UNIDEN SDS100 RADIO SCANNER - A REVIEW (Updated 23/08/22)

Hello and Welcome Back... I Recently had the chance to play with a Uniden SDS100 Handheld Receiver..

Here are my Thoughts...

The SDS100 Scanner Receiver from Uniden is a Hybrid between Conventional Scanning Radio and a SDR (Software Defined Radio) in One..

Its currently the best you can get in Uniden's Scanner line Up.. (apart from its desktop brother, the SDS200)

Programming in done via Sentinal Software (American Version) and uses the same Micro SD card memory as the 436pt & 536pt Radios..

In your hand, the radio fits well with rubber grips on the sides giving excellent grip-ability in rainy weather being weatherproof, its also a decent size as well, where as the 325 is smaller and the 436 is larger its almost the perfect radio scanner.. Almost

Here, the radio shows it size to a 436PT and a well used 396XT (pic below)

As you can see from the Pic above, the SDS100 is quiet chunky, almost double the size of the 436pt but its not too much, its actually has a great secure feel to it where as the 436pt, i have almost dropped a few times (i will cry if that happens, there will be tears..)

So its the perfect radio??

Well, No...

A few things bugged me about this radio...

1. The Antenna Connection..  None of my Antennas fit this radio, sure its got a SMA connection but it also has a plastic ridge, which is the only way to put an antenna on this radio, is through an adapter. So to get a SMA antenna to fit to this radio, you need to get a SMA to BNC adaptor (comes with the radio) and then get another  BNC to SMA adapter just you can get an antenna to fit which is ok if you only have BNC antennas i suppose..(pic below)

 

2. The Speaker... For a sub $1000 radio, you would think that Uniden would put in a decent speaker, not so with this unit.. Its reeealy tinny.. Some people might say its ok but i wasn't impressed with the sound, not for a radio, that i'll never be able to afford. (pic below of biddy speaker)

3. Keypad... If has history has shown me anything, is that plastic pads eventually crack and break and guess which radio has a plastic button pad?.. At least other radios have a rubber keypad that can be replaced (pic below)

UPDATE (23/08/22)

Cold Solder Joint - I now have had 5 known cases of Cold Solder Joint problems with this radio.. What is Cold Solder Joint Problems i hear you ask?

The SDS100 is comprised of 2 circuit boards that are segued together with a connector. The problem is that the stress of heat (these radios get very warm) and movement can crack the tiny solder pots that hold this connector together and eventually end up cracking or dislodging causing failure of the radio.

The solution is to send the radio back to Uniden (takes around 2-3 weeks) or if your handy with a soldering iron, you could attempt to do it yourself.. (only if its out of warranty)

 

So is it Worth Buying?

I Think Yes,  Under the hood of this beast is an amazing radio, sensitivity is excellent and it looks and feels good...

To be honest, the first thing i would do, is take off the back cover and trim down the antenna surround, at least my antenna will fit... That's important Right?

Is it the Perfect Scanner Receiver?

I'll Let You Decide

** NOTE = Programming is Available for this Radio (Conditions Apply)   See HERE

 

 

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