[CQ-Contest] The Russian Woodpecker

[Jim Monahan]

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 at msn.com>