'On Scene" Alternatives for the Hobbyists??!!Re: COMMENT-- SCANNER + CAMERA = TERRORIST!!??! Re: [MilCom]OFF-TOPIC -Photographers Say Police Harass Them

[Ken]

Hello Larry & the group!!!!

I'm glad to see that we've had somewhat of a good debate/discussion on this
subject -- Times have changed and adaption to these changes needs to be met!

Larry does bring up some good points about security reacting to what they
see/observe versus (what I see as) more serious potential threats that they
can't see -- because it isn't on the fence line!!!).  I've personally  had
one 'minor' incident 'outside the fence line' (post 9/11) (trying out my
first new digital camera) ... So I know at my local joint military/civilian
air base/airport that I can't go right to the fence line and have some hobby
type fun, listening, watching, & taking pictures!!!

So hobbyists have to look for some alternatives to "on scene", perhaps
better termed "near scene"!!!, so that you aren't seen by security as a
threat and thus can experience some of the joy of being close to the action
without being the subject of a security response.  However, there still are
some risks to doing this because of the public's perception of seeing
someone who looks out of the ordinary --and folks with scanners meet that
criteria, perhaps with the exception of being at a NASCAR events or base
open house/air show!!

Sometimes there might be a public parking area or public recreational parks
on some of the approach zones to runways in use, and you will be close
enough to monitor the aircraft & ground radio transmissions as well as get a
good to excellent view of the aircraft to take still pictures or video.
There also might be other areas (e.g. industrial areas/warehouse areas) that
allow public access and you will be also be close enough.  Additionally, you
might be forturnate enough to live right on the runways approach/departure
zones (I still can't figure out how anyone would build a  new $200K+  house
on an approach/departure zone with jets rumbling overhead them (even the
military doesn't put it's family/single housing on approach/departure zones
to the runways!!!), or furthermore, adjacent (parallel/perpendicular)  to
the approach/take off zones, so you are be able to see the aircraft
(depending upon altitude--  not necessarily both takeoffs & landings or in
the pattern but at least one or more low altitude aspect) while monitoring
the radio transmissions.

Of course, there's no risk to being at your home/office monitoring the
action OR perhaps transiting/mobile (not even close to a military air base).
Surely MOST folks who are posting loggings to this list are enjoying the
hobby by monitoring from their homes.  About 95% of my loggings are from
home, 4% mobile, & <1% "near scene"...

I too would like to see every military base/civilian airport set aside a
small parking area outside the fence line for hobbyists to use.  Put in a
security camera with audio capabilities etc..  Also I  wouldn't have a
problem with paying an entrance fee to have this "on scene" ability
(hopefully one could get a yearly pass!!!).

Also I'm somewhat surprised Larry to part of your response...  I'm not (and
I think most of the lurkers & some of the posters here) trying to be one of
those erosion of rights/government conspiracy activists BUT do believe that
the spontaneous "on scene" activities are one of the enjoyable aspects of
the military communications monitoring hobby...  We are looking for a
practical/operational means of enjoying the total aspects of the milcom
monitoring hobby while yet not causing a problem for security forces to
focus on us rather than a real threat!!!....  Perhaps you are right that WE
can't do anything to change this situation at this time, BUT maybe someone
on the list can come up with some additional ideas OR be in a position to
make some changes!!!

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Van Horn" <larry at grove-ent.com>
To: "'MILCOM'" <milcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 9:21 AM
Subject: RE: COMMENT-- SCANNER + CAMERA = TERRORIST!!??! Re:
[MilCom]OFF-TOPIC -Photographers Say Police Harass Them


> As one who served in military security unit during one of my shore duty
> tours, let me boil this down in some real simple terms.
> If someone was hanging around the fence at your house with a scanner,
> still or video camera, binoculars, & note pad/pen, what would you do. I
> would call the cops!
snip..snip..
> Now can we please drop this nonsense. This topic crops up way to often
> on this list and no matter how it is phrased, the answer will always
> remain the same. We live in different times and procedures are different
> and that is reality. We are going to learn to adapt or take up another
> hobby. Now it is time to return this channel to its normal traffic
> please.