Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital Performance. TrunkTracker X Technology Provides The Best Digital Decode Performance in The Scanner Industry.

Let me start by saying I'm a bit of a Uniden fanboy when it comes to scanners. I have been a scanner enthusiast for 40+ years and have used them professionally for around 15 years. My first scanner was a hand-me-down Radioshack (brand) from my grandfather. It used crystals in order to program the frequencies and I have had several in between. I have had many different brands, including Whistler, Radioshack and GRE. Uniden Seems to be the only company attempting to keep up with newer technology and attempting to keep the ease of use of its scanners. While this scanner is not for the faint of heart and the absolute beginner, It is certainly easier to use than the Whistler TRX series. If you are an absolute beginner I would highly suggest having one of the scanner specializing companies (Scanner masters, Zip Scanners, ect.) program a program a SD card for you. However, with that being said, it's not impossible to learn, nor is it really difficult. A little time and patience will pay off greatly for you. The nice thing about this is the SDS series (100/200) is forgiving when you make mistakes. The SDS 200 Is the most advanced, user friendly (compared to other similarly featured scanners) on the market. The best thing that Uniden has ever done is the software driven scanners BCD 4/536 series and SDS's. Using the Sentinel software (included) is Fairly easy with with a little bit of use. There are a couple of different aftermarket software packages that make it even easier to program these scanners If that's the route you wanna go. The SDS200 Itself is the greatest scanner that I have ever used. The highly customizable color screen, the alpha tagging feature, which has been standard on most scanners for a few years now is very crisp and easy to read. What this scanner brings to the table is that it properly decodes simulcast. For those of you who have a simulcast system near you know the frustration of the choppy audio that you would get on a BCD 4/536 when listening to simulcast. Of course, this scanner has all the easy to use features such as Close Call and zip code scanning. The scanner has upgrades to DMR, Pro voice (EDACS), NXDN And a waterfall if you need those upgrades for your area. Is this the best scanner for all applications? Probably not This scanner is optimized to listen to trunk and digital systems. If you're lucky enough to have analog systems predominating your area this may be a little overkill. The thing that I would say about this, is that it will let you grow in to it when your area turns into a fully digital area, which at some point will happen. Be aware that you cannot listen to encrypted communications with this scanner. Here in Colorado most but not all law enforcement agencies are using encrypted communications. So if listening to law enforcement, is your goal, check your local Law enforcement agencies (On radioreference.com) to find out if they are using encrypted communications before making such a large investment. However it should be noted that most fire agencies and surprisingly a lot of military are not encrypted. It is a rather large investment However, scanner radios are very valuable when emergencies or disasters strike.

I have owned many scanners over the years. All have been either the Realistic brand that was sold by Radio Shack or Uniden. Yes, this radio is expensive. But this radio offers a lot of capability for that investment. This is probably the best scanning receiver I have ever owned. The receiver in this radio is pulling in signals I could not hear before without being overwhelmed by stronger signals on adjacent frequencies. The scan speed is impressive. The setup can be as easy or as difficult as you wish to make it. In my experience, the Sentinel software is needed to maximize the value of the scanner. Taking time to learn the software will greatly enhance your scanning experience. If the idea of working with Sentinel intimidates you, there are lots of videos on the tubes of you that can teach you about Sentinel.There are some things I do not like. I do not like how Uniden chose to implement WX features. I find it to be awkward and clunky. I do not like the fact that some of the functions that are required to make certain digital services work are considered optional and must be purchased separately from the Uniden website. Geez...I just paid $700 for a radio and you're telling me I gotta spend another $150 for software licenses to actually listen to digital radio?! I'm not real happy with Uniden for that one. For $700, those licenses should be included. The network port is pretty worthless unless you plan to remote control the radio. And putting on the font panel ... WTH? I would much prefer a built-in bluetooth capability. AND, if you use that LAN port, it interferes with access to the micro USB port that you will use frequently when programming or upgrading your radio with Sentinel. The micro SD card is difficult to remove and insert, and it is limited to 32GB. I'm not sure why Uniden chose to put a female USB A port on the front of the unit. It's an odd choice and an odd location for that odd choice.Fundamentally, this is a very good receiver with some very nice capabilities. Unfortunately, some of the design and marketing choices make this a very good radio as opposed to an excellent radio.