AGENDA EQUIPMENT BOARD

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-01578A000100080002-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 2, 2000
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: November 18, 1964
• Content Type: AG

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SECRET
7QUIP NP BOARD
MIN[lI'ES
25X1A
Meeting Number 5-64 of the Equipment Board was held on 18 November
1964 in the CC Conference Room, 2D03, Headquarters Building. Those present
were:
DD/CO OC-E 25X1 A
OC-OS OC-B
OC-T OC-E
OC-o
OC-SPS
OC-E
CC E
OC-S
OC-A
OC-SPS
OC-OS
I. OLD BUSINESS
None
II. NSW BUSINESS
A. Agenda Item No. 1: Continued Use of A-9-4/RS-16/AT-10 QFM Equipment
25X1A
This equipment is presently located at the AND 25X1 A
base stations as well as at out-stations in the areas, 25X1A
where it is used to meet emergency communications requirements. Several
areas have recommended that it be disposed of. Equipment Board action on
this matter is required.
The usefulness of the present AS-4/RN-16/AT-1O QFM equipment was
examined,, particularly with respect to the need for its continued use on
emergency circuits. The main problems being encountered with this equipment
are the need for excessive maintenance because of the age of most of the
equipment., and the need for a relatively clear 12.5 kc channel, which is
increasingly difficult to find in the crowded spectrum which exists-today
It was brought out that 300 wpm medium speed equipment is being used
increasingly to meet emergency circuit requirements, particularly within
an area. Although 300 wpm equipment does not have the ability of QFM to
avoid damming by virtue of the latter's short transmission time, medium
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S E C R E T
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Equipment Board Minutes
Meeting No. 5-64
25X1A
speed does compensate for this in part by its greater frequency flexibility.
In discussing what can be used to replace QFM, it was brought out that
within the relatively near future the PM-18 triphase system should be
available and provide a 1480 wpm capability. Advantages of the PH-18
over QYM are a 2.5 ke bandwidth, newer equipment which should require
teen maintenance, greater frequency flexibility and, importantly, the
system v ill use base station equipment which is also used for agent
communications, rather than unique equipment as does QFM. Looking somewhat
farther ahead, the AS-12, the 25X1 C
also looz promising for emergency coaununications needs.
The question of whether QFM systems should be phased out over a period
of time was next discussed, and a strong argument was made for reaching
a positive decision now so that Plans for the new- receiving station 25X1A
and the modifications for can go ahead on the basis of whatever
decision is reached? because the layout of these stations will necessarily
be affected by whether or not the AS-4 base installations are to remain.
With regard to what disposition would be made of QFM units if they
25X1A are withdrawn from service said they would be returned to
Headquarters and salvaged because of the value of some of their components,
particularly high speed key punches.
It was agreed by all that QFM equipment has provided valuable experience
in high speed transmissions techniques and for years has given the Agency a
unique capability in the emergency communications field. This experience
has laid the ground work for the more advanced systems which are now in
development and QFM has, therefore, been a valuable stepping stone to the
future. The QFM systems can be retired from service, having served a
very useful purpose.
3. Board Action
The Board recommends that QFM equipment be retired from service at
all installations, and that the units be returned to Headquarters for balvage.
B. Agenda Item No. 2: Review of the FY-65 R&D Program
In order for the Board to review the R&D Program, OC-E periodically
provides a briefing of the equipment in development and the projects
planned for future development.
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Equipomt Board Minutes
Meeting No. 5-64
2. Discussion
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distributed a paper which listed by category all new
agent eomicationa equipment presently on procure nt or in development.
AdditlOnOUY, a paper OutUning the descriptions costs and status of the
progil a research and develop ant tasks for FY-1965 was distributed.
These prided the background for a cc rehensive Board review of all
R&D project::.
25X1A
secretary
25X1A
approval
I approve the recommendation made by the Board in paragraph II A.3 above.
25X1A
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