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Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner

Curated from 71 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 9, 2025

Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner

Brand: Uniden

Price: $695

Snoop Score:

7.2

Sentiment

6.3

Popularity

6.1

Technical

7.7

Buy on Amazon for $695 See All Radio Scanners Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner is designed for both amateur and professional users who want to monitor a variety of radio communications. Utilizing advanced Software Defined Radio technology, it offers exceptional digital performance, making it particularly effective in handling challenging simulcast systems. Consumer feedback highlights the SDS200's strengths, such as its ability to scan rapidly and effectively manage simulcast systems, with one user noting, "Just buy it. The older Unidens and all Whistler scanners suffer from simulcast distortion." Additionally, many appreciate its user-friendly design and upgradeable capabilities, indicating that even after months of use, there is still much to learn from the device. However, concerns about its cost and limitations due to encryption by first responders have been raised, with some expressing doubt about the return on investment. Overall, despite some drawbacks related to encryption and cost, the Uniden SDS200 is highly recommended for those serious about radio scanning, especially for users in areas with complex digital communications. Its advanced features and performance make it a standout choice in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Radio Scanners

Just buy it. The older Unidens and all Whistler scanners suffer from simulcast distortion.
Positive Feedback

I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.
Negative Feedback

7.2

Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner

Buy on Amazon for $695

Emergency Monitoring

10 / 10

Weather Alerts

9 / 10

Hobbyist Listening

7 / 10

Mobile Use

8 / 10

See how this compares to all Radio Scanners

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Effective at handling simulcast systems

“Just buy it. The older Unidens and all Whistler scanners suffer from simulcast distortion.”➕

Effective at scanning rapidly

“they are far better at scanning rapidly than any transceiver is.”➕

Simple and well-designed for specific services

“I've used the Uniden HomePatrol I and II and find them extremely simple and well-designed.”➕

Shows driver names and numbers when programmed

“My question is do the Uniden scanners show the drivers name and number?”➕

“I have one and really enjoy it.”➕

“It helps for situations where two cars could use the same number, like 6 & 06.”➕

“The Uniden BC125AT is the best new scanner that you can buy for Indycar events.”➕

Best performance for simulcast locations

“The sds200 is one of my favorite purchases I have ever made, even as a ham radio guy.”➕

Upgradeable capabilities with software

“like that the SDS100 has upgradeable capabilities + software.”➕

Continuous learning opportunity after purchase

“I love it and even after 6 months I'm still learning new things all the time.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Limited usefulness due to encryption by first responders

“I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.”➕

“My 396T sits on the shelf because literally every community in the Denver metro is full crypto for police and fire.”➕

“You can pick it up just fine, but it’s just noise.”➕

High cost for potential limited return on investment

“This is a high end digital scanner but it’s been on the market since 2019 which means the hardware and engineering under the hood is probably 2015ish vintage.”➕

“I can’t fathom spending money on this.”➕

“I’ve realized I really have more interest in amateur radio - and scanning is kinda pointless with all of the encryption now anyway.”➕

Limited usefulness for Indycar events due to programming requirements

“I bought a Baofang and regret it.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner	$695	7.2	Details	Buy
Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Scanner	$442	6.7	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner	$398	6.5	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner	$535	6.4	Details	Buy
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner	$649	5.8	Details	Buy
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner	$90	5.3	Details	Buy
BAOFENG UV-5G PRO GMRS Handheld Radio	$25	3.4	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Baofeng UV-5R not the best scanner option

“I can assure you that this is untrue. It is far from 'the best'.”➕

“The Baofeng is considered "the best amateur radio" ONLY because of its price.”➕

“Radios are for transmitting they make very poor scanners.”➕

“that doesn't even come close to "the best" overall.”➕

Availability of programming files for convenience

“It's really not difficult to do, don't be lazy.”➕

Discussion about various scanner models and their capabilities

“It is easy to use, very portable, and for only a couple of dollars extra, you can add a DIAMOND RH-77CA antenna, which really gives the radio great capability.”➕

“It's a bit pricey but it's very, very good.”➕

“Bearcat sds100 is my fav.”➕

Interest in SDR capabilities versus traditional scanners

“As far as listening goes, what will SDR offer that I cannot pickup with a modern day programmable scanner?”➕

“The ability to receive as many channels within the 2.4MHz range as you want at the same time.”➕

“The waterfall is a real game changer for scanning.”➕

“With SDR, the concept of monitoring just one frequency at a time becomes almost a joke.”➕

Discussion on firmware updates and new features

“It's still king, and not even close.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Discussion about free police scanner apps

“Are there any truly free police scanner apps out there?”➕

“You can listen to broadcastify for free on the website with a browser.”➕

“I paid one-time $3.99 then for the ad-free version and I love it.”➕

“You can download the broadcastify app on Apple.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Software available for programming and updating the device

“You may need to have your device reprogrammed for your specific location if the area is accessible but not encrypted.”➕

Scanners cannot transmit, so they're legal to use for listening

“Scanners cannot transmit, so you’ll be fine. It’s perfectly legal to use a scanner.”➕

Educational clarification on scanner vs. transceiver functionality

“If you're looking for a scanner then there is no worry about accidental transmitting.”➕

Preference for dedicated scanners over two-way radios

“if you want "scanner" functionality, you probably want an actual scanner, not a 2-way radio with scanning built in.”➕

“two-way radios make for poor scanners, when compared to actual scanners.”➕

Experience in programming scanners for local use

“buy a better quality dedicated scanner radio, program it for everything in your area, and listen a LOT.”➕

Curiosity about the waterfall feature

“What does the waterfall feature do?”➕

Experience with running Sentinel software on macOS

“I had some luck running Sentinel under Wine on macOS in the past.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Limited functionality of the UBC-125XLT in Europe

“I have to resign myself to listening to the little analogue that remains.”➕

“A majority of American law enforcement and emergency services are on trunked radio.”➕

“The Uniden UBC-125XLT is a solid choice for analog scanning, especially if you’re based in Europe.”➕