Chapter 179: 178, Wireless Listening Device, Eavesdropping On Japanese In Vienna
“The device I need doesn’t require connecting wires, and it’s best if it’s very small and not easy to discover.”
Fang Wen regretted it as soon as he stated this requirement.
This requirement was too hard to fulfill. In this era, there were no miniature batteries, no circuits or chips for small devices, and no precise sound reception and conversion, or radio wave transmission devices. How could it possibly be achieved?
Just as he wanted to cancel this mission, he saw Bai Zeshan deep in thought, so he couldn’t bear to disturb him.
A few minutes later, Bai Zeshan replied:
“I have an idea, but it’s quite complex. It might be hard for the general manager to understand just from explanation; it needs to be written out.”
Fang Wen hadn’t expected Bai Zeshan to actually have ideas, so of course he agreed.
After a bout of furious writing, Bai Zeshan wrote out his design ideas, and Fang Wen picked it up to look.
The equipment described by Bai Zeshan was a simplified version of a typical radio broadcasting system.
The entire process from sound wave reception to radio wave transmission clearly demonstrated the basic principles of broadcasting technology.
It was divided into 4 components.
1. Sound wave reception
Function: This part is mainly responsible for capturing sound waves（ that is, sounds） in the surrounding environment and converting them into electrical signals. This is achieved through an electro-acoustic transducer, with the most common being a broadcasting microphone.
The diaphragm inside the microphone vibrates with the sound waves, thereby changing its internal electrical parameters（ such as resistance, capacitance, or electromagnetic induction）, thus generating electrical signals corresponding to the sound waves.
2. Signal processing
Function: The processing stage receives the weak electrical signals from the microphone and amplifies and filters them through circuits containing vacuum tubes.
3. Signal modulation
Function: Modulation is the process of combining the audio signal（ that is, the processed electrical signal） with a high-frequency carrier signal, so that the signal can be effectively transmitted via radio waves. In broadcasting systems, common modulation methods are amplitude modulation（AM） and frequency modulation（FM）. Amplitude modulation superimposes the amplitude variations of the audio signal onto the carrier signal’s amplitude, while frequency modulation changes the carrier signal’s frequency to reflect the audio signal’s variations. The modulated signal contains the audio information but is in the high-frequency band, suitable for transmission into the air via an antenna.
4. Radio wave transmission
Function: The transmission part uses an RF amplifier to further amplify the modulated high-frequency signal to sufficient power levels, then radiates it into the surrounding space via an antenna. The antenna is a device that converts electrical signals into electromagnetic waves and radiates them into the air. The transmitted radio waves carry the audio information and can be received by distant radios and restored to the original sound.
If it were just these, it would at most set up a simple radio station, which wouldn’t meet Fang Wen’s requirements.
Bai Zeshan made a change.
He borrowed Fang Wen’s logic circuit theory.
He designed a method for remote activation of distant equipment.
In other words, as long as a signal of a specific frequency is transmitted, after the distant equipment receives it, the vacuum tube’s logic circuit will turn on.
When needing to stop, send another specific frequency shutoff signal, and the vacuum tube circuit group will turn off.
This had a similar ingenious use to the adder Fang Wen had proposed initially.
But even if remote on/off was achieved, along with sound wave reception, processing, and transmission, there were still other problems.
Equipment integration to make the size smaller and easy to conceal.
And how to solve the power supply.
If these two problems could be solved, Fang Wen’s wireless listening device would become reality.
For this, Bai Zeshan proposed his solutions.
For equipment integration, fix the functions completely single-purpose.
Only one specific frequency, discarding unnecessary functions of radio broadcasting, leaving only sound wave transmission and reception and the intermediate conversion processing.
This would greatly reduce the device’s size.
The electrical energy to run this equipment used the currently best Ever-Ready brand lighting battery.
A total of 4 Ever-Ready lighting batteries served as the power supply, which could provide power for the device to turn on three times, sustaining operation for 2 hours.
After reading Bai Zeshan’s design ideas.
Fang Wen was convinced by his bold and imaginative ideas.
In an era without semiconductors, he completed relatively complex logic circuit operations using vacuum tubes.
Regardless, he had to have him make a prototype first.
Immediately, Fang Wen gave Bai Zeshan some funds to put it into practice.
With a definite design idea and readily available components, production was quick.
Bai Zeshan disassembled different equipment, including broadcasting equipment and radio equipment, combined the components inside, and installed the battery.
It was done.
Fang Wen hadn’t expected it to be completed so quickly; he and Bai Zeshan conducted a test.
The equipment was divided into two parts: one was a sound wave receiver-transmitter disguised as a handbag, the other a specific frequency eavesdropping radio.
The eavesdropping radio could be installed in a car or carried around, with only two operation components: one eavesdropping switch and one pair of headphones.
The experiment began. Fang Wen had Bai Zeshan carry the handbag and place it at the feet of the unsuspecting Lin Shuiwang, then leave.
From a car hundreds of meters away, Fang Wen flipped the eavesdropping radio switch and put on the headphones.
Moments later, sound came through the headphones.
“Bai Zeshan, what’s in this box of yours?”
The sound was clear; the test was successful.
Fang Wen was instantly delighted.
Although this device still weighed 30 jin, disguised as a handbag, it had a certain stealth. If operated well, it would be an eavesdropping divine tool.
This technology probably hadn’t appeared in World War II yet; it must be kept secret, or if the Japanese got it, there would be big trouble.
He spoke privately with Bai Zeshan.
“Bai Zeshan, what do you think of the Japanese?”
“East Ocean barbarians, merely enlightened a bit and now thinking of usurping the host.” Bai Zeshan said disdainfully.
Fang Wen nodded: “You’ve seen this device. I plan to use it against the Japanese. Remember, it must not be leaked. If the Japanese get this, our China will have no secrets left.”
Bai Zeshan’s expression changed; he instantly understood what the Japanese might do with such a device. If so, he would be a great sinner.
So he nodded seriously: “General manager, rest assured. This thing, besides you, I absolutely won’t tell anyone else.”
“Good. This secret, until the Japanese are driven away, only the two of us know.”
Fang Wen and Bai Zeshan high-fived to swear.
Unexpectedly obtaining the wireless listening device, Fang Wen felt he could disrupt Mitsubishi Company’s business with Junkers Company.
But now he must first find the whereabouts of Mitsubishi Company’s personnel negotiating in Europe, and where they would negotiate.
For this matter, there was someone who could help.
Fang Wen spoke with Indiana, who was waiting to take his plane back to Tehran.
He was very serious: “I got news that Japan’s Mitsubishi Group sent people to Europe to negotiate cooperation with Junkers. I must stop them, or heavy bombers will appear in China’s skies.”
Indiana saw this expression on Fang Wen for the first time and could understand his mood.
“What do you want? I’ll do my best to help you.”
This was the return on investing in Indiana. Fang Wen stated his requirements.
It wasn’t difficult. Indiana was part of the U.S. overseas intelligence network and even the Tehran station director; he had authority to exchange information with friendly intelligence organizations.
Without involving respective interests, he obtained the whereabouts of Mitsubishi Company in Europe.
“Mitsubishi Company people are in Vienna. They will negotiate in Vienna. After all, the current Weimar Republic is still restricted by the World War I treaty; some transactions can’t be done domestically.”
After hearing Indiana’s intelligence, Fang Wen decided that regardless of success, he had to go to Vienna and try.
Boeing 247 took off from Paris, 1000 km range, arriving over Vienna.
Vienna below was very lively, with dense crowds gathering on the streets.
“What are they doing?” Lin Shuiwang asked puzzled.
“The Nazi Party has already spread to Austria; they are Austria’s Nazi Party.” Indiana explained.
“Why? They’re not the same country.” Lin Shuiwang still didn’t understand.
“Because they are all Germanic people.” Indiana continued to explain.
Fang Wen turned on the radio device and communicated with Vienna Airport.
This was his first formal landing at this country’s airport. Last time it was a secret landing at a farm outside the city. Unfortunately, the Weimar officers who could contact the farm were all dead, so he could only take this route.
After some calls, the other side permitted the plane to land.
As soon as the plane landed, ground staff came over. Indiana communicated with them and paid a hefty fee to pass.
The plane could only stay for two days; after two days, regardless of whether things were done, it had to leave.
To find Mitsubishi Company people as soon as possible, Fang Wen and the other two took an airport taxi to the urban area.
After the Vienna taxi entered the city, before reaching the destination, surging crowds appeared ahead, about to encircle them in the flow.
The driver was terrified and said in a low voice: “You get out; I won’t charge you the fare.”
Fang Wen and the other two got out, and the car quickly turned and drove away.
The surging crowd shouting slogans engulfed the three.
“Stick to the side.” Fang Wen only had time to shout that.
The three were separated by the crowd but all squeezed toward the street side. They finally reached the street side and escaped.
After searching for each other, they found they were in different positions: Fang Wen on one side, Indiana and Lin Shuiwang on the other side of the street.
After waiting half an hour, the crowd passed, and Indiana and Lin Shuiwang hurried over to rendezvous.
“Do you still have the stuff?” Fang Wen asked.
“Yes.” Lin Shuiwang replied.
This time, bringing Indiana was to use the local intelligence network for help, but regarding the wireless eavesdropping device, Fang Wen didn’t plan to tell Indiana.
Indiana didn’t ask more about it and started leading the way.
He had done intelligence work in Europe for a long time and was very familiar with Vienna, easily leading them to the hotel where the Mitsubishi representatives were staying.
In the hotel, a man was sitting holding a newspaper, seemingly waiting for someone.
Indiana walked over; the two seemed to have no interaction. After a while, he came back.
“Registered names are Noguchi Sawa and Iwashita Juzaburo.”
“Just two people?” Fang Wen asked.
“Yes, they’ve been staying here for two days. The people I have watching them started last night and haven’t seen them contact anyone.”
While Fang Wen and Indiana were talking, Lin Shuiwang said in a low voice: “Two people are coming; is it them?”
Fang Wen looked over.
Two East Asian faces, not tall, bow legs—these two features were very obvious.
Fang Wen said in a low voice: “Indiana, which room do they stay in?”
“705.” Indiana replied.
“You watch these two. If they come back, come to 705 early to notify.”
“Mm.”
Indiana followed the two Japanese out.
Fang Wen and Lin Shuiwang went to the front desk to book a room and went upstairs.
But they didn’t go to their booked floor; instead, to the 7th floor.
There, the corridor was empty, no need to worry about surveillance cameras.
Lin Shuiwang took out two iron wires and fiddled in the keyhole.
Fang Wen carried the two boxes, blocking for Lin Shuiwang and standing guard.
Lock picking wasn’t easy.
Especially for a novice just learning; sweat beaded on Lin Shuiwang’s forehead, but the lock still wouldn’t open.
“Don’t rush; we have time.” Fang Wen comforted.
“Mm.” Lin Shuiwang relaxed a bit and continued operating.
At this time, a couple walked over; they should be guests on the same floor.
But they were face-blind to Asians and treated them as guests, politely greeting and passing by.
Fang Wen smiled in response without replying, counting as handling it.
Lock picking continued, and finally, with a click, the lock opened.
Lin Shuiwang was about to push the door in but was stopped by Fang Wen.
He remembered that in spy movies, agents would set traps on doors, like a hair or a rope. If disturbed or broken, it would arouse suspicion.
Fang Wen carefully checked the door seam from top to bottom and indeed found one.
It was a cloth strip, one end tied to the chair leg behind the door, the other to the door handle.
Rashly opening the door like this would pull over the chair, and there might be other designs.
Fang Wen carefully pushed the door open. When it was open to a certain width, he moved the chair away.
Only then did he go in.
Room 705.
Two beds, one table, one chair, and another chair placed by the Japanese at the door as a trap.
The room was clean and tidy, with nothing there.
That wasn’t right. The Japanese came to talk business; could they bring nothing?
When they went out, they didn’t seem to carry anything either.
Fang Wen surveyed the room’s layout.
Lin Shuiwang directly got on the ground and looked under the bed.
“General manager, there’s something below.”
He pulled the thing out from under the bed.
It was a box.
And it had a password lock. Forcibly breaking it would alert the two Japanese; Fang Wen gave up the idea of opening the box.
He had Lin Shuiwang put the box back far away and looked for another hiding place.
Under the bed wouldn’t work; the Japanese would check under the bed first when they returned.
So where to put the eavesdropping device?
The handbag wasn’t big, but not small either.
He looked at the bedside table.
Right, there was a gap behind the bedside table, perfect to slide the box in.
Fang Wen carefully placed the box behind the bedside table and immediately called Lin Shuiwang to leave.
Then he didn’t forget to pull the chair back to its original position before closing the door properly.
After doing all this, the two went downstairs, opened the room on the 6th floor, then went downstairs to wait for Indiana to return.
