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SDR++ – Signals in the Ether

The aim of this document is to provide an accurate frequency list for SDR users using SDR++

To create a loadable frequency chart for Russian military stations compatible with SDR++, we need a structured dataset of frequencies, modes, and other relevant details, formatted as a CSV file that SDR++ can import as a frequency list. SDR++ supports importing frequency lists in CSV format with columns like frequency, mode, and description. Below, data from reliable sources is used, including Priyom.org and other references, to compile a chart of Russian military shortwave (HF) frequencies, focusing on stations like “The Buzzer,” “The Pip,” and others, which are commonly monitored by radio enthusiasts. provide Instructions are for formatting and loading the chart into SDR++.

Step 1: Understanding SDR++ Frequency List Format

SDR++ allows users to import a frequency list via a CSV file. The typical format includes:

  • Frequency: In Hertz (Hz) or Megahertz (MHz).
  • Mode: Modulation type (e.g., USB, AM, CW).
  • Description: A label or note about the station or purpose.
  • Optional Fields: Bandwidth, tags, or other metadata (not always required).

For example, a CSV line might look like:

4625000,USB,The Buzzer - Russian Military

Step 2: Compiling Russian Military Frequencies

Using data from Priyom.org, Numbers-Stations.com, and other sources, here’s a curated list of active or historically significant Russian military HF frequencies, focusing on shortwave bands suitable for SDR monitoring. These include strategic stations, markers, and voice networks. I’ve cross-checked for relevance and activity as of 2025, noting that some frequencies may be inactive or change due to military operations.

Frequency (kHz)ModeDescriptionNotes
4625USBThe Buzzer (UVB-76)Western Military District, Naro-Fominsk, Moscow. Buzz tone with occasional voice messages. Callsigns: ANVF, VZhCh, A1JZH.
5292CWD MarkerWestern Military District, intermittent Morse code marker.
4182CWT MarkerWestern Military District, Morse code marker.
3510USBThe Air HornWestern Military District, associated with military comms.
4310/3243USBThe GooseWestern Military District, primary/secondary frequencies.
4770USBThe AlarmWestern Military District, voice comms.
4224/3218.5USBKatok-65Western Military District, voice traffic.
5448/3756USBThe PipSouthern Military District, Rostov na Donu. Callsign: 8S1Ch.
5473/3828USBThe Squeaky WheelSouthern Military District, possible Rostov na Donu. Callsign: Alfa-45.
4590CWWEGIMorse code messages, often linked to The Buzzer.
4621CWWEGIMorse code, same network as 4590 kHz.
6998USBThe Buzzer (Secondary)Alternate frequency for The Buzzer network.
2737CW/DigitalREA4Russian Air Force HQ, Moscow. Airfield weather and Monolith messages.
4179CW/DigitalREA4Russian Air Force HQ, Moscow. Similar to 2737 kHz.
4672USBVologda RadioRussian Air Force, occasional call checks.
5959USBUnidentified Russian StationLogged in 2019, rare messages, no callsign.

Notes:

  • Frequencies: Converted to kHz for consistency (e.g., 4625 kHz = 4.625 MHz).
  • Mode: Most voice comms use Upper Sideband (USB); Morse code uses CW (Continuous Wave); some stations use digital modes.
  • Activity: Frequencies like The Buzzer (4625 kHz) and The Pip (5448 kHz) are consistently active, while others (e.g., 5959 kHz) are sporadic. Monitor logs on Priyom.org for real-time updates.
  • Callsigns: Russian military callsigns are often a word plus two digits (e.g., SEKRET-39) or 4-character alphanumeric codes.

Step 3: Creating the CSV File

Below is the CSV content based on the table above, formatted for SDR++ compatibility. Copy this into a text editor and save it as russian_military_frequencies.csv.

Frequency,Mode,Description
4625000,USB,The Buzzer - Western Military District (UVB-76)
5292000,CW,D Marker - Western Military District
4182000,CW,T Marker - Western Military District
3510000,USB,The Air Horn - Western Military District
4310000,USB,The Goose - Western Military District (Primary)
3243000,USB,The Goose - Western Military District (Secondary)
4770000,USB,The Alarm - Western Military District
4224000,USB,Katok-65 - Western Military District (Primary)
3218500,USB,Katok-65 - Western Military District (Secondary)
5448000,USB,The Pip - Southern Military District
3756000,USB,The Pip - Southern Military District (Secondary)
5473000,USB,The Squeaky Wheel - Southern Military District
3828000,USB,The Squeaky Wheel - Southern Military District (Secondary)
4590000,CW,WEGI - Morse Code (Buzzer Network)
4621000,CW,WEGI - Morse Code (Buzzer Network)
6998000,USB,The Buzzer - Western Military District (Secondary)
2737000,CW,REA4 - Russian Air Force HQ Moscow
4179000,CW,REA4 - Russian Air Force HQ Moscow
4672000,USB,Vologda Radio - Russian Air Force
5959000,USB,Unidentified Russian Station (2019)

Formatting Notes:

  • Frequency: In Hertz (e.g., 4625000 Hz = 4.625 MHz).
  • Mode: SDR++ recognizes modes like USB, CW, AM, etc. Ensure these match SDR++’s mode option(e.g., @MelvinBGlobal’s 2022 list).s.
  • Description: Includes station name and military district for clarity.

Step 4: Loading the CSV into SDR++

Follow these steps to import the frequency list into SDR++:

  1. Install SDR++: Download and install SDR++ from its official GitHub page (https://github.com/AlexandreRouma/SDRPlusPlus) for your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS).
  2. Save the CSV: Copy the CSV content above into a text editor (e.g., Notepad) and save it as russian_military_frequencies.csv in a known location (e.g., your Desktop).
  3. Open SDR++:
  • Connect your SDR device (e.g., RTL-SDR, HackRF) and select it in SDR++.
  • Start the SDR++ application.
  1. Access the Frequency Manager:
  • Go to the View menu and enable the Frequency Manager panel (or press the frequency display).
  • In the Frequency Manager, click the Import button (usually a folder icon or menu option).
  1. Import the CSV:
  • Navigate to your russian_military_frequencies.csv file and select it.
  • SDR++ will load the frequencies into the Frequency Manager.
  1. Monitor Frequencies:
  • Double-click a frequency in the Frequency Manager to tune to it.
  • Adjust the mode (e.g., USB, CW) and bandwidth (typically 2.8–3 kHz for USB, 500 Hz for CW) as needed.
  • Listen for buzz tones, voice messages, or Morse code. Use a spectrum analyzer or waterfall display to identify signals.

Step 5: Monitoring Tips

  • Equipment: An SDR like RTL-SDR (~$30) with a good antenna (e.g., longwire or dipole for HF) is sufficient. Ensure your SDR covers 2–10 MHz for shortwave.
  • Time of Day: HF propagation varies. Nighttime is better for long-distance reception due to ionospheric conditions.
  • Interference: Russian stations like The Buzzer may experience jamming or pirate broadcasts (e.g., memes, songs).
  • Logs: Check Priyom.org or Numbers-Stations.com for recent logs to confirm activity. Some frequencies (e.g., 5959 kHz) are rarely active.
  • Language: Messages are in Russian, often coded (e.g., “SEKRET-39 37649”). Use a recorder or Google Translate for voice analysis.

Step 6: Limitations and Considerations

  • Accuracy: Frequencies may change due to military operations or reorganization. The Buzzer moved transmitters in 2010 and 2015.
  • Legality: Monitoring military frequencies is legal in many countries for hobbyists, but retransmitting or decoding encrypted messages may violate laws. Check local regulations (e.g., UK’s Wireless Telegraphy Act).
  • Encryption: Many Russian comms are unencrypted (“en clair”), but coded messages (e.g., Monolith format) are unintelligible without context.
  • Verification: Priyom.org and Numbers-Stations.com are used for data, but not all frequencies are active daily. Cross-reference with SDR communities on Reddit or X for real-time reports.

Step 7: Optional Enhancements

  • Custom Tags: Add a “Tags” column to the CSV (e.g., “Buzzer,” “Air Force”) for filtering in SDR++.
  • Bandwidth: Include a “Bandwidth” column (e.g., 2800 for USB, 500 for CW) if your SDR++ version supports it.
  • Dynamic Updates: Use SDR++’s bookmark feature to manually add new frequencies from Priyom.org as they’re reported.

Final Notes

This frequency chart focuses on shortwave (HF) Russian military stations, as these are most accessible with consumer SDRs.

VHF/UHF frequencies (e.g., for Russian Air Force tactical comms, 124–358 MHz), are possible, but these require specialized antennas and are less commonly monitored due to line-of-sight limitations.

To use the chart, save the CSV, import it into SDR++, and start monitoring. For real-time updates, follow Priyom.org or X posts from radio enthusiasts.