Hello RR Forums,
I recently purchased an SDS100 and it has underperformed than expected. I live in Lake County, IL and I have trouble receiving police and fire frequencies from as little as 5 miles away up to 15. I can listen to my local police department and fire department fine, but anything a bit further in the county and I have a very weak and bad reception/signal or I can't get any signal at all. I have tried the stock rubber duck antenna and also the remtronix handheld scanner antenna and they both perform below my expectations. The frequencies I have trouble listening to are mainly the VHF frequencies like in the 150-160 Mhz range (other county fire departments). The 800-900 Mhz frequency for my police department I can hear very well. For reference, here are the frequencies of my county:
Lake County, Illinois (IL) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference
Can anyone advise me on an antenna, preferably mobile/vehicle (for easy installation) I can use indoors on my desk to significantly improve reception of these public safety frequencies? I have looked at the Hustler Vehicle Antenna (
Amazon.com: Hustler / New-Tronics Antenna Corp. MRMBNC Magnetic Mount Scanner Antenna with BNC Connector and 12' Coax Cable (1 Each): Home Audio & Theater) and other budget antennas. If I have to get an antenna that will help me listen to the departments I desire, I am willing to spend anywhere between 0-100 dollars. Any advice appreciated. Thank you!
