Messages

856

Spy Numbers / Re: M89, VC01 & V26 for June logs...

« on: July 20, 2017, 0213 UTC »

Big Indonesian Chanting sessions usually conducted exactly on 7.000MHz Lower side band, heard here between 0900-1100z some of them up to 20dB over.   

857

Utility / Marine CW beacons/markers log.

« on: July 19, 2017, 0910 UTC »

The following is a list compiled of known active CW maritime beacons/markers both military and civilian, reception of all are in the A1A mode (CW).  The last date when heard is shown in brackets and other notes.  Please post any new ones heard with UTC date/time, frequency, call sign and report.

Stations on the list below not heard in 2020 & 2021 have been deleted, presumed inactive or decommissioned.  Should they reappear they can be reinstated later.

These are observations to Saturday 06th April 2024:

1950z  2.680.0MHz  CW  "VVV de 4XZ 4XZ" Israeli Navy, Haifa Israel 529 report. (Sometimes sends data) (hrd 07th Apr 2024)

1500z  4.209.5MHz  CW  "TAH" preceded with buzz tones, Turkish Met Radio, Istanbul, Turkey 519 report. (hrd 04th Feb 2024)
1500z  4.210.5MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with buzz tones. Guangzhou, China 569 report. (hrd 04th Feb 2024)
1635z  4.212.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
1004z  4.215.0MHz  CW  "XSG" preceded with four buzz tones, Shanghai, China 569 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
1905z  4.216.0MHz  CW  "TAH" preceded with buzz tones, Istanbul, Turkish Met Radio, Turkey 519 report. (hrd 23rd Sep 2022)
1910z  4.219.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 529 report. (hrd 28th May 2022)
1930zz  4.331.0MHz  CW  "VVV 4XZ 4XZ" Israeli Navy, Haifa, Israel 319 report. (also transmits data) (hrd 07th Apr 2024)

0950z  6.316.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 529 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
1004z  6.326.0MHz  CW  "XSG"  preceded with buzz tones, Shanghai, China 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024))
0959z  6.329.0MHz  CW  "XSQ"  preceded with buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 419 report. (formerly XSV Tianjin & XSG Shanghai) (hrd 06th Dec 2023)
1951z  6.607.0MHz  CW  "VVV de 4XZ 4XZ" Israeli Navy, Haifa, Israel 519 report. (Often sends data.) (hrd 07th Apr 2024)

0851z  8.421.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones. Guangzhou, China. 579 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024). 
0950z  8.421.0MHz  CW  "de XSG"  preceded with buzz tones. Shanghai, China. 549 report. (hrd 03rd Sep 2023)
0615z  8.424.0MHz  CW  "de SVO" Olympia Radio, near Athens, Greece 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0850z  8.425.5MHz  CW  "XSG" preceded with four buzz tones, Shanghai, China 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0910z  8.431.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 559 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0616z  8.431.0MHz  CW  "TAH" preceded with buzz tones, Turkish Met Radio, Istanbul, Turkey 419 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
1522z  8.432.0MHz  CW  "VVV de 4XZ 4XZ X X" Israeli Navy, Haifa, Israel. 529 report (hrd 28th May 2022)
0910z  8.433.0MHz  CW  "XSG" preceded with buzz tones, Shanghai, China 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
1004z  8.435.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 579 report. (hrd 12th June 2022)

0710z  12.603.5MHz  CW  "de SVO" Olympia Radio, near Athens, Greece. 519 report. (hrd 04rd Jan 2024) Sending data only, no marker.
0915z  12.613.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 559 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0734z  12.622.5MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 319 report. (hrd 12th June 2022)
0920z  12.624.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with buzz tones, Guangzhou, China. 559 report. (06th Apr 2024)
0550z  12.637.5MHz  CW  "XSG" preceded with four buzz tones, Shanghai, China. 519 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0550z  12.648.5MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 419 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0550z  12.654.0MHz  CW  "TAH" preceded with buzz tones, Turkish Met Radio, Turkey 519 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)

0912z  16.850.3MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 579 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0115z  16.854.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 519 report. (hrd 13th June 2022)
0836z  16.876.5MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 559 report. (hrd 12th April 2021)
0605z  16.880.0MHz  CW  "XSQ" preceded with four buzz tones, Guangzhou, China 519 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)
0556z  16.898.5MHz  CW  "XSG" preceded with four buzz tones Shanghai, China 539 report. (hrd 06th Apr 2024)


Japan Fisheries Radio Network:

The JFR Network covers HF frequencies in CW mode 3-22MHz and usually transmit on the hour and on the half hour with a callsign preamble then a request for traffic, there are also current weather warnings broadcast.  If sufficient interest/comment is received I will publish the other frequencies down to 3MHz. 

I have noticed over the past three or so years a sharp decline in traffic being worked suggesting that this service and mode will be retired in the near future, so hear them while you can.  JFE on Okinawa has not been heard for around two years which suggests that this station has already been decommissioned.

22.681.5MHz  JFS Amori, JFT Kamaishi,  & JFW Fukushima.
22.642.0MHz  JFR Nagasaki, JFR2 Nagasaki & JFX Kagoshima.
22.606.5MHz  JFG Shizouka, JFM Muroto & JFH Mie.

17.231.0MHz  JHA Ibaraki & JFC Kanagawa.
17.180.0MHz  JFE Okinawa
17.140.0MHz  JFR2 Nagasaki,
17.132.0MHz  JFS Amori, JFT Kamaishi &  JFW Fukushima.
17.014.0MHz  JFR Nagasaki, JFX Kagoshima.

16.976.8MHz  JFG Shizouka, JFM Muroto & JFH Mie.
16.942.8MHz  JSB Hokkaido.

13.024.5MHz  JSB Hokkaido

12.880.0MHz  JFE Okinawa
12.858.0MHz  JFT Kamaishi & JFW Fukushima.
12.832.5MHz  JFC Kanagawa & JHA Ibaraki.
12.811.5MHz  JFM Muroto, JFH Mie
12.704.5MHz  JFR2 Nagasaki, JFX Kagoshima


HLF, HLJ, HLO, HLW etc Korea Telecom transmitters are all 3Kw to Log Periodic antennas from an area outside Seoul.
SVO Olympia Radio uses 10Kw transmitters to ND TCI 540-2-04 antenna system at Volakas, west of Athens on the coast.
TAH Istanbul Radio, Turkey runs a 10Kw transmitter, antenna system not known, transmitter near Istanbul.
XSG & XSQ China, transmitter and antenna array not known.

China has made quite a few changes in the past year, mostly call sign changes, however, some new stations appeared from July 2022, four new frequencies have appeared (4.210.5MHz, 8.421.0MHz, 12.624.0MHz and 16.850.3MHz) and three had call sign changes with former "XSQ" stations on 4.212.0MHz, 12.613.0MHz & 16.880.0MHz now signing as "de XSG", however, the "de" portion was dropped later around July & August 2022.  It often reverts back to "XSQ" as noted on Mon 06th Dec 2022 at 0530z.

Off particular note is 12.613.0MHz "XSQ" which was noted signing as "de XSG" on Friday 08th of March 2024 at 0740z, however, on Friday 09th of March at 0902z it had reverted back to "XSQ".

The last change we had was in September/October 2020 some Chinese beacons changed call signs, some XSG became XSQ and vice versa. Also 4.215.0MHz "de XSG" had the "de" dropped from the identifier and reverted back to just "XSG" rather than "de XSG".  On 16.880.0MHz it has been noted that previous "XSQ" has reverted back to "de XSG" observed on Tuesday 04th of July 2023. It later reverted back to "XSQ".

"WLO" American beacons:  The "WLO" beacons out of Mobile, Alabama USA have been deleted from the list as no longer on air.

Telecom Korea HLO, HLW, HLJ, HLG etc: These HF band CW transmissions ceased on all frequencies during late 2022 and all stations have been officially closed.  Thus they all have been removed from the listings as of March 2024.

SVO Olympia Radio:  Near Athens, in Greece, has not been heard here on 6.321.5MHz CW since September 2020, no recent reports have been seen on other radio websites nor have been reported here so it would be safe to assume that this service has been terminated.

For those who collect QSL cards SVO, TAH and HLF, HLG, HLJ, HLO & HLW have issued QSL cards to DXers in the past, providing you send a report in UTC date/time format.  The Chinese stations, as far as I know, do not QSL.

Where time permits I will try an update the list each month.
 

(updated: Saturday 06th April 2024)

858

HF Beacons / Russian MX beacons log.

« on: July 19, 2017, 0856 UTC »

The list below is what I have observed and logged over the past four years.  I have none logged on 4.557 to 4.558MHz due to excessive interference here on that frequency:

July 2017 to November 2021:

1259z  3.594.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 419 report.
1215z  3.594.2MHz  CW  "F"  Vladivostok, Sea of Japan, Russian Far East 519 report.
1705z  3.657.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan. 529 report.
1645z  3.227.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan. 559 report.

1620z  4.338.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan.  539 report.
1744z  4.977.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzebkistan.  419 report.

1355z  5.094.0MHz  CW  "K"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan 539 report.
1629z  5.153.7MHz  CW  "D"  Sevastapol, Black Sea. 519 report.
1322z  5.153.8MHz  CW  "P"  Kaliningrad, Baltic Sea 419 report.
1103z  5.153.9MHz  CW  "S"  Severomorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk. 419 report.
1333z  5.154.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 419 report.
1055z  5.154.2MHz  CW  "F"  Vladivostok, Sea of Japan. 539 report.
1646z  5.154.4MHz  CW  "M" Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Far East 419 report.
1244z  5.156.8MHz  CW  "L"  St Petersburg, Baltic Sea & Neva River 519 report.
1045z  5.342.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan 579 report.
1505z  5.590.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan. 529 report.
1449z  5.621.0MHz  CW  "V"  Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan, unpublished frequency so maybe not Khiva? 319 report.

0955z  7.039.2MHz  CW  "F"  Vladivostok, Far East, Sea of Japan. 419 report. 
0745z  7.039.3MHz  CW  "K"  Petropavlovsk, Kamchatskiy, Kamchathka, Bering Sea. 519 report.
1302z  7.039.4MHz  CW  "M" Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Russian Far East 419 report.
1644z  7.509.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan,Volga River, 539 report.
1429z  7.508.7MHz  CW  "D" Sevastapol, Black Sea. 519 report.
1304z  7.508.8MHz  CW  "P" Kaliningrad, Baltic Sea 419 report.
1646z  7.508.9MHz  CW  "S" Severomorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk region, 529 report.
1033z  7.611.0MHz  CW  "V" Khiva, Xorazm, Uzbekistan. 319 report.

1016z  8.494.9MHz  CW  "S" Severomorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk 529 report.
1425z  8.494.8MHz  CW  "P" Kaliningrad, Baltic Sea. 519 report.
0911z  8.495.0MHz  CW  "C" Moscow 519 report.
1557z  8.495.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 589 report.
1037z  8.495.2MHz  CW  "F" Vladisvostok, Far East, Sea of Japan 529 report.
1620z  8.495.3MHz  CW  "K" Petropavlovsk, Kamchatskiy, Kamchathka, Bering Sea 319 report.
1122z  8.495.4MHz  CW  "M"  Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Far East 319 report.
1000z  8.497.8MHz  CW  "L"  St Petersburg, Baltic Sea & Neva River. 539 report.

0909z  10.871.7MHz  CW  "D" Sevastapol, Black Sea 429 report.
1000z  10.871.8MHz  CW  "P"  Kaliningrad, Baltic Sea 419 report.
0950z  10.871.9MHz  CW  "S" Severomorsk, 319 report.
0933z  10.872.0MHz  CW  "C" Moscow, 529 report.
1000z  10.872.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 519 report.
0832z  10.872.2MHz  CW  "F" Vladivostok, Russian Far East, Sea of Japan 529 report.
0955z  10.872.3MHz  CW  "K" Petropavlovsk. Kamchatka, Bering Sea. 519 report.
0836z  10.872.4MHz  CW  "M" Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Far East 519 report.


1422z  13.528.0MHz  CW  "C" Moscow, 519 report.
1310z  13.528.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 529 report.
1000z  13.528.2MHz  CW  "F" Vladivostok, Sea of Japan 529 report.
1000z  13.528.3MHz  CW  "K" Petropavlovsk. Kamchatka, Bering Sea 559 report.
0856z  13.528.4MHz  CW  "M" Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Far East 539 report.
0842z  13.527.7MHz  CW  "D" Sevastapol, Black Sea 419 report.
0855z  13.527.8MHz  CW  "P" Kaliningrad, Baltic Sea 319 report.
1017z  13.527.9MHz  CW  "S" Severomorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk 519 report.

0610z  16.332.4MHz  CW  "M" Magadan, Sea of Okhotsk, Russian Far East. 559 report.
0330z  16.332.3MHz  CW  "K" Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka, Bering Sea 519 report.
0845z  16.332.2MHz  CW  "F" Vladivostok, Far East, Sea of Japan. 559 report.
0955z  16.332.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River. 419 report.
1000z  16.331.9MHz  CW  "S" Sevromorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk. 519 report.
1037z  16.331.8MHz  CW  "P" Kaliningrad 519 report.
0534z  16.331.7MHz  CW  "D" Sevastapol, Black Sea. 319 report.

0315z  20.048.3MHz  CW  "K" Petropavlovsk 519 report.
1039z  20.048.2MHz  CW  "F" Vladivostok, Sea of Japan. 539 report.
0930z  20.048.1MHz  CW  "A" Astrakhan, Volga River 529 report.
0755z  20.048.0MHz  CW  "C" Moscow. 419 report.
0810z  20.047.9MHz  CW  "S" Severomorsk, Kola Bay, Murmansk. 519 report.
1145z  20.047.8MHz  CW  "P" Kaliningrad. 529 report.
1102z  20.047.7MHz  CW  "D" Sevastapol, Black Sea. 419 report.



Former USSR channel marker/beacon stations:

B  Arkhangelsk
C  Moscow
F  Gdynia (Poland)
H  Unknown
O  Moscow
P  Kaliningrad
R  Izhevsk
S  Arkhangelsk
T  Unknown
U  Kholmsk
W Havana (Cuba)
X  Prague (Czech)

All of the above have virtually closed down since the demise of the former USSR, or maybe they are just "sleeping"?

Due to excessive noise on higher end of 4MHz no 4.557-4.558MHz beacons logged.

List updated 16th November 2021.

859

QSLs Received / Re: Ion Radio eQSL

« on: July 15, 2017, 0828 UTC »

"I trust that Sir is ready for the main course now?"

860

General Radio Discussion / Re: HF on Earhart 80th Anniversary Flight #air #ale

« on: July 15, 2017, 0827 UTC »

Or in a traditionally constructed shack on an uninhabited never visited island in Eastern Kiribati, then again, they would have procreated and built up a small village.

The saga continues with another twist and turn, a lot like Roswell and the aliens who crash landed, denial and excuses and other various spin...

861

Utility / Re: Pacific utility stations, 13 July 2017

« on: July 15, 2017, 0648 UTC »

MDK2:  AXQ-429 Australian Volmet (Brisbane QLD) is a strange one, it's always in the red on the meter here, however, sometimes it just doesn't turn up as scheduled (00 & 30) on 6.676MHz USB.

As to the reason why, I don't know.

I have never heard ARA Karachi Radio Volmet from Pakistan on any of the HF Volmet frequencies, have you?  Listened various times, day/night/Grey Line etc but zero.  Maybe they have ceased and handed over to someone else to give out their information.

The Russians have been very active on 8.888MHz late at night an early morning this way.

Shannon, New York and Gander often heard, South Americans however, are a different story.

862

Spy Numbers / Re: M89, VC01 & V26 for June logs...

« on: July 14, 2017, 0641 UTC »

Thanks Token for the extra information, have modified the frequency lists upon receipt of latest Engima-2000 monthly newsletter.  Will cross check with what you have provided.

Sometimes the propagation is so poor a 2MHz change in frequency can be the difference of logging VC01, especially if the first logged higher band signal is poor.

Strange thing I find with the M89 stations is many of the frequencies that are "regulars" into Europe are not heard at all here.  

8.060MHz is always strong here, up to 599 plus 10dB at times, whether it runs high power or it's at a more southern location in China?  When it turns off I always hear Chinese chatter there too, as too most of the other M89's that are not transmitter the CW Round Slips.

Re V26, had the lady giving out numbers last night 9.054MHz USB at 0945z but couldn't hear anything on the other frequencies, band was in poor shape as HM-01 in Cuba only a six rather than the usual plus 10 to 20dB over.

On 8.152MHz USB at 0755z I logged a Chinese man giving out numbers in either Cantonese or Mandarin, slowly and methodically, another man replies and repeats back.  Heard this one on two or three occasions now on same frequency.  The fellow that replies is always at least three to four 's' points weaker but always audible.  The session lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.

The Indonesian chanters seem to have the biggest following on 7.000MHz LSB, with two "Team Leaders" with big signals and great audio running the show.  Maybe a cultural thing or just having fun?

Thanks again for the additional news, always welcome this way...

863

General Radio Discussion / Re: HF on Earhart 80th Anniversary Flight #air #ale

« on: July 13, 2017, 0217 UTC »

On our national news in Australia last week it was reported that the Japanese military had both Fred Noonen and Earhart "captive" on Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

A grainy black & white photograph taken on Jaluit showed two "westerners" sitting amongst Japanese soldiers on the wharf on Jaluit.

"Profiling" of the image said "it was near certain that the two profiles matched both Earhart and Noonen."

The mystery continues...amazing how both the Japanese and American governments are so "hush hush" over this picture coming to light.

864

General Radio Discussion / Re: Enigma I: '€100 typewriter' found to be German code machine

« on: July 13, 2017, 0212 UTC »

I often wonder how many Japanese code machines are still lying about unfound in the Pacific. 

The Japanese had various spy networks set up in Micronesia and parts of Melanesia during WW-II.

The local natives would not know what it was it if they found one nor realise the potential value...

Just like missing aircraft, every year an allied or Japanese aircraft is found deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea or Solomon Island etc.

865

Utility / Re: Indonesian Navy P5O 3.635MHz CW

« on: July 11, 2017, 0847 UTC »

Thanks Token...all good value.

866

Peskies / Re: 6.990MHz LSB / 6990 kHz LSB Indonesian Chanters

« on: July 11, 2017, 0208 UTC »

R4002 & others:

In essence when all is taken into account and given the due consideration it deserves it's just Indonesian pirate operators mucking about in a form of "Claytons CB Radio" in a world of Play Wireless etc.

Someone mentioned awhile back, it may have been you R4002 or Token, due to poor propagation on 25-30MHz a lot of "Freeband" style operators have made the migration south frequency wise (6MHz for example).  More evident in Latin America and parts of EU.

Spectrum Anarchy is alive and well it seems with authorities in all countries concerned doing sweet FA about it.  It amazes me how the Indonesians get away with it on the upper 8MHz aviation section.  There is a group every opening on 8.831MHz yakking away with Flight Watch in Brisbane working traffic on same. 

The Indonesian version of the FCC would take years to clean them up, hundreds of isolated islands make up Indonesia, many don't have air services and rely on sporadic shipping services.  Then again, with bribery and corruption part of the Indonesian culture in government many would be protected by way of financial back handers.

I guess if an aircraft crashes and kills scores of passengers due to the pilot experiencing interference on the channel from the Indo's etc they may get off the clackers and actually do something?

What transceivers are they running?  Converted amateur gear or cheap junk box 0-30MHz transceivers from China?  Some of the Indonesian signals here are very strong and have excellent audio (ideal for chanting) suggesting good quality equipment. Very little bleed over/splatter noticed on many so quality gear?

Guess we can close the book on the Indonesian chanters, thanks all for your investigating, especially Omega who found info via the VKlogger, good research!   

867

Utility / Re: Indonesian Navy P5O 3.635MHz CW

« on: July 11, 2017, 0151 UTC »

Thanks for that, however, I went off the ITU International Radio Prefix guide which shows:

P5A - P9Z  North Korea

PKA - POZ  Indonesia

Will check out the other frequencies later...

868

Peskies / Re: 6.990MHz LSB Indonesian Chanters

« on: July 10, 2017, 2253 UTC »

As posted before either here or elsewhere, Indonesian plus Philippines etc are saturated from around the top of 5MHz up to at least 12MHz.  We in Australia put up with them every time the bands are open that way...

Last night there was a huge Chanting session on exactly 7.000MHz LSB with some huge signals here, one of the Team Leaders played back a recording of one session to the participants with ample comment:

"Hey you losers, you can chant better than that, put your hearts into it and give me 110%..."

Above is just a guess, have no idea what he said...

Last night heard mention of Kalimatan, Borneo and Labuan, all districts of Indonesia.  Someone tried jamming them with a carrier for around 15 to 20 minutes with zero effect.

869

HF Beacons / Re: L beacon 5157khz

« on: July 10, 2017, 2250 UTC »

Good catch, "L" for some reason is always very weak here and thus is a rare catch for me, data is as follows:

5.156.8MHz  CW  "L" St Petersburg, beacon/marker Baltic Sea & Neva River, Russia.

There are 10 Russian beaons/markers listed for that frequency from 5.153.7MHz to 5.156.8MHz all same format as "L"...

870

Utility / Indonesian Navy P5O 3.635MHz CW

« on: July 10, 2017, 2241 UTC »

Came across this new logging last night on 6.365MHz CW:

" V V V V V V V V V P5O P5O P5O 1/2/3/ K K K"

It's Papa Five Oscar (not zero) at a good steady 569 report sending over and over for around 15 minutes.

Can any one help ident this?  Possibly North Korea with the "P5" prefix?