In the past couple of weeks I have been hearing numerous phase-shift-keyed (PSK) signals that have a sound similar to an idling diesel engine. The signals are possibly a NATO 2400 baud PSK system. These signals have been active for several days on the following frequencies: 4254, 4974, 6745, 10864, 11022, 12913, 14389, 16409, and 16944 KHZ. These signals seem to be operating 24 hours a day, as every time I tune to these frequencies I hear a signal there. They are usually very strong, which is a good indication that they are located in North America. From listening to these signals, it sounds as if they are just idling, but without sophisticated signal analysis equipment (i.e. a spectrum analyzer) it's difficult to tell when traffic is being sent. What is very interesting, though, is that these signals sound a lot like the "diesel engine" sound that was occasionally heard on some CIA counting stations' carriers.

On 13 July at 2015 I found an odd station on 16080 KHZ simulating military radio traffic. This station used the callsign 'Diamond 4' and repeated an announcement that "...there are at least two enemy divisions out there. Good luck." This was repeated for several minutes, when it was replaced by another announcement using the callsign 'Diamond 3.' This announcement was about a bridge collapsing, several personnel killed and several vehicles destroyed. This was also repeated for several minutes, and was then replaced by a third announcement using the callsign 'Diamond 2' who advised he was receiving heavy fire and wanted to know whether or not he should move forward or wait for reinforcements. The same voice was used in all three announcements, and the announcer used a calm monotone voice. This obviously wouldn't be the case if such events as he described were taking place. I found it peculiar that AM was used instead of SSB, and in between repeats of each announcement the carrier went off the air. I believe this station was used for some sort of exercise, or possibly some sort of SIGINT collection training similar to the CW/RTTY station I reported on last month. Only further monitoring of this station will yield clues as to it's existence, and unfortunately I haven't heard it since. If anyone else heard this station, or knows a little more about it, please let me know.

I also heard 8BY on 14931 KHZ on 7 & 13 July repeating VVV DE 8BY and a couple of 3F numbers. On the 7th the numbers 629 & 784 were sent, and on the 13th, 629 & 532 were sent. Every other time I've heard 8BY more than two 3F numbers were sent, so I thought this was a little unusual. This station is believed to be operated by French intelligence. The signal has been DF'ed to France, and the transmitter is believed to be located near Saint Assise. Its transmissions begin at 40 minutes past the hour and last for 20 minutes. Along with 14931 it also uses 7668, 10248, 12075, 12170, 12283, 14433, 14925, 18415, and 20946 KHZ. I haven't logged it on any of these other frequencies lately but I usually have a good signal on 14931.

On Saturday the 18th of July I appeared on the NPR "Anthem" radio program discussing numbers stations. The segment delt with the release of the Conet numbers station CD's and a discussion of numbers stations in general. This should make a good introduction to numbers stations to those who have never heard of them before. I also hope it will interest a few people into our strange little segment of the radio hobby. The program appeared on about 30 NPR stations nationwide, so hopefully we had a good audience.

I've been meaning to compile recent skeds of the Cuban CW cut number and YL/SS stations, but unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to look for them. I also haven't logged too many of them lately, so I would appreciate it if you could send any & all loggings of these two stations to me. Be sure to include the day of the week, time heard in UTC, and frequency. Once the new list is completed, I'll send copies to everyone who contributed as well as send a copy to the Spooks mailing list. Your help will be appreciated, and I thank you in advance.

That's all for this month. Drop me a line & let me know what you're hearing.

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