I Was Bored So I bought A Uniden SDS-200 Scanner to monitor GMRS

[tcp2525]

Seriously, I was bored and pulled the trigger. Now I got to trim down the database to remove all the other crap. Pretty neat scanner even though the tech is 10-years old. Any recommendations for a good YouTube video on the proper use of the Sentinel software.

[OffRoaderX]

HUGE overkill for just listening to GMRS, but if you whittle-down the database to just the good stuff in your area, it's awesome. I've had mine for a couple of years now - it sits on my desk and I listen to it all day long. 

[tcp2525]

Thanks. That's my goal, get it to that awesome point by getting everything streamlined and compact enough so I can reduce startup time by loading the bare minimum. So far I like it. Oh, I also liked your video on the scanner. You're right, plenty of digital signals in a 30-mile radios to keep that scanner humming away.

[HHD1]

On 9/14/2025 at 8:08 PM, tcp2525 said:

Any recommendations for a good YouTube video on the proper use of the Sentinel software.

I like this guy's videos.  He does more with the handheld sds100.  But this one offers a good start on Sentinel, and will apply to your sds200 just the same.

 

[HHD1]

On 9/14/2025 at 8:15 PM, OffRoaderX said:

HUGE overkill for just listening to GMRS, but if you whittle-down the database to just the good stuff in your area, it's awesome. I've had mine for a couple of years now - it sits on my desk and I listen to it all day long. 

Agreed.  Just got the SDS100 for my wife.  She cried tears of joy.... what a dork!    Once you get the hang of customizing it, it's pretty damn awesome.  Sentinel is great, accept it won't run on a Mac. 

[OffRoaderX]

42 minutes ago, HHD1 said:

Sentinel is great, accept it won't run on a Mac. 

I run it on my Mac via Parallels... 

[WRXU693]

It's a great scanner. I've got both 100 and 200. I've had them for about five or six years. But if what you want to listen to systems that aren’t simulcast, you can save a few dollars with 436/536. Radio Reference is awesome for the scanner hobbyist. Look at your local area via RR and see if you need to purchase the upgrades. In my area DMR, NXDN were a must. Enjoy.

[HHD1]

1 hour ago, OffRoaderX said:

I run it on my Mac via Parallels... 

I remember you mentioning that before, when I brought up that Motorola's CPS didn't run on Mac.  I would try Parallels if I didn't have a Windows laptop laying around.  

I just don't understand why some of these big companies don't produce Mac versions.  I'm sure some kind of corporate B.S. is involved. 

[OffRoaderX]

Just now, HHD1 said:

I just don't understand why some of these big companies don't produce Mac versions

I think it's just a numbers/cost thing.  MacOS is only a small fraction of the PC market, and to them its not worth the added cost.

[HHD1]

3 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

I think it's just a numbers/cost thing.  MacOS is only a small fraction of the PC market, and to them its not worth the added cost.

Ya... Good point.  At least we have CHIRP.