If X-rays hurt transistors, the TSA would be frying every laptop computer, MP3 player, cell phone, pager, boom box, PDA, etc, that passengers have, not just the ham radio equipment that the few flying hams take as carryon.

No, X-rays don't hurt consumer semiconductors.

> Anybody take a rig through security without trouble?

Lots of times. Most of the time, it goes through without incident. Occasionally I'm asked what it is, and I respond that it's a "two-way radio." I never get into an argument with an inspector--if he says "Oh, it's a CB," I agree with him.

I always have my license with me, but I've never had to show it. Some folks say they've had to turn a radio on to prove that it's functional (and not just a shell that could hold explosives), but that's never happened to me.

> Do they think you are a terrorist and give you flack?

Not unless YOU hassle THEM. Radios alone aren't enough to be suspicious. But if you act nervous, or obnoxious, or contentious, you might be tagged for special attention, with or without a radio.

Steve
W3HF