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AEG Telefunken E-1800/A →
The device is housed in a 19" 3U rackmountable enclosure, similar to other
receivers of the era. What makes it stand out from the competition
is that it is modular, and can be configured for a wide variety of applications
by installing a mixture of mandatory and optional plug-in cards.
The device is a labour of love in many aspects.
The front panel is well layed out and operating it is a dream.
Frequency selection is simple and intuitive, and channels can be stored
in the internal memory. Furthermore, stored frequencies can be
scanned at a speed of 140 channels/s. 2
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The E-1800 is part of a family of devices of which certain components
could be mixed between models. It is therefore possible that certain
plug-in units have model numbers in the 1700 range, but also in the
1800 and 1810 range. The family comprises the E-1800, E-1900
and E-2000.
The first (analogue) E-1800 model was introduced in 1985 and was considered
in many reviews as one of the best receivers ever produced.
It was followed in 1987 by the E-1800/3
which had an improved front end. In 1994, the range was succeeded by the
E-1800/A, which adds digital signal processing (DSP)
to the design, and offers (optional) waveforms like
QPSK, VSB and pulse modulation.
The E-1900 is the VHF/UHF companion of the E-1800.
It has a frequency range from 20 to 1000 MHz and shares some accessories
and plug-in modules with the E-1800 receiver.
➤ Wanted items
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 |
- E-1800 · 1985
This is the initial version of the E-1800. It is fully analogue,
except for the synthesizer and the digital readout. The IF-strip
is built with mechanical filters.
The device featured here is largely of this type.
It could be upgraded later with replacement modules.
- E-1800/3 · 1987
This is a later version of the E-1800 with an improved
HT-1710 front end.
The rest of the plug-in modules is identical and the receiver
still has mechanical filters in the IF stage. Furthermore,
the speaker and standby switches at the front panel have been altered.
This version is also covered here.
- E-1800/4 · 1989
Same as E-1800/3, but with SO-1800 or SO-1800/2 synthesizer-oscillator
instead of AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator. The extention '/4' is usually
not shown at the front panel. Existing receivers could be converted into this
model. This version is also covered here.
- E-1800/A · 1994 - wanted
In this version the 2nd IF stage has been replaced by Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) technology, which enables additional modes, such as
Vestigial Side Band (VSB). The DSP replaces the mechanical
IF filters.
➤ More
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In the basic configuration, the E-1800 and E-1800/3 were supplied with an
AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator, paired with a
SR-1800 or SR-1810/3 memory module. When entering a frequency,
it has a settling time of 100 ms, and allows frequencies to be scanned
at 3 channels per seconds.
The performance of the receiver can be improved by replacing the
AO-1700 with an
SO-1800 or SO-1800/2 synthesizer-oscillator, which has a
frequency settling time of 1 ms and allows scanning up to 140 channels
per second.
According to the 1995 price list, the SO-1800 upgrade was available
for a price of DM 15,680 (EUR 7,840) [4].
The differences are listed in the table below:
|
| Synthesizer | Slow | Fast |
| Parameter | AO-1700 | SO-1800 1 |
| Frequency settling time (with 100 Hz accuracy) | 100 ms | 1ms |
| Phase noise (dBc/Hz) Δf = 30 kHz | -140 dB | -120 dB |
| Phase noise (dBc/Hz) Δf = 300 kHz | -155 dB | -145 dB |
| Crystal ageing per year | 10-6 | 10-7 |
| Frequency stability | 3 · 10-7 | 2 · 10-8 |
| Search speed (channels/second) 2 | 3 | 5-140 |
|
-
The SO-1800 consists of an AO-1710 analyzer-oscillator
paired with an SR-1810 memory card.
➤ More
-
The search speed depends on the selected bandwidth and the activity on
the selected channel(s), and may also be
affected by the configured communication speed of the
remote control interface.
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Below is the front panel of the E-1800. Note that there are many versions
and variants of this device, which is not always obvious from the model
number at the front panel. The front panel is well layed out and the
controls are grouped logically. The unit is switched ON with the toggle
switch at the right. 1 Adjustable controls are at the lower edge.
At the top right are two LED bars: one for showing the signal strength
(right) and a double one that is used as a (FSK) tuning aid.
Below the LED bars are seven push-buttons for selecting the desired
waveform. The buttons are engraved with new style mode names like A1A, J3E,
F3C, B8E, etc., rather than classic names like CW, AM, FM, SSB, FSK, etc.
The desired frequency can be selected with the large rotary dial, but can
also be entered directly on the keypad. The current frequency is shown on
the middle LED display. The rightmost LED display shows the bandwidth,
which can be set in seven steps (max.).
The image above shows the rear side of the E-1800 in the Crypto Museum collection.
Note that there are many possible configurations, depending on the optionally
installed plug-in cards. The E-1800 shown here is a high-end variant,
with a double telegraphy demodulator and — very special —
the SO-1800/2 synthesizer-oscillator. It also has several
IF outputs, a self-test module (BITE) and an
IEEE-488 card for remote control.
In this configuration it is known as E-1800/4.
The device shown here was used for monitoring tasks by the German Army
(Bundeswehr).
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-
On some models the ON/OFF switch is a push-button. Furthermore, its place
may be swapped with the speaker on/off switch.
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The image below shows the front panel of the E-1800/3, which is very similar
but not identical to the one shown above. In particular the area around the
standby and speaker switches at the right is different. Moreover, the labelling
on the seven waveform (mode) push-buttons is different.
The image below shows the rear side of the E-1800/3 in our collection.
The device shown here was used for monitoring and interception tasks in
Switzerland, and was remote controlled via a V.24 (RS232) serial interface.
It has two DE-1710/2 demodulators, allowing the simultaneous
reception of both (independent) side bands.
Uniquely, this variant also has a parallel interface.
Note that the device shown here uses the older AO-1700 synthesizer,
which is much slower.
|
The E-1800 consists of a large number of printed circuit boards (PCBs),
held together by means of an aluminium 19" frame with a hand-wired
backplane, all of which are shown in the drawing below. At the front are
the control panel and associated electronics, plus the CPU board,
all of which are fixed in place. The CPU has two expansion slots, one of
which holds the control interface.
All front panel PCBs are mounted in a single sub-frame that is bolted
to the main 19" frame.
At the rear is space for 10 plug-in modules that together form the receiver.
At the far right is an extra panel (11) for the control interface connector.
Some plug-in cards are mutually exclusive.
The slots are numbered 1-10 from left to right, when facing the rear.
Slots 1,4, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 11 have a fixed assignment. The remaining
slots (2, 3, 6, 8) are flexible and are used for optional expansion cards.
In the diagram above they are shown in blue.
Note that units 9a and 9b are bolted together.
Below is an overview of the various modules that can be installed
in each slot.
= in Crypto Museum collection
= documentation available
|
-
The IEC-1800 or SER-1800 or PSE-1800
card is an option. It is not installed in a bakcplane slot, but is
connected directly to the (optional) interface that is fitted to the
processor board behind the front panel.
The serial card (SER-1800) can also be used as a second
interface (in addition to the PSE-1800 or IEC-1800
card).
-
The SR-1800 (or SR-1810/3) memory unit is integrated with the
AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator. The complete construction
(AO-1700 + memory card) uses two backplane slots and occupies the space
for three slots.
-
The combination of AO-1710/2 and SR-1810 is known as the
SO-1800 synthesizer-oscillator. The two cards are bolted together
but use two separate backplane slots. The assembly occupies the space for
three slots. An E-1800 receiver that has the SO-1800 assembly fitted,
is also known as E-1800/4.
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TR-1800/3
Backplane frame
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The E-1800 is housed in a 19" 3U rackmountable enclosure,
which offers space for the front panel, the CPU and a range
of plug-in cards, interconnected by a hand-wired backplane,
as shown in the image on the right.
The frame is shown here as seen from the front.
The backplane wiring is just behind the front panel (which is
removed here). At the far
left is a ribbon cable that connects the interface board (installed
on the CPU when present) to the outside world via a panel in slot 11.
That panel also holds the socket for an external speaker.
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The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is located behnd the front panel
electronics. It runs over the full width of the receiver and is
connected to the front panel and the backplane. The CPU runs on a 8085
processor, and has two expansion slots in which a eurocard-size PCB
can be fitted.
The CPU shown in the image on the right is fitted with an
(optional) IEC-1800 card.
This allows the radio to be controlled from, say, a computer.
It is also possible to install a V.24 (RS232) serial port, or a parallel
control interface in this position.
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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The E-1800 is powered by an internal mains power supply unit (PSU),
which is installed in slot 1 (i.e the leftmost slot when viewed from
the rear). It occupies 2 slot spaces.
The PSU can be configured for the 110V or 220V AC mains
voltage, by means of an internal solder strap.
Alternatively, the BS-1800 PSU can be installed in this slot.
It is equivalent to the NS-1800 shown here, but can also be used
to power the device from a 21.5 V to 30 V DC voltage.
➤ Configuration
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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TD-1710/2
Telex demodulator
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TZ-1710/2
Extra telex demodulator
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For the reception of regular phone and CW signals, the DE-1710
demodulator shown in the image on the right is used. It is alsways
fitted in slot 4 and is mandatory.
The card shown here is the DE-1710/2, which is suitable for the
reception of AM, FM, CW or SSB (LSB, USB) signals.
By installing a second DE-1710(/2) card, it is possible to
process ISB signals.
➤ Pinout of the connectors
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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The E-1800 has an Intermediate Frequency (IF) strip with
in-house developed and manufactured mechanical filters that
are installed as plug-ins on the FI-1710 filter board shown
on the right.
Up to 7 mechanical bandwidth filters can be installed,
selectable from this list.
➤ Available filters
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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BA-1700
Wideband 10.7 MHz
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If necessary, the receiver can be fitted with a BA-1700 wideband 10.7 MHz
output card, which is suitable for connection to a panorama display,
such as the PSG-1800.
This card must be installed in slot 6, but is mutually exclusive
with the ES-1700 preselector.
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The HT-1710 RF-unit, or front-end, is mandatory and should be placed
in slot 7. It has two antenna inputs: one for the 10 kHz to 1.6 MHz range
and one for 1.6 to 30 MHz, which can optionally be
combined into one input.
The image on the right shows the HT-1710/2 version of the RF-unit. Its
compartmented design consists of three PCBs, comprising the RF front-end,
the IF1 stage and the IF2 stage. The middle PCB is further
divided into 4 compartments by means of silver plated metal panels.
➤ Configuration
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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FU-1800
IF output 30/525 kHz
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Slot 8 is reserved for optional expansion cards. It accepts the FU-1800 frequency
converter shown here. It serves two purposes:
(1) It provides an IF-output at 30 or 525 kHz, selectable with a
switch. The signal can be fed directly to an external FSK decoder,
such as the Rohde & Schwarz GA-082 FSK analyzer or
the Teletron TG-44E.
(2) This card also provides a balanced AF line output that can be used
by a recording device (frequency response: 500 Hz - 18 kHz).
➤ Pinout of the connectors
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
➤ Test protocol
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Slot 9b is reserved for the AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator, which forms
the heart of the system, as it synthesizes the necessary tuning
frequencies. It occupies two slot spaces and is always paired with
an SR-1800 or SR-1810/3 memory unit in slot 9a.
The assembly takes 3 slot spaces.
Alternatively, the AO-1700 can be replaced by the
SO-1800/2 synthesizer-oscillator, which is paired with
an SR-1810 memory card. AO-1700 and
SO-1800/2 are mutually
exclusive.
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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SO-1800/2
Fast synthesizer
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Slot 9b can also be used for the AO-1710/2 analyzer-oscillator.
Together with the SR-1810 memory card it forms the SO-1800/2
synthesizer-oscillator. It settles frequency changes in 1 ms, whereas this
took 100 ms on the AO-1700.
The AO-1710/2 comprises three stacked PCBs, plus a
10 MHz reference oscillator
that bulges out at the rear. It can be synchronised externally
or can be used to synchronise other receivers.
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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BT-1800
Built-in self test
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All internal circuits can be tested automatically by means of
the so-called Built-in Test Equipment (BITE). When present,
this board is fitted in slot 10. After pressing the push-button,
the test runs for several seconds, after which the green LED lights
up. Faults are flagged with a red LED.
The empty space on the BT-1800 can be used for fitting the optional
Digital BFO (circuit), in which
case it is known as BT-1800/2.
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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IEC-1800
IEEE-488 control interface
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The E-1800 can be controlled externally by means of an optional
IEC-625 interface that is installed as a plug-in card on the CPU board,
as shown in the image on the right.
The accompanying connector is fitted in slot 11 and is
connected to the card by means of a ribbon cable.
The IEC-625 card is also known as IEEE-488, GPIB and HPIB.
The German Army (Bundeswehr) used this interface for remote control.
➤ Pinout of the connector
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SER-1810
V.24 serial interface
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The SER-1810 card allows the E-1800 to be controlled remotely,
as an alternative to the IEC-1800 card shown above. In is intalled
as a plug-in card on the CPU board, and features a V.24 (RS232)
interface that is routed to a DB25 socket at the rear via a
flat cable. The control protocol is fully documented in the manual.
The SER-1810 serial card can also be installed as a second
remote control interface (e.g. in addition to the IEC-1800), in which
case it is placed in the extra slot on the CPU board.
➤ Pinout of the connector
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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PSE-1800
Parallel interface
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The PSE-1800 card is an alternative to the IEC-1800 and SER-1800
cards, and offers a parallel interface. It is installed as a plug-in
on the CPU board and has a flat cable running to the rear of the
receiver, where a 50-pin DD50 socket is present on a blind panel.
The pinout of the connector is described here.
Note that this connector is of the same type as the connector on the
SR-1810 memory card. To avoid mistakes, there is a pin-coded
mask at either end of the socket and plug.
➤ Pinout of the connector
➤ Manual
➤ Diagrams
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March 2025
When we received our E-1800, it was in unknown state. Apparently it had
been collecting dust for quite a few years, as the front panel was barely
recognisable. It is also likely that the device(s) had been thrown around
after they were decommissioned, as the front panel and the frame
were badly damaged at the corners. According to the labels on the front panel,
the device had been used by the German Army (Bundeswehr, BUND).
It was also noticed that it was configured for 115V/AC.
In order to test the device, it was connected to the AC mains via a
VARIAC that was adjusted to produce an output voltage of 110V.
Surprisingly, the device worked straight away and after a short warming up
time, we were able to receive the first signals. Not bad for a receiver
that was manufactured no less than 40 years ago!
The AF gain control appeared to be damaged or broken, as it was difficult
to adjust the audio volume.
In order to clean the device and repair the damages, it was decided to
take it apart completely. This would also give us a chance to inspect
the circuits.
All plug-in cards were removed from the rear side of the rack, and the front
panel assembly — which holds the front panel controls and the CPU — was
detached. The now empty frame was thoroughly cleaned and any damages and
bended corners were repaired carefully. Next, the front panel assembly was
taken apart, so that the front panel could be cleaned and straightened.
The volume potentiometer was repaired and the axle of the frequency dial
was thoroughly cleaned.
The power supply unit (PSU) was converted to 230V and the
electrolytic capacitors were replaced, since one of then was already
bulging out somewhat.
This is generally a sign that the capacitor is about to blow itself up.
Replacing these capacitors appeared to be quite tough,
as they are glued to the PCB.
When inspecting the PSU further, it was noticed that the
so-called X- and Y-capacitors had cracks in them.
Over time, these cracks attract
moisure which eventually may cause the capacitor to explode. We decided
to replace them as a precautionary measure.
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Extremely dirty Front panel and case frame damaged (corners bended) PSU configured for 115V AC mains Cracks spotted in X and Y capacitors in PSU Low quality internal speaker Volume control broken
|
- Unit completely disassembled
- Exterior and interior thoroughly cleaned
- Front panel disassembled, cleaned, straightened and reassembled
- 19" frame straightened, repaired and cleaned
- Volume potentiometer repaired
- PSU electrolytic capacitors replaced
- PSU configured for 230V/AC
- Front panel speaker replaced
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29 May 2025
We recently received an E-1800/3 from Switzerland. When it arrived, it was
in working order, but after approx. 20 minutes it suddenly 'died'. After
swapping the PSU with the known-good one from our E-1800, we established that
the problem was indeed caused by the NS-1800 module. After opening it, we
noticed that it was the older version
of the NS-1800 (→ circuit diagram) that does not have
the improved startup circuit (→ later version).
After replacing GR6 and R25, the PSU works again.
As a safety measure, we also replaced all electrolytic capacitors
in the NS-1800.
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Depending on the previous use of a (surplus) E-1800 and your personal
wishes, you might want to consider one or more of the modifications described
below.
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- Convert PSU to 230V
Some PSUs, in particular those of the E-1800 receivers used by the German
Bundeswehr, are configured for 115V/AC, rather than the regular European
voltage of 230V/AC. Fortunately, it is rather simple to convert the
NS-1800 PSU.
➤ More
- Extend the lower boundary of the frequency range
German radio amateurs have successfully managed to extend the frequency
range of the E-1800 to below 10 kHz, simply by patching the firmware of
the CPU.
More information can be found ➤ here (off-site) [1].
- Replace speaker
The quality of the built-in front panel speaker is not excellent.
It works, but its plastic membrane has disturbing resonances within the audio band.
If you are going to use the receiver with an external speaker, there is nothing
to worry about, but if you want to use the internal one, you might want
to replace it with a proper alternative.
- Single antenna input
The E-1800 has two antenna inputs: one for the 10 kHz to 1.6 MHz range,
and one for the 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz range. By altering a strap inside the
HT-1710 front end, the two inputs can be combined.
When the strap is in the 3/4 position,
only the lower antenna socket (10 kHz - 1.6 MHz) should be used.
➤ More
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| Error | Description | Affected card |
| E01 | Control error. No useful function | |
| E02 | Entered frequency out of range | |
| E03 | Function not available (hardware missing) | |
| E20 | No Valid frequency in scan memory. | |
| E21 | Error when entering scan parameter FL (out of range) | |
| E22 | Error when entering scan parameter FH (out of range) | |
| E23 | Error when entering scan parameter dF (dF=0000) | |
| E50 | ROM error (checksum error) | |
| E55 | RAM error | |
| E57 | Control error (only when BT is fitted) | ZS, BF, SR, AO, BT |
| |
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Interface
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| E60 | Timeout | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E61 | Parity error | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E62 | Overrun | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E64 | DSR error | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E65 | Framing error | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E66 | CTS error (SER), or waiting for IEC bus (IEC) | IEC, SER, PSE |
| E70 | Sensing line BU1 contact 39 low 1 | SR |
| E71 | Sensing line BU1 contact 40 low 1 | SR |
| E72 | Sensing line BU1 contact 41 low 1 | SR |
| E73 | Sensing line BU1 contact 42 low 1 | SR |
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Card error (when BT present)
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| E80 | Power Supply Unit (PSU) | NS, BS |
| E81 | Reference oscillator, temperature out of tolerance 2 | AO, ZO |
| E82 | Out of sync | AO, ZO |
| E83 | Level 1 out of tolerance | AO, ZO |
| E84 | Level 2 out of tolerance | AO, ZO |
| E85 | Preselector | ES |
| E86 | RF-unit | HT |
| E87 | Filter unit, output 1 | FI |
| E88 | Filter unit, output 2 | FI |
| E89 | Demodulator 1 | DE |
| E90 | Demodulator 2 | DE |
| E91 | Telex demodulator | TD |
| E92 | Extra telex demodulator | TZ |
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When BT not present
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| E87 | Go/No-Go error | |
| E88 | Mode B7B or B8E not available (filter not installed) | FI |
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When more then one of the contacts (39-42) is low, only the first
error is shown.
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E81 can be ignored during the first 20 minutes after startup.
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Both power supply types (NS-1800 and BS-1800) feature the same
IEC 60320/C14 mains power inlet. Below is the pinout of this inlet
when looking into the male receptacle. Note that the PSU does not
have a wide-range input. It has to be configured
for either 115V or 230V AC.
➤ More
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LIVE In 115/230V AC 45-480 Hz 1 LIVE In 115/230V AC 45-480 Hz 1 GND - Ground
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Ensure that the PSU is configured for the correct mains voltage
before connecting the E-1800 to the mains. The configured voltage is
usually shown on a label just above the power inlet.
➤ More
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Antenna input 10 kHz to 1.6 MHz
HT-1710
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ANT In RF input 10 kHz - 1.6 MHz (50Ω) 1 GND - Ground
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Antenna input 1.6-30 MHz
HT-1710
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ANT In RF input 1.6 MHz - 30 MHz (50Ω) 1 GND - Ground
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WARNING —
Never apply DC to the antenna input of the E-1800, as this will immediately
destroy the mixer transformers of the HT-1710 module.
These mixers are extremely difficult to find and replace. DC is applied, for example,
when the Bias tee (bias-T) of an active antenna is connected the wrong way around.
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Demodulator output · FSK
DE-1710
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The DE-1710 demodulator has a 6-pin DIN socket (BU2) on which the
demodulated output is available. This unfiltered signal is suitable
for connection to, say, a modem, such as the
ETM-1810/M.
Below is the pinout when looking into the socket.
Pins 1/3 provide a balanced signal.
|
AF Out AF line 600Ω (symmetric) GND - Ground AF Out AF line 600Ω (symmetric) AF In AF input (for special cases) CTRL Out Control voltage MUTE In Muted when connected to GND (2)
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The DE-1710 demodulator also has a BNC socket on which
the 200 kHz intermediate frequency (IF2) is available
as a narrowband signal.
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IF Out IF output, 200 kHz narrowband GND - Ground
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When the frequency converter FU-1800 is present, a converted
IF signal at 30 kHz or 525 kHz — selectable with a switch — is
available. It can be used for peripheral equipment, such as an external
FSK demodulator. The signal is available on a BNC socket (BU1).
|
IF Out IF output,30 kHz 525 kHz GND - Ground
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Also on the FU-1800 card is a 6-pin 240° DIN socket (BU2) on which
a balanced 600Ω AF signal is available at line level.
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AF Out AF line 600Ω (symmetric) GND - Ground AF Out AF line 600Ω (symmetric) - - unused OSC Out 325 kHz oscillator signal. - - unused
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When the optional BA-1700 wideband output card is fitted, a wideband 10.7 MHz
signal is available from its BNC socket. It can be used for the connection
of a panarama viewer.
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WB Out 10.7 MHz wideband signal GND - Ground
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Regular synthesizer
AO-1700
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If the AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator is fitted in slot 9b
(rather than the SO-1800 fast synthesizer), there are
two BNC connectors with reference signals. The leftmost one (BU1)
is the 10 MHz reference input. It can be used to lock
the receiver to an external 10 MHz frequency standard. In is enabled
with the switch above it (S1) and accepts a level between -7 dBm and
+13 dBm into 50Ω.
|
| | 10 MHz reference (BU1) |
| 1. | REF | In | 10 MHz reference (input/output) |
| 2. | GND | - | Ground |
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The rightmost BNC socket (BU2) carries the signal from the Voltage
Controlled Oscillator (VCO), which varies between 42.2 and 72.2 MHz
at -7 dBm into 50Ω.
It is provided for measurement and service purposes only, and can be used
to verity the operation of the VCO inside the SO-1800.
|
| | VCO output (BU2) |
| 1. | VCO | Out | ? |
| 2. | GND | - | Ground |
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Fast synthesizer
SO-1800/2
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If the SO-1800 synthesizer-oscillator is fitted in slot 9b
(rather than the AO-1700 analyzer-oscillator), there are
three BNC connectors with reference signals. The leftmost one (BU1)
is the 10 MHz reference input/output. It can be used to lock
the receiver to an external 10 MHz frequency standard.
It accepts a level between -7 dBm and +13 dBm into 50Ω.
When used as an ouput, it delivers a 10 MHz signal from the
internal reference oscilator at -20 dBm into 50Ω.
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| | 10 MHz reference (BU1) |
| 1. | REF | In/Out | 10 MHz reference (input/output) |
| 2. | GND | - | Ground |
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The rightmost BNC socket (BU2) carries the signal from the Voltage
Controlled Oscillator (VCO), which varies between 42.2 and 72.2 MHz
at -7 dBm into 50Ω.
It is provided for measurement and service purposes only, and can be used
to verity the operation of the VCO inside the SO-1800.
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| | VCO output (BU2) |
| 1. | VCO | Out | ? |
| 2. | GND | - | Ground |
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On the SO-1800/2, a third socket is present at the centre (BU3).
It provides an extra reference signal that is derived from the internal
10 MHz reference oscillator. The frequency of this extra signal is printed
on a label above BU3 (when present). In our case this is 100 kHz.
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| | 100 kHz output (BU3) |
| 1. | 100 kHz | Out | 100 kHz output |
| 2. | GND | - | Ground |
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When viewing the E-1800 from the rear, the socket at the bottom right is
for connection of an external speaker. This bus (BU 602) is fitted to the
main chassis and is visible through a hole in the rightmost panel,
which is usually one of the remote control interfaces (i.e. SER-1800).
When no remote interface is present, the vacant space is covered by a blank
panel with a hole through which BU 602 can be accessed.
Below is the pinout when looking into the receptacle.
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PWR +12V DC CTL Control voltage A1-osc. ext. REG A1-osc. regulator GND Ground LS1 Speaker (1) LS2 Speaker (2)
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The external speaker (max. 1 W) must be connected to pins 5 and 6.
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The TD-1710 and TZ-1710 plug-in cards are fitted
with a standard 8-pin ADo8 teleprinter socket, suitable for
connection of most single-current or double-current teleprinters.
TX and RX circuits are connected in series.
Below is the the pinout when looking into the socket.
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a1 TX a b1 Internally shorted to 3 a2 Internally shorted to 2 b2 RX b n.c. unused n.c. unused n.c. unused GND Ground
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Teleprinter data output
TD-1702
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The regular telegraphy demodulator (TD-1702/2) has a socket on which
the FSK (F1B) or FAX (F1C) data is available at TTL levels (0/5V).
The socket can also be used for connecting an external tuning indicator.
Below is the pinout when looking into the socket (BU1).
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Δf Out 210 · Δf GND - Ground Δf-A Out Analogue output for tuning indicator DATA Out F1B/F1C after LPF (TTL) DATA In F1B/F1C (TTL) 1 +12V Out +12V/DC for tuning indicator
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-
When shorting bridge 54-55 on PCB 52.1825.101.00 is open.
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Teleprinter tone output (F≈)
TD-1710/2
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For connection of an external device with a
tone interface,
such as a facsimile device, the TD-1710 is fitted with a
5-pin 240° DIN socket
on which a balanced version of the signal is available (pins 1-3).
The FSK (F1B) or FAX (F1C) data is also available as a balanced V.11 signal
(pins 4 and 5) and as a regular V.28 RS232 signal (pin 6).
Below is the pinout when looking into socket (BU2).
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TONE Out Balanced 600Ω/0dBm GND - Ground TONE Out Balanced 600Ω/0dBm DATA Out F1B/F1C data V.11 (-) DATA Out F1B/F1C data V.11 (+) DATA Out F1B/F1C data V.28
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Teleprinter 2nd channel tone output (F≈)
TZ-1710/2
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A similar output is available on the
TZ-1710/2 additional telegraphy demodulator.
It provides the data from the second channel (B-channel) in the case
of a two-channel F7B transmission (4-FSK).
Below is the pinout when looking into socket (BU2).
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TONE Out Balanced 600Ω/0dBm GND - Ground TONE Out Balanced 600Ω/0dBm DATA Out F7B data V.11 (-) DATA Out F7B data V.11 (+) DATA Out F7B data V.28
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For remote control of the receiver it was ususally equipped with
an IEC-1800 plug in card, which provides an an IEE-488 interface,
also known as a IEC-625, GPIB or HPIB interface. It terminates in an
Amphenol 24-pin micro-ribbon connector. Below is the pinout
when looking into the socket.
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DIO1 Data in/out bit 0 DIO2 Data in/out bit 1 DIO3 Data in/out bit 2 DIO4 Data in/out bit 3 EOI End Or Identify DAV Data Valid NRFD Not Ready For Data NDAC Not Data Accepted IFC Interface Clear SRQ Service Request ATN Attention Shield Chassis DIO5 Data in/out bit 4 DIO6 Data in/out bit 5 DIO7 Data in/out bit 6 DIO8 Data in/out bit 7 REN Remote Enable GND Twisted wire with DAV GND Twisted wire with NRFD GND Twisted wire with NDAC GND Twisted wire with IFC GND Twisted wire with SRQ GND Twisted wire with ATN GND Logic ground
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RS232 serial port
SER-1800
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As an alternative to the above IEC-1800 card, the E-1800 could also
be equipped with the SER-1800 plug-in card, in which case the device
could be controlled from a computer via a standard V.24 (RS232) interface.
On old PC's, this is also known as the COM-port. On modern PCs,
a USB-to-RS232 adapter is required. Below is the pinout when looking
into the 25-pin DB25/S socket.
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GND Protective ground TXD Transmitted Data RXD Received Data RTS Request To Send CTS Clear To Send DSR Data Set Ready GND Signal ground DCD Data Carrier Detect RS422 TX (+) ADR2 Control Address Bit 2 RS422 RX (+) IFC Interface Selection 1 M/S Master/Slave selection 2 ADR1 Control Address Bit 1 TCI Transmitter Clock input ADR3 Control Address Bit 3 RCI Receiver Clock input STOP Stop /RTS Request To Send (inverted) DTR Data Terminal Ready RS422 TX (-) ADR4 Control Address Bit 4 RS422 RX (-) TCO Transmitter Clock Output - unused
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IFC (pin 12) selects which interface is used: open = RS232,
shorted to ground = RS422.
-
When configured for RS422, M/S (pin 13) selects the role:
open = Slave, shorted to ground = Master.
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Note that the pinout is different from the
V.24 standard, but
the common RS232 signals are at the expected pins.
Six pins (10, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22) are at TTL level. Pin 10, 14, 16 and 22
are for passing the control address.
Pins 9, 11, 21 and 23 are used for an RS422 interface shown in blue ,
which can be activated by shorting pin 12 to ground.
This deactivates the RS232 interface.
When connecting the receiver to a modem, pins 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18,
21, 22 and 23 should not be wired, as the meaning of these pins has been
altered. Do not use a regular modem cable.
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Parallel interface
PSE-1800
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As an alternative to the IEC-1800 and SER-1800 interfaces,
the E-1800 can also be controlled by means of the proprietary PSE-1800 parallel bus.
The interface is installed as a plug-in card directly on the CPU board and runs
to the rear panel by means of a flat cable that is terminated in a
DD50 socket fitted in slot 11.
Note that the signals are similar (but not identical) to the signals on the
periperal bus of the SR-1810 memory card.
Below is the pinout when looking into the socket.
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| 1. | CMD input | 26. | 1 kHz bit C |
| 2. | CMD output | 27. | 1 kHz bit A |
| 3. | Ctrl data | 28. | 10 kHz bit C |
| 4. | +5V | 29. | 10 kHz bit A |
| 5. | 10 Hz bit A | 30. | 100 kHz bit B |
| 6. | 10 Hz bit C 1 | 31. | 1 MHz bit D 1 |
| 7. | 100 Hz bit D 1 | 32. | 1 MHz bit C 1 |
| 8. | 100 Hz bit B 1 | 33. | 10 MHz bit B 1 |
| 9. | 1 kHz bit D 1 | 34. | 0V (GND) |
| 10. | 1 kHz bit B 1 | 35. | - |
| 11. | 10 kHz bit D 1 | 36. | - |
| 12. | 10 kHz bit B 1 | 37. | - |
| 13. | 100 kHz bit D 1 | 38. | - |
| 14. | 100 kHz bit C 1 | 39. | - |
| 15. | 100 kHz bit A 1 | 40. | - |
| 16. | 1 MHz bit B 1 | 41. | - |
| 17. | 1 MHz bit A 1 | 42. | - |
| 18. | - | 43. | - |
| 19. | - | 44. | Mode bit C |
| 20. | - | 45. | Mode bit B |
| 21. | - | 46. | Mode bit A |
| 22. | 10 Hz bit B | 47. | Bandwidth bit A |
| 23. | 10 Hz bit D | 48. | bandwidth bit B |
| 24. | 100 Hz bit C | 49. | Bandwidth bit C |
| 25. | 100 Hz bit A | 50. | 10 MHz bit A |
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The SR-1810 memory card (part of the AO-1700 or SO-1800
assembly in slot 9b) holds a 50-pin
DD50/S connector that can be used
for the connection of peripheral equipment such as a
panorama viewer
or an automatic antenna switcher. Below is the pinout when looking into
the socket.
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| 1. | 100 Hz bit C 1 | 26. | 1 kHz bit C 1 |
| 2. | 10 Hz bit B 1 | 27. | 1 kHz bit A 1 |
| 3. | 10 Hz bit D 1 | 28. | 10 kHz bit C 1 |
| 4. | +5V | 29. | 10 kHz bit A 1 |
| 5. | 10 Hz bit A 1 | 30. | 100 kHz bit B 1 |
| 6. | 10 Hz bit C 1 | 31. | 1 MHz bit D 1 |
| 7. | 100 Hz bit D 1 | 32. | 1 MHz bit C 1 |
| 8. | 100 Hz bit B 1 | 33. | 10 MHz bit B 1 |
| 9. | 1 kHz bit D 1 | 34. | 0V (GND) |
| 10. | 1 kHz bit B 1 | 35. | - |
| 11. | 10 kHz bit D 1 | 36. | SD Out |
| 12. | 10 kHz bit B 1 | 37. | COR relay |
| 13. | 100 kHz bit D 1 | 38. | - |
| 14. | 100 kHz bit C 1 | 39. | IN DAT 7 |
| 15. | 100 kHz bit A 1 | 40. | IN DAT 6 |
| 16. | 1 MHz bit B 1 | 41. | IN DAT 5 |
| 17. | 1 MHz bit A 1 | 42. | IN CTRL PSG 2 |
| 18. | 100 Hz bit A 1 | 43. | - |
| 19. | - | 44. | Ant. sw. 8 bit D |
| 20. | - | 45. | Ant. sw. 7 bit C |
| 21. | /Strobe F 1 | 46. | Ant. sw. 6 bit B |
| 22. | Ant. sw. 5 bit D | 47. | Ant. sw. 5 bit A (LSB) |
| 23. | Ant. sw. 3 bit C | 48. | /Strobe A 3 |
| 24. | Ant. sw. 2 bit B | 49. | COR relay |
| 25. | Ant. sw. 1 bit A (LSB) | 50. | 10 MHz bit A 1 |
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This signal is specifically for a panorama viewer
(e.g. PSG-1800).
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LOW when PSG-1800 is in store mode (cursor),
and HIGH when it is in normal mode (no cursor).
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/Strobe A goes low when sending data for the antenna switcher.
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When using an antenna switcher, two different selection systems
are possible: 1 of 8 or 1 of 100. When using 1 of 8,
each of the 8 antenna selection lines (22-25 and 44-47) can be
driven low to directly select one of the eight antennas.
The other lines must remain high.
When using 1 of 100, up to 100 antennas can be connected.
In this case pins 22-25 (ABCD) are used for the units (×1), whilst pins
44-47 are used for the decades (×10) in BCD-format (i.e. 2 × 4 bits).
➤ More
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The E-1800 has two antenna inputs:
one for the 10 kHz to 1.6 MHz range,
and one for the 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz range. By default, two separate antennas
must be used. By altering a solder strap inside the
HT-1710 front end, the two inputs can be combined. The drawing below shows
the position of the solder strap in the compartment closest to the panel with
the two N-sockets. By default, the strap is in the 2/3 position, in which
case two antenna's must be used to cover the entire frequency range.
When the strap is in the 3/4 position, the upper antenna socket is disabled
and the antenna must be connected to the lower socket marked
(10 kHz - 1.6 MHz).
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Solder strap inside the HT-1710 module
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WARNING —
Never apply DC to the antenna input of the E-1800, as this will immediately
destroy the mixer transformers in the font-end of the HT-1710 module.
These mixers are extremely difficult to find and replace. DC is applied, for example,
when the Bias tee (bias-T) of an active antenna is connected the wrong way around.
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It is possible to connect an antenna selector to the peripheral bus
on the SR-1810 or SR-1810/3 memory card. When such a switcher
is present, the desired antenna can be selected by pressing the ANT-button
followed by a 2-digit number and EXE (ENTER). There are two addressing modes:
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- 1 of 8
In this mode, each of the eight address lines directly selects one of the
eight antennas. This is also known as linear mode. It is selected by setting
jumper BU3 on the SR-1810 to the a/b position.
- 1 of 100
In this mode it is possible to connect up to 100 antenas.
The eight address lines are used to compose a 2-digit
number in the range 1 to 100 in BCD-format. The lower 4 bits are
used for the units, whilst the upper 4 bits are used for the tens.
This mode is selected by setting jumper BU3 to the b/c position.
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Mains voltage selection
NS-1800
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Ensure that the NS-1800 is configured for the correct mains voltage
before connecting the E-1800 to the mains. This is particularly necessary
as many of the devices that appear on auction sites like eBay, are
configured for 115V rather than the more common 230V, even if they were
used by the German Army (Bundeswehr). The voltage is usually
shown on a label above the inlet.
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Although it is perfectly possible to power the E-1800 via a VARIAC that
has been set to 115V, mistakes are easily made and it would be better to
find a more permanent solution.
Luckily, the PSU can easily be configured for the desired voltage, by
altering a solder strap inside the PSU.
The description below is for the NS-1800 PSU. Remove the PSU
from the receiver.
Then remove the cover from the left side of the PSU.
Locate the three terminals with the solder strap, which are located in the
upper corner, close to the rear panel, as shown in the image on the right.
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In the image above, the de solder strap is fitted between the leftmost two
terminals, marked 110V. Move this strap to the rightmost two terminals,
marked 220V. That's all! Now that the PSU is open, take the time
to check the quality of the electrolytic capacitors. If they are bulging
out somewhat, you may want to replace them, as described above in the
section Restoration.
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Solder strap inside the NS-1800 module
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WARNING — Inside the PSU are dangerously high voltages that are
potentially lethal. Always disconnect the PSU from the mains before
opening it. Also be aware of high voltages that may be present at the
contacts of charged capacitors. Only open the PSU and carry out the
above modification if you know exactly what you are doing.
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Below is an overview of the various mechanical filters that can be installed
on the FI-1710 filter module. The module has space for a maximum
of 7 filters, selectable from the list below. Two slots (6 and 7) are reserved for
USB and LSB.
The filters marked with a ✔ are installed by default.
The filters were extremely expensive.
In 1995, the price for a single filter was DM 850 (EUR 425).
A pair of high-precision matched ± 3.4 kHz Link 4 filters even cost
DM 2800 (EUR 1400) [4].
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The diagram above shows the positions of the seven selected filters on
the FI-1710 filter module. The filters should be installed in
slots 1 to 4 (upwards), with increasing bandwidth. The upper two slots
(6 and 7) are reserved for the USB and LSB filters respectively.
Each filter consists of a narrow PCB with a mechanical filter
and several small parts (resistors and capacitors).
Note that the actual filter comes in two sizes.
The shorter filters (A) are 88 mm long, whilst the longer ones (B) are 120 mm.
This is reflected by the A and B in the ↔ column in the table above.
Each filter is mounted on a narrow PCB with a 6-pin socket that mates with a 6-pin
header on the FI-1710 module. The PCB is fixated with two screws.
The diagram below shows the circuit diagram of a single filter unit.
Parts C1' and C2' are not always present.
See also the notes below.
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Values of (C1+C1') and (C2+C2') are according to filter marking.
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Values of R1, R2 and R2 as listed in the table above.
These resistors are used by the E-1800 to recognise/identify an installed
filter in a particular position.
Used in conjuction with programming functions Pr01 and Pr11.
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Search filters have very low amplitude and group delay differences, and are
suitable for fast search tasks and for demodulating fast data transmission
modes.
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Link = Link 11 (according to MIL-STD-6011, also known as
TADIL-A).
Needs a pair of LSB and USB filters.
These ± 3.4 kHz filters are highly accurate and have very low amplitude and
group delay differences. For proper operation, both filters must be present
in positions 6 (USB) and 7 (LSB) respectively.
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The link between pins 3 and 4 is used by the E-1800 to sense the presence
of the filter.
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In the first release of the FI-1710 manual, the ±2.7 kHz
USB/LSB filters are erroneously listed as ± 2.4 kHz.
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Device VLF-HF Communications receiver Purpose HF spectrum monitoring and interception Principle Double/triple conversion Model E-1800, E-1800/3 Manufacturer AEG, Telefunken, TST, DASA (see below) Year 1985 NSN 5820-12-309-7565 Predecessor E-1700 Successor E-1800/A Waveforms ➤ More Frequency 10 kHz - 30 MHz Bands 2 (see below) Resolution 10 Hz Accuracy < 3 · 10-7 Bandwidths 7 plug-in IF filters ➤ More Memories 100 Notch 100, 200, 400 Hz Power NS-1800: 115/240V 1 AC (45-480 Hz), or
NB-1800: 21.5 to 30V DC (typically 24V) Consumption 60 W Temperature -20°C to +55°C Storage -40°C to +70°C Dimensions 132 × 433 × 465 mm Weight 15 kg Price DM 40,000 - DM 80,000 2
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Selectable with a solder strap inside the PSU.
➤ More
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Excluding VAT. Price depending on installed options.
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- 10 kHz - 1.6 MHz
- 1.6 MHz - 30 MHz
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Standard A1, A2, A3, A3A, A3H, A3J Optional F1, F4, F6, 6A3B, 6A7B, 6A9B
➤ More
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AF 600Ω 0 dBm to +10 dBm IF 200 kHz, 50Ω, 50 mV IF 30 kHz 1 IF 525 kHz 1 Video 10.7 MHz 2
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- IF-output: Analogue and Digital
- IF-filters: 26 steep filters for carrier and sideband operation
- Data-processing: 16 phase-optimized filters for high-speed digital data
- Passband: Asymmetrical filter, ±5000Hz
- Low phase noise synthesizer
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Due to the fact that AEG Telefunken
changed hands a number of times,
the receiver was branded accordingly each time the company changed its name.
The following names may appear on the front panel of the receiver,
or on the accompanying brochures and documentation:
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- Telefunken
- AEG
- AEG Telefunken
- TST
- Telefunken Systemtechnik
- Deutsche Aerospace
- Daimler-Benz Aerospace
- DASA
- EADS
- Racoms
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- Service manual for VA-1800 AM/FM video output
- ES-1700 Preselector
- AD-1710 Antenna diversity unit
- ED-1710 Receiver diversity unit
- VA-1800 AM/FM video output
- Digital BFO unit
- E-1800/A
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- E-1800 brochure
Early black-and-white brochure of first E-1800 model (German).
AEG Telefunken. Undated. Retrieved August 2012.
- E-1800/3 brochure
AEG Telefunken. Undated.
- Empfänger E-1800/3-E-663 - Beschreibung - Band 1
E-1800/3 Service Manual Volume 1 (German).
5X.0172.229.92. Ausgabe 1211 Ed/Sch/Sg (Gr).
AEG, 1987 (Updated 16 March 1989) (96 pages A4).
➤ Appendix 1 Block diagram (1 page > A3)
➤ Appendix 2-4 Front and rear panel drawings (7 pages A3)
➤ Appendix 5 Serial port and IEC protocol (7 pages A4)
- Empfänger E-1800/3-E-663 - Beschreibung - Band 2
E-1800/3 Service Manual Volume 2 (German).
5X.0172.229.93. Ausgabe 1308 Ed/Sä/Sg (Gr).
AEG, 1987 (Updated 16 March 1989) (18 pages A4).
➤ Appendix 1 Wiring plan
➤ Appendix 2 Telegraph relay and backplane
➤ Appendix 3 Replacement parts
➤ BF-1800/5 Control panel and CPU
➤ BF-1800/5 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ HT-1710/2 RF front end
➤ HT-1710/2 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ FI-1710 IF filter unit
➤ FI-1710 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ DE-1710/2 Demodulator
➤ DE-1710/2 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ AO-1700 Analyzer-Oscillator
➤ AO-1700 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ SR-1810/3 Memory unit
➤ SR-1810/3 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ NS-1800 Mains power supply unit
➤ NS-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
- Empfänger E-1800/3-E-663 - Beschreibung - Band 3
E-1800/3 Service Manual Volume 3 (German).
5X.0172.229.94. Ausgabe 1308 Sg (Gr).
AEG, 1987 (Updated 16 March 1989).
➤ TD-1710 Telegraphy demodulator
➤ TD-1710 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ PSE-1800 Parallel interface
➤ PSE-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ SER-1810 Serial interface
➤ SER-1810 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ TZ-1710 Extra telegraphy demodulator
➤ TZ-1710 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ BT-1800 Self test (BITE)
➤ BT-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
- Empfänger E-1800/3 Versionen 835, 836, 837 - Beschreibung
E-1800/3 Service Manual Supplement (German).
SER-1800 1 , Digital BFO, AO-1710, SR-1810, SR-1810/3,
TD-1710, FU-1800, VA-1800, SER-1800, BT-1800/2.
5X.0172.229.91. Ausgabe 1306 Sg (Gr). Undated.
➤ Appendix 1-4 Front and rear panel configurations
➤ SER-1800 Serial port as 2nd interface
➤ Dig. BFO Digital BFO (on BITE card)
➤ Dig. BFO a ↳ Diagrams
➤ AO-1710 Analyzer-Oscillator (SO-1800)
➤ AO-1710 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ SR-1810 Memory unit (also: SR-1810/3)
➤ SR-1810 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ FU-1800 Frequency converter
➤ FU-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ FU-1800 b ↳ Test protocol
➤ VA-1800 Video output (AM/FM)
➤ VA-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ SER-1800 Serial interface
➤ SER-1800 a ↳ Diagrams
➤ BT-1800/2 Self test (BITE)
➤ BT-1800/2 a ↳ Diagrams
- BA-1700 10.7 MHz Wideband Option - Service Manual
AEG, 1992 (German).
- ES-1700 Preselector - Service Manual
AEG, 1981 (German).
- ES-1700/2 Preselector - Service Manual
AEG, 1989 (German).
- AD-1710 Antenna diversity unit - Service Manual
AEG, 1985 (German).
- ED-1710 Receiver diversity unit - Service Manual
AEG, 1986 (German).
- NS-1800 / NB-1800 Mains/battery PSU - Service Manual
AEG, 1991 (German).
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Saturday 29 March 2025. Last changed: Saturday, 09 August 2025 - 20:30 CET.
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