By the numbers

[weaksigs]

Numbers Station 2-8-12
Recorded a good strong signal once again this time on 6929.3 (+/-)
The signal was very strong once again but the CW -listening on USB-
was drifting and very raspy with a lot of hum when keyed. Token said
technical problems were somewhat typical of Cuban stations so perhaps
this may be M08a once again though someone with better information
could confirm.

The transmission ended at 2133 UTC

Here is a link to the recording;

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/54521034/numbers%20Station%202-8-12%20end%202133%206929%20Khz.mp3

weaksigs

[Token]

Error 404, not found, on that link.  And I assume you mean 3-8-12?  Not 2-8-12?

T!

[weaksigs]

Hi Token-
Yes the date was in error- just logged last night- 3-8-12
 

I tried the link from here at my work and it did work.

I simply clicked on it and it stating playing in a few seconds.
We do have a very fast internet connection.

The file starts at the beginning of the next transmission of
what may be a series of two perhaps, which I think may be
a repeat of the first one that just ended.

Try again and if the same result I'll send you the file.

My pleasure

weaksigs

[Token]

Yes, that is M08a, and the freq is supposed to be 6932 kHz.  Not sure why it is so drifty though, I have never heard it do that myself.  Was this on your TS-870 or on your G31DDC?  If on the G31DDC could you see a carrier and determine if MCW or CW mode?  Was the carrier also drifting?  You obviously changed receive modes at the end, and odd how the CW tone was dead stable for the last 10 seconds.

I assume this was NOT on the G31DDC in AMS mode of reception?

T!

[weaksigs]

Listening on the G31 AM but mostly USB

I did switch back and forth a few times when attempting to find a consistent readable
signal.

The signal was CW- kinda like MCW but with all the hum it was hard to find the best
place to listen. It was like the tone producing the CW had several simultaneous
frequencies making a hard choice of what tone was most readable.

I will listen again for sure and make both an RF and audio copy. In that manner I can replay
the RF and mess with it a bit as its demodulated.  Perhaps that will answer some questions.

What is the next scheduled transmission? I'll try and be ready for it in advance.

Thanks for the assistance!

weaksigs

[Token]

On right now, started 2300, 8135 kHz, CW.  Unfortunately the next ones are not until Monday morning I think.

T!

PS.  CW is at 8134.991 and rock steady.

[ChrisSmolinski]

On right now, started 2300, 8135 kHz, CW.  Unfortunately the next ones are not until Monday morning I think.

T!

PS.  CW is at 8134.991 and rock steady.

CW sounds raspy here?

[Token]

CW sounds raspy here?

Yes, CW was raspy because of the 120 Hz hum that was on it.  But, it was not drifting in freq.  I was, however, able to reproduce the drift...in the G31DDC. 

If you play weaksigs recording go to the last 30 seconds of audio.  Note how the drift is present until the last 10 seconds of audio (5:28 in the recording), then it becomes solid and drift free.  One of the possible keys is his response "Listening on the G31 AM", the other is the drift is always down.

Most of these time slots have been CW, not MCW, and so AM should not result in a tone.  However, if you listen in AMS and click slightly off freq you do get a tone...but AMS is AM Sync and the radio tries to zero the tone.  And so the drift in tone should be down, as the AMS sees the CW as the carrier, and tries to zero the carrier.

weaksigs, the next time you see this signal try only USB or CW, no AM.  I bet the drift is no longer there.  If you do want to try AM try AM, not AMS.

T!

[weaksigs]

Hello Token!
I will make sure that USB or perhaps CW as suggested is used.
Thanks for the tip!

(I need all the help I can get!)
 

weaksigs