WINRADIO ANTENNA FAQ
There are several factors that weigh in so far as the distance an antenna can hear, including: Height of the antenna; Presence of obstructions; Length and losses of the transmission line; Gain of the antenna; Direction in which a gain antenna is pointing; Frequency of the signal ; Sensitivity of the receiver ; Presence of interference; Power of the transmitted signal; Bandwidth of the signal; Solar effects (day/night, sunspots, flares) ; Weather and humidity ; Electrical storm presence That said, under normal circumstances, and using the non-directional AX12B with good coax, good locations and a good receiver, the following could be expected:
(1) HF reception (under 30 MHz): Thousands of miles for broadcasters, two-way communicators.
(2) VHF (30-300 MHz): Up to 100 miles for broadcasters and two-way communications.
(3) UHF (300-500 MHz): Up to 75 miles.
(4) Microwave (800-2000 MHz): 25-50 miles.
Naturally, these are only approximations due to the numbers of variables pointed out above, but should give you an average expectation. Naturally, if you're looking for a simple, low-power device like a bug or cell phone, we're talking feet, not miles.
Q: Will the WinRadio AX-37 work for television reception, or should I keep using my rabbit ears?
A: While rabbit ears work just fine for strong, local signals, they provide no "gain;" this is accessible only with multiple elements in parallel (a beam). However, such a small antenna as the WiNRADiO AX-37 is only usable above 200 MHz or so; that is, only the upper VHF and the UHF TV channels; you'd not get good reception on channels 2-10 or so. For those, the rabbit ears would work just fine for local signals. Keep in mind, however, that NO indoor antenna will work as well as an outdoor antenna.
Want to "roll your own?" The WiNRADiO WR-LWA-0130 ADP35 adapter is a weatherproof matching transformer that allows you to attach a long wire of your choice, and still have better signal transfer to your receiver.