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
Condition: New
Buy Now, Pay Later
As low as
/ mo
Learn more
- – Up to 36-month term if approved
- – No impact on credit to apply
- – Instant approval decision
- – Secure and straightforward checkout
Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.
Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.
Learn more about financing & leasing here.
Free shipping on this product
30-day returns
Learn more
FREE 30-day refund/replacement
To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Thursday, Sep 24
![FNTCASE for iPhone 11 Pro Max Case: [Compatible with Magsafe] Translucent Matte Magnetic Phone Cover - Military Grade Drop Protection Shockproof Protective for iPhone 11Pro Max 2019 Cases - Blue](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-SK1PRRRL._AC_US500_.jpg)
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.
- How can we help? Uniden Customer Support web site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting, Contact customer support phone
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.
Similar Products
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.
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
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
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.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2019 by Justa Mope
This scanner is overall really good. I will say that I do think it’s overpriced, but only for some quirks. First upon unboxing it lacks “sturdiness” or “ruggedness” that some professional radios or even HAM radios have. It doesn’t feel like a Baofeng but it’s very light mostly due to that it’s an SDR based platform, so it’s lighter and the plastic seems thinner. I think if I dropped it from fairly high I’d probably damage it in some way. The huge battery protruding out the back looks a bit silly but not overtly. That said it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap or like a toy and it does look like a professional product. It seems like attention was made to waterproof the unit. O rings are visible and flaps for the USB port are in place. I’d not take it out in the rain, but if it gets some water on it looks like it’ll probably be fine. I do wish for the price it was a higher IP rating! It takes a long time to charge, it uses a USB mini which I haven’t seen in years. USB c would be nice and a better more modern battery for quick charging would be amazing. That said the battery lasts decently long. I scan all day and usually leave it plugged in all night. The back of the scanner does get a little warm sometimes when using it for long periods of time or when plugged in. I was worried about programming some people say its easy as entering in the zip code others say it takes a programming degree. I found it to be somewhere inbetween. What you need to do is to use Sentinel software, create favorites list, enable them, set them to respect location, and set your location on the scanner. A lot of people get tripped up on the service types as well. If you learn these things you’ll have no problems. I spent one day, pretty much the whole 8 hours learning how to do this. I’m on ARMER which is very complex so it may be easier for you if you just have a few sites you want to monitor and depending on the complexity of the trunking system in your area. I definitely think it’s not as scary as people say. Sentinel is great software. The menu on the system is very very good and easy to navigate. The display also looks very good. My last gripe is the belt clip is just terrible. A belt clip needs to be ROCK SOLID so you don’t risk the unit coming off and losing it. They might as well not have included one. You tilt it the wrong way and it just completely detaches. All in all it does an amazing job at scanning. I do think it’s fairly overpriced for some of the antiquated things (battery, charging), lack of higher IP rating, terrible belt clip, and lack of ruggedness which is why I docked a star. I do hope in the future they release an updated model with USB-C, IP68, and a better belt clip and battery. What it is meant to do is scan, and it does that phenomenally. I can pick up everything I hoped to pick up with very good audio and I’m very happy I purchased it and can now be informed without relying on online scanning sources.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2024 by Midwest Dude
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. Apparently this will not come with the slim battery pictured on Amazon (slim battery was discontinued) I have not tested the battery life so I can't rate it accurately for this review. 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.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2022 by Steven A. Williams
I’ve been a scanner enthusiast since I was 12 years old, but candidly, couldn’t dedicate the time to understand how to program trunked systems. Over time, I lost interest in the hobby because of this. I’m 50 now and thrilled I found this product. As the title states, if you can afford it, it’s worth it. Literally, all you have to do is enter your zip code, set a geographic range (e.g. 10 miles), and select the frequency types you want (e.g. police, fire, military, business, transportation/marine/railroad, medical, aviation, nascar, amateur/ham radio, etc.). This unit has the entire Radio Reference database already programmed into it. So you don’t have to enter or worry about codes/systems/complex programming that the “average guy” can’t figure out. It has literally everything and is no more complex than the instructions above. My wife and I randomly went to Port Canaveral and I was able to listen to all kinds of crazy space related stuff. I also have started driving around with the “close call” feature enabled, so I can pick up local businesses (e.g. Target, Walmart, etc.). This device picks up everything. I’m so happy with it that I even take it on business trips to learn about the city I’m visiting. One tip: I recommend downloading the free Sentinel software for your PC computer. This lets you update to the most current version of Radio Reference and customize the screens. In my case, I created my own color schemes to differentiate standard and trunked systems.
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024 by Peter A. Leman
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. Will be getting Amazon involved on this one as I need backup because $104 for a cardboard box is ridiculous
...
show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023 by Zack M.
Dose just what I need Love it
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2026 by thomas easterady