Panhandle Questions

[Haley]

Just a quick couple of questions, my wife and I will be driving through the panhandle, any good stores that happen to sell scanners?? Other than radio shack-----I usually stop at local RS just to see what they have anyway. Just kind of curious if there were any local stores. I dont NEED anymore radios, but what the heck, I just like variety!

Also, I have noticed through the RS website that some of the local stores down there have Uniden scanners listed as being in stock, in stores. Prices are a bit high, but I have been eye balling the 125AT for a while. Anyone confirm that they really have these in stores?

Plan on taking my RS 106, and Uniden 396xt. That should cover most of my listening. And I have read up on the statewide system. Guess I wont hear much on it. Plan on doing a little mil-air,RR, and fed monitoring. Anyway thanks , if anyone has suggestions. Mike

 

[shadcall]

Just make sure you don't listen while you are driving, it is illegal to have a scanner in your car unless you qualify for one of the exemptions such as ham radio operator.

 

[Haley]

Thank you for that info Shadcall, I did not know that!

 

[shadcall]

You are welcome. Here is the link for the law.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

You will be fine to listen in your hotel room or wherever you might be staying. Your 106 will do fine for any digital listening. I'm not familiar with the 396xt. There should be plenty to monitor.

Just out of curiosity, where in Iowa are you? I've been to a number of places there.

 

[Haley]

Thank you for that link! No wiggle-room there , not that I would try anyway.

I am a little South of Marshalltown, N.E. of Des Moines. Pretty much the home office of RACOM ,VERY large EDACS radio suppliers. I actually get excited when I get to listen to Motorola systems for a change!

 

[shadcall]

I don't think you will have any problem finding agencies using Motorola systems. I took a quick peek at the data base and found them in Pensacola and Panama City. I'm sure there are others as well. I saw a few P25 systems as well. Happy Monitoring and enjoy your time in Florida.

I've never been to the Marshalltown area, but have been to Des Moines a few times.

 

[codblackops2]

Also to add in there about the little law they have. If it is hard wired to the vehicle and there is a antenna mounted on the vehicle you do have a little wiggle room. Theres not much but it also depends on the cop you get also. Another thing that I did find out about this little law is if you are part of a CERT team you are expemet from the law also. I cant remember what site it was that I found but it has all the laws and states that let you have scanners/radar detectors and what ones dont.

 

[Haley]

Well, just got back from my trip. I have to say as far as MIL-AIR monitoring, you are some lucky people in the panhandle! I knew there was a lot of activity--------------but wow! Between Hurlbutt field, Eglin and Tyndall, the 106 and 396 couldnt keep up! I just started a conventional quick save group in the 396 so I could keep adding the frequencies. We were on the 12th floor right off the beach in the Destin area , like I said if people are into mil air this is an awesome area! All I ever hear in my area, are meth busts, and calls to nursing homes. We do have am ANG fighter wing about 50 miles away------------Im going to have to start monitoring these type of communications, much more enjoyable. Mike

 

[shadcall]

Glad you enjoyed your visit. Come back anytime.

 

[CORN]

Just make sure you don't listen while you are driving, it is illegal to have a scanner in your car unless you qualify for one of the exemptions such as ham radio operator.

Do it all the time for the last 10 plus years! No problem. Don't give the po po a reason to pull you over; works for me.

 

[shadcall]

Do it all the time for the last 10 plus years! No problem. Don't give the po po a reason to pull you over; works for me.

Must be nice to be above the law.

 

[CORN]

I obey laws that mean something such as speed limits, stop signs/stop lights, etc therefore I'm not bothered by one of the stupidest bureaucratic laws some moron in a legislature who knows nothing about radio communication decided to think up. And it's not just Florida, it's a lot of states. It's stupid and unenforceable unless your stopped for another reason. I like hearing stuff along the way and believe it or not since Alabama and Florida Pan handle are so rich an environment for Milair I'm not even listening to law enforcement. Don't even have any LEO frequencies south of Tennessee plugged into my radio. I'm listening to the air bands!

 

[shadcall]

I obey laws that mean something such as speed limits, stop signs/stop lights, etc therefore I'm not bothered by one of the stupidest bureaucratic laws some moron in a legislature who knows nothing about radio communication decided to think up. And it's not just Florida, it's a lot of states. It's stupid and unenforceable unless your stopped for another reason. I like hearing stuff along the way and believe it or not since Alabama and Florida Pan handle are so rich an environment for Milair I'm not even listening to law enforcement. Don't even have any LEO frequencies south of Tennessee plugged into my radio. I'm listening to the air bands!

Corn Cob:
You miss the point. You cannot pick and choose which laws you feel are stupid. It's the law in Florida. OBEY IT! If doesn't matter what you are listening too, you cannot have a scanner in your car if you do not meet one of the exemptions. According to your logic if I feel that robbery is a stupid law I can come and rob you. If you can't obey the law, stay out of Florida.

 

[pgnsucks]

Do it all the time for the last 10 plus years! No problem. Don't give the po po a reason to pull you over; works for me.

You come visit us in Florida anytime you want you are Always Welcome happy you had a good time

 

[shadcall]

Come and visit as long as you obey ALL laws.