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FS-5000 DSU
Digital Storage Unit

The FS-5000 is controlled by a small digital unit, called the Digital Storage Unit (DSU), that is attached to the other modules at the front right. It has a 45-button keyboard and a 16-character LCD screen for communication with the user, and has a built-in high-end cryptographic engine. The DSU can be used as part of the FS-5000 radio station but also stand-alone using batteries.

The DSU is used for entering and encrypting messages, reading messages and setting the RX and TX frequencies. Settings and messages are retained in memory by a set of backup batteries.

The image on the right shows a typical DSU as it was used in Germany. The keyboard consists of 45 hard-plastic keys with the full alphabet (A-Z), numbers (0-9), full-stop and comma. The space charcter is at the bottom left and has a yellow key. At the top row are 5 coloured keys. The two blue ones are used as ON/OFF button. White is used for ENTER (YES) and Red is CHANGE (NO).
  
The DSU of the FS-5000 (SR 5000M)

The keyboard is somewhat recessed, so that the keys can not be activated accidently when the toolbox is mounted over the DSU. At the top is a 16-character LCD screen which is used for communication with the user. The firmware is adapted for each country, so that the majority of messages is in the native language. The keyboard however, always has the QWERTY-layout.

The DSU is connected to the other modules via the receiver. The 25-way D-type connector at the bottom of the DSU mates with the socket on the right side of the receiver. The two guide-pins on the side of the DSU allow the unit to be locked securely by a lever on the receiver's side. This is the default position of the DSU, but it was also possible to use an extension cable.

Complete FS-5000 radio station
Complete FS-5000 radio station
The DSU of the FS-5000 (SR 5000M)
Carrying the DSU
Close-up of the DSU when attached to the radio station
Switching ON the DSU
FS-5000 with detached DSU
FS-5000 with DSU inside Samsonite attaché case
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Complete FS-5000 radio station
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Complete FS-5000 radio station
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The DSU of the FS-5000 (SR 5000M)
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Carrying the DSU
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Close-up of the DSU when attached to the radio station
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Switching ON the DSU
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FS-5000 with detached DSU
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FS-5000 with DSU inside Samsonite attaché case

Cryptographic algorithm
Although it hasn't been confirmed yet, there are strong indications that the secret NATO CEROFF cryptographic algorithm was used in the DSU, for the encryption of its messages [8]. This high-grade algorithm was developed by Philips Usfa around 1980, and had been approved by NATO for messages up to the level of COSMIC TOP SECRET. It was used in products like Aroflex, Picoflex and RACE (KL-51), and was suitable for implementation in hardware as well as in software.

 More about Philips Aroflex
 More about RACE (KL-51)


Stand-alone use
The DSU can be used in stand-alone mode (i.e. separated from the FS05000) in which case it is powered by the internal backup batteries. This is the main reason for the relatively high voltage (7V) of the internal batteries. For proper operation, the DSU needs a fresh pair of batteries.

Stand-alone mode allows the user to prepare a message off-line whilst being away from the transmitter. One or more messages can be entered and encrypted, and the transmission frequency can be programmed in advance.

Stay-behind personnel could also program the internal Real Time Clock (RTC) for scheduled (unmanned) transmission of the messages.

The image on the right show the DSU performing its self-test in stand-alone mode. In this case it is powered by two fresh Tadiran 3.6V Li-cells.
  
Stand-alone use of the DSU

When the device is turned off, the device enters SLEEP-mode and the messages and any other settings are retained by the backup batteries. In SLEEP-mode the device consumes less than 0.19mA, which means that data will be retained for years if necessary. As soon as the RTC reaches the preset time and date, it will turn on the DSU (and hence the complete FS-5000 station), transmit its message(s) and turn itself OFF again. In the same way it was possible to receive message at a pre-determined time and date, whilst being away from the radio station.

Stand-alone use of the DSU
Stand-alone use of the DSU
Replacing the back-up batteries
Replacement batteries (Tadiran 3.6V)
Replacement batteries (Tadiran 3.6V)
Placing the replacement batteries
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Stand-alone use of the DSU
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Stand-alone use of the DSU
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Replacing the back-up batteries
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Replacement batteries (Tadiran 3.6V)
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Replacement batteries (Tadiran 3.6V)
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Placing the replacement batteries

Batteries
At the right side of the DSU is a small circular lid that gives access to a cylindrical battery compartment that takes two 3.5V lithium cells. The cells have the shape of standard penlight batteries but produce a total of 7V that is needed to retain the settings and message(s).

It is also possible to use the DSU stand-alone (i.e. not connected to any of the other modules), in which case it is powered by the internal batteries. This is the reason that the batteries produce 7V. In order to save the batteries, the DSU will enter SLEEP-mode when it is not used.

The batteries are also used to keep the Real Time Clock (RTC) on the crypto board running (see below). As the RTC draws only 10µA in standby, the batteries can keep the clock running for many years. A spare set of 3.5V SAFT batteries was supplied with the toolkit.
  
Replacing the back-up batteries

Please note that the batteries are not needed to operate the radio station and the DSU. If there are no batteries present inside the DSU, the only problem is that the settings (frequency) and the current messages in the internal memory of the DSU are lost when the device is switched OFF.

Also note that, as the batteries get older, their internal resistance (Ri) will rise. As a result they may seem good when measured with a volt-meter, but they do not deliver enough energy to power the DSU when used off-line.

Replacement batteries for the DSU may be difficult to find. A good modern alternative for the 3.5V SAFT batteries that were originally supplied with the FS-5000, is the 3.6V TL-5104 Li-battery made by Tadiran (Israel). They have the same size as the original and produce 7.2V. They allow stand-alone use of the DSU.
  
Replacement batteries (Tadiran 3.6V)

Another good alternative is available from EVE™ (Energy Very Endure). It is also a 3.6V Lithium-battery at AA-size with a capacity of 2600mAh and is available from component supplier Conrad Elektronik in Germany for approx. EUR 4.99 (order number 650773-89). Also available from Conrad is a 3.6V/2400mAh Li-battery from Emmerich™ for EUR 4.69 (order number 651244-89). Many thanks to Günter König in Germany for this information.

Another solution that allows the DSU to be powered by an external 7V DC source is the special adapter shown in the image on the right. It is plastic rod that replaces the two 3.5V batteries. At the right is the top contact (+) whilst the negative side (-) is connected to the cap at the left. Two wires (red/black) with banana-type plugs at the end allow the adapter to be connected to an external source.

The adapter was only supplied to stay-behind personnel. It allowed them to operate the DSU off-line in case the batteries were dead or low.
  
Click to see more

Many thanks to Jim Meyer [6] for supplying the image above. Jim apologizes for the rather low quality of the image. Perhaps it would be a good idea if someone would make a small quantity of these adapters (anyone?).


Detached DSU
In normal operation, the DSU is located to the right of the receiver, so that the connectors of the two devices mate. This is how the FS-5000 was designed in 1985. A later extension cable, called VK-5000, allows the DSU to be used as a console. This cable was probably introduced in 1992.

The cable is approx. 1.5 meters long and has purpose-built connectors at both sides. The side that connects to the receiver is marked VK-5000 and is locked in place in the same manner as the DSU by pushing the handle all the way down.

The other side of the cable is connected to the 25-way socket on the DSU and is held in place by two ingenious clips. The extension cable was probably used for a more convenient operation and for use in the field by Special Forces. The image on the right shows the DSU connected to the receiver via the VK-5000 extension cable.
  
FS-5000 with detached DSU

Interestingly, the cable carries the later TST-logo rather than the original Telefunken logo (or no logo at all). TST (Telefunken Systemtechnik) was established in 1989 as the merger of two former AEG divisions within Deutsche Aerospace (now EADS). According to the manufacturing codes on the connectors, the extension cable was made in 1992 or later.

DSU extension cable
Receiver-end of the extension cable
Extension cable connected to the receiver
DSU-end of the extension cable
Locking the DSU-connector
FS-5000 with detached DSU
FS-5000 with detached DSU
FS-5000 with detached DSU
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DSU extension cable
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Receiver-end of the extension cable
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Extension cable connected to the receiver
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DSU-end of the extension cable
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Locking the DSU-connector
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FS-5000 with detached DSU
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FS-5000 with detached DSU
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FS-5000 with detached DSU

Testing the DSU
When you are uncertain about a correct operation of the FS-5000, it is possible to test the interface of the DSU, using the small test device, or X-Unit, that is part of the toolkit.

This test requires the DSU to be used in stand-alone mode, which means that it needs to have a fresh pair of internal batteries installed.

 More information
  
Performing an Interface Test


Reading the version number
In order to read the version number and date of the firmware, press and hold the white and red keys (ENTER/CHANGE) immediately after switching the unit on. After completing the self-test, the information will be displayed. It consists of the name, version number, date and manufacturer.

The various bits of information are divided over several lines. Each line stays on screen for 1 sec. The Special Forces version of the DSU (SR5000M) shows for example this information:

SR5000M
Version: 10.01
Vom: 12.08.1993
ANT-BACKNANG

At the time, ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH was a joint venture between AEG Telefunken, Bosch and others, based in Backnang (Germany).
  
Version number

The version number of the firmware of the SR5000M is 10.01 and the release date is 12 August 1993. The date codes on the electronic components and the batteries however, indicate that the units were built around 1988. This suggests that the FS-5000M (i.e. the German Special Forces version) is in fact the original Stay-Behind version with modified software. As the stay-behind organisations in most countries – including Germany – were dismantled in 1992, it is quite possible that the radio sets were given a new lease of life at the Bundeswehr (German Army).

Apparently, the firmware was written (or at least modified) by ANT Nachrichtentechnik in Backnang (Germany). Before 1983, 51% of ANT was owned by AEG Telefunken. There are indications that the development of the DSU firmware was done for Telefunken by ANT.

Device name: 'SR5000M'
Version number
Firmware release date 12-08-1993
Supplier: ANT-Backnang
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Device name: 'SR5000M'
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Version number
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Firmware release date 12-08-1993
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Supplier: ANT-Backnang

Control
The radio station is turned ON by pressing the two blue buttons (marked ON/OFF) simultaneously. As our DSU was previously used in Germany, the example texts below are in German. When switched ON, the DSU will first perform the built-in self-test:

     Test-RAM
     Test-EPROM
     Test-Timer
     Test-Krypto
     
    
If the self-test fails, an error message will be display (e.g. RAM Fail). The set can be turned OFF at any time by pressing the two blue keys simultaneously again. If the DSU is not operated for a certain period of time, it will enter SLEEP mode. In this state, the display is blanked and the DSU can be woken up by pressing the yellow SPACE-key. If all is OK (i.e. it passes the self-test) the DSU will ask for your station number. After entering a 2-digit station number (01-63), followed by the ENTER key, the unit enters a state machine with the following structure:


Each state presents itself on the display with a question (in the local language) which should be answered with YES (white) or NO (red). Pressing the red button (NO) will enter the next state, whilst pressing the white button (YES) will enter a dialogue with several sub-states. Most states are self-explanatory, but entering the cryptographic key is a bit more difficult.

Switching ON the DSU
Entering the station number
Receive y/n?
Text entry
RX frequency setting
Synchronizing with remote station
FS-5000 with detached DSU
Replacing the back-up batteries
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Switching ON the DSU
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Entering the station number
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Receive y/n?
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Text entry
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RX frequency setting
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Synchronizing with remote station
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FS-5000 with detached DSU
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Replacing the back-up batteries

Testing transmission
FS-5000 will only send messages that are encrypted with a valid encryption key. Invalid keys are not accepted. Before sending the message, a transmission frequency (TX) and a reception frequency (RX) need to be specified. The RX frequency is necessary as the station will wait for an acknowledgement from the base station after the message has been sent. Below is an example of how to send a coded message. At the left is what the DSU shows on the display. At the right is what you should type on the keyboard. [ENTER] is the white key and [CHANGE] is the red key.

     Display             Keyboard
      
     Test-RAM
     Test-EPROM
     Test-Timer
     Test-Krypto
     Stations-Nr.  XX    01[ENTER]
      
     Empfang     j/n?    [CHANGE]
     Senden      j/n?    [CHANGE]
     Eingabe     j/n?    [ENTER]
     Mel-Sp Eingabe
     Speicher-Nr >  X    1[ENTER]
     TextId>             MSG001[ENTER]
     Sp1 Texteingabe>    THIS IS A TRANSMISSION TEST FOR FS5000[ENTER]
      
     Empfang     j/n?    [CHANGE]
     Senden      j/n?    [ENTER]
     S-FREQ XXXXX kHz    28020[ENTER]
     Sendeschluessel>    AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA
     Speicher-Nr>   X    1[ENTER]
     TextId>1234         [ENTER]
     Verschluesselung
     E-Freq XXXXX kHz    27500[ENTER]
     Start          j    [ENTER]
      
     Abstimmung
     Sendebtrieb
     Initialisierung
     Synchronisation
     
    
The example above can be used to test the transmitter of the FS-5000. Please note that the message is sent as a short burst, so the transmitter will be on the air for a very short period of time. Use the maximum message size (55 characters) to create the longest possible burst of 0.8s. Before transmission starts, the ATU first tries to match the antenna (Abstimmung). This can take up to 3 seconds and is done with an RF-output of less than 5mW in order to avoid detection. Once the message has been sent (Sendebetrieb), the receiver is activated (Initialisierung) and the DSU waits for a confirmation fromt the base station (Synchronisation).

As there is no base station awaiting our transmission, the FS-5000 is unlikely to receive confirmation and will therefore stay in SYNCHRONISATION-mode until a timeout occurs (approx. 10 minutes) or the user presses the START-button. The actual message (Sp1 Texteingabe) can be anything up to 55 characters. When the buffer is full, the message Speicher voll (Memory full) will be displayed. Entering a valid key (Sendeschluessel) can be difficult as each 5-letter group contains a checksum. This is further explained below. It works however with the key shown here.

Please note that all messages are lost when the DSU is turned OFF. If you don't want this to happen, i.e. if you want to retain the messages that are currently in memory, do not turn the DSU off, but wait until it falls asleep. In SLEEP-mode the DSU consumes the same current as when it is turned off (less than 0.19mA). You can wake it at any time by pressing the yellow SPACE-key.


Cryptographic key
In order to encrypt a message prior to transmission, or to decrypt a received message, a valid cryptographic key needs to be entered. Each key consists of 6 groups of 5 characters each. The letter A-Z can be used and the numbers 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 (the characters 1, 6, 9, 0, ?, comma and full-stop are not allowed). The last letter of each group acts as a checksum. As a result it is nearly impossible to enter an incorrect key group. The following examples can be used:

     AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA AAAAA
     VBNMN QWER6 ASDFI ZXCV3 TYUIX GHJKO
     VVVVQ QAZPW ZWSXX 3EDCE 4RFV3 OTGBM
     
    
The key-length is 120 bits which is calculated as follows: Each character has 32 possibilities, or 5 bits (25). Of each group, only 4 characters are used for the actual key (the 5th character is the checksum), giving a total of 6 x 4 = 24 characters. As each of these characters respresents 5 bits, the total number of key bits is 24 x 5 = 120 bits. This makes perfectly sense as keys of this size were common practice in the 1980s and 1990s (e.g. the NSA's SAVILLE algorithm).


Interior
The interior of the DSU can be accessed by removing 18 small bolts from the edges of the control panel. This allows the top lid (with the keyboard and the display window) to be removed. The keyboard is attached to the topmost PCB inside the unit, by means of a 20-way green connector that can be removed carefully. The topmost PCB, holding the main processor (CPU) is now visible.

The interior consists of three stacked PCBs that are held together by a series of small bolts. The complete PCB stack is held in place by 4 cross-head bolts in the bottom of the unit. Removing these 4 bolts will release the entire stack.

The image on the right shows the interior of the DSU once it is removed from the case. The three PCBs are interconnected by fixed ribbon cables. Another 20-way connector at the left connects the PCBs to the external Sub-D socket. Like the battery plug (bottom), it must be disconnected before the PCB-stack can be removed.
  
DSU interior: 3 stacked PCBs

The upper PCB contains the main NCS-800 processor, which is a mil-spec Z-80 compatible CPU produced by National Semiconductor [2]. Also on this board are the EPROM with the firmware, a Toshiba TC-5564PL [2] static memory and some 'glue-logic', like the ICL-7660 voltage converter [4]. The 16-position Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is also mounted to the upper board.

An interesting part is the logic board that is mounted to the reverse side of the CPU board. At the heart of this board is a red sub-assembly that holds two NSC810 peripheral interface devices that control the keyboard matrix, the lines of the DB25 connector and several timers.   
The RED crypto sub-assembly

The precise function of the bottom PCB is currently unknown. It contains several logic ICs and and some analogue components, suggesting that this might be the actual modulator. Detailed photographs of this board can be found below. The 3-pin connector at one corner of the board is used for connection of the backup battery that powers the Static RAM and the RTC.

Keyboard separated from the DSU
Looking inside the DSU
DSU interior: 3 stacked PCBs
Empty DSU case
Upper PCB (CPU)
Crypto-board
The RED crypto sub-assembly
Modulator board
PCB stack
Side view of the PCB stack. Note the potentiometer on the analogue board.
NSC800D processor
Processor board with EPROM
ICL-7660MTV switched capacity voltage converter
Analogue circuits
Analogue circuits
32kHz crystal used for the RTC
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Keyboard separated from the DSU
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Looking inside the DSU
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DSU interior: 3 stacked PCBs
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Empty DSU case
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Upper PCB (CPU)
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Crypto-board
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The RED crypto sub-assembly
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Modulator board
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PCB stack
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Side view of the PCB stack. Note the potentiometer on the analogue board.
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NSC800D processor
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Processor board with EPROM
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ICL-7660MTV switched capacity voltage converter
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Analogue circuits
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Analogue circuits
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32kHz crystal used for the RTC

Early speculation
The FS-5000 has been a classified/restricted item for a long time. It was introduced around 1990, at a time when most countries were forced to dismantle their stay-behind organisation. The name of the manufacturer (AEG-Telefunken), the codename (HARPOON) and the equipment itself were kept secret for many years, until more and more details became publicly known.

In 2005, a small number of FS-5000 stations (approx. 20) unexpectedly appeared on the surplus market in the US, but were quickly withdrawn when the mistake was discovered. Unfortunatly, the DSU was missing from the released radio sets and had probably been destroyed. By the time the authorities had discovered their fault, approx. 12 units had already been sold to customers.


This led to speculations about the DSU's looks and capabilities, and even to some attempts to create a (functional) replica of the original DSU. The leftmost image above shows our contribution to the discussion. In 2009 this was what we thought the DSU might look like. We now know that we weren't far from the truth, although some questions remained unanswered at the time.

The assumption that the keyboard had circular keys was correct. The keyboard itself is indeed recessed, but in a different way. Besides, the actual keyboard has a number of coloured function keys. We speculated about the display having 2 lines of text with 16, 20 or even 24 characters each, but it turned out to be a single line of 16 characters only. Furthermore, the user interface is far simpler than anticipated and the functionality of the DSU is less than what we had expected.


Functional replica
After the first FS-5000 sets were released in 2005 without the original DSU, several people have attempted to create a functional replacement for the DSU, so that at least transmitter and receiver could be controlled. This resulted in a PC program and Microchip-based DSU-alternative.

The most successful efforts so far were made by Ray Robinson in Australia [7]. Ray started off with a simple interface and is currently working on version 3 of a replacement for the DSU.

Other people have developed different solutions for controlling the FS-5000. Follow the link below for a more detailed description.

 More information
  
Click to see more
Technical specifications
  • Input voltage:
    • From FS-5000: 13-20V
    • From internal Li-battery: 7V
  • Power consumption, from FS-5000:
    • On: < 42mA
    • Stand-by: < 0.35mA
    • Off: < 0.35mA
  • Power consumption, internal Li-battery:
    • On: < 40mA
    • Stand-by: < 0.19mA
    • Off: < 0.19mA
  • Number of output messages: 10
  • Number of input messages: 10
  • Output message size: ≤ 55 characters (of 6 bits)
  • Input message size: ≤ 52 characters (of 6 bits)
References
  1. Crypto Museum, FS-5000 radio station with DSU
    Investigation at Crypto Museum. April 2012.

  2. National Semiconductor, NSC800 High-Performance Low-Power CMOS Microprocessor
    June 1992. Retrieved April 2012.

  3. Toshiba Semiconductor, TC5564 - 8192 x 8-bit CMOS static RAM
    Date unknown. Retrieved April 2012.

  4. Maxim, MAX1011/ICL7660 datasheet
    19-4667, Rev 1, July 1994. Retrieved April 2012.

  5. National Semiconductor, MM-58274C Microprocessor Compatible Real Time Clock
    April 1991. Retrieved April 2012.

  6. Helmut 'Jim' Meyer, HS0ZHK, My way to Ham - Radio and beyond
    Website QRZ.COM. Personal correspondence. Retrieved June 2008.

  7. Ray Robinson, Digital Control Unit (DCU)
    DSU replacement with Microchip. Started 2005. Last changed February 2010.
    Retrieved May 2012.

  8. Operators Manual for PC-KAYSAT-KAYNARD-RACE Software
    Instructions for the NL-developed message and encryption handling software (English).
    May 1991. SECRET.
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