What is UVB-76, the mysterious radio station that's buzzed for 40+ years?
The Buzzer has occupied 4625 kHz since at least 1982, usually with a repeating tone and occasional coded Russian voice messages. Its purpose remains undisclosed.
Since at least 1982, a shortwave station nicknamed “the Buzzer” has occupied 4625 kHz with a monotonous tone around the clock. The buzz sometimes stops for coded Russian words, call signs, and numbers, and pirates have occasionally interfered with the frequency. Its purpose has never been officially disclosed; the best-supported explanation is that it serves a Russian military command network.
The popular “Dead Hand” nuclear-trigger story is not supported by the station’s documented behavior. The signal is real, remains active, and can be heard with suitable shortwave equipment when propagation conditions cooperate.
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