I have this little marvel too. It is so complex that I can never remember how to tune it, but its performance has always been better than I would have expected using the built in antenna outside. I do not have the active antenna, wanted one but never bought it. I have a windup wire antennna extension that seems to marginally improve reception....expecially as it can be suction cupped to a window. Indoor performance SW is pretty poor without using that.

I found few of the presets were correct and redid all the settings.....of course I could not do so again without a reread of the manual.

Battery life seems good and overall I am happy with it.