Tom
Nice if you have fire insurance!
Be very careful of this sds100. The battery is known to explode. Mine exploded and started smoking. It will for sure burn down a home.
Uniden
Uniden SDS100 Digital Handheld Scanner
13 videosCustomer photos & videos
From 26 customers
Westbuyer
works great but clunky and not enough battery life
works great for what it's meant to be, but I hope next generation will have integrated GPS, thinner and have lot more battery life
Zac
amazing!
i love how easy it is to set up, shipping was a bit messed up but thats not the sellers fault. other than that i love it
Melisa
Amazing scanner
I’ve been in the Fire services and law enforcement and this is by far the best scanner put out by Uniden/Bearcat. Bluetooth would have been nice but attached a Bluetooth Tx/Rv to it and works great. I recommend the sds100 to anyone. And yes right out of the box just add a zip code and you’re off and running.
Brandon Smith
Great For Urban Area.
The SDS100 works fantastic in the San Francisco Bay Area! 😍 Its performance with Simulcast is amazing—seriously, perfect! Reception is great, and while the included antenna is okay, I upgraded to a better one, which made it even better.
This scanner handles everything I need and more, with clear audio and solid performance. If you’re in the Bay Area or a similar urban setting, this is the scanner to get. Highly recommend it!
David Gene Pennington
Sophisticated yet simple
I have had this guy a month and I'm fairly certain that I have barley scratched the surface of it capabilities. Any true scanner enthusiasts will tell you, it is getting increasingly harder to enjoy this hobby because of all the new ways to encrypt the radio traffic we love to listen to. That said, in my humble opinion, the SDS100 makes it about as simple as it can get. Tell it what zip code you are currently in and it's SD card stored data base will load all the frequencies in the area...PROGRAMMING COMPLETE ! IT'S THAT SIMPLE !! The stored data base contains pretty much every licensed radio system in the US and I think a good bit of Canada. What used to take hours now takes seconds. Uniden even updates the data base weekly. These updates are free to download. There are a few downloadable encryption upgrades you will need to purchase to make the SDS100 as workable as possible. There are several other "user programable features". Too many to name here. Overall "ease of use" gets an "A" ! The unit is lightweight and more ergonomic then any I have ever owned. The ONLY low scores I would give this unit are in battery life and belt clip. This guy can use up some battery especially with higher volume settings. In all fairness though, it is basically a small computer running a program. It shuts down before the battery is completely dead to preserve any user memory. It does have a power port separate from the charging port to help with this. Also,The battery pack is kinda odd. I give the battery a "B-". The other low grade goes to the belt clip (at least the one one my unit). The swivel style clip on mine doesn't stay locked in place very well. So much so that I choose to carry the scanner in my pocket. I don't trust the clip. Belt clip is a generous "C-". Still learning what else it can do, so maybe another review later.
T. Ray
Charging issues within 24 hours.
Sister in law ordered this one for me as a gift. I charged it, programmed it and used one battery cycle before the unit stopped charging. Currently working as a night stand ornament as it will power up by the micro usb non charging port. Would be nice to have a dock style charging option!
Dave Williams
Excellent Scanner! But READ THIS FIRST BEFORE BUYING
Purchased: JUN 2024 (from BearcatWarehouse)
Review Written: JUL 2024
I started with (and still have) my original RadioShack® scanner, like most everyone else. However, it's a new century & new millennium and time to upgrade, so I studied the new Scanners. I eventually selected the very best portable scanner: Uniden SDS100.
1. You absolutely positively with NO EXCEPTION must have the Seller PRE-PROGRAM (before shipment) your new SDS100 Scanner!! This is MANDATORY!
2. The Seller can pre-program your new Scanner (for a small fee) to pick up ALL THE AVAILABLE FREQUENCIES IN YOUR COUNTY. All. Of. Them. You have to do NOTHING!
3. Re-read numbers 1 and 2, above.
4. I had the Seller pre-program my new SDS100 to pick up the Frequencies in six total counties. This was probably too much (see "GPS," below).
5. The SDS100 Scanner is CAPABLE of tons of stuff, HOWEVER, I did not need any of the "extra" options available to be unlocked in my new SDS100.
For example: I live in Northern California. And in the ENTIRE STATE of California (CHP, All Sheriffs, All Police, etc.) no Agency uses one particular system that is an available option for the SDS100 (I can't remember the system name). Therefore, DO NOT purchase any additional options that are not necessary.
6. I did purchase the optional GPS Unit that attaches to the SDS100 when you're driving around. EXCELLENT DEVICE!
I live in the foothills/mountains of Northern California. Some of my SDS100 reception is scratchy or non-existent. However, when I drove down to the valley floor to the Freeway I-5 corridor (which runs from Canada to Mexico and points beyond), I picked up SEVERAL MORE frequencies that were AUTOMATICALLY PROGRAMMED INTO MY SCANNER!!
I even picked up the Department of Defense Naval Operations, with a base in Seattle and another one in San Diego (among others) from my SDS100 Scanner located in Shasta, CA! The GPS Unit also picked up two more outlying Counties and programmed them into my Scanner. That's why I recommend that a Buyer have the Seller pre-program just one home County for the buyer. Buyer can add more counties and frequencies using the GPS Unit. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing the GPS Unit.
7. I live in the middle of WILDFIRE COUNTRY...the California Fires that make the news every year. Well, with my new SDS100 I can monitor ALL the Local, State and Federal Firefighting agencies, including Ground and Air support, Tactical, Engine-to-Engine, EMS, etc. I can listen Law Enforcement Dispatch and Police/Sheriff car-to-car talk. I've already followed two POLICE PURSUITS in the last 10 days and numerous FIRE CALLS. [Heat wave in NorCal today = 115° and fires going off everywhere].
8. I have done NO frequency programming on my own and I don't plan to. Every frequency that I could ever want is already programmed, and I can get more frequencies simply by driving around, like while on vacation. The other controls are fairly intuitive. Owner's Manual included.
9. It is advisable to review some of the several You-Tube videos about the SDS100.
10. You do not need the after-market stand for the SDS100; it will stand up on its own. I did buy the nylon case and I do recommend it.
11. You will (probably) need to purchase an after-market antenna, most-likely the REMTronix 820S or 842S. I got the 842S antenna.
12. You can leave the SDS100 connected to its charger all the time - even when listening to it. This ability is great, because I want my SDS100 Scanner to be fully-charged all the time, especially when I toss it (gently) into my Go-Bag and take off!
Katherine D. Williams
Scanner software problems
Uniden, SDS 100 have old software may need to be upgraded. overall the scanner is well built, and would be an excellent addition to any hobbyist. overall look is impressive. Speaker quality is phenomenal. Still would highly recommend the product for anybody that is in the hubby. Even though software may need to be updated, add additional cost to buyer
Jorge belardo
El mejor
Uno de los mejores escáner que e comprado es carro pero vale la pena
Zack M.
Antenna is Weak and signal is sporadic on certain frequencies
The scanner is excellent, picks up what it’s supposed to I’d recommend buying this scanner if you need a wired scanner the battery is good but not great on a full charge you’ll get about 4 hours tops and I’ve found that it doesn’t charge with the micro usb port you must use the mini usb wish it had usb type c but maybe the next gen scanner will.
I have this programmed to receive fire, ems, sheriff, city police, and county police. I am a building inspector and I do a lot of driving in my jurisdiction and it’s nice to know where the wrecks are so I can avoid those areas also I go on call frequently and it’s good to know when something happens so I can prepare myself to get ready to head out. But even in my mobile county vehicle if I need more than 4 hours I have to plug it in and it’s good because you can charge and receive at the same time it’s in the settings in case you didn’t know already.
Now let’s discuss the negatives or the cons and this might just be my reason to return it. I have the SDS200 which is an excellent base station scanner however when I programmed the 200 I used the same program on the 100 and the antenna is much stronger on the 200 picking up multiple transmissions that the 100 doesn’t even see and it does this while at home or on the road and honestly for the price I’d settle for the 200 any day it’s just overall a better scanner. I will say this though I live way outside the city limits so picking up city signals is almost impossible but I have the unication g5 for those transmissions and this goes to show no scanner is a do all meet all expectations no matter the price.
Recap
Pros
Loud Speaker
Programmable for multiple locations
Good for mobile
Can be plugged in and still function
Large display
Can be setup without the need of a pc however for the best customization you want to use the software
Cons
Short battery life
Weak antenna
Signal is sporadic it comes and goes on the channel in the photos
Please be advised the photos are comparing the SDS100 and SDS200
Update changed to 1 Star would give negative 5 if I could.
When you purchase a $650 product you expect it to be the best you can buy then when it’s delivered and you get it setup it works well a couple days you throw away the shipping packing. Then after a week or two of using it the product starts to fail and then no longer functions at all thankfully you’re still within the return window so you decide to return it and then you ship it back get a notification that a partial refund has been refunded when you question why you get a response the “original packaging” has been removed therefore we are charging you $104 as a restocking fee.
This is highway robbery I will never buy a Uniden product again.
Terrible customer experience terrible customer service and horrible products stay away from these guys I learnt the hard way so you don’t have too.
james
Not even 6 months old and broke
GMG
Screen Fit Issue - Light Bleed
SDS100 scanners have had many issues, the latest batch has screen fit issues causing excessive light bleed.
Uniden goes to the trouble of designing a world-class scanner, then fails to install the screen correctly.
The Uniden updater website is often down for weeks at a time.
Returning every item that is not manufactured correctly is the only way to hold businesses accountable.
Bob
Scanner
I love my new scanner. Easy to use and program. I can listen to everything. I bought the upgraded antenna.
Steven A. Williams
Still Learning
Due to the cost and time that is required, it is not a purchase that should be made mindlessly. Do your research to ensure that this product will meet or exceed your expectations for whatever purpose you use it for.
For me I use it for entertainment purposes and just to be more aware of what is going on around me no matter where I am at.
As a newbie to this hobby there is still a learning curve that I am trying to overcome when it comes to programming and tweaking the scanner to pick up what I want to listen to. To be honest this scanner is overkill for what I'm using it for but I wanted the best option to grow with.
Youtube and RadioReference.com is your friend when it comes to setting this scanner up.
The screen is easy to read and the unit is very lite even with the larger battery on it. The speaker is adequate for it's size and works well. I definitely suggest using an external speaker for the best sound quality.
Being the unit is lite brings up the question of durability. I don't suggest dropping it just to find out. So only time will tell if it holds up or not.
I do wish there were more accessories for it... i.e. cases and desktop stand options.
Overall I am satisfied with my purchase and from what I researched this is the best in it's class. I hope it will serve my purposes for years to come.
Vincent J. Napolitano Jr.
Fantastic scanner. P25 reception issues solved
Finally purchased the SDS100 scanner, and I’m glad that I did.
My county (Charlotte County Florida) switched over to a P25 system, and I was unable to get good reception on my older BCD 996P2. It was either garbled or broken up.
After trying everything including changing antenna, moving scanner, taking scanner for a ride to a location feet from the the county tower, I finally gave up.
I read on Radio Reference forums that others in my county had purchased the SDS 100 with good results.
With that, I ordered the SDS100. At first I couldn’t receive anything, but read that I needed to select service types in the software to include police channels, and to add the system as a favorite.
The scanner is working perfectly now, with great reception. A little pricey, but I use it all the time.
Would highly recommend.
Rob O.
SDS100 - Buyer Beware
Bottom Line Up Front: I do not recommend anyone purchase this scanner.
I bought my SDS100 new from zipscanner.com on April 9th, 2020 (Less than two months ago). Arrived on time, in new condition, all was well. Functionality of this scanner is fantastic. Programming is a breeze. Handles simulcast better than any other scanner out there. Speaker could be improved but its performance is acceptable. I want to love this thing and I did love this thing until two days ago when the volume/squelch knob broke. The scanner was not dropped, it was not banged against anything, the knob literally just broke. I contacted zipscanners via e-mail for guidance on warranty support but did not get a response back. Contacted Uniden customer support by phone and the representative asked me to send in pictures of the unit, which I did within minutes. I was informed they would have to send my case to their corporate office to get "special permission" before they would authorize warranty work. That in itself was frustrating as again, I purchased this new under two months ago, its's not a drop issue, this should be an easy warranty fix. But what's more frustrating to me is that I've now been waiting two days for Uniden Corporate to make a decision as to if they will honor their warranty. I've called the past two days and all Uniden Customer service can tell me is that they are still waiting on a decision from Corporate. I've asked to speak to a supervisor and as I type this, I've been on hold for 54 minutes. During this time I decided to see if anyone else had the same issue. I Googled SDS100 volume knob and wouldn't you know it, there are several other SDS100 owners reporting the same issue with the volume knob. This appears to be a hardware quality issue with the SDS100. Bottom line, as much as I want to love this scanner for all of its functionality, its a moot point if I can't use the scanner because of hardware failure. Add Uniden's frustrating bureaucratic customer service experience and lack of warranty support, I simply cannot recommend to anyone to spend almost $700.00 for a cheaply made scanner.
Rob
Great purchase ever!
I do love this SDS100 Scanner. I also have the BCD436HP and the SDS100 seems to outdo the earlier scanners. The option to charge while using is a huge plus along with the display options as well. WOW! Good job Uniden. The only downfall though for a $699.00 Scanner it should come with the ProVoice, DMR, and NXDN Keys installed its an additional $160.00 added after market cost to Uniden. I’m satisfied with it though.
theparanoid
Bough in feb by august it stop recieving singals after a few hours one.
Scanner stops receiving after it was on after a few hours. Remove the battery. let it cool down it start receiving again. Rest all setting with no effect. change sd cards no effect. A scanner that picks nothing up is worthless. Just like Uniden QA these days. This is the second new scanner from Uniden that stop receiving within a year.
Update oct 11
After sending in the scanner for repair I received it back on sept 30. On oct 10 the scanner was doing the same thing as Orginal did. Attach is a video of weather channel 10 days after I got the unit back from repair.
I check the radio references forums found other users with the same issue having to sent the unit in for repair several times. Uniden Support even started they were looking into possibilities simply replace these probelm scanner. That was back in April. Yet currently there my self and at least one other user that has the same issue with the scanner breaking again right after repair. In his case it last 8 days instead of 10. So I would recommend avoiding not only this scanner but all uniden scanners.
In fact I would recommend avoid anything to do with uniden all together as the not only do they have crappy qa it appears there repair techs can not fix cold solder joints. Oh and I am still waiting for uniden corporate to get back to me like I was promised when I called on oct 11 about my expensive paperweight called the sds100 a scanner that can not receive transmissions. That in the right months I own it has been at uniden for repair for over two months. Who knows if they fix it this time.
Sonyman
Instead of receiving SDS-100 we received the $119.00 unit. Barcode Incorrect
Ordered SDS-100 and received the cheaper $119.00 scanner.
Rick
Nice Scanner!
This is a nice scanner with great audio and display! The battery life is decent and is much better than the BCD325P2. I've had it for only a few days and the reception seems good. I bought an aftermarket antenna for it (Diamond (Original) SRH77CA) 144/440 MHz) and although it fits the scanner just fine I get little to no reception with it. Overall, for myself, it's a bit more complicated to program than the BCD325P2, even using the Sentinal or ARC536PRO software.
I would recommend this scanner to anyone.
carlo
Works for my needs.
Overall great scanner takes some time getting used to at $499 it will be priced right but the seller is great I called and got my problem resolved right away.
Justa Mope
Not For The Faint of Heart
Unless you are a major geek, this is not a good "first" scanner. That being said, I am a major geek, and long time scanner user. I love this thing.
Using this will require at least basic or higher knowledge of radio technology. Without that, you will be lost, and/or doing major online research.
Programming the very basics is super easy, punch in your zip code and a radius as to how far you want to go from the center. If you live in a major metro area like me, from here it's a pain, eliminating all the stuff you really don't want to hear. Yes, you can exclude entire categories of licensed frequencies, but you are still left with a lot of bloat. Then editing that down with the available free software with the provided USB cable is NOT intuitive. Failing to to get rid of the mostly dead freqs will cause you to miss many transmissions and/or the start of transmissions due to how long it takes to scan through them all and come back around.
The included antenna is NOT a one-size-fits-all. Again, basic radio knowledge is required to determine if you need to get a different antenna depending on the frequency range you want to listen to.
I would STRONGLY suggest researching if the primary agencies you want to listen to are digitally encrypted, BEFORE purchasing. Many PD's are or have already switched. This radio will not allow you to hear them. It's not the fault of the radio or the manufacturer, it's illegal, and this radio does not have the technology to decrypt those signals.
Pros: It looks cool. Battery life is good (full disclosure, it mostly sits on my desk plugged in) HIGHLY customizable. You can update the database for free online.
Cons: The original battery sucked. They fixed this with an upgraded battery, and battery cover, which is how they are now shipping it. It makes it bulkier. Check out the profile picture I included. Manually programming, beyond the zipcode is difficult at best from the radio itself, and marginally better using the software. Even for a geek, there is a learning curve. I've had it for a month, and still have not fine tuned it for my needs. Hey Uniden nice job on this, and how quickly you answer questions. Seriously.
Robert Peterson
I bought this item so that I know what's going on in my area.
I like the features of this product.
yellolegalpad
This Scanner is Thicc!
First, this scanner is miles ahead of the Uniden 436 series scanner. It has a good customizable color screen. It has a loud speaker. It has a real liion battery that you can charge while using the scanner *gasp*. It performs as you would expect a real scanner to on digital and simulcast systems. Is it as good as the dispatch pagers (Unication G5) set to a limited set of channels? No, but you wouldn't expect it to be as it was designed to scan a much larger number of frequencies.
The location based site scanning is amazing. Learn to use it! If you're on a simulcast system that has a lot of sites (repeaters), be sure to enable the location based scanning in your Favorites list, and then set your current location, in that order. This really cuts down on not catching the beginning of traffic.
The close call alerts are really neat as well. I felt quite sleuthy the first time my scanner beeped at me and began playing audio from nearby police units talking on simplex analog, all automatically.
But Uniden, why is this scanner such a thicc boi? Not a very efficient shape or design, especially as far as the battery shape goes. It does feel ok in the hand though. Certainly feels more commercial than the 436 series. Good luck getting it to stay in a phone mount in your vehicle. Good luck not bumping into every door frame and corner if you're cool like me and wear it on your belt.
AndrewL
Great Reception Great Sound Quality!
This scanner is amazing! Im not sure why there are some negative reviews. I purchased it as an upgrade from my Uniden BCD436HP which is a good scanner. This one is much better! It picks up P25 trunked systems that are 40 miles away crystal clear. My BCD436HP doesn't pick up a thing on these exact stations. If you are on the fence about getting this just get it. You will not regret it.
