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← USA FILL SINCGARS
Transmission Security Key Fill Device
MX-18290 is an
electronic transport device,
or fill unit,
used for loading frequency hopping (FH) tables into compatible devices,
such as SINCGARS radio sets.
Frequency hopping techniques are also known as
Electronic Counter Counter-Measures (ECCM), and are used to protect a radio
channel against eavesdropping.
The MX-18290 is also known as NSN 5895-01-270-3935.
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The case of the MX-18290 resembles that of the KYK-13,
but unlike the KYK-13 it can only be used for transferring
Transmission Security Keys (TSK),
consisting of the Frequency Hopping Tables (FH)
and channel lock-out information.
It is not suitable for transferring
Transmission Encryption Keys (TEK) to a crypto-capable radio.
For crypto, a KYK-13 or a similar key loader is required.
The MX-18290 roughly measures 15 x 8.5 x 4 cm and is made of die-cast
aluminium.
At the rear is a small battery compartment that accepts a standard 6V
BA-5372/U battery.
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The device has two connectors (one at either side). One is the male whilst the
other one is the female receptacle of the
U-229 connector
that is commonly used by the NSA for connection of
fill devices.
The connection is often shared with the sockets for microphone,
headset or handset.
Although one end of the MX-18290 can be connected directly to the FILL
socket of the radio, it is recommended to use a short transfer cable, in order
to release the strain on the U-229 socket.
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The device has two rotary switches and a
recessed push-button at the centre. The push-button is used to initiate
a fill or transfer. Just above the initiate button is a green CHECK LED.
The topmost rotary is the MODE-switch, controlling the operation of the device.
It has three positions:
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The lower rotary is the ADDRESS-selector. It has 16 positions:
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1 thru 13 13 different frequency hopping sets T1 and T2 TSK (control the order of the frequency hopping sets) A (All) Load of fill All keys
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After connecting the filler to a compatible COMSEC device,
keys (i.e. frequency hopping sets) can be loaded individually, by selecting
the propriate address (1 thru 13) and subsequently pressing the initiate
button. Two complete hopping tables (i.e. the order of the frequency hopping
sets) can also be transferred individually (T1 and T2).
Setting the MODE-switch to 'A' and pressing the initiate button, will
load all keys into the connected device.
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In case security is compromised, the keys can be purged by setting
the mode selector to ZA (Zeroize All) and pressing the initiate-button
simultanenously.
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The MX-18290 can easily be opened by removing the 6 screws from the left
panel. Once opened, the solder side of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) becomes
visible. The PCB is held in place by another 6 screws and connects to the rest
of the device with a 30-pin connector. After removing these 6 screws, the PCB
can be removed by pulling it out of the connector.
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The MX-18290 contains only one PCB. When removed, the other parts (switches,
LED, connectors and battery compartment) become visible. They are all
connected to a large green 30-pin connector by means of a so-called flex PCB.
The advantage of using flex PCB rather than just a simple bundle of cables,
is the lower weight and easier manufacturing (and hence lower cost).
The PCB contains all active (electronic) parts. The 6th image below gives
a good view of the component side of the PCB.
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At the left is the Harris controller.
Below it are the EPROM and two RAM chips.
The keys are stored inside the RAM chips and are retained as long as the 6V
battery is present (and connected). Removing the battery, or removing the PCB
from the case, will disconnect power from the RAM chips and hence delete the
keys.
The keys are also purged when the user sets the MODE-switch to the ZA position
(Zerioze All) and presses the initiate-button simultaneously.
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Memory of the MX-18290 can be preserved with a standard military
6-Volt Lithium Manganese Dioxide battery BA-5372/U.
Note that the prescribed battery type, cast in the battery compartment,
is BA-1372/U. This is the earlier Mercury-based battery with the same
voltage that has since been replaced by the better BA-5372/U.
This battery is available from a variety of sources.
The image on the right shows an example of a suitable battery.
Please note that the shape may be different.
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Wednesday 21 March 2012. Last changed: Sunday, 25 February 2018 - 17:54 CET.
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