Mounting the Uniden SDS100 or SDS150 in a vehicle is more involved than mounting a phone or GPS. Both scanners use a button-and-belt-clip mounting system on the back of the radio rather than a standard cradle attachment point, and the extended battery on the SDS100 adds significant depth that rules out most generic radio holders. The SDS150, Uniden’s newest scanner released in late 2025, uses the same mounting system as the SDS100 so all of the mounts covered in this guide work on both.
How the SDS100 and SDS150 mount in a vehicle
Both scanners have a round button on the back of the radio, located under the belt clip. Purpose-built mounts for these scanners use a locking faceplate or gripping fingers that engage this button to hold the radio securely. You can either leave the belt clip attached and slide it into the mount’s top groove, or remove the clip and use the locking mechanism directly against the button.
The extended battery on the SDS100 makes the lower rear of the radio protrude further than older Uniden handhelds. Any mount you choose needs to accommodate this depth — most generic phone cradles and radio holders that wrap around the body of the device will not fit. The mounts below are all confirmed compatible with the extended battery.
Mount Options at a Glance
| Mount | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Finger-Grip Holder (RAM-HOL-UN4U) | Maximum flexibility, pairs with any RAM base | Any RAM base |
| HYS Suction Cup Mount | Quick no-tools install, windshield or dash | Windshield / dash |
| HYS Knob Holder with 1-inch Ball | Existing RAM arm or base already in vehicle | Any RAM base |
| Sun Visor Radio Mount | SDS100 and SDS150, no dash or windshield contact | Sun visor |
1. RAM Finger-Grip Holder (RAM-HOL-UN4U) — most versatile
The RAM-HOL-UN4U Finger-Grip GPS and Radio Holder comes with three sets of interchangeable gripping fingers. For the SDS100 and SDS150 with the extended battery you want the longest set — 1.6 inches deep — which grip the scanner securely on both sides without interfering with the battery. The top of the cradle can also be removed to accommodate the full height of the radio with antenna attached. The cradle terminates in a standard 1-inch RAM B-size ball, so it connects to any RAM arm, suction cup base, seat rail mount, cup holder base, or AMPS drill-down base.
The real advantage here is flexibility. If you already have RAM hardware in your vehicle from another device, this cradle drops right into that existing system. If you are starting fresh, RAM offers more base options than any other mounting platform. See our RAM Mount assembly guide for help choosing the right arm and base combination for your specific vehicle.
2. HYS Suction Cup Mount — easiest install
The HYS Universal Suction Cup Mount for SDS100 and BCD436HP is confirmed compatible with the SDS100 and SDS150 and goes up or comes down without any tools. It accommodates both the belt clip and the round knob on the back of the scanner and works on windshields or smooth flat dashboard surfaces. The suction cup uses a vacuum lock mechanism and the arm has adjustment points to position the scanner at a comfortable angle.
Clean the glass or dash surface thoroughly with an alcohol wipe before attaching — dust is the most common reason suction cup mounts fail unexpectedly. For windshield placement, keep in mind that the SDS100 and SDS150 are tall radios once the antenna is factored in. The stock antenna typically clears the roofline fine on most vehicles. If you are running an aftermarket antenna longer than the stock unit, a lower mounting position at the dash or a seat rail base gives you more clearance.
View HYS Suction Cup Mount on Amazon →
3. HYS Knob Holder with 1-inch Ball — best for existing RAM setups
If you already have a RAM arm or base in your vehicle and just need the right interface piece for the scanner, the HYS Handheld Radio Knob Holder with 1-inch Ball connects the SDS100 or SDS150 directly to that existing hardware. It grips the scanner using the round knob or belt clip and terminates in a standard 1-inch RAM-compatible ball. The TPU body holds up well to vibration and the 360-degree rotation makes positioning straightforward once it is attached to your arm of choice. This is the cleaner option when you want to add the scanner to an existing RAM setup without buying a full new cradle system.
View HYS Knob Holder on Amazon →
4. Sun Visor Mount — best for keeping the dash and windshield clear
This sun visor mount is compatible with the SDS100 and SDS150 and clips to the sun visor without any adhesive, tools, or contact with the dash or windshield. The visor position puts the scanner overhead and slightly to the left of the driver, which keeps the entire dash and windshield unobstructed and puts the scanner face within easy glancing range. For drivers who want zero dash clutter or who operate in states with windshield mount restrictions, this is a practical alternative to suction and vent positions.
Worth noting: visor mounting puts the scanner higher than most other positions, which helps with antenna clearance for longer aftermarket antennas. The scanner faces down toward the driver rather than forward, so audio from the speaker is directed toward the cab rather than at the windshield.
View Sun Visor Mount on Amazon →
Placement tips for the SDS100 and SDS150
- Account for total height with antenna. The SDS100 and SDS150 with the stock antenna run roughly 10 to 11 inches tall. Before committing to a windshield mount position, hold the scanner at the planned location and check for roof clearance and sight line obstruction. A seat rail or cup holder position solves this since the scanner sits lower in the cab.
- Keep the speaker aimed toward the driver. Both scanners have a front-facing speaker. In a vent or suction cup position on the windshield, this naturally faces the driver. In a seat rail or floor position, make sure the scanner is angled so the speaker is not directed at the floor or console.
- Road noise matters more than you expect. In a truck, Jeep, or any cab with significant tire and wind noise, the scanner’s internal speaker can be overwhelmed at highway speeds even with the volume maxed. A wired external speaker is worth considering if you regularly drive in noisy vehicles — positioning the scanner closer to you via a good mount helps, but in a loud cab a speaker solves the problem more reliably.
- SDS150 built-in GPS consideration. The SDS150 has a built-in GPS receiver. Windshield and visor positions give the GPS antenna the clearest view of the sky. Dashboard and seat rail positions may reduce GPS reception depending on how much glass is in the GPS unit’s sightline. For most users this is not a significant issue but is worth knowing if you are relying on the location-based scanning features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do SDS100 mounts work on the SDS150?
Yes. The SDS150 uses the same button-and-belt-clip mounting system as the SDS100. All four mounts recommended in this guide are confirmed compatible with both scanners.
Can I use a generic phone cradle for the SDS100 or SDS150?
Generally no. Generic phone cradles grip the sides of the device, which does not work with the SDS100 or SDS150 because the extended battery makes the lower rear of the scanner too deep for most cradles. Purpose-built scanner mounts that use the button on the back of the radio are the correct approach.
What RAM bases work with the RAM-HOL-UN4U cradle?
Any RAM base or arm listed as B-size or 1-inch ball compatible works with this cradle. Common options include the suction cup base for windshield or dash, the seat rail base for floor or console mounting, and the cup holder base. See our RAM Mount assembly guide for detailed instructions on building a complete setup.
Does the SDS150 charge cradle work as a vehicle mount?
No. The charge cradle that ships with the SDS150 is a desktop accessory designed for home or base use. It is not designed for vehicle mounting. Use one of the vehicle-specific mounts above for in-car use.
