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(Edited per DaveC426913's suggestion)
A new kind of shortwave oddity, and some theories about what it may be.
A new kind of shortwave oddity, and some theories about what it may be.
Last edited:
"I am the Ghost of XM's Past" (Weird signals on shortwave)
- Thread starter Swamp Thing
- Start date
In summary, "I am the Ghost of XM's Past" explores the phenomenon of mysterious and strange signals encountered on shortwave radio. The piece delves into the history of these signals, their origins, and their impact on amateur radio enthusiasts. It highlights the eerie and intriguing nature of the transmissions, often described as ghostly, and reflects on the fascination they evoke among listeners seeking to decode their meanings.
- #2
Baluncore
Science Advisor
2023 Award
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A one of sixteen pure tones signal, called "piccolo", was used mainly by British diplomatic data links. It usually had a slightly faster bit rate than the one in the video.
https://www.cryptomuseum.com/ref/piccolo/index.htm
The "washing machine" sounds like a combined raster, time reversal, and spectrum inversion scrambler. Maybe it is simply being used like a jammer, to keep that military channel available, in case it is needed.
It is interesting to note the presence of the signals, but do not get involved in trying to read the content, unless you are paid to do it.
https://www.cryptomuseum.com/ref/piccolo/index.htm
The "washing machine" sounds like a combined raster, time reversal, and spectrum inversion scrambler. Maybe it is simply being used like a jammer, to keep that military channel available, in case it is needed.
It is interesting to note the presence of the signals, but do not get involved in trying to read the content, unless you are paid to do it.
- #3
DaveC426913
Gold Member
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It would be swell if the OP had a short explanation of what the video contains. As it is, both the thread title and the opening post are inscrutable, and readers are forced to watch the video just to find out what the thread is about. 
FAQ: "I am the Ghost of XM's Past" (Weird signals on shortwave)
What is "I am the Ghost of XM's Past" on shortwave radio?
"I am the Ghost of XM's Past" refers to a peculiar and often mysterious signal that can occasionally be heard on shortwave radio frequencies. These signals typically consist of unusual sounds, tones, or even snippets of music and speech that don't seem to have a clear origin or purpose.
Why do these weird signals appear on shortwave radio?
Weird signals on shortwave radio can appear for various reasons, including atmospheric conditions, interference from other electronic devices, or even intentional transmissions from individuals or organizations. Sometimes these signals are remnants of old broadcasts or experiments that continue to propagate through the ionosphere.
Are these signals harmful or dangerous?
Generally, these signals are not harmful or dangerous. They are often just curious anomalies that shortwave radio enthusiasts enjoy tracking and decoding. However, it's always a good idea to exercise caution and not to tamper with any equipment or frequencies that you do not fully understand.
Can these signals be decoded or understood?
Some of these signals can be decoded, especially if they follow known patterns or use standard encoding methods. Enthusiasts and experts often use software-defined radios (SDRs) and decoding software to analyze and interpret these signals. However, many remain mysterious and are part of the allure of shortwave radio listening.
What should I do if I encounter a weird signal on shortwave radio?
If you encounter a weird signal on shortwave radio, you can try to record it and share it with the shortwave listening community for analysis. Websites and forums dedicated to shortwave radio enthusiasts can be valuable resources for identifying and understanding these signals. Additionally, you can use online databases and tools to see if others have reported similar signals.