May 20, 2004

Military Radios Jam Garage Door Opener Remotes

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE - A new military two-way radio system is keeping garage
doors shut in communities near this [Florida] Panhandle base, and residents
might have to change the frequencies on their remote-controlled opening
devices to make them work.

Homeowners in Niceville, Valparaiso and the Crestview area reported jammed
garage door openers during recent testing of the $5.5 million system at
Eglin.

Air Force officials said Tuesday that the contractor, Motorola, will try to
minimize the problem, but they offered no guarantees.

Technicians will run the system at slightly different frequencies in another
test this weekend.

The problem might spread to residents near other military bases. A similar
system has been requested for Pensacola Naval Air Station.

The Associated Press