Uniden SDS200 Review
The Uniden SDS200, just like its brother, is one of the best police scanners on the market, strictly adhering to industry standards. It has more to offer than just about any other model.
Pros
- Easy setup: You can program and setup the SDS200 radio quickly and easily by simply entering your zip code. Zip code input makes getting started easier than with many other devices.
- Backlit keypad: The entire backlit keypad on the front panel of this scanner radio can be used for maximum visibility so you can see it at all times when using the radio.
- Works with a lot of modes APCO P25 Phase I and II, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunking, MotoTRBO Capacity + and Connect +**, DMR Tier III**, Hytera XPT, Single-Channel DMR**, NXDN 4800 and 9600** and EDACS ProVoice**. *Note that additional or 3rd-Party software may be required. **Paid upgrades required for DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice monitoring.
- Weekly database updates : The free sentinel software keeps the database and memory up to date, ensuring the best digital decode performance in the industry.
- Wide frequency coverage: This scanner device gives you a wide coverage of 25 to 1300 megahertz.
- Huge channel selection with USA/Canada radio database
- Customizable display: The large color display on the front of this scanner radio is fully customizable so you can set to match your needs
- Extremely solid construction: The metal construction of this police scanner makes it far more stable and long-lasting than plastic models which are used for shorter time
Cons
- This particular scanner is on the expensive side, which could be problematic if you are on a tight budget.
While this police scanner is fairly pricey, it is well worth the expense with the features you receive.
Before you make a decision, it is important that you learn about this device. Please read the review below to learn all you need to know.
Let’s review the design.
This police scanner incorporates the latest True I/Q receiver technology which provides the best possible digital decode performance. The latest true I/Q receiver technology provides great performance all the time, even in challenging simulcast areas.
The Uniden Bearcat SDS200 features a 3.5″ customizable color display that is bright enough to be seen clearly at any time of the day. On the left side of the front panel you will find a function dial and beneath it a standard 3.5-millimeter audio jack for headphones.
There is also a small knob on the right side for adjusting the volume, and another for squelch. The location control function of this device does use simple operation. This means that there aren’t any complicated steps that you’re required to follow.
It is a perfect choice for beginners and more experienced users who like more control.
The USA/Canada radio database (here’s a quick database: http://data-lists.com/us-radio-database/) does use a huge selection of channels and police frequencies to choose from.
You can simply enter a ZIP Code in order to reprogram the device for any area in the USA or Canada.
It also has Close Call RF, but that’s not a new feature for many scanners. There is a MicroSD memory card slot on the Uniden SDS200 model, which you can use to store and playback recordings. When you purchase this scanner you will also get an 8 GB Micro SD memory card.
This device features a number of soft keys for use in the intelligent but simple user interface. We like that the buttons are responsive and make using this scanner practically effortless. Measuring 12.8 by 8.5 by 3.8 inches with a weight of 5 pounds, this scanner isn’t overly bulky.
It on an adjustable stand, so you can tilt it up and down for the more convenient position at all times.
The Uniden SDS200 also has a Menu button on the front panel, which allows you to go through the various settings. Each of these settings appears on the large display as you cycle through them.
This makes it a lot easier to see exactly what you are doing and set your preferences.
Unlike the Uniden BCD996P2, this comes with a free Sentinel software for programming. The free Sentinel software keeps the SDS200 database and memory up to date. The software allows you to expect optimal performance across all different areas of performance.
You also won’t have to worry about any inconvenience with programming when using the software. There are no complicated steps or instructions you’ll have to follow for updates on the sentinel software.
Features
Color Display
The 3.5-inch customizable color display on the front panel of this Uniden Bearcat scanner device provides you with a clear look so you can review details of whichever channel you are listening in on.
It is even customizable, so you always get the best possible readout no matter what.
Micro USB Port
The micro USB port on this device allows you to connect it to your computer for downloadable upgrades and software. Some of these updates and upgrades do cost extra and some are free, but it is nice to have the option if you are willing to spend the money.
It also comes with the USB cable so it’s easy to program. For no-cost police scanning, try this: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/police-scanner/online/.
Recording and Playback
It will please you to have the option of recording transmissions on any channel, which you will be able to store on a micro SD memory card to review later. You can playback your stored recordings any time you want by following a couple easy steps.
Ethernet Connectivity
The Ethernet connectivity that the SDS200 base/mobile digital trunking scanner offers gives you remote streaming and control for an added level of convenience when using the radio.
You will be able to control the scanner entirely from your computer, provided you have an internet connection.
Discovery Mode
The Uniden SDS200 base/mobile digital trunking scanner has a Discovery Mode that allows you to locate new channels on trunked systems and frequency ranges very easily.
It has the following frequency coverage: 25-512 MHz, 758-824 MHz, 849-869 MHz, 895-960 MHz, and 1240-1300 MHz.
Trunktracker X
The Uniden SDS200 has Trunktracker X technology supports APCO P25 Phase I and II, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunking, MotoTRBO Capacity + and Connect +**, DMR Tier III**, Hytera XPT**, Single-Channel DMR**, NXDN 4800 and 9600** and EDACS ProVoice**.
Note: *Additional or 3rd-Party software may be required ** Paid upgrades required for DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice monitoring. However, some sell the product with three digital modes available (DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice)
Weather Alerts
The S.A.M.E. weather alerts that this scanner radio can provide you with could save your life. You will receive warnings about inclement weather close to your area so you can know when to take shelter for safety.
This feature is also present in other models from the brand, like the Uniden BC365CRS.
Customer Reviews
It won’t take long for you to discover how good this police scanner is.
There are even tons of positive reviews from people who have a lot of good things to say about the Uniden SDS200. It does receive a lot of compliments when people review its easy operation and setup, system, and powerful overall design.
Many customers are very pleased with the sturdy and stable construction when they receive the scanner radio as well. People tend to like how solid it looks and feels as a whole, plus the performance even in challenging environments.
They also review the good updates, easy program process, and great compatibility with different systems and updates too.
Uniden SDS200 Review Conclusion
We really like the Uniden SDS200 for a number of reasons, including the fact that it is so easy to use. It’s a good enough reason to write an entire Uniden SDS200 review, especially with the added benefits it can provide.
The system offers lots of practical features you want and gives you an impressive design that you will be sure to appreciate in a variety of situations.
It’s compatible with a lot of systems as stated in the review including DMR, NXDN, APCO P25 Phase I and II, Provoice, and much more.
The large color display on the front panel is especially nice and highly visible at any time of the day or night. There are also numerous connectivity options, including Ethernet connectivity for remote streaming and control, and mini USB cable.
This is certainly one of the most versatile police scanners you will find on the market today, so please make sure you’re purchasing one from authorized dealers.
While there are lots of scanners available, like the HomePatrol 2 we reviewed, very few of them are able to compare to this one in terms of software updates of the system and the sophistication of its overall design.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
