Point-to-Point Network

The Russian 6 operator maintains a number of point-to-point links with diplomatic missions, different from those that belong to the Russian diplomatic network, using a distinct set of modes.

Communication modes

45-/112-tone OFDM

This network uses a proprietary full duplex system that contains multiple OFDM waveforms. Those waveforms are separated into two groups, each containing its own link establishment system.

Morse code + RTTY

Morse code and RTTY are the backup modes of this network, tested with various targets regularly. The operation is half duplex, and closely imitates the former Russian diplomatic RTTY links. Activity using this mode consists solely of drill messages (headers beginning with 11100).

F06a

Just like Morse code + RTTY, this network also uses F06a as yet another backup mode. Operation is simplex and appears to be based exclusively in Chita. Each link is tested once a month on specific days by sending a long drill message, which is packed in a file with the filename xxxxx-~1.TXT (xxxxx being the link ID) and contains 5-letter groups. Transmissions are spaced 10 minutes apart and each message is only sent a total of 6 times, which compromises a clean copy. Message serial numbers, just like diplomatic links, can reach up to 999.

Schedule

Contacts on this network take place on fixed schedules using fixed frequencies. Most targets communicate only once a month.

Domestic

The same modes are also used for domestic activity between the Russian 6 regional hubs and several other locations. Frequencies in bold indicate the primary frequencies for RTTY links, that is, the first frequencies that will be attempted to establish a link on.

Link IDs

The link ID system is shared with the Russian diplomatic network. However, the targets unique to Russian 6 take the values above 100. The links originate from either Moscow, Havana, or Chita. The recipient and the sender columns contain the callsigns used for each station on RTTY links.