I never knew a radio scanner could be this fun to listen to

[crab]

I have an Icom PCR1000 (~$350) And a radio shack PRO-2053 for trunktracking. Theres a discone antenna (for wide coverage) 15ft above my roof. I love listening to the combat air patrols, and KPHL airport. I think its time for my HAM license.

 

[bunker]

Laws on portable radio freqency scanners
I'm from Michigan (in GA now) so that's where I heard about them being illegal. Looks like only a few states have the laws.

 

[Mungla]

<< Mungla- What HT do you have? I have a VX-5r

trmiv- You might want to try short wave too. I think that's more fun than a scanner, but everyone has their preferences. >>



I have a VX-5r, that is a NICE radio. I keep an Alinco DJ-582 in my truck at all times.

I'm not really interested in terrestrial communications. As you can see, from previous posts, I enjoy exotics (usually DX). We just moved
last year, and are just now getting our towers set back up. We have a 48' Rohn laying on its side, ready to put up.

Construction #1
Construction #2

 

[Mungla]

<< I have an Icom PCR1000 (~$350) And a radio shack PRO-2053 for trunktracking. Theres a discone antenna (for wide coverage) 15ft above my roof. I love listening to the combat air patrols, and KPHL airport. I think its time for my HAM license. >>



If you have a discone, you should check out an Icom IC-8500. It does 0-2000MHz, with I believe, triple signal filters. Normal, cheapo, radios usually have one filter. You'd be amazed at what this radio can pickup when hooked to a discone + 0-3000MHz preamp. The 8500 is a lot of fun, especially if you can find someone who has a cellular license *cough* and can get this radio without any restrictions. Needless to say, we love it so much, we have two; both of em sitting right next to each other.

 

[kgraeme]

<< Laws on portable radio freqency scanners
I'm from Michigan (in GA now) so that's where I heard about them being illegal. Looks like only a few states have the laws. >>



Thanks for the link. I fortunately live in a state that hasn't seen foolish enough to pass a silly law like this.

 

[Kanalua]

I would find a online mod place, and mod it so you can pick-up cell phone conversations.

 

[911paramedic]

I have been a paramedic (duh, my name) for many years now and I also worked with the sheriff's dept on their SAR team. We had to have an FCC license to use our radios off duty and when coordinating SAR work enroute to the mission. If we used the sheriff's radios we do not need to have an FCC license because we are on duty and have one "by proxy" I guess you would say. The same was true with all our ambulance communications.

As far as names, never ever on the medical channels, it is against patient confidentiality laws. The law enforcement side is different, names are used all the time.

 

[911paramedic]

Oops, I forgot to add something else about what I read.

If you use a scanner in the commission of a crime, it makes it a felony in most states. I am not too sure if that pertains to traffic violations though. It is up in the air, much like radar detectors...

 

[Scarpozzi]

You can pick up cell phone calls in the 900mhz range.....but it's illegal. My friend's dad did that back when we were in high school....he's sit around and skip phone conversations. He said that he heard 3 or 4 people that were cheating on their husbands/wives.... Fun stuff.