Re: [TSCM-L] {2618} The pictures speak for themselves

From: Mark Black <7..._at_io.com>
Date: Thu, 01 May 2008 13:49:42 -0500

Ah, yes... the Russian Woodpecker, aka Steel Yard. And it is still in
use. Well, kind of. From what I've heard there are some Russian "radio
hobbyists" who mount their beacon transmitter and antenna at the top of
it. I can't seem to find my notes on that though.

I still get goose bumps on the back of my neck when I think about the
goose bumps I got on the back of my neck the first time I heard a
numbers station when I was 14. (Yes, goose bumps from goose bumps) I
knew it was something clandestine the moment I heard it. But at the time
my father had me reading John le Carre and James Bamford books, so that
was the natural direction my mind took. Was most likely a Cuban numbers
stations... female with a Latin accent. I never did get to hear the
Woodpecker though. There's still lots to hear on the SW bands these
days, but it's not like it used to be. And the Chinese have been firing
up their Firedragon jamming station from what I hear on the SWL lists.

Think I'll fire up the R-75 tonight and see if there's anything I can
log to the ENIGMA 2000 list. Kick back with some Cognac and a smoke...
dig out my worn copy of 'The Puzzle Palace' that was previously owned by
someone who worked there (due to the annotations and corrections in the
margins!)... and twirl the dial.


Mark
Austin, TX
Received on Sat Mar 02 2024 - 00:57:23 CST