The Squeaky Wheel

The Squeaky Wheel is the nickname given by radio listeners to a utility shortwave radio station that used to broadcast a distinctive sound. From around 2000 until 2008 this station sounded exactly like a squeaky wheel. From 2008 the channel marker changed to two different tones in a short sequence repeated with a short silent gap. The frequencies were 5473 kHz (day) and 3828 kHz (night). Several times voice messages in the format of Strategic Flash Messages have been reported. The transmitter site is unknown, but is thought to be near Rostov on Don, Russia, the signal strength is not very good in Central Europe and the station sometimes even might disappear for days in the noise.

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

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