245 - Don't Be Like Scanner Stan and Ricky Radio

245 - Don't Be Like Scanner Stan and Ricky Radio

Author: Phil Lichtenberger August 30, 2022 Duration: 32:11

Ricky Radio, Ricky Rescue, or Scanner Stan.  These are the stooges we want to not emulate when we are out in public with our scanners.

We don't want to draw extra attention to ourselves and become the guy who goes overboard. 

Don't be the guy with the scanner radio up to his ear at full volume. 

We don't need to be the guy at the fire with the radio up telling everyone around what is going on.  And we don't need to be the guy at the accident scene giving out information when we hear the ambulance talking to medical personnel.

What You Need To Know

  • Scanning is a hobby that many can find strange.
  • In today's age of "See Something, Say Something", you don't want to be the "Something" that people feel the need to report when you are out enjoying scanning.
  • You don't need to be Ricky radio. You don't need to be on the news. You don't need to be on somebody social media wall as unhinged.
  • Think about how loud your scanner might be if you are using it around others
  • Don't draw attention to yourself by holding your radios out for everyone to see.
  • There are still plenty of ways to enjoy scanning and be out in public and keep the equipment hidden in plain sight.
  • Backpacks are coming common places these days for anyone out in public. Use one to conceal your scanner and antenna.
  • You can blend in if you have a wired headset in your ear because there are a ton of people out there that are listening to portable devices.
  • Wireless headphones do bring in a challenge. You need to find a Bluetooth transmitter that will plug into the speaker port or headset port on your scanner so that you can listen to it.
  • There are plenty of options too if you do not want or cannot bring a scanner physically with you.
  • There are plenty of apps that will allow us to listen on our phones.
  • Setting up our own private audio feeds can be another option, so we have more control over what we are listening to.
  • With cameras on every phone and people looking to post their side of their story, play it safe when out scanning.
  • The last thing you want to do is be seen as a nut on someone's social media account. There are many who post for "internet points" and do not take other people's feelings into consideration when oversharing their own personal points of view.
  • Remember that you are an ambassador to the hobby when out in public. Be polite, professional, and courteous.   Don't give anyone a reason to make you and your actions an example and give scanning a bad name.
  • If someone asks you to move, stop monitoring, or lower your volume, please respect their ask.
  • It's easier to relocate yourself somewhere else and let them think they've won then to argue with them.  Simply apologize (even if you did nothing wrong), relocate yourself, and then go back and enjoy monitoring without being bothered.

 

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All session notes with links to the items we talked about can be found on our website at 

https://www.scannerschool.com/session245

#podcast


Ever wondered about the distant voices crackling over a police band or the chatter between air traffic controllers? Scanner School is for the curious. Hosted by Phil Lichtenberger, this exploration digs into the nuances of monitoring public safety and utility communications, transforming a technical hobby into a accessible and fascinating pastime. Rather than just listing equipment, episodes unpack the how and why-the stories behind the signals. You’ll hear practical advice on choosing a scanner, decoding technical jargon, and understanding radio protocols, all explained without assuming prior expertise. The discussion often extends to the ethics and laws surrounding the hobby, providing a thoughtful framework for listeners. Newcomers will find a clear path forward, while seasoned enthusiasts discover deeper layers to their interest. It’s a weekly dose of clarity and discovery, where specific listener questions shape the conversation, moving from basic concepts to more intricate details. Tune in to this podcast for a guided tour through a world of sound most people walk right past, and you might just find yourself listening to your surroundings in a completely new way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Scanner School - Everything you wanted to know about the Scanner Radio Hobby
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