Number Stations

[bogeyman]

Mysterious broadcasts and noises coming from many so named number stations, for what purpose isn't know for sure, but there is a possibility that sinister forces are at work.

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http://www.apul64.dsl.pipex.com/enigma2000/

The above link tracks oddities such as number stations. What else have they picked up I wonder?

[Nick Matkin]

Thanks bogeyman. An interesting subject (although a bit obscure) of which I am quite familiar. I'm surprised that sites like PA don't have more about numbers stations - they're pretty prominent in the 'conspiracy-sphere'.

Unfortunately these stations have no paranormal or alien connections (as far as I know) and they are of terrestrial origin, confirmed by basic radio direction finding.

They've varied over the years, but have been around for decades and decades.

Most videos and articles are vague in the technical details, including obvious stuff like how to listen to them. There are loads of enthusiasts logging these stations and there are groups and websites that collate and analyse the data - http://priyom.org being one of the better sites. The Conet Project (https://www.irdial.com/conet.htm) and Enigma2000 (http://www.apul64.dsl.pipex.com/enigma2000/) are also full of recordings, explanations and info.

The most famous and easily heard station is (as mentioned in the video) The Russian Buzzer, also known as Жужжалка, UVB-76, UZB-76, MDZhB, ZhUOZ. There is at least one web-based radio that is permanently tuned to it. Listen live here: http://uvb-76.net/

With modern communications, why use radio for spies and agents? Easy one that! The agents listening can be anywhere and untraceable. Use the internet and GCHQ or the CIA know what you're up to as soon as the computer is switched on! (Tracking down a radio can be done as described in Peter Wright's "Spycatcher", but you need to be within a few tens of feet first!)

The transmitted numbers station signals are designed to be easily heard on a basic shortwave radio for two reasons; Firstly there need be nothing suspicious about owning a SW radio anyone can buy in the shops; Secondly since they are not particularly sophisticated radios, the signals are quite strong and in plain language - even though the message is heavily encrypted. So we know where the transmitters are. So what?

This is another fine example of how enthusiastic amateurs can gather data and expose a subject that is supposedly being 'covered up' (or not acknowledged) by TPTB. Nevertheless, as far as I know, no amateurs have been able to crack the codes.

The BBC has a well researched article here http://uvb-76.net/ and a decent programme about it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvr6o7fBcTY

Skeptoid has a good 10 minute podcast here: https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4107

Also a recent piece from Mysterious Universe http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2016/09/strange-airwaves-mysterious-and-spooky-unexplained-radio-broadcasts/

We know they exist. We know how to hear them. We know where they're coming from and (mostly) who's behind them. But we can only guess at their content.

Happy listening...

[norman]

I used to listen to shortwave a lot but these days there's not much of interest to listen to, as I don't understand any other languages than english.

I've heard the numbers stations and recorded a few. Another one that excited me even more was one that seemed to be military. The announcer called himself or his station "Andrews". he also referred to it as "Global High Frequency Network Control".

He read out a series of letters and closed with "Andrews Out".

edit to add:

I forgot to mention that the voice had an American accent.

[Inversion]

Number stations use shortwave radio because it propagates long distances. It could be meant for spies, assets or used by criminal organizations.
Numbers station (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_station)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfv6nm4ykLY