Quote:
Originally Posted by S
My son is a policeman in a town 25-30 miles from where I live.
I'd like to pick up a scanner to keep up with what is going on in his town.
What is the approximate range of the various scanners and what type/brand
should I purchase.
Thanks in advance
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You can maximize reception range, by utilizing a Beam Antenna. It'll concentrate the signal reception pattern. A receive pre-amp will also help. A typical Amateur Radio Beam for Two Meters, can have the elements trimmed [for a higher frequency] and the spacing between elements should be relatively insignificant. I'm assuming the frequencies of interest are in the VHF region. Same principles apply, if FOI is in UHF region. Revert to using a modified 70 cm Beam.
I have also used a Ultra-Fringe VHF/UHF Television Antenna, with signal booster. Though it's off frequency and a 75 Ohm impedance, I consistantly receive signals, from a metropolitan area over 60 miles away. The other respondants comments also apply. Don't forget, the higher the antenna, effectively the higher is your 'Lightning Rod'.