scanners on-base

kevin467 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-18-2013, 7:43 AM

In May or June I might be going to wright-Patterson AFB will I be able to carry a scanner on the base or shall i leave it the car

Tech792 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-18-2013, 9:59 PM

There is a good thread on this subject from last year.
I went to McGuire's show last year and they turned me around at the gate. I left it in my truck and came back in. And "scanners" weren't listed on the "do not bring in" list on their web site. The policy is probably going to vary from base to base.

Net-5 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin467

In May or June I might be going to wright-Patterson AFB will I be able to carry a scanner on the base or shall i leave it the car

Your best bet would be to call Wright-Patterson AFB in advance and ask them (the base security police) directly.

W8RMH · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2013, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin467

In May or June I might be going to wright-Patterson AFB will I be able to carry a scanner on the base or shall i leave it the car

FYI - The Wright-Patterson radio system is 100 % encrypted. They may permit a scanner since you can't monitor them.

TedRHayes · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W8RMH

FYI - The Wright-Patterson radio system is 100 % encrypted. They may permit a scanner since you can't monitor them.

The WPAFB system is P25, but there is quite a bit that is in the clear.

I've never had a problem, but it would probably wise to be somewhat discrete.

jsoergel · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2013, 1:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W8RMH

FYI - The Wright-Patterson radio system is 100 % encrypted. They may permit a scanner since you can't monitor them.

No it isn't. The only encryption I have heard is used by security forces, and it's usually just the dispatchers.

Almost any of the security units will be suspicious if they see you with a scanner. Within the fences, I would avoid using it just because it will cause problems. If you're somewhere like Wright Brothers Memorial Park listening, it's not as much of an issue. I went planespotting there for several years and the MPs only approached me a couple of times - always very friendly. One even started a discussion about my radio because he was interested in buying one for his brother. The MPs are nice guys for the most part...88th and 445th SF guys tend to be more strict, but they don't patrol much outside the base boundaries.