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Re: (erielack) Scanners

> The only way to get good performing new scanner is to hit the amatuer radio,
> industruial or emergency response market, which means about $500 and a
> possible two-way set up.  There is licensing involved, but if you want
> sensitivity you can use -


I agree, and am going through the licensing process right now.  In truth,
you only need a good 2 meter radio rather than something that does all the
amateur bands, and it costs less.  A good portable 2-meter can be had for
$230, about the same price as a high end Uniden scanner.  Find railfans who
provide repeaters in a certain area, and you can pick up radio traffic 
100-500 miles or more away.

As of April 2000, the licensing process was greatly simplified, eliminating
morse code from the Technician Class (entry) license.  Its only 35 questions
each with 4 multiple choice answers.  You need to pass 26 of them IIRC.  Study
guides make it simple as pie.  Exam costs 6 bucks (not alot if you blow it),
and license is renewed every 10 years.  Study book costs $19 (I ordered mine
via Web), and has all questions WITH ANSWERS for the entire exam pool.  There 
also is a book that lists repeaters by geographic areas.

go to  http://www.arrl.org/catalog/  
 
pick Licensing for the category, and buy 'Now You're Talking'


The bigger reason I decided to go after the license was to be able to
carry the scanner in a car legally.  Most states have laws against
possession of scanners (mostly the programmable types, not so much crystal
type scanners) capable of intercepting police signals while in an 
automobile.  ALL states that make it illegal for possession by regular
citizens have exceptions for licensed radio amateurs, since they provide 
a 2-way communication as a public service in times of disaster.  States 
like NY, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky are big time prosecutors.  Railfans 
often look suspicious just by loitering around for the train, and I got tired
of taking those chances where my scanner might squawk when I'm chatting with
the inquisitive cop.

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