Electronic Counter Measures (long)

[RoninLB]

Jammer Law

[djmcmath]

If you're really interested in radar detector laws, check out http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/ -- he's done a lot of research on the topic. Fortunately, WA remains one of the states that lets us level the playing field some against the injustice and tyranny of random vehicle taxes. Now it's just a question of maximizing my ability to do so.

As to the federal legality of jamming -- the FCC covers radar transmissions, and while some states have banned use of laser jammers, they are not covered at a federal level because they are outside of the FCC's regulatory bandwidth. My hope is that even in states that ban jammers, the scanner will still provide some level of protection.

Dan

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by djmcmath
the BCT-8 is far more capable than the BCT-7/12.

The 7 is, in fact, obsolete, and the 12 is its replacement. Both, however, seem a little inadequate.

does it seem like a -8 would make more sense? Anybody?

after reading the Uniden site..
the -12 doesn't have trunking
the -8 does have trunking

did you confirm this with Uniden ?

if so ?
the -8 is the one to buy ?

[scottb]

So, for those of us that just want one tool in our arsenal, which is the one? V-1? Escort SRX? Is the Escort worth the extra [big] bucks?

Great thread, by the way. Very interesting and informative!

[ZOA NOM]

V1, bar none. No comparison.

[Joeaksa]

Dan,

You need to find someone working at Hughes or the like in the missle section. Those radar pukes are in a world of their own in this area and can do things we dream of !

Used to know a few but that was in a different world and years ago...

JoeA

[djmcmath]

Scott, if I could only choose one tool, I'd probably lean towards a scanner, right now. Legal in most states (as long as not used in the furtherance of a crime), gives you an alert to just about everything, and theoretically alarms whenever anywhere near the police, whether or not they're radiating. Additionally, you ought to pick up traffic news, which is a little bonus. Oh, and they're not that expensive -- you can find the BCT-8 for about $200, which is a good bit cheaper than any of the decent radar units. Like Dave said earlier, radar detector isn't so useful as a cop car detector. If it had to be a radar unit, the folks at Valentine, Escort, and Bel all produce pretty good gear -- the detection ranges and capabilities are all fairly similar, despite the hype and trash-talk. Of course, I welcome anyone else's opinions on this one -- I'll probably end up buying one tool at a time, myself.


Dan

[RickM]

FWIW, scanners are illegal here in NJ...if in your car.

[djmcmath]

Rick -- in accordance with NJ state law:
-----------------------------------------
2C:33-21. Interception or Use of Official Communications.

1. Any person who intercepts any message or transmission made on
or over any police, fire or emergency medical communications sys-
tem, or any person who is the recipient of information so intercepted,
and who uses the information obtained thereby to facilitate the
commission of or the attempt to commit a crime or violation of any
law of this State, or uses the same in a manner which interferes with
the discharge of police or firefighting operations or provision of
medical services by first aid, rescue or ambulance squad personnel,
shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
---------------------------------------
To summarize that nastiness, it's illegal in the furtherance of a crime. It could be argued that speeding is a crime, but technically it isn't -- speeding is an infraction, a violation of contract law rather than a violation of law. Most of the time, you'll probably be able to get away with it, though if it's displayed openly, you're asking for a speeding ticket, and you'd better be up on your contract law if you want to take the scanner ticket to court. Oh, and a lot of times, if the cop decides it's illegal, he'll confiscate your gear, nevermind the actual legality of it. Rotten. Check http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html for more info -- he's got all the goods.

As to trunking, which seems to be a pretty important ability ... there are several different trunk formats, and there don't seem to be any scanners that support all 14 of the formats (short of spending like $6K on a desk-mounted unit with several large external antennae -- not practical for us road-warriors). In my reading, the BCT-12 does not support any trunking at all, nor does it support CB or Air bands -- a critical deficiency for drivers who are attempting to counterdetect airborne threats. It's no cheaper than the -8, though it is windshield mountable, perhaps more convenient than the -8, which is huge. However, the -8 supports the majority of the trunking formats, scans all bands (except cell bands, if you get the US model), scans pretty quick, and the reviews even read relatively user-friendly. Only downside is it's size -- imagine a full-size CB radio. Almost impossible to hide or disguise somewhere in the cockpit. I'm thinking I may try to put it under one of the seats and rely entirely on the audio.

More scanner comments? Anybody have spectacular experiences with one scanner or another? Anybody have _any_ scanner experience? So far I've only known one Porsche driver (and he was a FEWC!) who used a scanner, but he swore by it. Truckers used to swear by them, when they were legal.


Still fishing for comments ...


Dan

[}{arlequin]

This scanner thing is looking like a good idea, at least for long distance trips. I've considered it before, just for the ability to hear truckers' warnings to each other. Now with the extra features, I think it would be great on looooong drives. For daily use, I think the V1 does just great for my needs. I have 100% success ratio with it. (knock on wood)

[Superman]

There is no pattern on the AGUs. The first generation AGUs included a large black SUV and a white Volvo station wagon. Their platforms include all makes and models, and I believe they even lack any conspicuous antannae. The two things that seem to be usually true about these cars is the dark tinted glass and (thanks for this one, John), they are conspicuously clean/washed.

I suppose next they will use a lowered '97 Supra with a HUGE tach on the A-pillar and coffee-can muffler with bumper stickers that say stuff like "NOX."

Aircraft commonly time your movement from a purpose-painted line on the road, to another painted line. Radar and laser does them no good.

[Leland Pate]

I don't think there is a HARM on the planet with a 40 "MINUTE" powered-flight. 40 "seconds" sounds much more realistic. Unless they opted to install a cruise missile turbine engine... solid rockets burn very fast.

But, it is a good idea though.

[djmcmath]

Leland -- I'm sure you're right; I'm thinking many years back to the vague rumors I used to hear when I looked at such things.

Superman -- Bummer about the aggressive driver units. I'll keep my eyes peeled for them, and update as I find anything else out.


I think we've pretty much exhausted this topic -- I'm going to go spend some money now. I'll post a similar topic again in a few months after I've seen whether or not any of this stuff is any good. Thanks to all for your posts; there's a wealth of knowledge to be had here.


Dan