Q: How do I get started with my SDS100?
A: To ensure that your unit functions as intended:
1. Begin by going through the start-up procedures. (Allow the unit to turn on and load any information stored from the factory).
2. Once you no longer see the loading bars, you should be on the main home screen of the device. From here, press the red MENU button on the left side of the unit. This will open your main menu. To cycle through all of the options listed, twist the scroll knob clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the option you wish to choose.
3. Next, use the scroll knob and go down to the option labeled “set your location”. Then press and release the scroll knob from the top to select the option highlighted.
4. Enter in the local zip code you intend on listening to by selecting the prompt “Enter Zip Code” followed by your country. Enter the zip code using the keypad on the scanner and press the “E/yes” key to submit what you have input on the screen.
5. After the loading screens are finalized, and you are back on the home screen, press the red MENU button again. Scroll down to the option “WX Operation” followed by “Weather Scan”. At this point, you should hear either a transmission or static.
6. To clarify the audios squelch level, select the green FUNCTION button on the side of the unit, press down on the scroll knob, and twist it. You should see the squelch function either moving up or down.
At this point, we have set up the unit with your local area and determined that your unit audibly receives transmissions as intended. To further update things such as firmware or database, go to support.uniden.com > Product Support >
FAQ > Product Software and Firmware Updates.
Q: Where can I find the download link for the Sentinel software?
A: This link is associated with the following models:
info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCDx36HPSentinel
SDS200
SDS100
BCD436HP
BCD536HP
Homepatrol models:
info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/HomePatrol/HomePatrolSentinel
All other update tools and firmware can be found at the link below:
info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/ScannerManuals
Q: My device is not being detected by the software when attempting to update its firmware/database.
A: If you are not using the stock USB cable that came with your device, please attempt the update with the original cable.
If this does not fix the error, ensure that your computer’s USB ports are up to date by going into the search bar and typing in “Check for updates”. From here, you should see an option labeled “Advanced options”. Select this and then select the option “Optional Updates”. Here is where you should see all additional updates you may need outside of normal system updates.
Q: My handheld scanner does not hold a very strong battery life and is not lasting as advertised.
A: If the device is not lasting as advertised, fully charge the unit and turn the squelch down to 1 or 2. Set volume to 2-4 if you typically have the volume all the way up. Battery life is affected by volume, squelch, and the number of transmissions you are getting at one time. By adjusting the volume and squelch, you can improve it but it may not always stay that way when you do firmware and database updates.
Additionally, if your device was purchased three or more years ago, try a new set of batteries to see if this results in the same outcome as the stock battery/batteries.
Q: The battery in my SDS100 has swelled and caused the backplate to become tough to put back on.
A: The Li-ion battery (as well as most Li-ion batteries) have a chemical make-up that can cause it to expand under prolonged charge times and in extreme heat. Always ensure you are charging the unit as recommended in the user manual. Never leave it on the unattended for a prolonged amount of time because this could result in the battery damaging your unit.
If your SDS100 is still within its warranty period, you can submit a request for a replacement be sent to you. Otherwise, we have new batteries available for sale on our website.
Model: ALL
Q: Where do I find my frequencies?
A: Please visit www.RadioReference.com for this information.
Q: Why does my handheld scanner not stay fully charged?
A: If there is any sort of glitch in the power, it will reset the charging dock. Therefore, the screen will continue to state it is charging.
Q: Where do I find a firmware update for my scanner?
A: Firmware updates for our scanners are at “https://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/FirmwareUpdate” replacing with your scanner’s actual model. For example:
https://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD436HPFirmwareUpdate
https://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BC246TFirmwareUpdate
A list of all models w/updates can be found at https://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/ScannerManuals
Q: What resources are available for learning more about my scanner?
A: A list of resources can be found at https://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/ScannerManuals#Other_Resources
Model: Various (BCD536HP, HP-2)
Q: I downloaded Windows 10, and now my scanner does not work.
A: All of our scanners, with native USB, just plug and play with Windows 10. For older models (i.e. “XT” or “X” models), that have a serial connection, older USB-1 cables will not work because Prolific changed their drivers several years ago to only work with their newer chipset that has anti-counterfeit features. At that time, we changed the chipset in our USB-1 cables. If you have an older USB-1 cable it will not work with Windows 10 (or Windows 8 using current drivers). Newer (last couple of years) cables will work.
Model: HomePatrol 1 & 2
Q: I cannot connect my unit to my Mac.
A: The unit is not compatible with Mac. You must connect to a PC.
Model: HP1, HP2, BCD436 & 536HP
Q: How do I reset the SD Card?
A: You can reset the SD Card by using the Clear User Data on Sentinel. If it is an access error, then you will need to purchase a new SD Card and then Clear User Data on Sentinel.
Model: Homepatrol 1&2
Q: Why does my scanner not receive anything?
A: Check to make sure attenuation is not on.
Model: Homepatrol 1&2
Q: My scanner will only pickup signals that are close.
A: Check to make sure attenuation is not on.
Model: Homepatrol 1&2
Q: My scanner will not pickup trunking systems after database was updated.
A: If favorites are being scanned, then systems or control channels may have changed, so favorites may need to be rebuilt. Try scanning full database to see if any trunking systems can be received.
Model: BC75XLT/BC125AT
Q: What does ALL Locked Out mean?
A: It means there are no channels programmed into the scanner. You will need to program your scanner in order to Unlock Scan mode. Start by pressing Hold.
Model: BC75XLT
Q: My screen is no longer working. I can only see a portion of it.
A: As long as it is only the LCD screen, please send your product in for repair.
Model: HomePatrol
Q: My unit did not come with a Manual
A: Please go to www.homepatrol.com to download the complete manual.
Model: BC75XLT
Q: How do I program my unit?
A: 1. Push Hold. This should bring up the first available channel. It should show B:1 Channel 1 and 000.000.
2. To program your frequency in, you will push in the Orange Function key and then let go. Immediately push in the E button and let go.
3. You will then see a black box with PGM in it in the top right corner of screen. This means you are in program mode.
4. Type in your frequency including the decimal point. When finished, push in the E key and let go. This will enter in the frequency.
5. To enter in another frequency, turn the knob at the top right one click to the right. This will bring you to the next available channel.
6. Follow step 5 until you have entered all the frequencies you want.
7. When you are finished entering in all of your frequencies you may hit scan. The scanner will now begin scanning your frequencies.
Model: BCD996XT, 396XT, 996P2 & 325P2
Q: How do I program my units?
A: To program this scanner manually, you will first want to make sure that everything is deleted out of it, i.e. preprogrammed states such as Alaska. To do this you will want to turn off the scanner. While it is turned off, you will push and hold the 2, 9 and Hold keys. Continue holding these down while you power on the unit. Once you see all memory clear, let go of all the keys. It will then ask you if you would like to restore the preprogrammed states. Push the no key which is located below the 7 key. At this point, your scanner will say, scan mode nothing to scan.
Make sure that you go to radioreference.com to get your frequencies and systems. Click on Databases. Choose Frequency database. Click on your state. Click on your county and scroll down to see the frequencies. If you are using a trunktracking system, you will need to make sure you choose the tower closest to you and get the control and alternate frequencies which are highlighted in red and blue. At the top of the page, it will tell you what system they are using such as Motorola, P25, and so on. If your area is not using a trunk tracking system, you will see them on the first page with the frequency all the way to the left. To the right side, it will show FM or FMN which means they are conventional frequencies.
To program your scanner, you will push into the menu. Choose Program System. Push the Yes key. Choose New System. Push yes key. This is where you will choose what kind of system you want, P25, Motorolla, or Conventional. Highlight the system you are choosing and push the Yes key. If you have a P25 system Phase I, and you push the p25, it will then open another menu. You will choose standard. Push the yes key. If the system is Conventional, you will scroll down to Edit Group. Push yes, choose new group, and push yes. Scroll down to Edit Channel, push yes, choose new channel, and push yes. This is where you will put in your frequencies. Make sure to use the decimal point. After you enter in frequency, you will push the yes key. If you have another frequency, scroll down to new channel, and push yes. Then put in your next frequency and so on. Once you have them all entered and hit the final yes key, you may then push the Scan key. It will automatically scan the system.
P25 phase 1 system or Motorola system: Once on the menu for edit name, you will scroll to Edit sys option and push yes. Scroll down to ID Scan/Search and push yes. Highlight ID Scan and push yes. Hit the menu key one time. Scroll down to Edit Site and push yes. Choose New Site and push yes. Scroll down to Enter Frequencies and push yes. Choose New frequency and push yes. This is where you will enter the tower frequencies – the ones in blue and red. Enter one and push yes Then scroll down to new frequency and push yes. Continue these steps for the next one and so on. Once you have them all entered, push the menu key four times. Scroll down to Edit Group. Choose New Group. Scroll down to Edit Channel and push the yes key. Choose New Channel and push the yes key. This is where you will enter in the Talk Group ID which is in the system page on the left-hand side under the DEC column (no decimal points for these). Enter the first one and push yes. Scroll down to New Channel and push yes. Enter your next TGID and continue this for each one. Once you have all of these entered, you will then push the Scan button and the system will automatically scan.
Trunking systems will show on scanners as Site something – something, ID Scanning. Conventional System will show as System 1,2, etc.. You will then be scanning your area.
Model: BC75XLT
Q: How to Program?
A: Please visit support.uniden.com.
Model: HomePatrol-1
Q: How to Update the Database?
A: Please visit support.uniden.com.
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