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[CQ-Contest] Fw: The Russian Woodpecker

To: "cq-contest" <cq-contest@contesting.com>, <w9sz.zack@gmail.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Fw: The Russian Woodpecker
From: "Jim Monahan" <K1PX@msn.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:01:21 -0400
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
I neglected to add that this info was provided by an article by K4KYV.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Jim Monahan<mailto:K1PX@msn.com> 
To: w9sz.zack@gmail.com<mailto:w9sz.zack@gmail.com> ; 
cq-contest<mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com> 
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 12:47 PM
Subject: The Russian Woodpecker


This gigantic antenna system called Duga-3 is located near Prypiat in the 
Chernobyl area.  It was built in the 70's as an early missile detection system 
(over-the-horizon radar system). It was also called the Steel Yard hence its 
distinctive appearance. The antenna was deactivated in 1989.

The Russian Woodpecker was a notorious Soviet signal that could be heard on the 
shortwave radio bands worldwide between July 1976 and December 1989. It sounded 
like a sharp, repetitive tapping noise, at 10 Hz, giving rise to the 
"Woodpecker" name. The random frequency disrupted legitimate broadcast, amateur 
radio, and utility transmissions and resulted in thousands of complaints by 
many countries worldwide.

Starting in 1976 a new and powerful radio signal was detected worldwide, and 
quickly dubbed the Woodpecker by amateur radio operators. Transmission power on 
some woodpecker transmitters was estimated to be as high as 10 MW EIRP. As well 
as disrupting shortwave amateur radio and broadcasting it could sometimes be 
heard over telephone circuits due to the strength of the signals. This led to a 
thriving industry of "Woodpecker filters" and noise blankers.

http://www.artificialowl.net/2008/12/abandoned-giant-duga-3-system-antenna.html<http://www.artificialowl.net/2008/12/abandoned-giant-duga-3-system-antenna.html>

Jim, K1PX

K1PX at msn.com<mailto:K1PX@msn.com>
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