[MilCom] Patrick AFB Show Sunday

[Robert Wyman]

This type of broad-stroke restriction can easily backfire. That is, the
military may think they are enhancing security, but they are ERODING public
confidence. Let's see here...

...I >> CAN << bring my 1900 MHz "cell phone" so I'll be able to make calls,
receive calls, write text messages and receive text messages worldwide.

...I >> CANNOT << bring my 2-way wireless pager, since it is (1) NOT a cell
phone and (2) IS a transmitter. No inbound and outbound messages from this
device, then.

...I >> CAN << bring a camera (or cameras)if worn around my neck. Guess
digital memory cards, or film, plus lenses and accessories will have to go
in the approved "soft sided cooler bag." Looks to me like any pro or
semi-pro photographer is gonna need to get a Press Pass and not attend as an
average citizen.

...I >> CAN << (I guess) bring a Scout since it is (1) NOT a transmitter
(we'll forget about the byproducts of the circuitry for this discussion) and
(2) NOT a scanner.

OK, so here's the plan: Walk in with one film camera and one digital camera
around my neck. Cell phone on belt, but not in a case. Hold a small,
soft-sided cooler with essentials, including Scout. Bring clear plastic bag
for other stuff, if needed, and just to have something to hold in my other
hand.

Risk Assessment: I'll be able to capture land-mobile freqs at least on the
Scout. I'll be able to send them, as text messages, to anyone in the world.
Even without the Scout, radio types and bandplans (based on antennas) may be
able to be observed and similarly sent. No audio of course...but WAIT! What
about a single-channel, non-scanning radio receiver? Does anyone still have
an old Radio Shack "Patrolman" AM/FM/AIR/VHF tunable radio? Maybe I should
check E-bay.

Personally, I think the threat of having 1% of the attendees with scanners
is a non-issue....that is, no threat. As Ken said, one can still listen to
audio from the car, whether on-base or parked nearby. Here's a thought for
the financially-independent members: Run the scanner in the car and transmit
the audio via cellphone to the cellphone carried into the show. Isn't that
what free nights and weekends are for?

RW