Messages

31

MW Loggings / AM 530 kHz Morse Beacon RWE

« on: May 22, 2011, 2252 UTC »

I guess this goes here, I have:

San Luis Obispo, California  Sunday May 22 11:30 am pst, 530 khz AM  Morse Code Beacon  RWE  observed weak but useable
I don't know much about this; however, the listed frequency is 526 kHz and the location is evidently Camp Roberts, California
near Paso Robles. Power level unknown. Listed as non-directional. Purpose unknown. Activated irregularily.

Up half the night using M8a for Morse Copying Practice. Just submitted an article to eham.net regarding using M8a for copying practice.
Won't hold my breath on that ever getting published. Cheers.

P.S. Just found little more about this Morse Beacon "RWE" operates 25 watts from a T antenna strung between two 30 foot wooden
poles about 100 feet apart, barely visible from hwy 101. Camp Roberts is National Guard Base.

It's now Monday morning here, I can not receive this Beacon. I am in a valley with many obstructions; the Beacon could also be turned off. I hope it's not classified or anything?...I expect it does not perform much of a useful function...People around here watch the grass grow and wall paint dry for entertainment. I gather this is a dipole antenna oriented North-South.

32

Spy Numbers / Re: 5800 Khz numbers

« on: February 24, 2011, 1825 UTC »

Isn't this interesting. Reply #1 I list M8a on 5900 Khz Sat Jan. 2 2010. I'm using (still) compact portable RCVR with stepped tuning- anything is possible with this RCVR. I'm pressed for time, preliminary search has not shown 5900 Khz as the exact frequency for M8a during this period; but I do see: 5898 Khz...yes my passband is wide. At any rate, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Cheers. TNX VY 73 ..

33

Spy Numbers / Re: 5800 Khz numbers

« on: February 18, 2011, 1901 UTC »

It's been awhile since I have listened to this, so my information may not be current. Profile says your in NW USA, I'm in San Luis Obispo, California. You may want to try: 5900 Khz at 05:00 UTC. The 5800 Khz transmission at 06:00 UTC at least was in the past the repeat transmission from 05:00 UTC. Also try: 5810 Khz at 06:00 UTC; I don't know the repeat/parallel Transmission.

Again, navigate around on the Homepage for the Enigma Newsletter for more good info. I have only heard SK01 one time. The more observations from around the Country, the better. TNX VY 73 ..

34

Utility / Re: Coast Station KSM

« on: January 07, 2011, 2014 UTC »

I hope Denise is not gone for long. My 100 year Aniversary "Night of Nights" Verification is in the form of a RCA Marine Radiogram. Denise wrote on the back how much she enjoyed my report- in "Pink" ink: "I enjoyed your letter very much! Keep Listening!

I'm looking at the Verfication right now.  For  KSM it says all Transmitters between 4-5 KW with double extended zepp antennas and H-over-2Antenna. Somewhat familar Zepp Antennas but not H-over-2's. I'm suprised at the signal quality back East.

They have several excellent videos. I repaired the Mod 28 TTY type equipment featured in one of thier videos in the Miliatary. Also google for thier excellent Website. You do not need to be a Morse Code enthusiast to enjoy this.

I knocked myself out for that Verfication- maximum amount of persuasion.
Cheers 73 ES 88 DE KG6QNK ..

P.S. Just visited: Maritime Radio Historical Society at: www.radiomarine.org/
I would encourage anyone passionate about Radio to visit this site. I don't want to insult anyone; but in the interests of clarification, these are Commercial Operators with the apropriate Licenses. The Amateur operation up there is: K6KPH. My understanding is that the term "HAM" was a derogatory term used by commercial morse operators to describe amateur morse operators. My Morse abilities ain't all that great, but I try hard. Cheers.

35

Utility / Casual Observations

« on: December 28, 2010, 1945 UTC »

Here in San Luis Obispo, California I have:

Chinese Fire Drake   in progress 17:40-18:05 UTC   9,905 Khz   Mon Dec.27
SINPO 55555 rivaled Local AM BCB with occasional fade. Fairly confident about this ID continuous Chinese Music.

Fax Machine  probably Coastal Station Weather Fax  11,090 Khz   in progress 10:09  UTC   Solid Signal through slight noise and fade

RTTY I assume SITOR   11,690 KHZ   on 25m BCB Segment   in progress
18:15 UTC   Solid with some co-channel from Spanish Broadcaster

Gene Scott (from the Grave)   11,775 Khz   18:17 UTC Discussing MOSES
SINPO   45354

Note: about SINPO   SINFO   SIO   as Noise and Fade are always present on HF some prefer SIO   I still prefer SINPO with a verbal discription because it gives a relative indication as to the intensity of all these factors. I start with O (Overall Signal Quality) First; then work back towards S (Strength).

Radio Marti   13,820 Khz   in Progress  10:26 UTC  SINPO   55445  Discussion
in Spanish of Pavarazi in New York


Radio Canada International   15,365 Khz   in Progress  18:47 UTC  55445 Solid
Signature Interval Signal and ID

EWTN Global Catholic Radio   15,610 Khz   19:22 UTC in Progress   45554
Good Signal with Echo present. If My memory serves me this is a strong station on the East Coast. Most likely, both the Long and Short Path received with slight delay.

FireDrake   9,905 Khz   by   19:26 UTC  Signal is unuseable: Noise and Turbulence

Just some general ShortWave Fun. Cheers

36

Utility / Re: Coast Station KSM

« on: December 28, 2010, 1853 UTC »

Terrific bunch of people and nice catch in Pittsburgh, PA. My understanding is that this Coastal Station is intended to service a 1,000 mile area Seaward. I have the KPH 100 Aniversary "Night of Nights" QSL Card- A prized possession. I was useing one of those MFJ Kit built Receivers and was in Oceanside, California at the time. They now have an Amateur Operator up there; so now can communicate two-way... if I would ever get around to doing some more building. 55555 nice: wish they would supply more detailed information about thier Antenna Farm. Cheers KG6QNK ..

37

Spy Numbers / Re: M08a Nov. 10, 2010 6932.0 kHz CW

« on: November 14, 2010, 2045 UTC »

Thank you for your observations- the more the better. Maybe a parallel transmission (repeat) nearby in Frequency, perhaps a hour earlier or later. Also, would be interested if you run into to SK01 Cuban Digital Transmissions on this Frequency. although, it is somewhat annoying- Cubans seem to transmit a lot of open carriers (dead air); at least you know what frequency they do use when they do transmit traffic. Perhaps this is used for "guarding" the Frequency or propagation observations by thier handlers; or for no specific purpose other than to run up the electric bill. CW Reply at 2227 Fascinating. Anything can happen with these people. During one of these transmissions, I could have sworn I heard someone, perhaps a janitor in the background conducting what sounded like a tour: "esta es para Estados Unidos..." and so on and so forth. Accoustic Coupling Maybe? Finally, I suspect you may hear these transmissions on this Frequency several times during the week. Cheers.

38

Spy Numbers / Re: Homebrew numbers startions

« on: October 22, 2010, 2117 UTC »

I for one, speaking for myself, would not have any reason to do this. Also, given todays technology and technology of the future- I wouldn't go there.

I just posted a message on a "Numbers Relay Page"; for fun and educational purposes. Since I used a shared network, Public Library and my Library Card- that cover is "blown". Same goes for WIFI network. I consider the Internet a unsecured network "period".

Over the Radio, with the logistics involved and need for cohesive organization- forget it. Somebody, somewhere, for some reason is likely to cause compromise.
Although, it's ancient history- case in point, remember Walker the  guy who gave the Russians operating and repair manuals and whatnot for KW-7 and KG-13 Cryptomachines? Former Navy Officer. I did field maintainance on both the KW-7 and KG-13; and never saw any of these manuals; evidently the Russians got to read them at there leisure.

I commented on this subject sometime ago and deleted my comments because of the anonymous comments that followed mine; or so he thinks, General Class License isn't? Point is none of this is secure; and these deletions may not be visible, but they are stored somewhere.


Speaking for myself, other than for fun and educational purposes, I for one, would be very carefull. Presently, I'm interested in learning about "Book Encryption" Techniques and musing about how this One-Time Encryption material is physically distributed in the Field. For fun and education.

I would like to point out, that it is my understanding that some governments including the U.S. Government, consider Cryptography Equipment and Techniques as Weaponry. Some of you Guys do that QRPP Beacon Stuff, and perhaps drift off Frequency from time-to-time; however, to my mind this is a whole different Enchilada. It is legal to practice One-Time Encryption on the Internet- just go to a Numbers Relay page. In this day and age I would do nothing that could come back to haunt me- keep it light. Based on my recent experiences of opting out of my Internet accounts especially FaceBook (SUCKS!!!!!); then finally opening another e-mail account; I wouldn't trust these computers any further than I could throw one. I have never owned a Computer in my life- you couldn't give me one; I use the Public Library and presently this malfunctioning piece of crap at Cal Poly University- it's all tracable. LapTops transmit some type of signal that ID's that particular machine when used in a WiFi network or so I'm told.

39

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 17, 2010, 1817 UTC »

This one is getting beat to death; or so it seems to me; however, after pondering the 30 kW power out Token comes up with- that does sound reasonable and conceivable to me. Given the ratios involved and the power that could be expected to be used up in the form of heat and so forth at 150 kW; 30 kW or even less could sound comparable to a 150 kW signal and still get into Texas in the Winter.

I'm useing a somewhat tired compact portable with whip antenna (go all out, and hook up an auxilary length of wire). This Radio has seen heavy use and was what I used for a year as a Deutsche Welle Technical Monitor (I was a Data Point); good enough for them, good enough for me. Unfortunately, sometime back I lost quite a bit in the way of homebuilt Rigs, parts inventory, tools and so forth. While not attempting to put on airs or pretenses (I'm no Wes Hayward); I do have some Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force Technical Training; some of which is still relevant, to fall back on- good enough for them, good enough for me. In addition, I have passed all the Amateur tests (and play strictly by the rules). Therefore, I feel more than qualifyed to be an Amateur Hobbyiest. I'm gravitating more towards the "simple"; General coverage RCVR and QRP. That having been said, I try to promote and encourage all aspects of Radio. There is a lot to be said for these SDR's with the various types of displays- those so inclined, go there.

40

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 16, 2010, 1739 UTC »

More to chew on! Thank you Sir! Pressed for time- will study and digest this when I can get to it. I do agree that relative or perceived power levels can be very deceiving. Iv'e noticed that while listening to the various power levels used by the International Beacon Project; but from 30 kW to 150-200 kW? I guess I'll just accept this. The way Human Hearing works is a factor in this as I recall; as well as, of course seasonal and daily variations in propagation. My Internet use is very limited, as such I don't follow propagation variables closely- It is "seat of the pants" relative guestimates with me. As stated, I'm just a Hobbyiest and do recognize some of the"complexities" and variables involved; as stated someone with Propagation and Antenna modeling expertise could have fun with this. I listened for V13 on 10522 KHz at 1200z and 1300z. For all practicle purposes could not receive; with exception of the briefest moment or two- and this only because I knew what to expect. In terms of equipment, I'm out classed for sure; I'll give most people that. I was curious to see what factors were contributing to this; as I had been receiving V13 fairly well and we are moving into good winter conditions- Grey Line imediately comes to mind, will check into it when have the time.



VY TNX for very interesting and educational Thread 73 KG6QNK ..

41

Spy Numbers / Re: V2 Cuban Voice Numbers Station

« on: October 15, 2010, 2128 UTC »

Typically, I'll observe M8a on 5900 KHz at 0500 UTC with a repeat transmission on 5800 KHZ at 0600UTC. I'll keep an eye on 5880 KHz for M8a also. Been looking for the parallel transmission for M8a on 5810 KHZ for quite some time. Maybe 5880 KHz is it. TNX

Would be an interesting exercise to keep track of what locations are receiving which Transmissions at any given time throughout the Country. I assume the NSA and what not already does this; but I still think they should create some posisitions (Paid) for us- don't you?

Here it comes... "LOL" Whats that mean anyway? Lots of Love?...

42

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 15, 2010, 1820 UTC »

Thank You! Very much for the information. Food for thought- will chew on it. Just seems like an excessive amount of power in use for going from South Korea to North Korea; or even to Japan for that matter. Seat of the pants estimate- maybe 100-250 kw Transmitters or so it sounds like to me. I'm somewhat familiar with the sound of Radio South Korea- power levels sound comparable to me; again nothing factual, just a rough guestimate. Information I had read before was from individuals from Japan- if I can find the time May see if I can contact some of them, I have tried before. I like many people zip around the Internet without spending too much time at one location. I'll spend some time and take another look at this. When both North and South Korea were transmitting, I can understand the lack of jamming. My understanding, is that the North does not transmit anymore except on a rare ocassion; hence, they might have more incentive to jam the South- would'nt be out of character for them. Just more speculation on my part. I am pretty open minded, but will defer to hard evidence.


I do think plotting points on a projection or the like is a valid technique and given enough observations from enough locations I would expect patterns and usefull inferences to emerge after taking into account propagation conditions which could tend to temporarily change the typical signal path direction and even enhance or attenuate signal strength. This is a complex process, with a lot of variables, and is frequency dependent. Someone with Antenna and Propagation Modeling could have fun with this. I'm just a Hobbyiest and don't have that kind of expertise- but do find this interesting.

Paul Harden- NA5N wrote a very good 8 page article a couple of years ago: "Solar Acticity & the Solar Physics behind HF Propagation"
Geared towards QRP Operators with Tips on taking advantage of changing conditions. ShortWave Listeners might find it educational.

 RE: V13 Must be my cheap receiver! will try again. Was not having a problem receiving V13 untill recently. Cheers. VY TNX 73 ..

43

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 14, 2010, 1807 UTC »

TNX VY for information. Nothing observed on 5715 KHz at 1400 UTC; therefore assumed yesterday was second of two transmissions. My reception has been so poor lately that I can't observe these Audio drop outs you describe; periodicaly seem to catch a lucky Hop and can copy a bit of the signal from time to time as it comes out of the noise. I was under the impression from material I had read sometime ago that V24/M94 recipients may be located in Japan- the reasons why escape me; and I don't want to tread on any possible sensitivities. North Korea would be the most logical choice; however, I would expect more jamming that being the case. I don't know about you; but once in a while I have observered a random, momentary "Toot" or some other type of nusance sound from some unknown source during these transmissions; but not full scale jamming. Although; I don't have nearly enough Data Points (take all I can get for V2, M8a, SK01) to draw any conclusions at all on a Equidistant Projection, the few I do have suggest a defined trajectory for M94/V24 as opposed to a omni-directional antenna; However, this is anecdotal at best. I have one V24 observation from Italy that could be explained as coming from the Backlobe of a directional antenna. Again this is just food for thought, fun to speculate- no conclusions can be drawn. For some reason, I keep thinking of 200-250 KW Transmitters with Curtain Array Antennas, but that's just me.

Has V13 changed schedule? Or is it just the propagation? Lately have not observed on 10522 KHz at 1200 and 1300 UTC. Hopefully, conditions improve and I can hear it again. Very Exotic sounding transmission. TNX.

44

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 13, 2010, 1835 UTC »

It's all good with me. I don't have the equipment you do; and optimized at that; but I do have fun with it and will get around to doing some building one of these days. I could only copy bits and pieces. Second transmission was worse than the first- K Index was somewhat elevated. Did observe M94 on 5715 kHz About 1400-1408 UTC  this Morning poor, unuseable signal again. Are these transmissions Diplomatic in nature? Maybe South Korean Embassy in Japan? Any information appreciated.

Also, noted your HF-GCS Video with the "Sky King" Preamble on YouTube Very Nice. I placed My HF-GCS Listing In The Spy Numbers section because seems to me some type or variation of One-Time Encryption is being used and I thought Folks interested in Numbers Stations would be the most likely to appreciate. At any rate an extraordinay system. I have an old Article (1959) called: Development Trends in USAF Global Communications Systems. Very technical I think the same as HF-GCS -will have to read and find out for sure.

I've been involved in some extremely rigorous interests and persuits the last several years; have not had that much time and energy left for Radio. Any Verifiable Observation- no matter the equipment, can be valuable- another Data Point, or so it seems to me. Cheers.

45

Spy Numbers / Re: M94 S. Korean Morse Numbers Transmission on 6330 KHz

« on: October 11, 2010, 1751 UTC »

Briefly, in passing; Repeat transmission observed this morning. Unuseable signal some Morse copyed near end of transmission. Carrier was clearly delineated well before start time. Useing inexpensive compact portable with whip antenna. At times M94 is solid enough for good Code Copying Practice- even with the Rig I have. Cheers.