TRIP AND PROGRESS REPORT, CONTRACT RD-91-SA, MARINE CRYSTAL VIDEO

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03424A000200030044-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 16, 2011
• Sequence Number: 44
• Publication Date: September 11, 1956
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/22 :CIA-RDP78-03424A000200030044-0
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0 ce Memorandum ? UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO The Files a tember I
FROM
SUBJECT: Trip and Progress Report, Contract RD-91-SA, Marine Crystal Video
1. On 14 & 15 August 1956, I visited the ~~ Plant in Philadelphia
to determine the status of the Maxine Crystal Video program and to confirm
the need for a proposal leading to the development of 250 special pre-
amplifier units. Those contacted were:
2. In accordance with an a 'er re uest Ylas done a certain
amount of investigation retarding for inclusion
in the Marine system. Several methods have been tr e , u none with any
great success, in that the sensistivities were no better than approximately
minus 25 to minus 30 dbm. pointed out the sensistivities were
achieved using rather crude laboratory measurements and that the results
could probably be increased by optimising for the particular crystal in
service. The ~ people were quite concerned with the fact that we have
not yet approved the over-run cost on the basic project and I again
emphasized that we urgently needed the proposal for the
capabilities before we are willing to approve any further project costs.
This statement apparently had the desired effect, as they assured me that
the proposal for the ould be in our hands in the very near
future .
3, I visited the laboratory where assembly work is underway in pro-
ducing the first prototype. All of the necessary component boards have been
assembled and the technicians are assembling the console cabinet and
installing all the necessary cable harnesses.
4. I visited the to determine the status of the
antenna for this system. The work on this is essentially complete. All
antennas have been fabricated and associated filters and the calibration
system has been installed in the radome housing all this material. The
two low frequency antennas covering the range of from 50 to 400 megacycles
are still quite large physically. The unit is of an open frame construction
with crossed dipoles. The maximum distance from the forward to the rear
dial cord is 7 feet. The height of the entire unit is 5 feet and is so
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/22 :CIA-RDP78-03424A000200030044-0
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/22 :CIA-RDP78-03424A000200030044-0
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CONFIDENTIAL
arranged that the radome housing all of the other antennas, as well as all
calibration equipment will fit on top of this frame to make a structure
g feet high. 0 has already constructed a turn-table on which this entire
unit will be mounted, so that complete system tests can be run. It is
expected that these tests will begin sometime early in September.
5. Back at the
Plant, I discussed the problem of the pre-
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amplifier units with
The only parts of our
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exceptions to which there was any particular question concerned the use of
the micro-pin connectors for the transistors and the provision of ~
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~ capabilities.
0 pointed out that the ~~Corporation
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had used miniature sockets of various configurations for awhile, but in
general, had found them unsatisfactory and, therefore, had dispensed with
the use of them entirely. He admitted, however, they had not used the
micro-pin socket. They agreed to purchase a number of these units and
conduct tests upon them. If the results proved to be satisfactory they
S~rould consider incorporatin these in the pre-amplifier. If they proved
to be unsatisfactory from the standpoint of noise generation or mechanical
strength, then they would use their regular assembly techniQ~ The problem
of was discussed at some length. I pointed ou~C that the unit
would be virtually useless to us unless it has this capability.
pointed out that some form of a chopper would probably suffice, at some loss
of sensistivity and would further be consistant with the size package in
which the system is to be mounted. I stressed the urc;ency in getting such
a proposal. in to us as the need for such a device is becoming more urgent.
I was assured that the proposals T~rould be forwarded to us before the end
of the month.
C~FICENTIAL
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/22 :CIA-RDP78-03424A000200030044-0