396XT reception

[MarMatthias]

Hi,

I live on the edge of Douglas, Pottawattamie, and Sarpy counties.

What can I expect to receive with an antenna on top the radio and much much will interference affect reception? Also how much different is the reception capabilities of a hand held vs a desktop unit, ie the 386XT vs the 996XT using only the antennas that come with the units?

Thanks.

 

[MarMatthias]

Am I the only one in Nebraska on this forum that has a 396XT?

With a 20-006 antenna I was able to hear skip on the CB band. I picked up someone in Alabama...

 

[mikeoz]

396xt reception

Mar

This is a pretty general question that is tough to answer. It can vary from house elevation, interference in area, and what bands you are trying to monitor. 25 mile radius is a pretty safe bet on public safety monitoring. External antennas do help. You can even try directional outdoor antennas if you have something in particular that you are trying to monitor. With directional outdoor you may be able to double that 25 mile number.

You may want to try to attend a Omaha Scanner Club meeting. Next meeting is 6:45pm Monday July 26th. This is a great place for questions and answers.

 

[MarMatthias]

Mar

This is a pretty general question that is tough to answer. It can vary from house elevation, interference in area, and what bands you are trying to monitor. 25 mile radius is a pretty safe bet on public safety monitoring. External antennas do help. You can even try directional outdoor antennas if you have something in particular that you are trying to monitor. With directional outdoor you may be able to double that 25 mile number.

You may want to try to attend a Omaha Scanner Club meeting. Next meeting is 6:45pm Monday July 26th. This is a great place for questions and answers.

Thank you for answering... A 25 mile radius give me a general idea... I know exact figures are impossible. The other night I picked up Alabama on CB channel 6, so I know skip and weather does factor in.

Thank you.