RBU

RBU is a radio communication station in Taldom that broadcasts specialized time signals. It transmits continuously encoded data containing year, month, day, hour, and minute information, updated every 100 milliseconds.

The station originally operated near Kupavna. In 2008 operations moved to the broadcasting facility in Taldom.

The facility represents Russian technological advancement in time signal broadcasting, managed by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute for Physical-Engineering and Radiotechnical Metrology.

The site sits in an industrial area where the transmitter can be viewed from outside. Visitors should arrange necessary permissions in advance, as this is an active facility with restricted access.

The station uses a distinctive pattern of five consecutive bits to mark the start of each minute in its time signal format. This recognition system allows devices to detect the exact moment when a minute begins.

GPS coordinates: 56.73330,37.66330

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:50