TAPE RECORDERS, PROJECT IDEALIST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68B00724R000200200065-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 28, 2002
• Sequence Number: 65
• Publication Date: March 4, 1966
• Content Type: MF

SECRET IJ
Approved For Release 200Ltid6IS1A-RDP4p00724R000200200065-7
q r,
MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy for Dield Activities, OSA
SUBJECT Tape Recorders, Project IDEALIST
/2030/66 Minutes of Fifth IDEALIST
Configuration Evaluation Board
1. Pursuant to the request of the ICE Board, stated
in para 2 reference, the Communications and Field Electronics
Division is exploring the possibility of purchasing recorders
from any one of certain major manufacturers of this equipment,
namely, Ampex and CEC. For the purpose of comparison, price
and delivery-wise; Polorad has been asked to quote on a
quantity of new Rega-Jane units. (Several of the original
Rega-Janes are being modified by Astro Science to be used
with System 21).
2. This memorandum also wishes to correct certain
information presented to the Board during the informal
discussion wherein recorder capability was presented.
a. The present "B" unit recorders are 3 track
units. Track 1 and 3 are for data, Track 2 is for
L/R tones and time. Therefore, the information
shown indicating utilization of the present recorder
should include time tone and L/R tones.
b. The pro osed 14-channel recorder will include
the output of i.e., 25X1A
continuous F -J This is one of the more
vital functions, and by an oversight was not included
during the presentation.
3. With respect to para 2b above, if our efforts to
replace these "B" units in System 6 had been an accomplished
fact, it is quite possible that we would have had a complete
history of the events which transpired during the loss of
Article 372. It is pointed out that theF ::1 25X1A
may continue to operate and perform its required function
even though there has been a complete loss of the communication
system equipment. Hence, had we been recording the continuous
output of this device, we may possibly have been able to
determine the exact train of events as they occurred.
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP68B00724R000200200065-7
IDEALIST
SECRET
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Approved For Release 200 41A-RDP6 ,R00724R000200200065-7
IDEA 3000-66
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4. There have been sporadic efforts over a period of
several years to replace these "B" units in System 6, but
the most intense, continuing effort was started by this
Division, in about June of 1965. At that time Lockheed was
asked to look at several recorders for possible use, and
this Division examined the literature and many of the
products of most of the recorder manufacturers in this
country. However, a commercially available unit could not
be found. Consequently, a verbal request was made to
ASD/OEL to investigate the possibility of a development
program to meet the needs of the 28 channel recorder needed
by System 21 'and the 14 channel unit required by System 6.
This request was made in September 1965, when it was
determined that the 7 channel, time sharing approach
suggested by Sanders would not be practical for use on
System..21.
5. The current recorder status indicates that Astro
Science was selected to perform the R&D effort for the new
recorder. Delivery of the prototype is promised in about
10 months, with production to follow in 2 months. Some
experience with the capability and quality of the product
of this company suggests that this time period may be
extended by many months before a useful product can be
obtained. Ampex has indicated the desire to market a
commercial item which we believe will meet the requirements
of. System 21 and System 6. They have been requested to
submit a quotation of price and delivery of the item. The
written quotation is expected from Ampex by 11 March. In
addition to a fixed price quotation, this company has been
requested to submit on a CPIF basis with the view of
assuring delivery of the first units in less than 6 months.
CEC and Polorad have also been approached. The lack of
response from Polorad has eliminated them from consideration.
CEC is expected to submit a quotation by.about 11 March.
6. The Board will be advised of the proe. off) this
investigation.
Chief, Communications & F
Electronics Division
OSA-DD/S&T
25X1A
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP68B00724R000200200065-7
IDEALIST
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Approv d For Release 200 &WPTIA-RDPU500724R000200200065-7
IDEA 3000-66
Page 3.
OSA/C&FE/1 Imf(4 March 1966)
Distribution:
Copy #1 - D/FA/OSA
2 - IDEA/OSA
3 - D/FA/PLANS
4 - INTEL/OSA
5 - C&FE/OSA
6 - RB/OSA
7 - Chrono
Approved For Release 20Q QWPqScIA-RDP68B00724R00020O200065-7
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