TAPE RECORDERS, PROJECT IDEALIST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75B00285R000200020055-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 26, 2003
• Sequence Number: 55
• Publication Date: March 4, 1966
• Content Type: MF

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DP751300285R00020020055-8
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy for Dield Activities, OSA
SUBJECT Tape Recorders, Project IDEALIST
REFERENCE Minutes of Fifth IDEALIST
onr igurat ion 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.
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 the
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.
- 4 OV 1966
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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 25X1`
country. However, a commercially available unit could not
be found. Consequently, a verbal request was made to
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 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.
been a roached.
CEC is expected to submit a quotation by .a ou March.
6. The Board will be advised of the proaresg this
investigation. F- I 25X1
Chief, Communications & F d
Electronics Division
OSA-DD/S&T
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.. , Approved For Relea O03/
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istribution:
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 2003
4 March 1966)
P75B00285R000200026055-8 25X1