![win500 railroad frequencies win500 railroad frequencies](http://docplayer.net/docs-images/100/147339656/images/30-1.jpg)
When a 2-way radio (any 2-way radio, not just railroad issued ones) picks up the sound of itself while the microphone key is down, it will produce feedback, which is kind of a loud annoying whistling sound. Even if you only have a scanner, if it's up loud enough that the microphones on the crew members' radios can pick it up, that's as bad as broadcasting, since it essentially is. That part on the back of your scanner where it says "This device must not cause harmful interference" doesn't just mean transmitting. I've only seen this once first hand, but I've heard the feedback a bunch of times on my scanner from other parts of the system. Just a quick extra mention, I've seen railfans with external speakers on their scanners with the volume cranked up to the point that when a train was passing by and the conductor keyed the mic, I could hear feedback. My Motorola railroad HT can transmit on all RR freqs but is authorized to do so only on BR&W RR operations when I volunteer there, so I of necessity must be very careful if it is used for monitoring other railroads. When that happens with an authorized radio there is no violation, but it would be a violation for an unauthorized radio. Though not legally required, I agree it's a good idea to disable the transmit, as sooner or later, the radio will be inadvertently keyed by some object leaning on it or otherwise pushing the PTT, and there is a remote possibility it could fail in the transmit mode. Basically you can listen, but if you try and transmit your radio will just simply beep. Usually whoever programs the radio should realize and understand that unless you have reasons to transmit on a specific frequency (either written permission or prior knowledge of why you should) then the frequency should be beeped out.
#WIN500 RAILROAD FREQUENCIES PORTABLE#
GP40MC 1116 wrote:As far as I know their is nothing illegal about purchasing a commercial VHF portable radio for use as a scanner I heartily concur that enforcement should be taken in appropriate circumstances. There are, however, civil penalties (so called monetary "forfeitures") that the FCC can impose for unlicensed transmissions. No person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this Act or operated by the United States Government." And for a federal criminal penalty, the following is essentially the only defined radio crime: State courts do not have any jurisdiction over radio transmissions, even for law enforcement and fire operations. The complaint would have to be filed in federal court.
![win500 railroad frequencies win500 railroad frequencies](https://www.gikacoustics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Contest-Entry-Splash-Page-Extended.jpg)
This also goes for Subway and Streetcar operations too. And yes, an unauthorized user can be traced using GPS technology, so don't even think about fooling around in the MBTA Railroad (where I live) or transit system anywhere else. Railroad operations are just as serious as Law Enforcement and Fire Operations. Robert Paniagua wrote:I know, and I agree with the topic originator, Railroad radio use is just for authorized personnel only, NOT Railfans, they ought to be taken to criminal court if they attempt to or do so transmit. You can interfere with the safety and operations of trains and their crews!Īnd here's one railroader that if I ever hear a "bootlegger" on NS or CSX channels, I-will- actively-seek-you-out-and turn you in to the railroad police and FCC's Spectrum Enforcement Division! Harsh? Sorry, but this is something you MUST not do! it is perfectly fine to listen on your scanner, but you have NO business transmitting on the railroad's radio channels! Take this warning to heart! What the railroad is doing is NONE of your beeswax and you must stay OUT and OFF their channels. YOU do NOT belong on railroad frequencies if you are not an employee (or authorized contractor)! You are NOT Rules-trained, you are breaking railroad Union agreements that can cause time claim issues and cost the company money paying those claims. This is strictly against the law, the railroads will NOT react kindly to it, the railroad dicks AND the Federal Communications Commission will aggressively seek you out and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law (which means FINES of up to $10,000 PER occurance and even JAIL time). Do NOT be mislead into believing that you have some misguided reason for transmitting on railroad frequencies.
![win500 railroad frequencies win500 railroad frequencies](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oKSuJMDSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
It IS to your advantage to heed this advice. I don't want to pour cold water on peoples' hobbies or avocation, but let me make something clear. I've been seeing this topic creep in from time to time where overwrought "foamers" go so far as to purchase Motorola radios such as MT1000's in the hope of talking to the trains, or at least, ASK about the legal issues.