The_Squeaky_Wheel

The Squeaky Wheel

The Squeaky Wheel

Presumed Russian secret radio station

The Squeaky Wheel (a nickname given by radio listeners) is a utility shortwave radio station that broadcasts a distinctive sound. From around 2000 until 2008 the station's attention tone was a high-pitched two tone signal that vaguely resembled a squeaky wheel. From 2008 the channel marker changed to two different tones in a short sequence repeated with a short silent gap. The frequencies were 5473 kHz (day) and 3828 kHz (night).[1][2] Several times voice messages in Russian military format have been reported. The exact transmitter site is unknown, but is thought to be near Rostov-on-Don, Russia.[2] The signal strength is weak in Central Europe and the signal sometimes even disappears for days in the noise.

Quick Facts Frequency, Programming ...
The Squeaky Wheel
Distinctive two-tone and three-tone channel markers for the Squeaky Wheel
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Other frequencies observed are 3650 kHz, 3815 kHz, 5474 kHz, and 5641 kHz.[3]

The Enigma designation is S32[2][4] with S indicating Slavic language. However, from 2000 to 2005 it was designated XSW when voice on the station was unknown.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    Boender, Ary (3 August 2006). "Numbers and Oddities". Spooks. 107. Archived from the original on 20 May 2008.
  2. [2]
    "Squeaky Wheel". www.numbers-stations.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. [3]
    Rogers, B (November 2008). "Mystery Signals of Shortwave". Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  4. [4]
    "MX" (PDF). Numbers and Oddities. 28 July 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  5. [5]
    "The Squeaky Wheel". Priyom.org Number Stations Research. Retrieved 20 June 2014.

59.7381°N 30.2703°E / 59.7381; 30.2703
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