Reception Distance Differences by Model?

[rs16]

Is there any difference in the distance one can receive by model? Or is it all based on the antenna setup?

I have a 436HP; will get a 996P2 soon, (or maybe a SDS 200 someday). I'm good with receiving my local area, but am curious about distance reception.

 

[trap5858]

Reception distance has a lot of factors built into it. Sensitivity of the receiver has something to do with but sensitivity is a double edge sword because the movie sensitive the receiver is the more likely interference will be picked up as well.

Other factors to consider are your antenna selection, the type of system you are monitoring, elevation of the antenna and distance from the transmission source. In most cases the antenna you are using as well as the feedline are the limiting factors.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Also keep in mind these factors:

• Not all bands propagate equally. VHF will typically propagate further than UHF/700/800
• Not all topographies and RF environments are created equal
• Some receivers overload more easily than others under certain RF conditions when connected to an external antenna, thus the reason for a scanner's mode, filtering & attenuation functions. Given the typical RF situation at my QTH, my SDS100 & AOR AR-DV10 are more susceptible to intermod when connected to an external antenna versus my 536HP when connected to the same antenna
• If simulcast is a factor in your area then YES, you'll most likely notice a tremendous difference in how those transmissions are brought in on an SDSx00 versus a 436HP or a 996P2. This is mentioned on a daily basis on these forums. Have a read about simulcast distortion here. Many people mistake this phenomenon for a spotty reception issue when in theory it's quite the opposite

 

[Ubbe]

Different receiver designs will have different qualities, like how much interference they can handle. Most often handhelds are the poorest performers as they have to take battery consumption in consideration and have to make compromises in size.

An old Regency Pro2006 have poor sensitivity but will be almost immune to any interference. Some old Icom handhelds have 3-4 times better sensitivity but when connecting them to an external antenna I see that the Icoms loose 10 times in sensitivity and the Pro2006 almost nothing.

So it will depend of the receiver in the scanner, the antenna used and the local interference level how well a scanner will receive. And as antenna and interference level are different for different users you will also hear different testimonies about how well a particular scanner works at their location. It all needs to be tested at your own location and cannot be predicted in advance or make any recommendations, if it's not about features and functions alone.

/Ubbe

 

[RoninJoliet]

Don't forget the coax on a antenna , I get much better range on LMR400 than on RG6U .....

 

[rs16]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[buddrousa]

To answer the OP's question I have at my location
4 Uniden 15x
9 Uniden 996P2
7 Uniden 536
1 Uniden SDS200
2 Uniden SDS100
2 Uniden 436
2 Uniden 325P2
1 TRX1
1 TRX2
Sharing the same antenna at the sametime and all my Unidens receive ANALOG 150Mhz 460Mhz 800Mhz and Digital P25 NXDN DMR all the same range.

 

[maus92]

Is there any difference in the distance one can receive by model? Or is it all based on the antenna setup?

I have a 436HP; will get a 996P2 soon, (or maybe a SDS 200 someday). I'm good with receiving my local area, but am curious about distance reception.

Don't expect to receive a modern trunked radio system from much farther out than its intended service area. The days of booming a signal are disappearing. New systems are designed to transmit at lower power levels, mounting transmit antennas lower on towers, and utilizing directional antennas to keep their signaling within the borders of the jurisdiction they serve. You will need a decent antenna system (height / cabling/ amplification), and a high quality receiver (scanners are typically not high quality receivers.)

 

[KC3ECJ]

Sometimes scanners can be lemons.
I got a RadioShack Pro 163, got it used, with no sensitivity.
I have two cable TV amplifiers going into mine with low loss coax and a well placed antenna.

One amplifier just gives it rather local coverage.
2 amplifiers I get extended coverage.

 

[ka3aaa]

the higher the antenna the better off you will be and the reception range will increase.