I could have done wrong? Thanks for your time
Hi... questions are always welcome though I may nit always have the right answers. Without having your radio in hand, the only think I might suggest is double checking to make sure the channels you want to scan are turned on in the master database. If there aren't any problems there, I don't have a next step for you. One person that might have additional ideas is the guy who does A Boy And His Scanner. He knows a lot and may have some good ideas to follow-up on. Best of luck!
@@ResearchReviews Thank you for your response. Im new enough to this that I do not know how to check if something is turned on in the database.
Hi! I'm sorry for the delay getting back to you. I've been traveling a bit and needed my scanner in hand to be able to see the steps I'm going to describe. This may not be the solution you need but it's at least something to check.
Start by pressing the menu button which is the lower part of the button on the left side of the scanner as you're holding it.
Using the kbob on top, scroll to Service Types and select by pressing the knob.
All service types will be listed. Ones that correspond to frequencies you've added to favorite lists should say "On" next to them. Scroll through all of them to make sure they do. If any say "Off", just press the kbob on top and they will toggle to "On". You can then press the Menu button twice and you will be back to scan mode.
I'm not sure this will be a fix for you but it's at least something to check. If that doesn't help, like I said, The Boy And His Scanner may have some ideas for you as well.
great video. thx
Thank you!
Andrew, on the Sentinel Software I think I found a BOO BOO. Look under Georgia Statewide. In every County why is Tennessee Advanced Communication Network there. When I load any Zip Code it loads this. How do I ellimate Tenn. Adv. Network? Thanks
Hi Jim! Looks like TACN has frequencies in Catoosa, Dade, Walker and Whitfield counties plus some other mutual aid resources so I'm guessing that's why they included it in the Georgia statewide list.
Zipcode programming can throw in more frequencies than you may want to listen too but removing TACN should be pretty easy. Open up the favorite list it was included in, right click TACN (Tennessee Advanced Communication Network), and you should see an option to remove from the favorite list. Click on that and follow the prompts and it should be removed from your favorite list. You'll need to re-write the favorite list to your scanner and you should be good to go. And worse case scenario... if you make a mistake, you can delete the favorite list and re-do the zip code programming. I hope this helps!
@@ResearchReviews Thanks I guess I can block them in the Software so they want load. Keep the videos coming really great.
Fantastic video it was awesome!!!! Why don't you go ahead and make the video for downloading the Sentinel software and how to update firmware and where to find the Sentinel software also. Thank you. John.
Sounds like a good topic for my next video. I'll target getting it done for next week! Thank you for the feedback!
@@ResearchReviews excellent your video was definitely worth the wait thank you again.
How do I manually program GMRS frequencies into the sds100?
Hi... icapologize for the delay getting back to you... thus so.mer I've been prepping and selling my house and now I'm in the process if buying a new one... then comes moving! I've had to put my channel on hold but will be back once om re-settled!
Can you tell me how to program a NAC Code into a Conventional Law Enforcement repeater driven channel?
Let me do a little research on that one... it's a little outside my skill set at the moment. I'll let you know if I can figure it out and will post a video if I do!
Thank you
I don't have a scanner yet but I downloaded Sentinel to get a feel for it. I'm confused though. Sentinel says my local police dept. is using NFM. But Radio Reference says they use P25E. Who do I believe? Again, no scanner yet so I can't test it out. And I don't want to spend $650--$700 if I can't hear my local police dept. (New Milford, CT.)
I apologize for the delay getting back to you. I had to do a little research. NFM as I understand it, stands for Narrow Band FM. The E after the P25 in radio reference identifies it as an encrypted system, meaning you would not be able to hear anything intelligible. To double check, you could touch bases with the guys at Zip Scanners because they are very knowledgeable, but based on my little bit of research here, you will be able to listen to fire and ems but not police.
@@ResearchReviews Thanks. I think Zip would just tell me what I already saw on RadioReference. I guess I could just call my local PD and ask. It's just weird that Sentinel, which is updated frequently, says NFM and RadioReference says P25E. Nothing really exciting happens here but they're supposedly encrypted. Yet the larger towns (population wise) and a city all within a 15 mile radius, are not encrypted. Go figure.
Andrew, this is blinko656. Im thinking about buying a sds200 and was wondering if you knew anything about it. I think the programming by zip code is pretty much the same. Any thoughts..
I've never owned or played with the SDS200. My guess is that you would expect a similar experience as with the 100 and depending on the antenna you install, perhaps better reception performance... just my guess though :)
@@ResearchReviews Thank you, I do have a outside antenna 50' up, it is a big help! TY
How do you clean the screen by keypad on your STS 100
And how to keep the life on your keypad on your STS 100
Hi... If I'm understanding your questions correctly, you are asking about how best to clean your screen and maintain the keypad so it doesn't wear out prematurely. I know the screens can be fragile and that screen protectors are available, though I don't personally use one. I rarely need to clean my screen and have only used a mildly damp cloth for cleaning. The keypad is sealed but like anything mechanical, can wear with use. I avoid using anything with an edge when pressing the buttons... like fingernails or pen tips because over time such items can crease and eventually pierce the membrain. I only use the pad of my finger when pressing the buttons. I hope this helps!
hello... I bought the sds100 and in my country Argentina I don't have the possibility to enter my postal code in the handy... my question is, can I also scan automatically without entering my postal code? how can i achieve it? thanks for your reply
Hi Walter. Not having a national database to download limits the functionality significantly but one thing you might try is setting scan ranges and searching for things to hear that way. I did a video on how to scan a range of frequencies... here is a link:
ua-cam.com/video/gcm0TeXNK_k/v-deo.html
Nice video thanks
You are very welcome!
Nice video, but you like Zip Scanners? Is that still the case? I have found them to be very non-responsive and pretty much done with someone after sale...
Thank you for the feedback. It's been a while since I've communicated with Zip Scanners. I found them very helpful with guidance before the sale. After the sale I consulted their educational material but did not ask any direct questions, Other than their educational library, I don't have any other experience with them beyond their pre purchase support and educational videos.
You should make a tutorial on sentinel software for beginners step by step it will make owing a scanner more fun for some people
Good idea.. I'll see what I can come up with.
Where can I download Sentinel software?
Thanks for the great video. I guess people don't have to pay for programming from the seller.
Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You should be able to find Sentinel at:
info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD436HP
Click on BCDx36HPSentinel to download.
I like the way you explained the process! Very informative! I'm ordering the Sds100 soon. Great video!!
Thank you Troy, I try to break things down in ways that make sense for novices like me!
Yes much appreciated how you slowly click the top button and show the side menu button before you click it. and explain what you’re doing while you are doing it. It lets us novices take it all In well. And all these steps don’t seem so complex and overwhelming
Thank you for the feedback. Being a novice myself, I've noticed a lot of tutorials move way too fast and can loose people. I try to a avoid that mistake and break it down very slowly.
I don’t understand why you turn the full database option off (at the end of the video). What does that option do?
Hi... you need to deselect the full database from your scanning list, otherwise the scanner will treat it like a favorite list and begin scanning through the entire national database. In addition to taking an enormous amount of time for the scanning process, you would be listening to everything... police, fire, railroad, marine, aircraft, military, private business, ham radio, FRS, GMRS, and on and on... every category imaginable. It would make following conversations virtually impossible and you would end up missing everything you programmed into your favorites while being stuck listening to all the things you didn't want to hear.
@@ResearchReviews Ahh that makes sense, thank you
How do I set a range to scan like 153.000 to 154.000 as example?
Hi! It's a little bit of a process so what I'll do is work up a short video to show you how. I should hopefully be able to knock it out over the next few days.
I posted a video on this topic for you.
Can you use your smartphone as your computer to update the sds100? Also is the software free and where can it be downloaded?
Hi, I am not aware of any smartphone options for programming.
@@ResearchReviews Ok thank you! Where do download the software update package? And is it free?
Hi Adam, here is a link to a video that will show you where to find the Sentinel software... its free:
ua-cam.com/video/XDuxPTu074s/v-deo.html
Andrew can you do a video on how to change out SD CARD on SDS100. I saw on Facebook scanner group the people were saying when you change sd card make sure you get a fast card, PLEASE advise what is a good sd card. Also when and how do you tell when you need a larger card. Thanks Jim
Hi Jim! Absolutely, I can do a video on swapping out the SD card. I'll try to get it out this weekend or next, depending on how time goes!
Hey Jim, I just uploaded a video on the SDS100 memory card:
ua-cam.com/video/chhSA-nLclY/v-deo.html
@@ResearchReviews thank you, sorry for the delay been on Vacation just returned 8-09-20
@@ResearchReviews After watching I think I thought the SD card saved the stuff you put in the Favorites to scan. But if I heard you correctly it is used to record broadcast so you can play audio back that was broadcast. Right???????????
As I understand it, the master database and all your favorites are stored on the SD card. These are relatively small files though, in comparison to the number and size of audio files that can accumulated if you record a lot. Now if you have an astronomical number of favorites lists... hundreds or thousands perhaps, a larger card might be of benefit, otherwise, probably not unless you record a lot of audio.
What is the worst time to learn how to program a new scanner? During an emergency. We got hit by an ice storm and of course the wife asks me to turn on the scanner. Little did I know it was set to scan ALL lists which by default includes full database. Time to learn this (expletive deleted). Lights are flashing... are we going to lose power... learn fast. Don't let this happen to you. Good luck with that :-) 73 de KT1R PS--thanks for a great video, I learned a lot, fast.
I'm so glad the video helped... an emergency is no time to try to figure out an SDS100! I hope you got it working well enough to get through the crisis! Take care, K7AXZ!
And what was the scanner going to do to help you through the ice storm?😂 These things are for entertainment purposes only for real time nosiness. I love my scanners because I am a chismoso (nosy). But, any one of my scanners would be the last thing I would turn to in case of emergency. You cannot communicate through a scanner. That’s what our mobile phones and 2 way radios are for.
how do you deleted sites from favorites that you program in.. i monitor viper in NC and it has a ton of sites. sites i don't need to scan. same with nxdn fleet talk.has a lot of sites.but only need kings mountain. thanks
Its actually pretty easy but I need my scanner in front of me to explain it. I'm away from home for a couple of days. When I get back I'll work up a quick video for you.
@@ResearchReviews never mind i found it out. Alot of avoid settings. Got it setup now. Thanks.
Glad you got it figured out... its a good topic for a video though and I have half the script done already... I'll go ahead and publish it maybe tomorrow and hopefully it can help someone else!
On my sds200 when I load a favorites list scanners says nothing to scan. Help!
Hi... I'm guessing the menus on the SDS100 and 200 are the same... I'd check to make sure you have the service types turned on for the favorites you want to hear. That's my best guess... I hope it helps!
sentinel is downloaded but wont open on my computer if tried again it says already open but you dont see the app
Hi... have you tried hitting Control-ALT-Delete to open the Task Manager and stop Sentinel there, and then trying to re-start it? You might also try a restart on your computer... choose "Restart", not "Reboot" and see if that helps. If not, I'm afraid the problem is above my pay grade to fix. If you continue having this issue, do a search for "A Boy And His Scanner" and ask him for guidance. He has a much deeper understanding of the software than I do. I hope some of this helps!
Can 2 different counties be loaded together?
Yes, you can just save them to the same favorite list.
I am confused why for your new favorites list you only selected business, security & media saved your favorites list, then stated pro tip reentered the favorites list and turned ALL db’s back on reversing your selections when creating Favorites 0. That totally confused me.
I can see how that could be confusing. When I created the list and selected business/security & media, I did so only options in that category would show up for me to select for the list. If I hadn't, mor selections, outside what I was specifically desiring would have possibly shown up, increasing the possibility of confusion and maybe putting things in the list I hadn't intended.
After I selected what I wanted in my list, when backing out to the overall favorites list, I switched the radio back to hear ALL. I did this so as I scanned several different favorites, the radio would be able to "hear" all the categories that were different for each favorite. If I didn't switch back to ALL when scanning through all my favorites, the only thing I would actually hear would be those frequencies in the last favorite I set up... all the others would be ignores.
I know it's a bit confusing, I hope this clarifies for you, if not, let me know and I'll explain it in another way :)
Dang!!! I had all my police and fire frequencies just how I like them. Tried to create a ham list with this video and now it’s all gone. :(. I didn’t touch the favorites that I had, added a new favorite called ham.
Darn... I'm sorry for the difficulty you're having. One thing you might check is under Service Types, make sure the service types for the other favorite lists are turned on.
Hi why did you change the service types after your zip code was entered as far as I know that doesn’t need to be done
I have some favorite lists that are specialized... for police, for fire, for ham radio, etc. If you set up a favorite via zip code for say... police, but later want to listen to a list you set up for railroad, you won't be able to hear them unless you turn on that service type. That's my reasoning for always turning back on all my service types.
Yeah after everything is downloaded you have to turn on /off service types anyways your confusing people as long as you leave that service type on just turn on the Favorites list and make sure its being monitored
I confuse myself at times!
Hello Andrew ,how to delete a memory channel ?thanks Daniel
If you mean how to delete a favorite, it's pretty easy. If you are using Sentinel, you will see your Favorites listed below the USA and Canada databases. Just clock on the favorite you want to remove and click the red X icon located about midpoint on the row of icons toward the top of the screen.
If you want to delete a favorite using the scanner, press the program button, scroll down to Manage Favorites, SELECT, scroll down to the Favorite you want to delete, SELECT, scroll down to Delete and follow the prompts to confirm.
I hope I'm answering the right question. If not, let me know.
Not sure how to get the firmware
Haven't updated any firmware on my SDS100 and no idea how. Total novice with pc. Have tried to upload Sentinel on pc. Have failed miserabaly. All UA-cam videos go by so quickly unable to undrstand.
Hi. I'm sorry you've been having difficulties here. Sometimes the technical aspects of getting these Scanners set up can be challenging. I'm thinking in your case, hands on support might be helpful. I did some asking around for options for you, and did get a couple of ideas to consider. One was to touch bases with a local computer repair shop and ask them if they could set things up for you. A second idea was similar... to touch bases with one of the larger tech stores, like Best Buy, who runs their tech support Geek Squad, and see if they can offer you some assistance. I hope one of these ideas can get your scanner up and running!
I followed all the steps. But when it begins to scan, it's showing locations that are far away from my zip code. I even set the range to 10 miles, and it's showing things farther away.
This is not uncommon as the zip code programming method is much less precise. It gets things programmed rapidly but to get a higher and more refined level of programming, making specific selections through Sentinel will tighten things up quite a bit for you.
@@ResearchReviews I tried Sentinel. When I try to import to the SD card, the window that says "Select MicroSD" pops up, but there's nothing in it to select.
I'll look into this after work today and let you know what I find.
@@ResearchReviews Problem solved. I wasn't selecting "Mass storage" for USB connection. So it wasn't seeing the SD card. Also, my battery wasn't charging.....thank God for UA-camrs. :-)
I just re-created the issue by doing the same thing. Those little details get us sometimes. I'm glad you're up and running!
My SDS100 is boring now all of our police units have used P25 everything is scrambled.
Now I am programmed to listen to whatever.
Yes, encryption does limit scanning opportunities. Hopefully you will find other things to listen to that will interest you... I include things like utility companies, rail, aircraft, marine and GMRS/FRS. I once found local law enforcement using GMRS while conducting surveillance on a bad guy. I guess they were concerned he had a scanner!
@@ResearchReviews I did set my scanner for about everything although I miss our local Sheriff Department. I use MURS on our farm to keep in touch with the family roaming around. No cell service out here although I do have to go back to the city.
entertaining.. you talk like a radio announcer.. I expect Ali to pop out of the corner.. :)
Well thank you sir!
I've got the sds100,but the Sentinal software won't run, tries to download .Net for ever, and never downloads. All the so called help on the internet hasn't worked, yet, the Uniden software for the UBCT396T works fine. I've tried all the obvious stuff, like Programs and Features in Windows 10 x64 but it doesn't help. If uou can find a fix for that, you'll be a Legend.
It sounds like you have quite the problem there. I'm far from an expert but one thing I might try is un-installing the Uniden software for the UBCT396T. I'm just wondering if there is a software conflict of some kind. Another thing might be, if you have a laptop, try installing Sentinel there and see how it goes. I'd love to be elivated to Legend status but I don't know if my ideas can help you. Good luck my friend!
@@ResearchReviews Did all that. formatted the drive and installed new win 10 x64, still no good. If I could just update the scanner's Firmware, that might be a step forward. You know, I'll bet I'm not the only one on the planet with this problem, but Windows and Uniden just tackle the easy stuff, never the Hard Stuff. Sad when even Microsoft has no idea.
But how come there's no problems with all the other software ? They must have written them right, only their for other scanners. Anyhow, there might be a fix out there in 10 years time. I could be dead by then.
@@ResearchReviews Don't know if I should be telling you this, but I've been at this for 2 days and nights. Anyhow, no progress. I suddenly remembered I had about 1/4 of a bottle of Scotch in a cupboard. Got up and pored a big one, sat down at the comp, and for no reason, I clicked on the Sentinel Install software. You guessed it, it installed in seconds.
I don't care what gives any more, or why, but it suddenly works, even though I didn't even do anything.
Guess this is one for the Twilight Zone.
Regards.
Well, hopefully you will find a solution before that. I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you out with this one. Perhaps a savvy subscriber will see this and have some thoughts for you
Hey! You're up and running... that's what counts. I'm glad you finally had a good outcome. Now you can enjoy that scanner!
Thank goodness you didn’t talk the way you did in the intro for the whole video. That was awkward.
Ha! No claims of graceful presentation here! Thank you for the feedback!
PY4DFS Brasil
TKS
K7AX7 & WRJB883.
@@ResearchReviews Róger