The Squeaky Wheel

The Squeaky Wheel is the nickname given by radio listeners to a utility shortwave radio station that broadcasts a distinctive sound. From around 2000 until 2008 this station's attention tone was a high-pitched two tone signal that vaguely resembled a squeaky wheel. From 2008 the channel marker changed (no longer even remotely resembling a squeaky wheel) to two different tones in a short sequence repeated with a short silent gap. The frequencies were 5473 kHz (day) and 3828 kHz (night).[1][2] Several times voice messages in the format of Strategic Flash Messages have been reported. The exact transmitter site is unknown, but is thought to be near Rostov-on-Don, Russia.[2] The signal strength is not very good in Central Europe and the station sometimes even might disappear for days in the noise.

The Squeaky Wheel
Frequency3828 kHz (night); 5473 kHz (day);
First air date2000
FormatRepeated squeaks, occasional Strategic Flash Messages in Russian
AffiliationsRussian Armed Forces (unconfirmed)
Sister stationsThe Buzzer, The Pip

Other frequencies observed are 3650 kHz, 3815 kHz, 5474 kHz, and 5641 kHz.[3]

The Enigma designation is S32[2][4] with S indicating Slavic language. However, from 2000 to 2005 it was designated XSW when voice on the station was unknown.[5]

References
  1. Boender, Ary (3 August 2006). "Numbers and Oddities". Spooks. 107.
  2. "Squeaky Wheel". www.numbers-stations.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. Rogers, B (November 2008). "Mystery Signals of Shortwave". Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  4. "MX" (PDF). Numbers and Oddities. 28 July 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  5. "The Squeaky Wheel". Priyom.org Number Stations Research. Retrieved 20 June 2014.

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