Welcome to the Son of RCMA Website. "RCMA" stands for the 'Radio Communications Monitoring Association'. RCMA was a group of volunteers that published a scanning magazine in the 1990s.
This website contains general information about the radio scanning hobby.
If you need help with any scanner issues, feel free to drop me a note at zerg90 at gmail - I certainly dont have all the answers, but I can probably get you headed in the right direction. Peter Sz Oct 4 2012
Below you will find RECENT SCANNER NEWS, and some general scanning info. You can check the links to the left for other items of interest.
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June 15 2018 - SCANNER SCHOOL! - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DlwfLSFgtuOdHgOakYBYp_ThuTTKzBgf2BH9-XeJK8Y/edit?usp=sharing - lots of great info about scanners
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NEW TO SCANNING?
Why you should buy a scanner - a great article - Aug 2014
It takes a little work to get involved in scanning. You have to figure out what type of scanner to buy, and how to operate it. You need to find the right channels to listen to. You sometimes have to figure out the radio codes, radio jargon, and procedures. Beyond that - the study of electronics, computers, and radio waves can keep you busy for a long time.
archived version of the article - https://web.archive.org/web/20180614144036/https://auburnpub.com/lifestyles/leones-why-you-should-buy-a-police-scanner/article_3c0e227c-2d9d-54cd-841a-6f4234772503.html - June 14 2018
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RECENT SCANNER NEWS
Aviation Channels - Official Sources - 2015 - look in MISC file - added July 18 2015
https://sites.google.com/site/sonofrcma/home/2014/boston-center-freqs-map-2014 - 2014 Map from FAA of Boston Center Sectors & Radio Channels
Newspaper suggests ban on encryption - Illinois - August 2013
Encryption faces scrutiny in Illinois - August 2013
http://www.boston.com/businessupdates/2013/04/19/boston-police-radio-goes-offline/e3qafYJvxvnpwBRWRirucL/story.html - April 19 2013 article - Broadcastify dot com had 160,000 listeners at the peak during the Watertown Mass manhunt for the 2 Boston bombers - and that was at 1 AM EDT
The Right of the Press to Take Photos - by Kurt Varone - If the press can get a encrypted radio to listen to the police, can I get one also?
New Orleans PD decides NOT to encrypt - see Radio Reference - January 2013
USA - New Freqs - 2013 - my spreadsheet
- also see 2014 and 2015 spreadsheets
62,000 listeners at Radio Reference for Hurricane Sandy vs NYC - October 2012 - (the Chris Dorner / LAPD situation saw (maybe) 40K listeners at Radio Reference dot com - but the feed was up and down apparently - Feb 2013)
1989 - Liverpool England - 96 soccer fans died in crush at stadium - police covered up their culpability and malfeasance until 2012; assisted by the news media - [Note - all public safety radio systems in the UK are encrypted - 2012]
Between January 1, 2012 and July 30, 2012, Anaheim California Police killed 5 people. Anaheim Police use an encrypted radio system.
Snohomish County WA - PD catches purse snatcher - 3 minute tape
January 2012 - Lynnwood Washington - Chase - 8 minute long tape
Dave Weaver - "RadioMan" from ChicagoLand
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For info about police scanners - please see "SonOfRcma" at yahoogroups.com - (Son of RCMA)
And
http://www.RadioReference.com - is another good source of police scanner information
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THE LEGALITIES OF SCANNING IN THE USA
1. It is legal to own and use police scanners
2. It is legal to intercept and divulge radio communications
3. The FCC does not regulate the Internet
4. However - There is no affirmative right to scan
5. Some states and localities do have laws placing restrictions on the use of scanners in motor vehicles. Some locations have laws that prohibit the use of a scanner to abet a crime or criminal. Some convicted felons are barred from having scanners.
THE ETHOS OF SCANNING
1. Scanning enhances situational awareness
2. Scanning encourages civic engagement, and pursuit of public safety careers
3. Scanning allows civilians some oversight of the most important governmental functions - the controlled use of violence - and the amelioration of emergency situations
4. Scanning allows citizens to assist in crime fighting and emergency rescues
5. Scanning allows public safety agencies to assist each other expeditiously
6. Scanning allows the loved ones of public safety workers to monitor their status
CORE IDEAS
1. Scannerists can assist public safety agencies.
2. Encrypting police radio systems could lead to terrible government oppression.
3. Scannerists are more in-tune with the real world than average folks.
Perhaps these 3 ideas can be the basis of effective opposition to encrypted radio systems. Maybe not. :-)
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http://forums.radioreference.com/general-scanning-forum/224449-scanner-code-ethics.html#post1634747
A discussion about scanner ethics
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Washington DC Police encrypted their radio communications September 2011 - some of the news media are not happy