CONFERENCE REPORT AS-3

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 14, 2012
• Sequence Number: 69
• Publication Date: October 31, 1958
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release
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STANDARD FORM NO. 64 (C~~( III U Od' ^V 8 tl 11 [I ~y' ~! Y IJpL
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Office Memorandum ? UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
The Files
suBJECT: Conference Report
with reD se ntatives of the
regarding the order 1,
development of the AS-3
Participating
DATE: 31 October 1958
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JUST NEXT RE! - 1 RUTH; HR 70.2
1. On 29 October 1958 a conference was held in Alcott Ha3l
the discussions were:
25X1
25X1
12 VDC provided by the DC power supply, in an attempt to reduce
the weight and cost of that unit, and reduce its likelihood of catas-
trophic
failure. The contractor agreed to make an early estimate
of-the time required to deliver the remaining prototypes with these
improvements included.
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2. The results of the R+D Lab evaluation of the initial AS-3
prototype were presented They were told that the equipment 25X1
was generally satisfactory but that certain portions of it had to
be improved before production of the remaining nine rototypes
would begin.- The principal complaint, is the coder, 25X1
Whose flimsy construction and unreliable operation make it totally
unacceptable The tape cartridge and the method 25X1
with which it is driven by the transmitter should be improved. It
was requested that short-circuit protection be provided for the
power supply. (A series of'minor complaints and recommendations
were presented to the contractor and are listed in Attachment A.)
3. The contractor replied that he had already begun work on
a redesigned coder, and, while it was still too early to predict
its success, was confident that it would be a vast improvement over
the coder furnished with the initial prototype. He is also
investigating the possibility of regulating only a portion of the
in
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
ONHHDENTAL
4.I reiterated the importance of
an early delivery of the AS-3 prototypes and said that any delay
beyond January would work a serious operational handicap on this
Office.
5. Following the Alcott Hall conference,~ representatives
were taken to 1405 quarters Eye fo ip-P cussion of contractual
matters with PD/OL. " _] explained to F -
that the contract s were virtually expended and that an overrun
in that order of 10% to 20% of the contract costs ($186,000.00)
was indicated. Exact figures will have to await a close examination
of the deficiencies revealed in the R+D Lab evaluation. It was
clearly understood by all parties that no increase in scope is
involved in this overrun. agreed to write directly to
the contracting officer when he had determined the extent of the
overrun requested and agreed that such a determination was his
first order of business.
25X1
25X1
Attachment:
Attachment A.
0N
A DD ENT
AL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
COQ N.FWLL~ V ~~ L
DEFECTS IN AS-3 PROTOTYPE
a. The mechanical construction of the coder is poor.
b. The action of the key linkages is not positive.
c. The close spacing of the coder keys makes it easy for the operator
to inadvertently code the wrong character.
d. Tests indicate that the spacing of the START and STOP pulses is not
consistent. The coder should be redesigned to provide a.positive
acting, rugged unit, capable of withstanding the normal rough
handling of field use.
CA-3 Cartridge
a. The nylon insulating tip of the erase plunger fell off, and the plunger
was not properly aligned with the hole through which the erase circuit
switch is activated. These defects caused complete failure of the
erase function.
b. The cartridge reel failed to mesh properly with the mdm
14741-
drive kr e , resulting in erratic speed and jamming.
c. The cartridge would not operate with its cover on.
d. The cartridge does not fit into key slot. The cartridge is not
marked with AS-3 identification symbols. The magnetic tape cartridge
should be modified to seat more securely in the keying slot, and
the cartridge keyers should align precisely with the keyer drive
keyer.
3. AP-3 Power Supply
a. The heat sink for the 2N173 current regulating transistor is
inadequate; its dissipation carrier should be increased. Slight
temperature rises due to overload or prolonged operation cause
failure of the current regulating transistors, despite the use of a
cooling fan. For this reason, it was impossible to conduct high
temperature tests on this prototype.
b. The over voltage relay failed to operate properly. The relay should
be adjusted to open when the line switch tap is switched to the
next lower voltage.
c. There is no short circuit protection on the power supply. Since a
number of conditions encountered in the field can cause momentary
short circuits it is essential that field equipment be able to re-
cover from them.
4.
AT-3 Transmitter
a. The keyer motor speed is too high and should be reduced to provide
the tape speed recommended in the specifications.
b. The transmitter failed to operate at -40OF (cold start), due to frost
which collected on the components. When the key was depressed, the
cONFllDENTIIAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-03330A004100080069-9
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-0333OA004100080069-9
UUH 1111(11L1
4.
QEDENTAL
B+ line shorted out and destroyed the IN535 rectifier in the DC to
DC converter. It is recommended that the transmitter be sealed
when ventilation permits, to reduce moisture collection in the equip-
ment.
c. The radiated key-click interference is most pronounced in the 150 to
300 kc range. This radiation should be reduced by appropriate
filtering of the key line.
d. The observed keyed waveform of the transmitter shows that the pulse
trace has sharp trailing edges. This waveform should be shaped to
reduce high order harmonic radiation,
e. The DC to DC converter section of the transmitter failed to operate
on two occasions during the tests. The operating parameters of
the IN535 rectifiers should be investigated to determine the effect
of temperature on maximum rectifier output current.
f. The interconnecting plug between the A'3 power supply and the trans-
mitter does not fit securely. This connection should be securely
keyed to prevent accidentally disconnecting the transmitter from
the power source,
g. Some components used in the AS-3 are nlutrient to fungus growth.
These components should be sprayed with an adequate fungi-resistant
compound,
h. The hand key furnished with the transmitter failed to operate and
should be replaced.
i. A resistor in the antenna meter circuit which was marked 390 ohms on
the schematic, failed due to overheating.
J. The antenna tuning meter pegged in both the A and B positions when
using resistive antenna loads of 600 and 1300 ohms. The values of
the resistor elements in the antenna meter circuit should be adjusted
to provide correct meter indication with high antenna impedance. It
is suggested that the feasibility of measuring antenna current for
low impedance loads and antenna voltage for high impedance loads be
investigated.
k. The tuning shaft of the final tank coil became loose in the coil form'-,
and prevented tuning of the final tank circuit. The replacement coat
assembly supplied by the manufacturer operated properly.
1. The threaded inserts which are riveted through the chassis and hold
the cover screws were not properly secured.
m. The glass used in transmitter and power supply meters should be re-
placed with plexiglass to reduce the likelihood of breakage. It is
recommended that different colored buttons be used for recognition,
message, and battery voltage functions.
n. It is difficult to preset the tuning coils by lining up the coil
roller with the marks on the calibrated windows. It is suggested
that a more easily visible method, such as a plastic pointer be used
to allow even an untrained operator to quickly set up the frequency.
Because of the excessive weight of the power supply, it is recommended
that recessed handle be placed above the center of gravity to simplify
transportation. A similar handle on the transmitter would be useful,
although it is not absolutely necessary.
COINF
DE
PAL
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/14: CIA-RDP78-0333OA004100080069-9