[Spooks] Sam Signal Strength

[Mark Taylor]

Here's my observations about Sam in the past 24 hours:

Frequency        3700          4300           6500         10500
Time
2/12/05  0230     S4            S2             S5            None
         0842     S4            None           None          None
         1535     None          None           None           S4
         2300     None          None           S1 (Under      S3
                                                 hams)
2/13/05  0240     S5             S2            None          None
         1310     S3             S3            None          None
         1430     None          None           S5             S3

All these observations were using a ICOM R-75 with a Eavesdropper C antenna
run North to South.  I've also heard Sam on the Satellit 800 with a 43 meter
dipole, and a DX 398 with a 20' Radio Shack reel antenna.

Incidentally, I have a EWE oriented at 160 degrees that I never can get Sam
on, even when audible on other antennas.  That leads me to believe he isn't
in the Southeast US, or farther a field.  ... So much for a Cuban connection
:-)

As to the speculation about Sam's purpose: I don't broadcast, so I didn't
realize that DSB transmitters are rare.

I am however old enough to have a young adult son who has truly impressive
knowledge of an arcane subject (unfortunately not radio) and a good sense of
humor.  Looking at Mike and his friends, I still wonder about someone(s)
with really good radio knowledge (somewhat arcane) and a good sense of
humor.  A stellar prank would be to do a broadcast that: 1) Jumps
frequencies (to use computer control knowledge) 2) uses an artificial wave
form that looks like a data burst (to throw folks off), 3) DSB (because it
is unusual), 4) loop a cartoon character (because it's funny), 5) runs
automatically from a remote location (to not get caught), and 6) appeals to
a small but enthusiastic group of people (so you get noticed and stay
anonymous at the same time). WWB frequencies might have been taking it too
far (that's interfering and might get the person caught by the FCC), so he /
she / they went back to other frequencies.

Doing something funny that is basically harmless, anonymous and noticeable
while being very clever are the hallmarks of a prank in my book.  A
successful prank also means you don't get caught.  Sam's timing has also
appeared when college students may not have a lot to do.  On my scale of
pranks it would rank a "10" on a 1 - 10 scale - if a prank.  I also doubt "a
drunk ham", but still wonder about a smart and underemployed person(s) with
impressive radio and computer knowledge.  Could be some government plot, but
I'm still not convinced.  Of course, all speculation on my part.

Mark T.