From: tjw@vm2.cis.pitt.edu
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban
Subject: Finally some URBAN LEGENDS (well, sort of)
Date: 16 Apr 92 21:57:26 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh

In article <1992Apr16.162732.24562@athena.cs.uga.edu>, weaver@castor.cs.uga.edu (Mike Weaver) writes:

> Not only is jamming police radar illegal,but:

Urban legend #1:

> 1) Doesn't work. The jammer will make the radar go nuts, sure the cop
>    won't notice that.


A "jammer" can cause the radar unit to read any speed you'd like.  Blow by the
cop at 120 MPH and let the unit read 30.  I'm *sure* the cop will not notice
NOT!!!!  More likely, blow by at 75 MHP and let the unit read 65. 



Urban Legend #2:

> 2) Can kill or brain damage you or someone else. The frequency of a jammer
> would cause a microwaving effect on your brain or eyes should you get at the
> right angle to the jammer. (this is from my roommate, DJ and Ham dude)


I hope he's better at being a DJ.  We're talking a few milliwatts of power.
Caution: Do not put the radar jammer in your mouth.

		"Do not taunt happy fun ball!"

	(if you don't get it watch Saturday Night Live).



Urban Legend #3:

> The FCC fairly well controls all transmissions. You will get nailed.

The FCC is so understaffed that you can do almost anything you want as long
as you keep a low profile.  Don't mess up anyone's TV and you can operate
a modified CB tranceiver on 25 MHz.  You can operate for years above the
CB band and below 10 Meters and they will not say "boo".  You can operate
a low power station in the 148-149 MHz band and probably NEVER get caught.
Except when some assh*le HAM (like me) catches you and turns you in:

(Along these lines I've discovered a BABY MONITOR or a BUG operating on
149.84 MHz near my house.  I discovered it a few weeks ago and began monitoring
the frequency.  Last night I could clearly hear people talking and a baby
crying for the first time.  I think I'll do a little transmitter hunting
soon).


In any case, if you keep a low profile and use common sense, you can get
away with murder.  The FCC is far too busy to be bothered with you.  Be
a pain in the butt -- interfere with a TV or commercial radio station and
the FCC will be all over you like flies on... well you know what.  THEN
THEY'LL BE HAPPY TO NAIL YOUR HIDE TO THE WALL.  Mostly, though, they just
shut you down and take the equipment.

How do I know all this?  My Dad met my Mother while they were both operating
illegally on what is now the 6 meter band (when the hams had 5 meters).
The later both became hams (advanced class) but he tracked her down by putting
his rig in his car.  If he did it, the FCC (or as they called them back then,
the RI (radio inspector)) could have done it too.  This was shortly before
WWII.  When the war came on, they wisely ceased operation.  The FCC had good
reason to go after "bootleggers" then.

Also, I knew a fellow in the 70s who operated a "broadcast" station out of
his house.  He had an huge record collection and used to "play" at being
a DJ.  He would illegally broadcast between a couple of well know local
stations.  He would even say "I hope the FCC doesn't find out about us
and shut us down" on the air!  The "call letters" were WEXF (in Wexford, PA).

How did the FCC catch him?  He started putting up his own "bill boards" on
telephone poles saying "Listen to WEXF Saturdays from 9PM to 11PM".

The telephone company complained to the FCC.  SHEESH!


Terry "Elvis (and the FCC) is everywhere" Wood

PS: Don't do this at home kids.  I'd hate to see you go to jail!