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Uniden

Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in Weak-Signal and Simulcast Areas, Rugged / Weather Resistant JIS 4 Construction

    • Based on 1,088 reviews
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Availability: 11 left in stock
Fulfilled by San Juan Creek Distribution Co., LLC
Arrives Sunday, Dec 29
Order within 18 hours and 5 minutes
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Style: Handheld Scanner


Features

  • Uniden creates another first with the SDS100 True I/Q Scanner and digital TrunkTracker communications receiver. Programming it can be as simple as entering your zip code. Its True I/Q receiver provides for improved digital performance in challenging RF environments. Its customizable color display allows access to the information you want to see. The SDS100s digital performance is better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments.
  • HomePatrol Database Includes all known radio systems in the US and Canada. The database is updatable with the Sentinel software and Uniden updates the main database weekly.
  • Customizable Color Display You can set the display color for each field in the display. Additionally, for many fields you can select the information provided.
  • True I/Q Receiver Designed to improve digital performance in even the most challenging RF environments. An I/Q receiver captures the complete signal waveform in 3 dimensions, allowing for improved digital error correction and signal recovery.
  • Location-Based Scanning Allows you to set your location by zip/postal code or GPS coordinates for instant reception. The Auto-locate feature will determine your general location if you dont know where you are.
  • GPS Compatible Connect to a GPS receiver (not included) for precise system selection and continuing reselection when you travel. The scanner will automatically select what to scan based on your current location as provided by an external GPS unit.
  • Built-in Battery Charger Allows you to charge the rechargeable batteries in the scanner from any USB port.
  • Water Resistant (JIS4/IPX4) Resistant to dust and damage caused by splashing water from any direction (when all jack covers are in place).

Description

Uniden creates another first with the SDS100 true I/Q scanner, the first scanner to incorporate software defined radio technology to provide incredible digital performance in even the most challenging RF environments. The sds100’s digital performance is better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments. The SDS100 is also the first scanner that allows you to decide what to display, where, and in what color. Custom fields put the information important to you right where you need it. And, one more first, the SDS100 meets JIS4 (IPX4) standards for water resistance. USB Connectivity and Charging

Specs & Other Info

Specification Details
Storage Type MicroSD Card Compatible
Type of Device Digital Portable Scanner
Brand Manufacturer Uniden
Model Designation SDS100
Connection Method USB Compatible
Physical Dimensions 5.5 x 1.5 x 7.5 inches
Device Resolution 24 Bit Depth
Item Weight 0.01 Ounces
Battery Information 1 Product Specific Battery Required
Continued Manufacturer Support Product Not Discontinued
Additional Features Wireless Display
Device Package Contents Includes Digital Portable Scanner
First Availability Date June 6, 2018

Frequently asked questions

The True I/Q feature in the Uniden SDS100 scanner refers to its advanced signal processing capabilities. It's designed to provide improved digital performance in areas with weak signals or where signals are distributed across multiple antennas, commonly known as simulcast areas. This technology helps minimize dead zones and maximizes your chances of picking up and decoding signals that other scanners might miss.

The Uniden SDS100 scanner is designed with JIS 4 weather resistant construction. This makes it capable of withstanding light rain or splashing water from any direction. However, it's not fully waterproof and should not be entirely submerged in water or exposed to very heavy rain for prolonged periods.

The Uniden SDS100 scanner has True I/Q receiver technology. This technology greatly enhances the radio's ability to receive weak or distant signals, even in areas where signals are distributed across multiple antennas, known as simulcast areas. This feature is especially useful for emergency personnel or radio enthusiasts who need reliable performance in varied signal conditions.

The Uniden SDS100 scanner is built with rugged, JIS 4 weather resistant construction. This means it can stand up to rough handling and light outdoor weather conditions like rain splashes. However, it's important to note that while it's designed to be rugged and durable, it's not indestructible and should still be handled with care to prolong its lifespan.

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Top Amazon Reviews

🚀 Abunda's Overview

This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.

Among the reviews compiled, users are generally very positive towards Uniden SDS100 Scanner. The device has garnered praise for its impressive performance, formidable range, excellent speaker quality, and ease of use. However, certain features are seen as drawbacks such as the lack of a keyboard lock function, and complexities in adding a frequency.

Pros

  • 🔹 Excellent performance across all bands and loud, clear sound quality.
  • 🔹 Shows remarkable improvement over previous models.
  • 🔹 Easy to program, even for newcomers.
  • 🔹 Able to pick up neighboring counties never reachable before.

Cons

  • 🔻 Missing keyboard lock function.
  • 🔻 Fairly complicated to set up for less tech-savvy users.
  • 🔻 Use of a proprietary battery, limiting flexibility with power source options.
  • 🔻 The unit tends to get warm during operation

Should I Buy It?

If you're an individual who spends a fair bit of time on the radio and requires a reliable scanner with exceptional performance, the Uniden SDS100 is definitely worth considering. Despite the minor drawbacks mentioned, the general consensus is that it's the best, most versatile scanner available today.

    • AWESOME SCANNER!!! (Got a Mac?)
This is an AWESOME scanner and a worthy upgrade. Is it perfect? Nope. Uniden should have included some features that would have added significant value to the user. A few of those things are 1) Bluetooth 2) Ability to lockout keypad (seriously?) and 3) Ability to use AA batteries as a backup if needed. Are those all of them? Nope. But they are a few of them that irk me at the moment. The scanner overall is wonderful and amazing. The speaker is loud and clear, the reception is really great, and I pick up neighboring counties that I have never been able to pick up previously, and that’s just using the stock antenna that came with it. The programming of this scanner is extremely easy. I had considered purchasing from another retailer as they had me scared to death about the complexities of setting up the programming. It’s no sweat. Everything is pretty much already set up in the scanner. Just set up your favorites list, then enter your zip code location (in that order as one reviewer pointed out) and your set! There are a lot of customizable settings, pretty much everything by system, and it’s fun to play around with all the different settings and screen colors. The reason I ended up purchasing on Amazon was for the extended warranty. I have enough experience to know, that you never know with Uniden what you will get long-term, and it was an inexpensive peace of mind to add that warranty through Amazon. I trust that if they ever need to make good on it, they will. I did not really need to utilize the Sentinnel software... well because everything is pretty much already databased in the scanner, and it’s easy to get it set up the way you want it. My concern with Sentinnel is that we have all Mac’s, which it won’t run on. I downloaded the parallel stuff and spent hours getting it all set up, but just couldn’t get it to work. I ended up finding a super easy solution that worked easily and perfectly on my Mac, which I’ll paste below if it would be helpful to someone else. It’s important to note once again, that I really didn’t need to do anything with the Sentinnel software, but I guess it’s nice to know I have a backup of all my settings now. The instructions below may look intimidating at first, but trust me it’s really quite easy and pain-free. Here it is: 1. Go to WineBottler |*Run Windows-based Programs on a Mac and download WineBottler. I used the 1.6.1 Stable on Mavericks. It will pop up an ADFly Page. Just give it 5 seconds then click the “SKIP AD” button in the top right. (If you get any more ad pop ups just give it a few seconds and it will start downloading.) Once finished: Move “Wine.app” and “Winebotter.app” to you applications folder. 2. Download the latest Sentinel Version. BCD536HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki and unzip it to your desktop. (or where you fell comfortable) 3. Launch “Winebottler” from you applications folder. Follow prompts for install. This will install any needed files to run the apps later. a. Click “Advanced” in the top bar. b. Select “new prefix” default c. Program to install: “select File…” and select the “Setup_BCDx36HP.msi” in the Sentinel folder on your desktop. d. check “This is an installer, execute it. e. in the “Winetricks” section, click in the search field and search for “dotnet20”. Check the MS .NET 2.0. (this will install the .net for the Sentinel to install) f. Click “Install” button. Save to your desk top as Sentinel. This is now creating a windows app that will run on your mac using “wine”. It will install the Dot Net files and you will have to agree to terms and tell it where to install. Defaults will be fine. That will finish and then Sentinel will star the install. Again, agree and save to defaults. This part does take some time so bear with it. (HINT: sometimes the installers will pop up in the background. You may have to click the doc to bring it forward to agree to the DOT NET terms etc…) Once the files are installed, the last step is to “Select Startfile” leave it on Program Files/Uniden/BCDX…… and when you click the “Sentinel” app it will launch the app. Hit OK and your done. Now double click the newly created app and your ready to run Sentinel on your mac. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2018 by M. Wright
    • Great scanner
Top of the line scanner. Easy to program via Sentinel software. Only drawback is analog receptiona is not that good but digital is great. I have a 99 dollar Uniden scanner that does a much better job with analog. Kind of strange but if you need a great digital scanner, you can't go wrong here.
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024 by Mr. P
    • It's the best scanner available today
I'm a Ham radio operator and over the years I have had dozens of scanners. I also own the SDS200 (base/mobile version of this radio) Most scanners don't die but the changing radion standards make them obsolete. This is the premium scanner that will handle the most radio systems that operate today. Analog, digital, trunked, it does them all. However you have to pay extra for and unlock key for NXDN ($50), DMR ($50) and ProVoice ($50) and if you do want these go directly to the Uniden site otherwise everyone else will charge $75. If you are just doing public service monitoring you won't need these options but I do a bit of commercial and business monitoring as well and many of them are NXDN or DMR. I don't think anyone except San Antonio Police use Provoice anymore. Actual performance is great across all bands and intermod is well filtered. There are some idiosycrancies to it but go to radioreference.com forums to figure that out as I could go on for days. But overall it is the best most versatile and feature rich handheld scanner you can buy today. I live in an area with some radio systems that are problematic for many scanners (simulcast issues) and this one handles them all like a champ. A couple things to know. There is no keyboard lock function which I REALLY dislike but I figured out a hack how to lock the keyboard via the free programming software but it's a total hassle and not practical. So it can be done and perhaps that will be a part of a future firmware upgrade. Also the unit gets pretty warm when operating, that's normal. The battery is pretty big and sticks out from the back of the unit which is a little dopey looking but overall not an issue with usability. It's just wen they first released them the original battery was way to weak so they now ship with the extended battery (about 8 hours) and it works fine. Actually the previous model would fall over all the time when you set it on a table and this bigger battery prevents that, so that's a plus. I bought a second battery and I've actually never used in about six months. It's a shame they didn't put bluetooth in it, but they did make it so you can charge the batteries while listening which you couldn't do on the previous model so that's a big plus. The build is very sturdy and I'm sure I will replace this radio when technology changes not because the radio itself stopped working perfectly (like my last six scanners). It's is waterproof and much sturdier than the previous model. Sound quality is great and loud enough in very noisy environments. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2022 by Ezra
    • Wow, a great scanner is a small package!
I've been scanning for over 25 years. This scanner replaces my old venerable Icom IC-R1 that recently died. Some of the negative reviews here are from 2018 when the scanner was first introduced. This is a software scanner and is updated regularly with firmware patches. I just purchased mine and performed the firmware update. I haven't had any issues. The manual is a bit lacking and that is one of the reasons for the 4 star rating. The manual tells you what each setting does but doesn't explain how in many cases. I see some negative reviews about heat. I've had mine on continuously and it is slightly warm but nowhere near hot. The battery lasts a long time. 8 hours or so. This is a feature rich scanner and is fully customizable right down to the display colors. Once you get the hang of the interface it's really quite easy to navigate. It's great to have multiple favorites lists that you can turn off and on easily. The sound quality of the speaker is perfectly fine. I replaced the scanner antenna an increased reception by 6 dB overall. The stock antenna is water resistant at the coupling which probably attributes to slightly less signal strength received. Overall though this is a great little scanner that is feature rich and will last for many years into the future. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2020 by Metrologist

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