UVB-76

UVB-76 (The Buzzer) - Shortwave Radio Station Summary

UVB-76, also known by the nickname "The Buzzer", is a Russian shortwave military numbers station that broadcasts on the frequency 4625 kHz.

Key Facts:

- Signal: The station transmits a monotonous, repeating buzzing sound at a rate of approximately 25 tones per minute, 24 hours a day.

- Voice Messages: On rare occasions, the buzzer stops and a voice reads out coded messages in Russian, consisting of names, numbers, and callsigns (e.g., "NZhTI").

- History: It has been broadcasting since at least the late 1970s or early 1980s. The transmitter location has shifted over time, previously operating from near Povarovo and later moving to locations near St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Purpose:

While the Russian military has never officially disclosed the station's purpose, radio experts and researchers widely believe it serves as a communication and alert system for the Western Military District's command network. Pop culture theories often colloquially refer to it as a "Dead Hand" or "Doomsday" radio station, though it functions primarily for routine military signaling.