X06 is a diplomatic selective call system that transmits on many different frequencies. It sends a series of 6 different tones in a repeating series (ex. 152346). Each tone corresponds to a certain number which is also listed below. X06 has 3 variants that are used to identify different tone patterns.
CROWD36 data is also related to X06 and can commonly be heard after an X06 broadcast (usually on a different frequency). X06 has been active since at least the 1970’s, and it could be older than that. Believed to be used by M42 since they are both a part of the Russian diplomatic stations network. It could be used to call stations outside of normally scheduled stations.
An X06 message is like an alert for the recipient that a message is being sent, and the message usually is sent in CROWD36 data mode. (See Below)
Though the station is rumored to be nicknamed ‘Mazielka’ after the name of an obscure Russian instrument, but this is not true. There is no such instrument. It’s actually believed to be some sort of NATO/military western nickname. The station was also formerly called Six Notes, and Six Notes Rising Scale.
Recording Sample
X06 Tones
1 = 840 Hz
2 = 870 Hz
3 = 900 Hz
4 = 930 Hz
5 = 970 Hz
6 = 1015 Hz
Variants
X06a
X06a is a variant that uses two alternating tones instead of 6. These broadcasts are less common than X06 as well. (scale ex. 121212)
X06b
X06b is a variant where one tone is used longer than the others in the pattern. Although it usually has 5 tones, 6 can rarely be heard. X06b is much more rare than a typical X06 broadcast.
X06c
X06c is a variant where the tones constantly repeat in a rising pattern (only 123456).
X06d
X06d is the latest variant discovered in November of 2021. This variant is a signal test that sends an X06b with the sequence 111111. It transmits in ICW mode and lasts much longer than a usual X06b transmission.
CROWD36 Data
Samples of the lead in data bursts and tones commonly sent after an X06 transmission.
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Station Summary
Name: Mazielka
Activity: Active
Emission Mode: AM, USB, and USB + Carrier
Location: Russia
Variants: X06a, X06b, X06c, X06d
Sources
ENIGMA Newsletter #9 Page 41
ENIGMA 2000 Newsletter Issue 6, Page 18
Numbers & Oddities Newsletter Edition #290, Page 169
ENIGMA 2000 Newsletter Issue 128, Page 50
