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← Racal Module Cougar FILL PRM-4515 → MA-4073 →
The image on the right shows a typical MA-4083 fill gun.
The device is small and leightweight, and easily fits in the
pocket of a uniform. All I/O is at the top surface. There is a 7-pin
socket for connection to a radio set, two LEDs (marked ON and NR),
and a recessed ZEROIZE button.
Over time, improved versions of the device were issued, resulting in the
addition of a letter to the model number. The MA-4083B is required
for the PRM-4720A tactical radio.
The device shown here is the C-version, which was used with the
PRM-4515 Cougar radio and
the MA-4777 unit.
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The MA-4083 can hold up to 30 separate transmit and receive frequencies,
allowing split-frequency operation, or 4 cryptographic keys, but not
both types of information at the same time. In practice, the MA-4083
was often deployed in pairs: one for frequencies and one for keys.
An internal battery retains the data when the device is not in use,
but this battery is not used for operation of the MA-4083. Instead,
the unit is powered by the device to which it is connected.
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Different versions of the MA-4083 exist, each of which is identified
by a single letter suffix to the model number, for example: MA-4083C.
Note that different versions have to be used for different encryption modules.
Using the 'wrong' version, allows the frequencies
to be programmed, but not the cryptographic keys.
Always check the documentation of the radio before trying to load the keys.
In most cases, a single letter suffix to the radio model tells you which
programmer to use.
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- MA-4083B
This version was used with the
PRM-4720A tactical VHF/FM radio
[1].
- MA-4083C
This version should be used with radios or encryption units that have
a part number with the suffix 'S'. Typically, these are the units with
a green MA-4437 crypto modules.
- MA-4083G
This version should be used with radios or encryption units that have
a part number with the suffix 'U', for example PRM-4515H3TCU.
Typically, these are the units with the
red MA-4487 crypto module.
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The MA-4083 can store the following data in its internal memory:
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- 30 Transmit and 30 Receive frequencies, OR
- 4 Cryptographic keys
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Before the MA-4083 can be used to fill a radio or crypto device,
the unit itself has to be filled with either
channel frequency data, or cryptographic keys. This is done
with the MA-4073 programmer
as shown in the image on the right.
Note that for transferring crypto keys, the the model number of the
programmer must have the same suffix as the model number of the
fill gun (e.g. MA-4073C and MA-4083C).
Frequency data can be programmed with any model.
➤ MA-4073 Programmer
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In order to prevent the keys from falling into the wrong hands,
they can be purged instantly by ZEROIZING it.
This is generally a two-fold operation. In this case,
it involves lifting a spring-loaded flap and pressing the Z-button.
Note that the device does not have to be powered for a zeroize
action. This can be done with an unconnected device.
The device is usually also zeroized when it is stored for an extended
period of time. Once zeroized, the device goes into power-save
mode, so that its internal battery lasts longer.
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If you know about other radios that are compatible with this fill gun,
or if you have any information that is not listed here,
please let us know.
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- Racal, MA 4083C leaflet
Date unknown. Retrieved May 2014 [2].
- Racal Radio Ltd., MA 4073C and MA 4073G Programmer, User Handbook
Ref. TH 8224. Issue 3. June 1995. Appendix A (3 pages).
- Racal-Tacticom Ltd. Fill Gun MA 4083G, Technical Manual
Ref. A 3030. Issue 1. April 1995.
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Sunday 29 July 2012. Last changed: Saturday, 18 May 2019 - 07:29 CET.
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