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SDS150

From The RadioReference Wiki

The Uniden SDS150 is a handheld scanner manufactured by Uniden America released in Q4 of 2025 with an introductory MSRP of $949.99. Like the SDS100, It incorporates I/Q technology and SDR (Software Defined Radio) in a handheld scanner. This provides superior performance scanning LSM (Linear Simulcast Modulation) systems. It uses the Uniden HomePatrol database and Uniden Sentinel Software for ease of programming. It also interfaces with the U/Aware app on a mobile device/smartphone to allow remote control of the scanner.

Specifications

Physical Specifications

Included in the Box

  • SDS150 Software Defined Scanner
  • Antenna
  • Battery
  • User Manual
  • Charging Base
  • Belt Clip
  • Wrist Strap
  • BNC to SMA Adapter
  • USB-C Data and Charging Cable
  • USB-C Charging Adaptor

Dimensions

  • Height - 6.1" (0.5" taller than SDS100)
  • Width - 2.25" (0.15" wider than SDS100)
  • Depth - 2.0" at battery (Negligible difference vs. SDS100)
  • Screen - 2.02" x 1.54" (Identical to SDS100)

Power

  • Scanner Requires 5VDC 1500mA
  • Battery is part number BT-972, lithium ion, rated at 3.6VDC, 7000mAh
  • Charging Options
    • Drop-in Battery Charging Cradle
      • Charge the scanner with the battery installed
      • Charge a battery by itself
      • Charge the scanner and a second battery.
    • Built-in Battery Charger
      • Charge the scanner via USB-C power cable plugged directly into the scanner.

Keys

  • The SDS150 keypad is effectively identical to the SDS100

Other Physical Specification Notes

  • The SDS150 has a larger speaker opening than the SDS100, resulting in clearer and louder audio according to user feedback.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Coverage

  • 25-512 MHz
  • 758-824 MHz
  • 849-869 MHz
  • 894-960 MHz
  • 1240-1300 MHz

Modulation & Steps

  • AM, NFM, FM, WFM, or FMB.
  • 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50, or 100 kHz

Connectivity

The SDS150 supports USB-C connectivity to a home computer for programming with the Uniden Sentinel software, as well as third-party software packages. The scanner also supports Bluetooth connectivity to Uniden's U/Aware mobile app (Apple iOS, Android), which allows the user to control the scanner, record transmissions, and act as an intermediary to output scanner audio to Bluetooth audio devices paired to the phone. (*Note - Direct connectivity between the SDS150 and Bluetooth audio devices is not currently supported)

Some people have experienced issues connecting the SDS150 to computers which have been used previously with SDS100 and SDS200 scanners. Apparently this is caused by a conflict with the older driver. The solution is to uninstall the old drivers, at which the new drivers will automatically install.

Posted in the forum by a user:

  • 1. In Windows, with the scanner not connected, right click on the start icon and select "device manager"
  • 2. Under the "view" dropdown menu, select "show hidden devices"
  • 3. Right click and delete all Uniden serial ports under "Ports (Com & LPT)" in the device tree. I my case, I had 3 Com ports listed.
  • 4. Power on the scanner and connect it.
  • 5. Set the scanner to Mass Storage mode when prompted on the screen. The Sentinel software will now install updated USB drivers
  • 6. You should now see a new drive letter for the scanner in the File Explorer, and Sentinel will now be able to read & write to the scanner

Other Technical Specification Notes

  • The SDS150 adds a new narrow filter to the IF stage, eliminating the need for filter setting adjustments.
  • Updated circuit design of the SDS150 improves overall performance, including a method for reducing simulcast distortion.

Included on the microSD Card

Features

RR System Compatibility

  • Analog Conventional Frequencies

System Types

System Voices

Notes:
1Requires optional, paid upgrade with registration at my.uniden.com

Programming and Interface

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the differences between the SDS150 and its predecessor the SDS100?
    • GPS. The SDS150 includes a built-in GPS receiver and antenna. The SDS100 can use an external GPS receiver and antenna sold separately.
    • Clock The internal clock is updated from the GPS receiver.
    • Bluetooth Low Energy. The SDS150 supports remote control from a smartphone and Bluetooth audio through the U/Aware App available for Android and iPhone. Direct connection to Bluetooth audio devices is not currently supported (must use U/Aware App). Users report good audio performance and minimal delay when Bluetooth audio devices are connected through the U/Aware app, including hearing aids.
    • Waterfall. The SDS150 includes the Waterfall feature, which displays current radio transmissions of a user-selectable frequency range or band and a waterfall graphic. The Waterfall feature is available as a paid upgrade option on the SDS100.
    • Charging Cradle. The SDS150 includes a drop-in charging cradle capable of charging the battery pack while attached to the scanner. An extra battery charging slot can charge an extra battery (sold separately). The battery pack attached to the scanner can also be charged with a USB Type-C cable. The SDS100 can be charged only through a Mini-USB connector or by removing the battery and inserting only the battery pack into a separate charging cradle (sold separately); the SDS100 does not have an option to charge the battery pack in a charging cradle while attached to the scanner.
    • Battery Type. The sealed SDS150 battery uses two 18,650 lithium ion cells in parallel with newer longer-lasting and more durable battery technology than the SDS100. The sealed SDS100 battery uses 3 lithium ion polymer pouches with user reports of premature failure.
    • Battery Life. Users report that the SDS150 batteries last longer (around 7-8 hours) as compared to the SDS100.
    • Battery Charging Speed. The SDS150 includes a USB-C wall charger with a 25 watt output (5V/3A; 9V/2.77A; 15V/1.66A; 20V/1.25A). Testing indicates this charger supports the USB PD PPS standard for Fast Charging of other devices such as smartphones and tablets. The SDS100 includes a USB-A wall charger with a 10 watt output (5V/2A). Users report that the SDS150 batteries charge faster as compared to the SDS100.
    • Charge While On Setting. The SDS100 includes a "charge while on" on/off toggle in its menu, allowing the user to select whether connecting a power supply should charge the battery or only power the scanner. The SDS150 currently lacks such a setting, with users reporting the scanner charges the battery (to full) when a power supply is connected. Uniden representatives are aware of this omission from the SDS150 and the feature may be reinstated in a future firmware version.
    • Heat. The SDS150 has improved venting technology as compared to the SDS100, resulting in lower temperatures during operation and charging. The SDS150 also features a temperature sensor and warning sound and display when battery temperature exceeds 95 F and is capable of displaying internal temperature on the display.
    • TDMA Control Channels. The SDS150 supports Project 25 TDMA and FDMA control channels. The SDS100 supports only FDMA control channels on Project 25 systems.
    • Receiver Performance. The SDS150 features an updated circuit design that improves overall performance, including a method for further reducing simulcast distortion, relative to the SDS100. In side-by-side comparisons, users report better received signal performance on the SDS150 in both analog and digital modes.
    • Filter Settings. The SDS100 includes options for selectable filter settings on incoming radio transmissions (e.g., DMR, NXDN, P25) to improve digital audio decode performance. The SDS150 adds a new narrow filter to the IF stage, eliminating the need for filter setting adjustments with users reporting similar or better digital audio decoding performance as compared to the SDS100.
    • Display. The SDS150 features an IPS display for wider viewing angle, better color accuracy and better visibility under direct sunlight as compared to the SDS100 display.
    • Speaker. The SDS150 features a larger speaker opening than the SDS100. Users report clearer and louder audio from the SDS150 as compared to the SDS100.
    • PC Programming Cable. The SDS150 features a USB Type C port for programming or controlling the scanner from a PC. The SDS100 features a mini-USB port for programming or controlling the scanner from a PC.
    • SD Card Access. The SDS150 SD memory storage card is accessible directly under a rubber flap on the right side of the scanner. The SDS100 requires unlatching and removing the battery door and battery in order to access its SD memory card.
    • Physical Dimensions. The height of the SDS150 (6.1") is nearly 1/2" greater than the SDS100 (5.7"). The width of the SDS150 (2.25" at base; 2.5" at top) is also slightly greater than the SDS100 (2.1" at base; 2.5" at top). The depth of the SDS150 (approximately 2.0" at base battery area; 1.55" at narrowest screen area) and SDS100 (2.1" at base with newer high capacity battery; 1.5" at top) are virtually identical. The screen sizes are identical at 2.02" x 1.54".

Related Pages and Resources

Groups and Message Boards

Supporting Software

Owner's Manual

Reviews and Videos


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