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Aroflex TESTSET   UA-8494
Aroflex depot repair test set - this page is a stub

UA-8494 is a TESTSET for the Aroflex cipher machine, developed around 1976 by Philips Usfa in Eindhoven (Netherlands). It was part of a complete diagnostics kit, and was used for depot repair of the Crypto Module (i.e. the black part that is mounted to the bottom of the Siemens T-1000Z.

The device measures 326 x 143 x 73 mm, and has two 8 mm pins at the bottom that mate with two mounting holes at the corners of the rear edge of the Crypto Module's die-cast chassis.

At the lower edge are six green DIL sockets, that allow the TESTSET to take over the functions of the Aroflex Processor Board. To the right of the centre is a two-digit thumbwheel on which the desired test program can be selected (subject to the instruction manual). The red button at the right is used to start the test. At the top left are 11 red LEDs that show the progress of the test.
  

When servicing the Crypto Module of an Aroflex, the T-1000 should be placed on its left side, after which all eight hex bolts in the bottom of the Crypto Module should be loosened. Once that is done, the hinged Crypto Module can be lowered, whilst the cabling to the T-1000 stays intact. Note that a hidden tamper switch will cause any cryptographic keys to be purged at this point.

Remove the six ribbon cables from the Processor Board, in such a way that the Processor Board is no longer wired. Two cables remain connected to the Interface Board (left), two to the Mixer Board (centre) and two to the Memory Board (right). The ribbon cables will be reused in a moment.

Next, locate the two large mounting holes at the corners of the rear end of the Crypto Module, and fit the TESTSET to these holes, with the front panel facing the interior, as shown in the image on the right. Sockets X1-X6 should now line up with the ribbon cables of the Processor Board.
  

Now, connect the ribbon cables from the Interface, Mixer and Memory Boards to the sockets X1 - X6 of the TESTSET. The TESTSET has now effectively taken over the role of the Processor Board of the Crypto Module. By running the appropriate test, the TESTSET can be used to find faults on any of the Crypto Module's boards, with the exception of the Processor Board itself (as it is unwired).

Aroflex Field Set Set
Restart a test sequence
Test LEDs
Two thumbwheels for selection of the test program
Sockets for connection to the Aroflex Crypto Module
Tamper switch
A
×
A
1 / 6
Aroflex Field Set Set
A
2 / 6
Restart a test sequence
A
3 / 6
Test LEDs
A
4 / 6
Two thumbwheels for selection of the test program
A
5 / 6
Sockets for connection to the Aroflex Crypto Module
A
6 / 6
Tamper switch

Versions
  • UA-8494/00
    Initial version with thumbwheels
  • UA-8494/02
    Push-buttons instead of thumbwheels

Diagnostics kit
The US-8494 TESTSET was part of a complete diagnotiscs kit, that was supplied in two aluminium transport cases: one with a number of spare parts and replacement boards, and one with the test equipment for carrying out depot repairs. The latter contained the following items:

  • Case for Test Set with Accessories UA-8511/10
  • Test Set UA-8494
  • Extractor 8122 060 32950
  • Diagnosis Unit Siemens DIAG S22711-P105
  • Line power supply for simulating line-connected mode
  • Set of extender cables, 45 cm each
Wooden box with Aroflex power test unit
Inside the wooden box
Aroflex diagnostics tool
Aroflex diagnostics tool
LED on the Aroflex diagnostics tool
Aroflex Field Set Set
Complete Aroflex diagnostics kit in aliminium storage case
B
×
B
1 / 7
Wooden box with Aroflex power test unit
B
2 / 7
Inside the wooden box
B
3 / 7
Aroflex diagnostics tool
B
4 / 7
Aroflex diagnostics tool
B
5 / 7
LED on the Aroflex diagnostics tool
B
6 / 7
Aroflex Field Set Set
B
7 / 7
Complete Aroflex diagnostics kit in aliminium storage case

Interior
The interior of the UA-8494 can be access by removing four large bolts along the short sides of the front panel, and lifting the front panel from the case shell. All parts are mounted to the rear side of the front panel, and consists of a large PCB and a smaller one that is fitted on extenders.

The larger PCB is mounted directly to the rear of the front panel, and holds the sockets, controls and indicators that are visible from the front of the device. The smaller PCB holds an AMD 8080 microprocessor and is in fact identical to the Processor Board of the Crypto Module itself.

The test software is held in an EPROM that is located on the larger PCB.
  

Test Set removed from its metal case
Front view
Rear view
CPU board processor detail
Processor board detail
8080 CPU
DIP switches and EPROM with test program
C
×
C
1 / 7
Test Set removed from its metal case
C
2 / 7
Front view
C
3 / 7
Rear view
C
4 / 7
CPU board processor detail
C
5 / 7
Processor board detail
C
6 / 7
8080 CPU
C
7 / 7
DIP switches and EPROM with test program

Further information
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Saturday 09 November 2019. Last changed: Friday, 23 December 2022 - 12:39 CET.
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