TGC

Episode 120 is Online.

Episode 120 of You Don’t Know Flack is about radio scanners, those little devices that allow you to eavesdrop on all the little conversations floating around us. In this episode I talk about my experiences with scanners and some of the things you can listen to with scanners. I also talk a little bit about how you can now listen to these frequencies using your computer and/or smartphone!

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Episode 120: http://podcast.robohara.com/?p=146
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I haven't listened to this podcast yet (I will) but I do object a bit to the word 'eavesdrop' with regard to scanner listening: it is information out there, and setting up or using a system that uses AM (like air traffic control) or NFM (most public safety radios) means being fully aware that anyone who can tune in to that frequency can decode the signal and learn the contents of the communications (my opinion).

But this is probably something US versus Europe. Here (Europe) receiving radio signals is always allowed. Republishing the received signals or acting upon them can get you in trouble. In some countries (UK, the Netherlands that I know of) public safety networks have switched to digital systems with encryption.

I agree with you. The "eavesdrop" comment pertains more to listening to people's cordless phone and cellphone conversations. In the podcast I talk about how I've never had a problem listening to anything that gets broadcast into my home.

One of the best episodes ever! Obviously a weekly deadline is good for you.



THE
SQUEEZE THE JUICES
AARDVARK

AArdvark wrote:One of the best episodes ever! Obviously a weekly deadline is good for you.

Wow, thanks man! I really appreciate it! Several of you guys have given me good suggestions. I've been trying to incorporate more sound effects in the shows. Eventually I would like to start incorporating more guests into the mix as well using Skype.

So, finished listening, some more comments. You mix up your hertzes, megahertzes and gigahertzes which is noticeable to this aspiring radio amateur.
And you describe the US situation. Here in the Netherlands the public safety services have all moved to digital encrypted networks. What is available: air traffic control (from where I live the 'airplane' side is a lot easier to receive than the 'tower' side), some security companies and analog trunking networks where you do hear city cleaning and parking services.
Analog cordless phones are all gone here. Analog cellphone networks are gone and links between cellphone towers are microwave digital links.

Thanks for the info. You're the second person to mention to me that my hertz and megahertz were, uh, "hurting". I'll address that in the next episode -- thanks for the head's up. I pulled out my old scanner and put batteries in it over the weekend. On the next show I'll give a brief update as to what I can still hear.

Flack wrote:Thanks for the info. You're the second person to mention to me that my hertz and megahertz were, uh, "hurting".

And there I was avoiding exactly that pun! :lol:
My scanner history is that I bought one when police and fire departments still used analog networks and I started to get interested in air traffic control when I had it for a while. I had fun listening to police radio with a big soccer match in town. My interest faded over the years and police/fire went digital/encrypted. I got an extra one (second hand) with more frequency range and more memories when my interest in radio scanning was rekindled by an article in Wired about UHF satellite links worth listening too. That scanner works fine but I never heard a satellite with it due to not having the right antenna. Recently I started studying for my 'Novice' amateur license (comparable to technician in the US) and the first scanner has learned about local repeater frequencies.