menu
Weekly Online Magazine
ISSN 2544-5839
zamknij
Media Review image

15.04.2024 Media industry

Numbers Stations in Radio. For Puzzle and Cryptography Enthusiasts

Krzysztof Fiedorek

They broadcast seemingly meaningless strings of numbers and letters, sometimes short, encrypted messages. Some even play music between coded transmissions or broadcast propaganda. For over a hundred years, number stations have puzzled radio enthusiasts and mystery hunters. What do we know about them?
Poczytaj artykuł wydanie polskie w wydaniu polskim

Number Stations. For Puzzle and Cryptography Enthusiastsillustration: bing.com/create

The first number stations appeared at the end of World War I. Initially, they were used to send simple Morse codes meant for spies and intelligence agents. Over time, the transmissions became more complex, incorporating sequences of numbers, letters, and even words in various languages.

The Cold War era was the peak of number station activity. They served as tools of propaganda and disinformation, broadcast by governments and intelligence agencies on both sides of the Iron Curtain. Although the number of active number stations significantly decreased after the Cold War, they still operate in many parts of the world. Their purposes and methods remain largely unknown, sparking much speculation and conspiracy theories. Some are still used by intelligence agencies, while others transmit religious or political messages.

Based on their content, number stations can be categorized into:

  • Stations broadcasting strings of numbers and letters: These stations broadcast sequences of numbers, letters, or combinations of both, often without clear meaning to the average listener. An example is UVB-76, also known as "The Buzzer."
  • Stations broadcasting messages: These stations transmit short, coded messages intended for specific recipients, such as spies or intelligence agents. An example is The Lincolnshire Poacher, used by British intelligence during World War II.

There are also other, less common types of number stations, such as those that broadcast natural sounds, time signals, and experimental transmissions. Some even play music or propaganda messages.
Studying and classifying number stations is a complex task due to their often hidden nature and lack of reliable information about their origins and purposes.

Broadcasting Methods of Number Stations


Number stations use different methods to broadcast their signals, depending on their purpose and available technology. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Shortwave Broadcasting (SW): This is the most popular method for broadcasting number station signals. Shortwave signals can travel long distances, reaching audiences worldwide.
  • AM Broadcasting: Amplitude modulation (AM) is a simple and relatively inexpensive broadcasting method, commonly used in commercial radio. However, AM signals are prone to atmospheric and other types of interference.
  • USB Broadcasting: Upper Sideband (USB) modulation is more efficient than AM, providing better sound quality and less susceptibility to interference.
  • LSB Broadcasting: Lower Sideband (LSB) modulation is similar to USB but offers better signal penetration in challenging propagation conditions.


In addition to these basic methods, number stations may also use more advanced broadcasting techniques, such as:

  • Digital Broadcasting: Digital signals provide higher sound quality and are less susceptible to interference than analog signals.
  • Spread Spectrum Broadcasting: This technique involves broadcasting the signal from multiple locations, making it harder to trace or interfere with.

Receiving Number Station Signals


Receiving number station signals can be challenging due to their weak and often distorted nature. In addition to standard radio receivers, listeners may also use specialized equipment, such as:

  • Scanners: Scanners allow quick searches across different radio frequencies, making it easier to find number station signals.
  • Directional Antennas: Directional antennas can focus on a signal from a specific direction, improving reception quality.
  • Demodulation Software: This software can demodulate AM, USB, and LSB signals, allowing users to listen to broadcasts from number stations.

It’s important to note that many number station broadcasts are coded or encrypted, making them difficult to understand without the proper key or knowledge.

Researchers and enthusiasts of number stations use various techniques to crack codes and decrypt the messages broadcast by these stations. They employ cryptography knowledge, frequency analysis, and other methods to uncover hidden meanings in these transmissions. As noted by Wikipedia, almost no government or broadcaster has officially acknowledged the use of number stations.

Share the article:

dodaj na Facebook prześlij przez Messenger dodaj na Twitter dodaj na LinkedIn

COMMERCIAL BREAK
Work In Media

New articles in section Media industry

Cyberviolence and hate disguised as a joke. The RAYUELA report on youth

Krzysztof Fiedorek
The study conducted in five countries reveals a harsh truth. Online violence is not evenly distributed. It is a digital map of prejudice that hurts the most those who stand out the most. "It’s just a joke." That’s how violence often begins. Young people go through it in silence.

Trust in social media. Youtube beats TikTok and X

Krzysztof Fiedorek
Do we really trust social media? A new study reveals major differences in how top platforms are rated. Trust goes where there's authenticity, not just algorithms. The role of people is growing while brand influence is fading.

Artificial intelligence in newsrooms. Three realities of the AI era in media

Krzysztof Fiedorek
According to a report by the European Broadcasting Union, many newsrooms already use AI but still do not fully trust it. Audiences do not want "robotic" news, and the technologies themselves though fast can be costly, unreliable, and surprisingly human in their mistakes.


See articles on a similar topic:

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills. The Future of the Job Market is Here

KFi
The world faces the challenge of digital transformation, and technological skills have become a gateway to career success. How do Europeans evaluate their abilities, and which industries are leading the way? A recent report by Pracuj.pl reveals which skills open doors to better careers and why AI is the future of work.

Digital Press Reading Habits

Bartłomiej Dwornik
What time of day do we most often reach for e-newspapers and e-books? According to a study by Legimi, peak times are between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. It’s time to dismiss the notion that weekends are our favorite reading days.

The Deadliest Year for Journalism. 124 Fatalities in 2024

Krzysztof Fiedorek
The year 2024 was the deadliest for media professionals since the Committee to Protect Journalists began tracking these statistics. The tragic figures, published in CPJs latest special report, reached record highs in most monitored categories.

Review of media from around the world. See what they are buzzing about [LINK]

AUTOPROMOCJA Reporterzy.info
What is the media buzzing about? A review of the headlines of the most important newspapers and websites. Events of the day, country, world, media market, economy, sport, foreign media, and even gossip and curiosities. In real time and 24 hours a day. We invite you!

More in the section: Media industry

community

Facebook LinkedIn X Twitter TikTok Instagram Threads Youtube Google News Blue Sky Social RSS

Reporterzy.info - online media studies magazine. The world of communication from the inside. Media, journalism, PR and marketing. Data, reports, analyses, advice. History and market, law, photography, job offers.


Work in media

United States
New York • Washington DC • Los Angeles • Chicago • Houston • Phoenix • Philadelphia United Kingdom
London • Birmingham • Manchester • Liverpool • Glasgow • Edinburgh Canada
Toronto • Ottawa • Montreal • Calgary Australia
Sydney • Melbourne • Brisbane • canberra Ireland, New Zealand, India

advertisement

Drones. For PRO. On discount





Reporter shopping

Reporter shopping

Affordable laptops, notebooks and netbooks
Affordable laptops, notebooks and netbooks
for writing
Digital SLR and compact cameras
Digital SLR and compact cameras
for photographers
Books and e-books about media
Books and e-books about media
for reading
Video drones and flying cameras
Video drones and flying cameras
for pilots
Gimbals for stabilizing video
Gimbals for stabilizing video
for those on the move
Software and apps for creative work
Software and apps for creative work
for digital creators
More occasions

follow us 👉 on Youtube
Watch more 👇
#59sec REPORT SHORTS
Read books and e-books

Read books and e-books

Okładka The 40-Day Social Media Fast
The 40-Day Social Media Fast
Okładka Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies
Okładka Mass Communication: Living in a Media World
Mass Communication: Living in a Media World
Okładka Beyond The Feed: A Social Media Success Formula
Beyond The Feed: A Social Media Success Formula
Okładka Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Trust Me, I`m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Okładka Hate, Inc.: Why Today`s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
Hate, Inc.: Why Today`s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
more books and e-books

Reporterzy.info

More about us

Our tools and services

Contact


© Dwornik.pl Bartłomiej Dwornik 2oo1-2o25