TASK ORDER NO. 02 (100,677)65R BASIC AGREEMENT (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A000600040036-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 3, 2004
• Sequence Number: 36
• Publication Date: March 11, 1966
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved Foelease 2004/11/30: CIA-RDP78B04
11 March 1966
000600040036-QQ
Declass Review by NGA
B. J. Government
Washington, D. C.
tention:
Contracting Officer
Subjects
Task Order No. 02(100s677)6 R
STAT
Basic
. reeme t
tlosuret
STAu
tl
a)
Prototype Modulated ? Light Piln Viewi
Monthly Narrative Report ? February 196
copies.
Tables ?
- Two (2)
en
eaent
forwards here-
Enclosure a) accordance with the reporting requirements under
Item 4 of subject contract task order.
copy of this letter, we are forwarding three (3) additional copies
the monthly report to the Technical Representative.
Should you desire further information in this matter, please feel tree
to contact the undersigned,
truly yours,
ebj
act 'technical Representative (v/end.
STA
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STAT
PROTOTYPE MODULATED-LIGHT FILM VIEWING TABLES
STAT CO~vTRAC TASK ORDER ~o. 02(lOO9677)65mR
S
Monthly Narrative Re ort - Fbbrusr 1966
(Covering a eriod January 2 to February 229 1966)
A. Current Status of Work
During operational tests of the first prototype viewing table during the
middle of this monthly period9 arcing took place within the kinescope and some
of the phosphor flaked off the faceplate of the tube. The tube was removed
from the table and examined to determine the cause of the failure. Initial
examination pointed out no particular fault9 but it was believed after discussion
with the tube ma acturer9
that the voltage at which STA
the tube had been operated waa higher than the tube could stand for the period
it had been used (150-200 hours). Prior to purchase of the tubes9
had been STA
told that the tubes could operate at higher voltages (20-25KV) than their. rated
levels (l2a16KV). This tube and another that had previously gassed were returned
to the vendor for his examination. The first estimate as to the problem proved
STAT
the problem and potential solutions with
brightness on the tube faceplate., the following modifications (singularly or in
combination) were agreed on for investigation:
0
engineer experienced in tube m acture was sent out to discuss
1) Replace the gray glass faceplate in the current tube (55% light trans-
mission) with a clear glass faceplate (90% transmission).
2) Increase the thickness of the phosphor screen and aluminum film backing
behind the screen to allow for higher voltage operations
3) Replace the gun in the current tube with a gun capable of higher (than
16KV) voltage operation.
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STA
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All three modifications are being investigated, but there are still problems to
be resolved (as noted in Section B).
Electrical work continued on the table with a replacement tube of the same
size. However9 operating voltage was limited to 16KV. New measurements made at
this level indicated not only lower brightness through the faceplate (about 340
foot lamberts without the diffuser on a 9" x 1211 raster and 170 foot lamberts with
the diffuser), but also only a 19:1 contrast compression ratio with the diffuser.
Earlier work. during the month in modifying the video feedback circuit had sub-
stantially increased the gain in the circuit which at the higher operating voltages
was expected to give the desired 30:1 compression. To improve somewhat the
operating capability at 16KV, additional modifications were examined. In particular.,
a different diffuser with less light attenuation (20-25% rather than 50%) is being
examined, and a larger surface photo-multiplier to increase the light pickup in
the fsedback.network is being substituted for the present photo-multiplier. The
latter, along with improvements already made in the feedback circuit, is expected
to give the.desired contrast compression.
Electrical work also took place on. the circuits for microscope operation. The
microscope was connected and tested operationally. In particular, adjustments
were made to improve. the raster follow operation. This work should be completed
at the beginning of the next period.
Mechanical work on the first table during this period included adjustment of
the gears and shafts of the film drive and re-adjustment of the pantograph. The
cover plate latch has been modified but not yet re=assembled. For the second
table, the cage assembly was completed,
B. Problem Areas Encountered
The major problem area encountered was the tube failure described in Section A
above, The solution to this problem has not yet been adequately determine.. Clear
glass for the faceplate may not be readily available, and there could be a delay.
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of two months or more before such glass could be obtained. In addition, any
tube modification to allow operation at higher voltage must be well tested
before any assurance of adequate life can be given. These modified tubes will
also require some time, estimated at 24 weeks,, to obtain.
C. Pro' ected Work for the Next Month
STAT As of March 1, 1966,
has stopped all charges to this contract while
awaiting a customer decision as to further action to be taken.
will, STA
during the period before that date, test out the use of a new diffuser and a
layer photomultiplier on the first table. Likewise, investigations will con-
STA tinue with the
and other vendors as to possible modifications
to the type of tube presently being used or possible sources of satisfactory
new tubes. Mechanical work during the period before March 1, 1966 will include
pinning and installing of new film drive pintles and checking all mechanical
pins on the first table and completing, if possible, the baseplate, elevation
and. pedestal assembly on the second table.
0
D'. Status of Fund Expenditures to End of Month
Funds expended (and committed at bread-even level to 27 February 1966, are
shown below along with a proportional share of the base fee (up to a limit of
-STA
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STAT
E. Documentation of Verbal Commitments and/or Agreements During the Period
A review of the technical and financial status of the Modulated Light Table
program was given to the customer on February 8, 1966 in conjunction with a more
STAT
of the budgeted contract cost plus the costs had agreed to absorb. Both STAT
detailed review of another customer sponsored program being conducted
Specifically brought out during this meeting was the anticipated final cost of
the Light Table program. It was pointed out that this cost was above the sum
0
and the customer agreed to review the situation carefully and communicate
?
recommendations for further action (including potential cost reductions and
their effects) to the other as soon as possible. In the meantime
0
STAT
advised to continue with its current work, but not to start'any new activity,
(e.g., operator's console repackaging or pantograph modification) that would
require new cost commitments.
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