WS1040, what does squelch actually do?

[threeofnine]

On my WS1040, what exactly does squelch do? If I turn it all the way down, there is a loud static after each transmission that lasts one or two seconds. If I turn it to around the middle, the static at the end of the transmission goes away, but there is no change in reception quality or range. Likewise, if I turn it all the way up, there is also no noticeable change in reception quality or range.

Also, is there any way to clean up reception? Sometimes when listening to the Alabama Highway Patrol, the transmissions have a lot of noise or static.

AL Highway Patrol (Alabama) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for AL Highway Patrol (Alabama)

www.radioreference.com

Troops G and F

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

On my WS1040, what exactly does squelch do?

Squelch - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Also, is there any way to clean up reception? Sometimes when listening to the Alabama Highway Patrol, the transmissions have a lot of noise or static.

Get an outdoor antenna tuned for VHF

 

[threeofnine]

Get an outdoor antenna tuned for VHF

Thanks for the response. Maybe something like this?

Larsen NMO150B VHF 144-174MHz 5/8 Wave Mobile Antenna NMO Mount Black Whip/Base

Larsen NMO150B VHF 144-174 MHz Tunable 3dB Gain 5/8 Wave Mobile Antenna - NMO - Black

theantennafarm.com