ENIGMA 2000 Newsletter - Issue 30

September 2005
Articles, newsreports and Items of interest :enigma2000-owner@yahoogroups.com

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E22 Arabic Man 15040//17385 kHz

©ENIGMA2000 23rdJuly 2005
E22 Arabic Man. A most enigmatic station. 15040//17385kHz

Following GD’s 6^th July, 2005 intercept of XN2 at 1355z Alexandr in Ukraine subsequently identified our provisional “E26p” as E22; in fact it had been heard before. One entry in the original ENIGMA 14, page 7 of January 1998 was discovered by GD and refers:

E22) ARABIC MAN 2LETTER/FIGURE mode AM NEW

“This is a new signal and was noted on Saturday 20^th September 1997 at 1405z on 17385kHz. The very strong AM signal consisted of a male voice in English with thick Middle Eastern accent slowly repeating FOXTROT DELTA SEVEN over and over again until 1410z, ended abruptly.

Another report was also received without the exact frequency the following week when the station was noted in the 14MHz area, repeating FOXTROT DELTA NINE. So far no messages noted as such. Reports appreciated.”

That led to the ENIGMA Control List 21 entry, which reads:

O E22 OM ^ Arabic Man, 2L/f(ie FD7, FD9)

It would immediately appear that this station was inactive – after all it had taken 8 years to be heard. However this was not the case. PLondon received a log entry from RNGB; it read:

"I heard something very similar last year. It was on 17387kHz AM and was on 7th November 2004 at 1100z

"The message was “This is Oscar Papa 63” repeated on and off for 8 minutes. Tx ended 1108, carrier stayed up, nothing else heard. The only difference was an Arabic sounding YL !"

[Tnx RNGB]

Known Transmissions and idents

[Note: Time stated refers to the rising of the carrier and the 1kHz tone prior to message content. Entries in italics refer to observations not in 2005].

• *
  Freqin ‘14MHz area’ possibly stated from analogue Rx and actually 15040kHz.
• ^
  Taken from an unreliable source.
• ‘
  late at 1006z..

[Note the range of time – 0755 to 1555z. This gives a suitable margin as well as supplying some ‘control for the later propagation exercise. Actual times station heard in block].

E22 starts with an unmodulated carrier rising at around H+47mins. It will fluctuate in strength. Somewhere towards the start of the transmission a 1kHz tone modulates the carrier. It does not suddenly come on but rather rises as though it is 'turned up'. It is removed prior to the 'message proper' being transmitted. Usually at H+59mins the tone returns, replaced at H 00 by the mic being turned on. There is a nasty hum prior to speech being heard; the reason is probably an insufficient earth or very poor matching into the transmitter from a tape recorder or other audio equipment.

The message then starts with a phrase, “This is,” or “Condition” [See later] and then the two letter, one number ident is heard.

After five repeats of, say, Yankee Delta Six, the carrier is left unmodulated. At around H+04 the 1kHz tone rises and then the mic followed by either a repeat of the previous message, or something different*. Sometimes voices and other sounds can be heard in the background. Then at around H+08 the message ceases and the carrier removed.

*Two queries were received from ENIGMA 2000 monitors asking if ‘ XN8’ was heard during the 17385kHz 1155z 16/07

This full ENIGMA 2000 Monitor log illustrates the above short description of the transmission habits of E22:

E22 Log Saturday 9^th July 2005:

1355z sending

E22 Log Saturday 16^th July 2005:

0855z sending

0955z sending

1155z sending

1255z sending

1355z sending

E22 Log Friday 22^nd July 2005:

(Previous sendings missed due to station maintenance)

1155z sending

1255 sending

1355 Sending [Friday 22^nd July 2005]

Log Summary

Generally the signals were excellent; S5 to 9 with extensive QSB.

Poor operating procedures and technical problems with modulation leads one to believe the set-up is very ad-hoc.

The first transmission on Saturday 9^th July, 2005 followed a set procedure, ie carrier on – tone – announcement.

The hum on the modulation is adequately described in more detail elsewhere in this document.

Saturday 16th July, 2005

The first transmission from 0840 to 0909z, apart from background mechanical noise and the non-synchronised announcements between 15040 and 17385, went without further problems.

The second transmission appeared to have problems at 1000z. The ID/Call Sign XP2 was used but twice only without preceding tone.

The ID/Call Sign VP3 was subsequently used at 1006z preceded by the tone. At 1010z the ID/Call Sign was again used, but once only. Over this period there were various background voices and noises; at one point, clearly heard was, “One minute before…….” The last word was not understood.

There appeared to be background confusion followed by the ID/Call Sign VP3 used twice only, background voices still audible. Modulation switch off followed with carrier removal at 1015z.

The next series of transmissions proceeded normally, finally closing down at 1408z

Friday 22^nd July, 2005

1. The 1200 and 1300z sendings were without incident.
2. The 1400zz transmission listed in S5 resulted in having to change my recorder to 17385 with little, if any, improvement.
3. At 1358z a short sentence in Arabic was heard followed by a tone at 1359z, after which ZY8 was announced.
4. The final 1406z announcement ‘ZY8’ had a female speaking Arabic in the background.
5. The carrier went down at 1408z, no further activity having been heard since that date/time.

Conclusions

Having listened to my tapes several times, the ID/Callsign when first said is preceded by the words “This is”. I do not accept any other statement having been spoken. [See later].

The PS5 announcement at 1200z 16/07/05 may be where some confusion arises. The announcer appears nervous and hesitant, stuttering on the statement “This is.”

In general the ID/Call Sign is spoken five times, the only exception being the 1000z schedule 16^th July, 2005.

[Thanks to the E2k monitor who wishes to remain ‘Anon’]

Audio trace of 1100z 16/07/07 to end of transmission [17385kHz]

Bearings taken of the transmissions.

So where is E22 sent from? Claims have been made that the station is transmitted from the direction of India and a bearing was provided to prove that. However, from the heavy accented voice it would appear the announcer is of Arabic extraction.

Quite feasibly a French Arabic speaker. He has no problem pronouncing the phonetic ‘Papa’ whilst ‘Quebec’ was pronounced [Saturday 16^th July 2005] with some difficulty; at least for the listeners. ‘Cubeek’ is the most popular heard. The classical Arabic alphabet has no ‘P’ [You will hear the word Repeat spoken as ‘Rebeat’ if you listen closely to E25]. The Arabic word ‘eiwa’ [Yes] was heard in one E22 sound sample that featured conversations in the background.

It is of interest that Algeria is in the same time zone as Great Britain; what happens at any particular Algerian time occurs at the same time in Great Britain. Note the sendings occur between 0855 and 1355z. How convenient is that for the intended recipient?

There has been suggestion that E22 comes from India and perusal of the above chart shows three bearings taken so far.

The red lines indicate short path bearings to either Algeria or India. The blue line indicates the long path to India.

From the bearings taken [not in ideal circumstances] it would appear the transmitter exists in the general area of Algeria. Mndbs’ bearing was in the direction of India but we cannot discount the obverse and corrected reading which passes through Algeria along with DoK’s ordinal and the ideal bearing for utilization of the short path propagation. Bear in mind such reception is with one hop only and the signal is extremely strong on occasion. A third bearing from MikeL passed through Oran Algeria., near enough to duplicate DoK’s result.

India would require two hops to utilize its short path. Long path propagation does not exist for Algeria for the London path using the 15//17MHz frequencies. [Long path propagation would exist for an ideal frequency of 200kHz , being the nominal frequency required for such a path to be useful.].

A long path from India would require 10 hops. The Solar values [shown below] used in these calculations were taken from actual figures recorded but did not appear to be able to support such propagation at the time of the actual transmissions.

In addition to that we must look at the terminator. There was mention to Group of the Grey Line not being in the correct place for transmissions from India to be influenced in this manner.

Grey Line explained

For those without experience in this field an excellent explanation is afforded in the ‘Radio Communication Handbook’ 6^th Edition page 11.26. It briefly states, ‘Many operators believe, and with some justification, that signals beamed along the grey line near sunrise or sunset will reach distant locations that are also experiencing sunrise or sunset for relatively short periods of time when conventional predictions may appear to be pessimistic.’

To show the position of daylight/grey line/terminator six comparative charts show the effect of the earths rotation, by the use of a time calibrated azimuthal chart.

Azimuthal Projections illustrating daylight/terminator positions on 16^th July 2005 at times shown

©PLondon160705

Note that whilst the daylight situation of Europe, Great Britain and Africa remain virtually unchanged during the times of transmission [0855 to 1355z 16/07] that of the Far East, particularly India/Pakistan change dramatically. This change would affect propagation of radio waves making it virtually impossible for the higher freqs [15/17MHz perhaps] to be anything but less than reliable for long distance transmission.

The values used are shown in tabular form below; for the purpose of this exercise all frequencies, unless stated, are expressed in MHz. Time is stated in GMT/UTC designated ‘z’.

16^th July, 2005
15040//17385kHz Solar Flux 76 Indices: A 14; K 2

Note:

• X axis is Time 0755 to 1655z LUF: Lowest Useable Frequency
• Y axis is Frequency measured in MHz MUF Maximum Useable Frequency

Short Path ‘Algeria’ indicates a one hop of 2065km Short Path ‘India’ indicates two hops, each of 2194km

22^nd July, 2005
15040//17385kHz Solar Flux 80 Indices: A 12; K 3

Note:

• X axis is Time 0755 to 1655z LUF: Lowest Useable Frequency
• Y axis is Frequency measured in MHz MUF: Maximum Useable Frequency

Short Path ‘Algeria’ indicates a one hop of 2065km Short Path ‘India’ indicates two hops, each of 2194km

Perusal of the ‘Algeria’ charts will illustrate that the LUF/MUFs are acceptable for short path propagation during the expected time for sendings [This will, of course, change with the seasons] but cannot be seen as a constant.

Observation of the short path chart for India shows that the LUF/MUFs would never reach a state where the expected frequencies will be propagated successfully. In fact during the exploration of these values it was clear to the author that successful communication with India on the 15 and 17MHz frequencies would be extremely unreliable at the time of writing.

Long Path – London to India for 15040//17385kHz

Note:

• X axis is Time 0755 to 1655z LUF: Lowest Useable Frequency
• Y axis is Frequency measured in MHz MUF Maximum Useable Frequency

Long Path ‘India’ indicates ten hops each, ideally, of 3561km

Perusal of these charts indicated that it would be totally unreliable and virtually impossible to expect a trouble free passage for signals transmitted on the known frequencies that we have been receiving E22 on.

Audio Quality

The audio quality of E22signals is not all the receiving operator would wish for. We have a humming mic, probably due to poor earthing to equipment or the poor earthing to, or matching of the audio equipment to the transmitter.

A live transmission cannot be claimed for sendings. Voices and other sounds have been noticed by operators, but those, like the hum heard prior to the entré cannot point immediately to live operating. It does point to a recording prepared elsewhere or one made in an ill-disciplined environment.

One discussion via Group centred on the entrée to the transmissions. Was it ‘THIS IS’ or ‘CONDITION?’

Here we have two totally different spectrographs – the left being ‘This is’, the one on the right ‘Condition’. Whilst I very much suspect the station uses both other E2k monitors do not. The audio is not too clear to us who are physically some distance from E22, whilst Ugo Peterus has clear copy.

Comparison of receiver output suggests a slight audio delay between that sent on 15MHz and that on 17MHz.

Schedule?

That this station has not been heard for a number of years in hardly surprising given the frequencies. It has been suggested this station has a more sinister use but this is not for us to comment on. The actual transmissions are very short, a minute or so on average with a blank carrier up for around 13 minutes.

So far, in July 05:

• First Wednesday, [ 6^th day]
• Fourth Friday, [22^nd day]
• Second and Third Saturdays [9^th & 16^th day]

Further evidence of correct bearing?

15335kHz is the home to the radio station RTM Morocco and is adequately mentioned in ‘Communication’, the monthly Journal of the British DX Club. On 31^st July PLondon checked its emissions at 1335z to check on propogation. The signal was received at both his, and DoK’s QTH with a massive signal that varied between +20 to 40dBs/9.

Using the telephone as a link both parties acted in concert and took bearings, the final being 197° [deep null]. The short path bearing was 198.5°

The equipment below was used by PLondon. Note the Sony SW55 and the homebrewed shielded loop.

©PLondon22/07/05

The BBC World service is relayed on 17835kHz and that too was checked, however on this occasion no bearing was taken.

A BDXC operative states it as being relayed from Morocco. Like the 15MHz signal its strength was adequate.

On 02/08/05 DoK took a bearing from the BBC WS relay on 17835kHz and found it to be 186°, which at least cuts Algeria.

The chart produced by the deep null bearings shows the direction of transmission on 15335kHz at 1355z 31/08/05 and 17835kHz 1234z 02/08/05

The reason Morocco transmissions were used is because Algeria seems not to have external services in the Short Wave.

There is no entry for Algeria in the international section of WRTH.

Two strong LW Stations with a 24hr. schedule: 153 & 198 kHz exist with the latter frequency corresponding with Droitwich. (2x1000kW each).I was unable to find any references to English language. See www.algerian-radio.dz

[Tnx for your research on this matter JoA].

Another check on direction:

The Algerian Embassy sports an antenna. PLondon set about discovering where it points and what it might feasibly be used for.

Holland Park, London. A satellite view

We are fortunate that the Algerian Embassy at 54 Holland Park, London W11 features an antenna mounted on its roof. Two ENIGMA 2000 members happened across the Embassy by pure accident whilst walking in the area one fine summer’s day. They actually walked down Holland Park Mews which parallels Holland Park itself.

Gazetteer entry showing general location of Algerian Embassy

As they turned right out of the Mews one of them noticed the antenna a building was sporting. The image immediately below being taken at that point.

©PBeaumont 26/07/05
Rear of Algerian Embassy [from Holland Park Mews, London W11]

After making the above photographic record from that point they walked around to discover the building upon which the antenna was mounted was the Algerian Embassy.

©PBeaumont26/07/05
Algerian Embassy, 54 Holland Park, London W11

The general bearing of the antenna [those ‘Silva’ compasses are so good] was found to be 185°. Note on the chart below how this ties in with the short path bearing. A comparison with the bearings shown on the previous map illustrates the nearness of the ENIGMA 2000 bearings.

Loop on the Algerian Embassy, London W11. [Note tuning device atop loop. Lower loop apparently pick up].

©PBeaumont26/07/05

Please note: We are not suggesting that Algeria supports E22 transmissions or anything that may occur as a result of any particular message. We merely use the Embassy’s position to reinforce our point of reference on our basic azimuthal projection of bearings of the source of transmissions.

Diplomatic Transmissions

We are not aware of any recent transmissions from the London Algerian Embassy. Algerian diplomatic frequencies used in the past are known to be within these ranges:

The London Embassy call sign is ‘7RP30’ whilst that of the MFA [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] in Algiers is ‘7RQ20’. Another interesting frequency that may still be in use from Algeria is the MOI [Ministry of Information] at El Djaza’ir : 14432kHz and whose call sign is noted as ‘7RA20’.

The Common working frequency is stated as being 10996kHz and was known to work 11475kHz whilst other common Algerian diplomatic freqs were 10730kHz wkg 11418kHz and 18145 and known to work 20150kHz.

20 years ago Algeria were known to use CW and teletype at 50Bd/170Hz. Whilst it later switched to Coquelet 8, Algeria bashed its sendings out at 26.67Bd and Embassies toggled between 13.33 or 26.67Bd. The Racal 10chVFT using synch ITA5/ASCVII/IRA was later used between the MFA and a number of diplomatic stations.

Being a predominately Muslim Country diplomatic operation will not be heard on Fridays, the day reserved for Congregational Prayer.

Note the nearest matching ‘Diplomatic Freq’ to 15040kHz is 14938.7kHz, whilst that for 17385 or 17387kHz is 17411.1kHz

[A little Diplomatic Trivia: The special or vanity car plate for this Embassy in London is ALG 1A. Any other official Algerian Diplomatic vehicle would bear a plate in the series 102Dnnn].

Twinned with E25?

Suggestions have been made that E22 is in someway linked, or twinned with E25. Whilst this cannot be discounted there are factors to suggest it is not.

Both E22 and E25 use heavily accented Arab announcers. Whilst some of the announcers on E25 have difficulty using the letter ‘P’ as in ‘repeat’, E22 announcers do not.

E22 announcers have difficulty with the letter ‘Q’ as in Quebec. It was the pronunciation of this word as ‘Cubeek’ , with an almost ‘continental’ accent that suggests French Arabic extraction.

Finally, E25 transmitted a reasonable signal at 1230z 07/08 on its usual frequency of 9450kHz. Instead of the popular Arabic Music a carrier arose circa 1220z and was modulated with a 750Hz tone.

PLondon used this unvarying, but weak, carrier to attempt a bearing. The limits of his achieved null were wide, but he selected 140° and recognises there will be an error. DoK took a bearing on 1^st September using his shielded loop and found 97° best.

Perusal of the above plot shows the regions within the boundaries as Libya and Iran. Sudan is also seen to be on the lower boundary.

The target area of E25 is not Great Britain or Europe. In past discussion it was thought that the area of interest was Palestine, Israel or Egypt. The area ascribed above possibly suggests otherwise but in any case not Algeria or area local to there.

E22 [Conclusion]

E22 appears to be a control station of some kind. Whilst we have yet to gain an understanding of its schedule it appears to have a procedural structure; its signal is strong into Great Britain and Europe.

E22 appears to be a singular entity that appears to transmit on just two frequencies, 15040//17385kHz, although it is possible that other freqs exist.

The audio between the two frequencies whilst apparently synchronous does show a slight lag, possibly due to propagation delay.

To date, no E22 transmissions have been heard, by ENIGMA 2000 monitors, since 22^nd July 2005

Finally the last paragraphs from the logs, written with the assumptions from members in mind:

There is some thought this station may be connected to an ‘organisation’ with a darker interest towards Great Britain. If this is the case the following should be concerned:

• If the ID/ Call Sign is directed to a controller does it indicate to him to action previously arranged plans?

Or

• Does it indicate to him to listen on a previously arranged frequency to obtain instruction on date, time and target?

In view of the amount of planning involved as to any target it is likely that (i) above is the more probable. Given more time [and interceptions] many more opinions would be forthcoming and at variance with those stated above.

In closing, it is obvious that many more transmissions are needed to gain insight into this station’s activities.

Thanks to all concerned – who have offered logs, thoughts and encouragement. A great deal more work needs to be done on this station to enable us to gain an understanding of any schedule that exists.

Please send your reports to ENIGMA 2000 or g7vak@yahoo.co.uk

©PaulBeaumont 23^rd July 2005/ENIGMA 2000 23^rd July 2005

Voice stations | Oddities | Polytones
German branch | Numbers predictions
July 7th, 2005 | E22 analysis
Slavic stations | Feedback
HJH's watch | A room in Berlin
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