Uniden Bearcat SDS100 - User Manual

1
Waterfall Feature Operation Manual
Introduction
The Waterfall Feature is available for the SDS100 and SDS200 scanners. It covers a
user-selectable span or band of the radio spectrum to show you graphically the radio
transmissions that are present. The Waterfall feature quickly shows you how active a
span or band of the spectrum is. When you see a transmission displayed, you can
navigate to it to listen to it.
Since all transmissions occurring in the selected span will display at the same time,
you’ll be able to see possible relationships between transmissions. For example, you
might see simultaneous repeater transmissions on multiple frequencies or find a
repeater input frequency associated with the repeater output frequency. The strength of
signals will provide clues about the nature of the transmissions or how far or near the
transmitters are. Alternatively, they will tell you the relative strengths of transmitters.
These observations will enable you to gain a quick understanding of unfamiliar radio
systems or of a new location.
Installation
Go to Uniden.com and
 Register your scanner (if you haven’t done so already).
 Download the latest version of Sentinel.
Use Sentinel to download the most current firmware for your scanner model.
Purchase a License Key for the Waterfall Feature from Uniden.com or from your
scanner store.
On the scanner press Menu->Settings->Upgrade and select Upgrade Waterfall.
Enter the entire License Key, including the dashes. This is done by rotating the
PUSH/FUNC knob to select characters and the arrow soft keys to advance the cursor.
When done, press E (Enter). If entered successfully, the Waterfall Feature will be
available for use.

Summary

Introduction to Waterfall Feature

Installation and Setup Guide

Starting and Understanding the Waterfall

Starting Waterfall Options

Options for initiating the Waterfall function with current or predefined settings.

Understanding the Display Layout

Overview of the scanner's display division into FFT and Waterfall panes.

FFT Display Details

FFT Display Description

Real-time graph of signal strength and RF noise with frequency on horizontal axis.

The Marker Function

Vertical line indicating current frequency; can be adjusted or fixed.

Waterfall Display Details

Waterfall Display Description

Continuous display showing rolling 10-second window of activity with color-coded signal strengths.

Soft Key Operations

To Scan Soft Key

Exits Waterfall feature and resumes scanning.

Span Soft Key

Changes the frequency Span of the band being observed.

Hold Soft Key

Freezes the display to allow tuning to a frequency before transmission disappears.

Step Soft Key

Changes the frequency step size or selects Auto mode.

Max Hold Soft Key

Keeps displayed signals visible after transmission stops for observation.

MF->CF Soft Key

Moves the Marker and current frequency to the Center Frequency.

Display Screen Space Allocation

Search Key Assignment

RF Gain Adjustment

Waterfall Options Configuration

Start Waterfall Option

Restarts the last waterfall session used.

Start Preset Waterfall Option

Selects and starts a waterfall session for a pre-defined band.

Start Custom Waterfall Option

Selects and starts a waterfall session for a user-defined band.

Program WF Custom Band Option

Defines custom bands, up to 10 can be defined.

Edit Current Option

Edits parameters of the current FFT Display.

Set Signal (FFT) Display Option

Changes screen space dedicated to FFT and Waterfall displays.

Set Signal (FFT) Type Option

Chooses method to represent signals in FFT Display (Line or Bar).

Set Max Hold Option

Turns Max Hold on or off.

Set Max Hold Time Option

Sets the duration display is held when Hold is pressed.

Marker and Color Customization

Set Marker Configuration

Adjusts marker position and width.

Set Color Customization

Customizes colors for signal strength ranges and marker color.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Uniden Bearcat Waterfall Feature is an advanced function available for the SDS100 and SDS200 scanners, designed to provide a comprehensive visual representation of radio transmissions across a user-selectable span of the radio spectrum. This feature graphically displays active radio signals, allowing users to quickly assess the activity within a given frequency range and navigate to specific transmissions for listening.

Function Description

The core function of the Waterfall Feature is to visualize radio activity. It operates by continuously scanning a defined frequency span and presenting the received signals in two primary display panes: the FFT Display and the Waterfall Display.

The FFT Display (Fast Fourier Transform Display) provides a real-time graphical representation of radio signal strength and background RF noise. It plots signals and noise in white against a grid, where the horizontal axis represents frequencies and the vertical axis depicts signal strength levels. A central vertical line, known as the Marker, indicates the frequency to which the scanner is currently tuned. This marker, defaulting to green, can be adjusted to move across the span or remain fixed in the center, depending on user settings. The FFT Display also shows additional information such as data about the transmission being received (e.g., "P25"), the current date and time, the name of the band being received, the current frequency in large numbers, the step size, and the modulation type.

The Waterfall Display is a continuous, time-based visual record of transmissions and noise levels. It presents a rolling 10-second window of activity, with the most recent observations at the top and older observations moving downward, creating a "waterfall" effect. This display color-codes the strength of signals or noise received, with different colors representing distinct ranges of signal strength. There are five predefined signal ranges and corresponding colors, which can be customized by the user. Transmissions appear as lines, with their lengths reflecting the duration of the transmissions. This visual history allows users to observe patterns, such as simultaneous repeater transmissions on multiple frequencies or the relationship between repeater input and output frequencies. The strength of signals, indicated by color, provides clues about the nature of the transmissions and the proximity of the transmitters. The Waterfall Display also shows the span size, the current gain setting, the current frequency the scanner is tuned to, the current volume setting, and the current squelch setting.

Usage Features

The Waterfall Feature offers a variety of settings and controls to enhance its utility:

• Starting Waterfall: Users can initiate the Waterfall function by selecting "Waterfall" from the scanner's menu. Options include "Start Waterfall" (using current settings), "Start Preset Waterfall" (using Uniden's predefined bands and settings), and "Start Custom Waterfall" (using user-defined bands and settings).
• Frequency Navigation: The current frequency can be changed by entering a frequency via the keyboard or by turning the PUSH/FUNC knob. Turning the knob changes the frequency by the current "Step" value. Pressing "Function" before turning the knob allows for larger frequency jumps, facilitating quicker navigation to distant active frequencies.
• Marker Position: The "Set Marker->Marker Position" parameter allows users to choose between "Position Adjustable" (marker moves with frequency changes, span limits remain fixed) and "Fixed in Center Screen" (marker stays centered, span shifts with frequency changes).
• Soft Keys: Dedicated soft keys provide quick access to key functions:
  • To Scan: Exits the Waterfall feature and resumes scanning.
  • Span: Changes the frequency span of the observed band. Note that for span settings above 2.88 MHz, the scanner requires the "Hold" soft key to be pressed first to receive transmissions.
  • Hold: Freezes the display, allowing users to tune to a frequency before a displayed transmission disappears. Pressing it again (Sweep) unfreezes the display.
  • Step: Changes the frequency step value or selects "Auto."
  • Max Hold: Keeps signals displayed in the FFT Display even after transmission stops, showing all peaks over a period of time. Pressing "Function" and "Max Hold" again returns to real-time mode.
  • MF->CF: Moves the Marker (and the frequency being received) to the Center Frequency of the display.
• Display Screen Space Allocation: Users can adjust the screen space dedicated to the FFT and Waterfall displays by pressing "Function" followed by the "9 DISP" key. Options include FFT: 25%/WF: 75%, FFT: 50%/WF: 50% (default), FFT: 75%/WF: 25%, and FFT: 100%.
• Assignment to Search Key: For convenience, the Waterfall function can be assigned to one of the SRCH1, SRCH2, or SRCH3 keys (digits 1-3 on the keypad). This allows users to quickly start the Waterfall feature (using current settings) by pressing "Function" and the assigned SRCHn key while the scanner is held on a channel.
• RF Gain Adjustment: The scanner's RF Gain defaults to "Automatic." Users can manually adjust the RF gain through 16 levels (0-15) or select "Auto." Increasing gain can help receive weak signals in quiet environments, while decreasing it can compensate for strong signals or noisy environments. However, excessive gain in a strong signal environment can saturate and distort the display. To change the RF Gain, press "Function" and the "0 LVL" key, then turn the knob.
• Custom Band Programming: Up to 10 custom bands can be defined, allowing users to set the name, center frequency, modulation, step, and span for each.
• FFT Display Customization: Users can edit parameters of the current FFT Display, including center frequency, modulation, step, and span.
• Signal Representation (FFT): Signals in the FFT Display can be shown as a continuous plot line ("Line," default) or as solidly filled bars ("Bar").
• Max Hold Settings: Users can turn Max Hold on or off and set the duration for which the display is held when "Hold" is pressed (3 sec, 10 sec, or Infinite).
• Marker Customization: The Marker's position (Adjustable or Fixed in Center Screen) and width (Narrow, Default, or Wide) can be adjusted.
• Color Customization: Users can customize the colors used to depict the five signal strength ranges in the Waterfall Display and the color of the Marker. A demo feature allows users to preview their selected color settings.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on operational features, it outlines key steps for initial setup and ongoing software maintenance:

• Registration: Users are instructed to register their scanner on Uniden.com.
• Firmware and Software Updates: It is crucial to download the latest version of Sentinel software and use it to download the most current firmware for the scanner model. This ensures optimal performance and access to the latest features and bug fixes.
• License Key Installation: The Waterfall Feature requires a license key, which must be purchased from Uniden.com or a scanner store. The entire license key, including dashes, is entered via the scanner's menu (Menu->Settings->Upgrade->Upgrade Waterfall) using the PUSH/FUNC knob and arrow soft keys.
• Factory Reset for Waterfall Display: The "Set Color" option includes a function to "Reset Waterfall Display to factory settings." This allows users to revert any color customizations or other display-related settings to their original defaults, which can be useful for troubleshooting or simply starting fresh.

By providing a visual, real-time, and historical view of radio activity, the Uniden Bearcat Waterfall Feature significantly enhances the user's ability to monitor, analyze, and understand the radio spectrum, making it a powerful tool for both casual listening and more in-depth radio exploration.

Uniden Bearcat SDS100 Specifications

General

Model	SDS100
Category	Scanner
Frequency Coverage	25-512 MHz, 758-824 MHz, 849-869 MHz, 894-960 MHz, 1240-1300 MHz
Weather Alert	YES
Channels	Unlimited
Connectivity	USB
Dynamic Memory	Yes
Display	Full-color LCD
Digital Modes	DMR, NXDN
Memory	Unlimited
Power Source	Li-Ion battery
TrunkTracker	TrunkTracker X
Modulation Types	AM, FM, NFM, P25
Audio Output	Headphone Jack, Internal Speaker