Bringing Radio Scanners into Parks

Hey, lately I have been interested in listening to different frequencies on a radio scanner. I was wondering if anyone has ever brought one into a park before? Did you had any problems with them, or were they pretty useful?
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There is no force like Millennium Force!

Why would you want to do that?
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Off with the trims!
My fellow Americans; Let's Roll!
http://www.woodencoaster.com

You would probably want to do that to see if you can find out what is wrong with a broken roller coaster. See if you should get in line for a shorter wait and such. Or if its a big prob and they are going to need a while to fix it. That's why he would want to do that.
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SFNE loses its "floor" for 2002! Visit sfneguide.8m.com for info. and pics of SFNE, including the most unique constr. pics of SFNE on the web. Formerly known as srosatsfne.

Right, by bringin a scanner into the park, you can hear what rides will be closing and how crowded the midways are. I was just curious if anyone has had any problems bringing one in or if they found it very useful.
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There is no force like Millennium Force!

I don't think there would be much of a problem bringing one in, it's not like they would turn you away at the gate. I saw many people last year bring in radio scanners

I've seen tons of people bring them into SFGAm, I think they're cool, I want to get one! ;)
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CAK91687
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If you wanted to hear what was wrong with the ride, good luck. Because most parks use codes. They typically never say what is wrong with a ride for this reason of radio scanners.
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Rob

Ride Op-SFGAm
Certified on: Roaring Rapids, Loggers Run/Ice Mountain Splash, Batman The Ride, V2, and Deja Vu.

Yea, they don't get very specific. At CP last season, here's some of what I remember for park ops:

Signal 1 <ride name>: call <ride name>

Signal 37 <ride name> with <#>: <ride name> up and running with # of trains, cars, etc.

Signal 38 <ride name> <reason>: <ride name> is down loaded because of <reason> (mechanical, slow guest, etc).

Signal 39 <ride name> <reason>: <ride name> is down empty because of <reason>

I might have 38 and 39 reversed. So in the morning when all rides are coming up you would hear something like, "Signal 37 Magnum with 3" or "Signal 37 Mine Ride with 2," etc. Security also has their signals and maintenance as well but they are on separate channels I think.

-Matt

While I don't mind inquiring minds, scanners are a no no. Period.

I do have a scanner. I have the Valleyfair frequencys programed in it. Everytime I'm not at work when I'm at home I turn it on to see whats going on. I pretty much have all the departments programed in it. Its pretty fun to listen to. :)
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Wild Thing: 75Laps! Power Tower: 73 Rides. Valleyair Security 2002! 8Years Working at Valleyfair!

I disagree, Agent Johnson. If it's in the air, it's public. I've listened to Cedar Point radio, and quite frankly, it's pretty boring to listen to anyway. Police radio is just as boring. However, if you're really looking for the good stuff, check out the fast food frequencies. There's a good time, especially when they start dogging customers. Check out Stupid Scanner Tricks.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com, Sillynonsense.com
"As far as I can tell it doesn't matter who you are. If you can believe, there's something worth fighting for..." - Garbage, "Parade"

Yes, you have a point. I was trying to state that hearing 'bring fries to here, or we need $4 plush for this game" is dull. The best action is on phones, and that is why the Nextels are coded. Any good park will shut the radios down when crisis occurs, and switch to a backup system.

What do you mean by a "back-up system?"
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SFNE loses its "floor" for 2002! Visit www.geocities.com/sfneguy for info. and pics of SFNE, including the most unique constr. pics of SFNE on the web. Formerly known as srosatsfne.

Actually; in many states, such as Indiana and Michigan, Scanners in Vehicles and/or on foot, without a Ham licence or permit, are illegal. They use the excuse that they can be used in the commision of a crime. Sorta a guilty until proven innocent law. This subject comes up alot in the Railfan community, usually the law is used as intended as a secondary offence, but if you get a "Barney Fife" officer you could be in trouble.
This dosen't stop every Radio Shack and Best Buy in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, etc. from selling portable scanners with no warning.
The things are also great while riding Amtrak, sometimes they are the only way to find out why you have been sitting in the same cornfield for an hour.
Ohio, last I checked had no such law.
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Whats life if you never get to the Po!nt?

*** This post was edited by kneemeister on 2/24/2002. ***