Operating Instructions for CSP-1500 (a.k.a. M-209)
Kind readers,
Below is a replica of the instructions for operating the CSP-1500 (M-209)
as written by the Army in 1942. The manual is a 4 5/8 inch X 6 inch booklet
designed to fit in the M-209 carrying case. The manual has be input using
optical character recognition followed by reformatting to network format
(HTML.) The formatting does not attempt to preserve the paragraph indenting
and font sizes.
RESTRICTED
TM-11-380
WAR DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL MANUAL
CONVERTER M-209
April 27, 1942
RESTRICTED
Notice:-This document contains information affecting the national
defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act (U.S.C.
50:31, 32). The transmission of this document or the revelation of the
contents in any manner to any unauthorized person is prohibited.
The information contained in documents marked RESTRICTED will not
be communicated to the public nor to the press, but it may be communicated
to any person known to be in the service of the United States, and to persons
of undoubted loyalty and discretion who are cooperating in Government work.
(AR 380-5).
TM-11-380
RESTRICTED
TECHNICAL MANUAL No. 11-380 |
| | |
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, April 27, 1942. |
CONVERTER M-209
Prepared under direction of the Chief Signal Officer
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
Paragraphs |
Page |
SECTION I. |
General |
1-3 |
3 |
|
Purpose and distribution |
1 |
|
|
Description |
2 |
|
|
Miscellaneous information |
3 |
|
II. |
Cipher Keys and Key Lists |
4-8 |
9 |
|
Cryptographic systems |
4 |
|
|
Necessity for keys and changes therein |
5 |
|
|
The keying elements |
6 |
|
|
Indicators |
7 |
|
|
Preparation of Cipher Key Lists |
8 |
|
III. |
Operating Procedure |
9-16 |
19 |
|
Setting up the keying elements |
9 |
|
|
Encipherment |
10 |
|
|
Decipherment |
11 |
|
|
Automatic spacing and the letter Z |
12 |
|
|
Checking and correcting errors |
13 |
|
|
Defective operation |
14 |
|
|
Destruction of Converter M-209 |
15 |
|
|
Parts list |
16 |
|
2
CONVERTER M-209
SECTION I
GENERAL
|
Paragraphs |
Purpose and Distribution |
1 |
Description |
2 |
Miscellaneous information |
3 |
1. Purpose and distribution.-a. Converter M-209 is an
item of equipment issued by the Signal Corps for use by such holders as
may be designated by the Chief Signal Officer.
b. The instructions contained herein are applicable to all
cryptographic systems employing Converter M-209 except as they may be modified
by the Cipher Key Lists employed with a particular system.
2. Description.-a. Converter M-209 is a small, compact,
hand-operated, tape-printing, mechanical device de signed for rapid encipherment
and decipherment of tactical messages which must be cryptographed before
transmission. It is normally carried in a canvas case on a strap over the
shoulder. The carrying strap may be attached underneath
3
the machine for securing it to the knee of the operator when used
in the field or in a moving vehicle. A hand strap is also provided which
may be attached to the left side of the machine. The case has Compartments
for carrying this technical manual, pencils, extra tape, message blanks,
etc.
b. The cryptographic principle upon which the M-209 Operates
is that of reciprocal substitution alphabets. The effect is that of sliding
a normal-alphabet sequence against the same sequence reversed. A high degree
of irregularity in the shifting of the alphabets with respect to each other
is brought about by a train of gears in which the number of teeth on the
driving member is varied under the influence of certain keying elements
to be described in subsequent paragraphs.
c. Identification of Parts.-The following numbered list in
connection with the photographs shown on pages 33 and 34 will serve to
identify the various parts of the Converter M-209 as they are referred
to in these instructions:
1. Letter counter window
2. Letter counter
3. Indicating index
4. Ink pad
5. Type wheel
6. Reproducing disk
7. Indicating disk
8. Setting knob
|
9. Encipher-decipher knob
10. Reading window
11. Paper feed knob
12. Paper tape
13. Paper pressure arm
14. Cover support
15. Ink pad container
16. Screw-driver |
4
17. Oil can
18. Outer cover
19. Catch for inner lid
20. Cover catch button
21. Paper guard catch
22. Paper guard
23. Paper roll
24. Tweezers
25. Reset button
26. Inner lid
27. Number plate
|
28. Number ring
29. Drum bar
30. Drum bar lug
31. Inter-lock lever
32. Drive knob
33. Reset knob
34. Key wheel bench mark
35. Ineffective pin
36. Effective pin
37. Key wheels |
d. The outer cover (18)* of the machine may be opened by pushing
in on the knob (20) which is centrally located in the front. The cover
being opened, the machine is seen to consist principally of the following:
(1) A series of six key wheels (37), bearing letters on
their peripheries and showing through apertures in the inner lid (26) of
the device.
(2) A large knurled knob at the left (8) attached to a metal disk
(7), called the indicating disk, bearing the letters of the alphabet
in normal order. The indicating disk is associated with a reproducing disk
(6), one letter of which is visible through aperture (10).
*See photographs pages 33-34.
5
(3) A small knurled knob (11), the paper feed knob, directly
behind the indicating disk. This knob can be turned only towards the rear
of the machine and with its associated roller, the tape advancing roller,
advances the paper tape (12), on which printing is effected by operating
the machine.
(4) A cutting edge, at which the paper tape may be torn off in a
clean manner when so desired.
(5) A window (1), at the front left-hand corner of the inner lid
(26), through which a letter counter (2). is visible.
(6) A knurled knob (33), on the right-hand side of the machine,
which can be turned only by simultaneously depressing the button (25) at
the back right-hand corner of the inner lid, whereupon the key wheels are
rotatable as a unit, forward or backward, and the letter counter is operated
correspondingly.
(7) An encipher-decipher knob (9) just below the paper feed knob
(11).
(8) A drive knob (32) at the right-hand side of the device.
3. Miscellaneous information.-a. Paper tape supply.- To
insert a fresh tape into the feed mechanism, the hinged
6
guard (22) which holds the paper in place should be released and
allowed to tilt forward against the inner lid. The empty spool should be
removed and a new roll of tape placed over the pin so that it will unroll
in a counter-clockwise direction. The end of the tape should be passed
through the slot in the guard and brought forward and inserted in the tape
slot just above the encipher-decipher knob (9). Push the tape through the
tape channel until it appears at the top, making certain that the paper
passes under the two small springs immediately behind the type wheel (5);
then pass it between the tape-advancing rollers while pressing downward
on the paper pressure arm (13).
b. Inking Pad and Type Wheel.-(1) Extra inking pads will
be found in one of the small metal containers held by spring clips in the
outer cover of the machine. To insert a fresh pad, Open the inner lid (26),
remove the old pad by means of the tweezers, and insert a new one in its
place. The life of a pad can be prolonged by turning it end for end.
(2) After considerable use the type wheel (5) may be come caked
with ink and will produce indistinct characters. The type wheel assembly
may be removed by loosening the screw inside the setting knob (8). The
type is cleaned, as on a typewriter, with type cleaner and a typewriter
brush.
7
c. Oiling.-Where oil holes are provided for lubricating bearings
a drop of oil should be inserted occasionally from the container in the
cover. Except as regards the left end of the drum, which should be kept
well oiled, all other points where friction occurs should be oiled only
sparingly from time to time. Excessive oiling must be avoided.
d. When paper or ink supply is exhausted.-If the printing
becomes illegible or fails to function due to exhaustion of the paper tape
reserve or ink supply, the cipher text or clear text can be read off the
letters on the reproducing disk (6) when these appear in the aperture (10)
after each manipulation of the operating lever.
e. Repairs.-Should defective or worn parts cause trouble
no attempt should be made to effect repairs locally except those of a very
minor nature, such as replacement of a broken or disconnected spring. The
machine should be returned through channels to the issuing office in order
that proper steps may be taken either to repair the machine or to replace
it with a serviceable one.
8
SECTION II
CIPHER KEYS AND KEY LISTS
|
Paragraphs |
Cryptographic systems |
4 |
Necessity for keys and changes therein |
5 |
The keying elements |
6 |
Indicators |
7 |
Preparation of Cipher Key Lists |
8 |
4. Cryptographic Systems.-A cryptographic system employing one
of these machines consists of:
(1) The Converter M-209
(2) This manual (TM 11-380), which contains operating instructions
for the M-209
(3) Publications called Cipher Key Lists, issued periodically,
containing instructions governing the arrangement of the keying elements
for the system. Instructions for the preparation of Cipher Key Lists will
be found in paragraph 8.
5. Necessity for keys and changes therein.-a. In order
that holders of Converter M-209 may communicate with one
9
another, it is necessary that the cryptographic mechanisms of their
devices be set to identical initial positions and that these mechanisms
progress in an absolutely identical manner from these initial positions.
This is accomplished by setting the elements of the cryptographic mechanisms
to definite positions and adjustments according to a cipher key applicable
to a set of keying elements which are described in paragraph 6.
b. While the machine possesses a high degree of cryptographic
security, it is still not absolutely invulnerable to solution, especially
if a large volume of traffic is allowed to be enciphered by means of any
one arrangement of the keying elements. The length of time a given arrangement
will resist solution depends upon a number of variable factors, but in
order to provide maximum security, changes of cipher keys should be effected
at very frequent intervals. A daily change in the keying elements referred
to below as the "internal keying elements" would not be too frequent, while
the "external keying element" should be different for every message. The
method of determining or indicating the changes in the arrangement of the
keying elements must be agreed upon in advance and thoroughly understood
by all who are to use the machine.
10
6. Keying elements. - The keying elements for the M-209 are
three in number and are divided into two groups:
a. The external keying element.-This element of the key is
the one determined and selected by the operator himself and will be different
for every message enciphered. It refers to the initial alignment of the
six key wheels (37) as indicated by a series of letters which are lined
up from left to right along the white bench mark (34). This series of letters,
in one form or another, will appear in the message as the message indicator
referred to in paragraph 7 below.
b. The internal keying elements.-These elements of the key
are two in number and they are to be changed only as directed by the signal
or communication officer of the unit concerned. They refer to, 1st,
the number of effective pins (36) in each of the six key wheels, and,
2d, the positions of the movable lugs (30) on the drum bars (29).
Detailed instructions for the arrangement of both sets of keying elements
are given in paragraph 9.
7. Indicators.-Every cryptogram enciphered by means of the
M-209 will have both a system indicator and a message indicator.
The system indicator will be found in a publication describing the
particular system involved, or will be provided for in Signal Operation
Instructions. It will appear in the message immediately following the writer's
number
11
group, if any. It will also appear at the end of the message before
the writer's time, if any. The message indicator is selected by the operator
himself and determines for each message the initial positions of the six
key wheels. It will appear in the message immediately after the first appearance
and immediately before the second appearance of the system indicator. In
choosing a message indicator the operator writes down a random selection
of five letters, subject to the limitations of the letters actually present
on the key wheels. Since the first of these five letters governs the setting
of the first two wheels, counting from left to right, any letter from A
to Z, except W, can be used as the first letter of the indicator. For the
second letter, governing wheel number 3, the choice ranges from A to X,
omitting W. For wheel number 4 (third letter) any letter front A to U may
be selected, for wheel number 5 (fourth letter) any letter from A to S,
and for wheel number 6 (fifth letter) any letter from A to Q. An example
of such a message indicator would be HILQD and the wheels would be adjusted
so that the letters HHILQD would be lined up along the bench mark. Additional
security may be obtained by enciphering the message indicator in accordance
with instructions contained in the appropriate Cipher Key List.
8. Preparation of Cipher Key Lists.-a. In order that
12
Signal Operation Instructions may indicate in an absolutely clear
and unambiguous manner the arrangement of the internal keying elements,
it is essential that definite forms and procedures be followed in preparing
the Cipher Key Lists.
b. To prepare a table of pin settings which will have a
favorable randomizing effect on the shifting of the alphabets proceed as
follows:
(1) Prepare a chart of the key wheels by listing in alphabetical
order, starting with A, the letters appearing on the face of each wheel
: the first wheel, A to Z, the second wheel A to Z omitting W, the third
wheel A to X omitting W, the fourth wheel A to U, the fifth wheel A to
S, and the sixth wheel A to Q.
(2) Prepare a set of 156 lettered cards or counters, 78 of which
are marked K and the remainder L. Shuffle the cards or counters thoroughly
and draw out one at a time, marking with a dash the position of the pins
successively, starting with A on wheel number 1, in accordance with the
letter drawn : if K, make a dash to the right of the letter, if L, make
a dash to the left. ( See sample table on page 17). This procedure insures
a perfectly random assortment in which from 40 to 60 per cent of the pins
are in the effective position
13
c. To prepare a table of favorable settings for the drum
bar lugs proceed as follows :
(1) Mark off six columns of 1/4-inch cross-section paper and number
the columns from 1 to 6. These numbers denote the effective positions for
lug settings. Number the rows of the form from 1 to 27, starting at the
top. These numbers denote the drum bars in the order in which they become
effective during an operating cycle of the machine.
(2) Select any set of six numbers, subject to the following limitations:
(a) Their sum must not be less than 28 nor more than 39;
(b) Three of the numbers should be odd and three even;
(c) No one number should be greater than 13;
(d) There should be a more or less uniform progression from the
lowest to the highest number;
(e) The numbers must be so selected that the various combinations
of one or more will, when added together, yield all the numbers from 1
to 27, inclusive, bearing in mind that the effect of two effective lugs
on the same drum bar is 1. For example, the numbers 4 and 8 in columns
4 and 5, respectively, of Table 2 below total 11, not 12, because there
are two effective lugs on bar number 10.
An example of such a set of numbers is 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 11.
14
The foregoing limitations are imposed to prevent any tendencies
toward monoalphabeticity in the shifting of the alphabets, and to add to
the difficulties of enemy cryptanalysts in making a mathematical analysis
of the messages.
(3) The numbers are now inserted in the chart in such a manner as
to indicate the number of effective lugs, in each position from 1 to 6,
on the bars forming the drum bar cage. Make an X in cell 1 of column 1,
in cells 2 and 3 of column 2, in cells 4-6 of column 3, in cells 7-10 of
column 4, in cells 10-17 of column 5, and in cells 17-27 of column 6. (See
sample Table 2, below). Each X denotes the position of an effective lug.
Unused lugs are left in the zero or ineffective position. The columns of
the chart can be transposed in any order to form additional keys which
may all be used. It is preferable, however, not to use such keys in succession,
but to space their use over several weeks.
d. Having prepared the tables of settings for both the key
wheel pins and the drum bar lugs, it is desirable to provide a means by
which holders of the machine can check the accuracy of their settings.
This is done by adjusting the machine in accordance with the charts and
enciphering the letter A twenty-six times, starting with the key wheels
aligned on the letters AAAAAA. The twenty-six cipher equivalents are included
with the two tables as a check, so that, having made
15
his adjustments, the holder of a machine may test their accuracy
by himself enciphering twenty-six A's with the key wheels set initially
at AAAAAA. Any deviation from the 26-letter check indicates that an error
was made in the settings and necessitates a recheck of the entire adjustment.
The 26-letter check should be derived for and included with every pair
of keying tables issued and will be given in the Cipher Key List merely
as a sequence of letters such as the following:
26-letter check
TKHRXCUYTKNOIKRJNTADTAIVPM
e. An example of the form in which the two tables referred
to in subparagraphs b and c above will appear in the Cipher
Key Lists is shown in Tables 1 and 2 on pp. 17-18. In Table 1, "A-" indicates
that the pin designated by the letter A on the key wheel in question is
to be pushed to the right, while "-A" indicates that the pin designated
by the letter A is to be placed in the left position. In Table 2 it is
indicated that the left-hand lug on bar number 1 (see number ring (28))
is in the number 1 position, the left-hand lug on bars number 2 and 3 are
in the number 2 position, etc. The zero positions are not shown on the
table since it is obvious that a lug not in one of the numbered positions
must be in a zero position. These positions are determined by reference
to the number plate (27) at the rear of the drum bar cage.
16
TABLE 1-Position of Key Wheel Pins
Period of (date) to (date)
No.1 |
No.2 |
No.3 |
No.4 |
No.5 |
No.6 |
(26) |
(25) |
(23) |
(21) |
(19) |
(17) |
A- |
-A |
A- |
-A |
-A |
A- |
B- |
-B |
B- |
-B |
B- |
B- |
-C |
-C |
-C |
C- |
-C |
-C |
D- |
D- |
-D |
-D |
D- |
D- |
-E |
E- |
-E |
E- |
E- |
-E |
-F |
-F |
-F |
F- |
F- |
-F |
-G |
G- |
G- |
-G |
-G |
-G |
H- |
-H |
H- |
H- |
H- |
H- |
I- |
-I |
-I |
I- |
I- |
-I |
-J |
J- |
J- |
-J |
-J |
-J |
K- |
K- |
-K |
-K |
-K |
K- |
-L |
L- |
L- |
-L |
-L |
-L |
M- |
-M |
M- |
M- |
M- |
-M |
N- |
-N |
N- |
N- |
N- |
N- |
-O |
O- |
-O |
-O |
-O |
O- |
-P |
-P |
-P |
P- |
P- |
-P |
-Q |
-Q |
-Q |
-Q |
-Q |
Q- |
-R |
R- |
R- |
-R |
-R |
S- |
S- |
S- |
S- |
S- |
T- |
-T |
T- |
T- |
-U |
U- |
U- |
U- |
V- |
-V |
V- |
W- |
X- |
X- |
-X |
-Y |
-Y |
-Z |
-Z |
17
TABLE 2-Position of Drum Bar Lugs
Period of (date) to (date)
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
1 |
X |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
X | |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
X | |
|
|
5 |
|
|
X | |
|
|
6 |
|
|
X | |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
X | |
|
8 |
|
|
|
X | |
|
9 |
|
|
|
X | |
|
10 |
|
|
|
X |
X | |
11 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
12 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
13 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
14 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
15 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
16 |
|
|
|
|
X | |
17 |
|
|
|
|
X |
X |
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
18
SECTION III
OPERATING PROCEDURE
|
Paragraphs |
Setting up the keying elements |
9 |
Encipherment |
10 |
Decipherment |
11 |
Automatic spacing and the letter Z |
12 |
Checking and correcting errors |
13 |
Defective operation |
14 |
Destruction of Converter M-209 |
15 |
Parts list |
16 |
9. Setting up the keying elements.-a. The internal keying
elements.-As stated in paragraph 6, the internal keying elements are
two in number and are governed by a Cipher Key List similar to that described
in paragraph 8.
(1) Key wheel pins.-Each of the six key wheels carries near
its periphery a number (equal to the number of letters on the key wheel)
of equally-spaced pins which are some what longer than the thickness of
the wheel. These pins ran be pushed to left or right by hand or by means
of a knife blade or other thin instrument such as the special screw driver
(16) which is found inside the outer cover of the
19
machine. When pushed to the right the pins are in such a position
that guide arms are permitted to move the drum bars (29), which, in turn,
advance the type wheel through the train of gears mentioned in paragraph
2b. This is called the effective position of the pins. Pushed
to the left the pins are In their non-effective position, i.e. they
are in such a position that the guide arms are prevented from moving the
drum bars. When pins are pushed to the right their left ends must be flush
with the left-hand side of the key wheel, and when pushed to the left their
right ends must be flush with the right-hand side of the key wheel; intermediate
positions will give faulty results when enciphering or deciphering. When
the pins on all the wheels are all in either their effective or
non-effective positions, the resulting encipherment will be monoalphabetic.
This must be avoided. From 40 to 60 per cent of the pins should be in their
effective positions.
(2) Drum bar lugs-There are 27 drum bars (29), arranged about
a central shaft, forming a sort of basket or cage at the back of the machine.
Each of these drum bars is equipped with two movable lugs, either of which
causes the drum bar to move to the left when actuated by a guide arm which,
in turn, is permitted to operate by an effective pin on one of the key
wheels. Each drum bar has eight holes at which the two movable lugs may
be located by means of the
20
special screw-driver (16) provided for that purpose. Two of the
holes are marked with a zero, and the others from 1 to 6, on the scale
at the back of the machine. When a drum bar lug is in the zero position,
it is not actuated at all, although the drum bar to which it is attached
may still be moved if the other lug is not also in a zero position. When
a lug is in any one of the positions 1 to 6, inclusive, the drum bar to
which it is attached will be actuated by the corresponding key wheel whenever
one of its effective pins permits one of the drum bar activating guide
arms to be depressed. When moving the lugs into their prescribed positions,
push them with the aid of the notched screw-driver slightly toward the
front of the machine in order to disengage them from the hole in the drum
bar. Be sure that the lugs "snap" into the desired positions, as lugs only
slightly out of proper adjustment will not only produce faulty texts but
may also cause jamming of the machine. In order to facilitate proper lug
settings and the checking thereof, it is recommended that the left-hand
lugs be placed only in positions 1, 2, 3, and the left zero, while the
right-hand lugs are used in positions 4, 5, 6 and the right zero.
b. Tile external keying element.-This element of the key,
as stated in paragraph 6, refers to the initial alignment of the six key
wheels in accordance with a series of letters
21
chosen at random by the Operator and appearing in the message as
the message indicator (paragraph 7). In order to set the key wheels to
their initial positions as indicated by the letters of the message indicator,
proceed as follows :
(1) Test the drive knob (32) to ascertain that it is in a locked
position. It automatically assumes this position at the end of each operating
cycle, that is, after a letter has been printed on the tape and the drive
knob is returned to its initial position. THE DRIVE KNOB CANNOT BE MOVED
AGAIN UNTIL AFTER THE INDICATING DISK IS MOVED. The drive knob must
remain in the locked position until all adjustments have been made.
(2) The letter counter must be set to zero. This is accomplished
by turning the knob (33) while the button (25) is depressed. The reason
for this step is two-fold. First, it will insure that in encipherment the
first character printed will be the initial letter of a 5-letter group,
so that the cryptographic text will be correctly grouped in 5's when the
message has been completed. Second, the counter will show the exact number
of letters enciphered or deciphered, which will be of considerable value
in checking.
(3) The key wheels are now set to the letters of the message indicator
by turning each wheel individually until the
22
desired letter is aligned on the white bench mark (34) across
the slots through which the key wheels protrude. Since the wheels turn
in only one direction, care must be taken not to turn the desired letter
beyond the bench mark. The flat end of the tweezers may be used for turning
the key wheels. Eraser tips must not be used for this purpose.
10. Encipherment.-The internal keying elements of the machine
having been adjusted as directed in Signal Operation Instructions and in
accordance with instructions contained in the preceding paragraph, the
operator selects a message indicator and adjusts the key wheels in accordance
therewith (See paragraph 7). To encipher a message proceed as follows:
a. Turn the encipher-decipher knob (9) so that the letter
"C" is upward. This sets the machine for enciphering.
b. Advance the paper tape so as to leave about 6 inches of
space before the first letter is printed. This space is for the insertion,
by hand, of the address, signature, message number, and message indicator.
c. The letters of the text are located on the indicating
disk and brought, one after another, to register with the indicating index
or bench mark (3) by turning the indicating disk knob accordingly. After
each adjustment the fingers must be
23
removed from the indicating disk knob and the drive knob turned
through a complete cycle. The cipher text will be printed and automatically
spaced in 5-letter groups on the paper tape (12) during these operations.
If the letter Z on the indicating disk is used as a space sign after each
word, the message on decipherment will automatically be spaced into correct
word lengths of the original plain-text. In the event that a desired
letter on the indicating disk is already in register with the index, it
is necessary to move the indicating disk slightly and return the letter
to registration before the drive knob can be moved. After the message
has been enciphered, advance the tape by turning the knob (11) until the
printing moves out at least six inches beyond the cutting edge, and tear
off the tape.
d. Now write at the head of the tape the address, writer's
message number, date of message, and any other necessary transmitting data.
Follow this by the system and message indicators (as two 5-letter groups).
At the end of the tape, repeat the message and system indicators (in that
order) and add the time of signature. The tape may then be handed in that
form to the transmitting operator, or it may be pasted on a message blank.
11. Decipherment.-The internal keying elements
24
having been adjusted as for encipherment (paragraph 10), to decipher
a message, proceed as follows:
a. Turn the encipher-decipher knob so that the letter "D"
is upward. This sets the machine for deciphering.
b. Set the letter counter to zero.
c. Set the key wheels to the message indicator (the second
group of the message proper). Check these letters against the second appearance
of the indicator at the end of the cryptogram.
d. Operate the machine as in encipherment bringing the successive
letters of the cipher text to the bench mark, by turning the indicating
disk. The spaces between the 5-letter groups of the cipher text are
disregarded. The plain-text on the tape may be copied upon a message
blank or the tape may be pasted directly thereon for delivery to the addressee.
12. Automatic spacing and the letter Z.-It was noted in subparagraph
10c that in encipherment the cryptographic text is automatically
printed in 5-letter groups, and that if in this process the letter Z is
enciphered as the space sign between successive words, on decipherment
the plain-text will be automatically reproduced in its original word lengths.
This is possible only at the expense of eliminating Z as one
25
of the letters of the alphabet. If a word containing the letter
Z occurs in the plain-text of a message to be enciphered, for example,
the word ORGANIZED, on decipherment the text will be reproduced as ORGANI
ED, but the missing letter can of course be supplied by the context.
13. Checking and correcting errors.-If in the course of decipherment
the operator wishes to go back and check or correct a word, he can do so
very easily by proceeding as follows :
a. Ascertain the position of the last letter or letters which
are correct, counting from the first cipher letter. For example, if the
Operator wishes to go back to the beginning of the 25th group in the message,
the 1st letter of that group is (24 X 5) + 1 = 121st letter. Since the
counter showed zero at the beginning of decipherment and is now at say
129, the operator must reset the key wheels to the position they occupied
after the encipherment of the 120th letter. He depresses button (25), and
revolves reset knob (33) until the stroke counter reads 120. The machine
is now ready to decipher the 121st letter of the message, that is, the
first letter of the 25th group. The procedure is the same if the operator
has been disturbed and has lost his place in the message he is deciphering.
26
b. If in the course of encipherment the operator wishes to
go back to correct or change a word, the procedure is the same as above
except that much more care is necessary to find the numerical position
of the letters or letter he wishes to correct, since he must refer to his
plain text, count the letters in each word, and also count the spaces between
words if he has used Z to separate them in encipherment.
14. Defective operation.-a. Although Converter M-209
is ruggedly constructed, it must nevertheless be handled with due care
to assure satisfactory operation. Excessive speed in moving the drive knob
should be avoided. A steady, moderate, smooth operation will give the best
results.
b. Each operating cycle must be fully completed before
attempting to set the indicating disk to the next letter; like wise, before
attempting to move the drive knob after a preceding complete cycle, the
indicating disk must be moved, even if it happens then to be set at the
letter desired. Also, be sure that the reset knob (33) at the right of
the machine is in a locked position. It will click slightly when the key
wheels, if rotated together, come in alignment with the white bench mark
and the counter shows its figures properly. It should be noted that the
knob (33) operates an inter-lock lever (31) (See Fig. 2). This inter-lock
lever allows the
27
reset knob (33) to be operated only when the drum bar cage is in
its starting position (which is at the same time its final position, on
completion of the operating cycle). Also if the reset knob has not "clicked"
into position, it will be found that the cage will be locked, the lever
(31) engaging with a notch in the number ring (28). If the key wheels have
been turned individually, be sure that each wheel has "clicked" into position
with the desired letter registering with the white bench mark, because
if the wheel is not quite in position, there may be an error in the first
text letter. All above-mentioned members are interlocked in a way that
will insure correct operation, but if a movement is not completed or if
one of the cited members is left in an intermediate or incorrect position
and an attempt is made to move the drive knob the result is likely to be
a "jamming" of the operating mechanism. If this should occur, never
use force in an attempt to eliminate or overcome the trouble and thus "clear"
the mechanism. First, try to locate the cause of the jamming and if
it cannot be traced back to such faults as incomplete movements or faulty
positioning of the operating members, it may have been caused by excessive
speed in moving the drive knob. To clear a jam of the latter type, open
the inner lid of the machine, and rock the drum bar cage back and forth,
unless the movement can be completed by means of the drive knob.
28
c. Another cause of jamming is incorrect positioning of the
lugs on the drum bars. Each drum bar, if activated, should move out the
same distance to the left of the drum as other active bars. Failure to
move out properly is caused by a lug not being in proper position. To relieve
a jam due to this cause, locate the improperly-positioned lug (usually
bearing against the end of one of the drum bar activating guide arms) and
move it to the proper position by means of the special screw-driver.
d. in all respects the most important safeguard against faulty
operation, either mechanical or cryptographic, is the following : Complete
every necessary movement; make sure that operating members are accurately
positioned and are not in intermediate positions.
15. Destruction of Converter M-209.-In case it should become
necessary to destroy the converter because of imminent danger of capture
by the enemy or for any other reason, the destruction will be accomplished
in the following manner. First, see that all keying elements are in neutral
positions by changing all lug settings to zero and moving all key wheel
pins to the left position. Second, see that the machine is rendered unserviceable
to the enemy by stamping upon it with a boot heel or by firing into it
with a rifle or pistol.
29
16. Parts list.-The following is a list of parts of the Converter
M-209 which are most readily replaceable in case of necessity. A complete
list will be found in the Signal Corps Catalog.
Quantity |
Nomenclature |
Mfr's Part No. |
Photograph Ref. No. |
4 |
Foot, rubber |
R2 |
|
4 |
Screw, foot, rubber |
R4 |
|
4 |
Screw, sideplate, right-hand |
R17 |
|
2 |
Screw, sideplate, left-hand |
R17 |
|
4 |
Screw, lid hinge |
R38 |
|
4 |
Lock washer, lid hinge |
R39 |
|
4 |
Screw, cover hinge |
R38 |
|
1 |
Support, cover |
R63 |
14 |
1 |
Hub, cover support |
R64 |
|
1 |
Spring, cover support |
R65 |
|
1 |
Screw, cover support |
R66 |
|
2 |
Holder, oil can |
R82 |
|
4 |
Screw, oil can holder |
R83 |
|
1 |
Latchplate, cover |
R92 |
|
2 |
Screw, latchplate, cover |
R92A |
|
1 |
Screw, set, key wheel shaft |
R117 |
|
2 |
Screw, end, key wheel shaft |
R118 |
|
1 |
Knob, key wheel reset |
R132 |
33 |
2 |
Screw, intermediate gear shaft bearing |
R173 |
|
1 |
Spring, intermediate gear release arm |
R195 |
|
30
Quantity |
Nomenclature |
Mfr's Part No. |
Photograph Ref. No. |
1 |
Knob, drive (operating lever) |
R230 |
32 |
1 |
Cotter, drive knob |
R232 |
|
1 |
Type wheel |
R240 |
5 |
1 |
Band, type wheel |
R240A |
|
1 |
Pin, type wheel band |
R240B |
|
1 |
Arm, ink pad |
MR262 |
|
1 |
Bracket ink pad arm |
MR264 |
|
1 |
Spring arm ink pad |
MR266 |
|
2 |
Screw, ink pad arm bracket |
R265 |
|
2 |
Lock washer ink pad arm bracket |
R265A |
|
1 |
Hammer, print arm |
R277 |
|
1 |
Rubber print arm hammer |
R278 |
|
1 |
Screw print arm hammer |
R279 |
|
1 |
Ball encipher decipher Knob detent |
R297 |
|
1 |
Spring knob detent |
R298 |
|
1 |
Screw knob detent |
R299 |
|
1 |
Spring paper feed cam |
R303 |
|
1 |
Spring paper feed pawl |
R307 |
|
1 |
Knob paper feed |
R314 |
11 |
1 |
Cotter paper feed knob |
R315 |
|
1 |
Spring paper pressure arm |
R325 |
|
1 |
Counter |
R340 |
|
1 |
Gear counter |
R341 |
|
1 |
Cotter counter gear |
R342 |
|
2 |
Screw, counter |
R346 |
|
2 |
Lock washer, counter |
R347 |
|
31
Quantity |
Nomenclature |
Mfr's Part No. |
Photograph Ref. No. |
1 |
Tweezers |
R350 |
24 |
1 |
Screw-driver |
R351 |
16 |
1 |
Oil can |
MR352 |
17 |
1 |
Oil can cover |
MR354 |
|
1 |
Ink pad can |
MR358 |
15 |
1 |
Ink pad can cover |
MR359 |
|
6 |
Ink pad, complete with bushing |
MR357 |
|
1 |
Paper roll |
R360 |
23 |
1 |
Case, canvas, (complete with strap) |
|
|
1 |
Strap, hand, carrying (complete with snaps |
|
|
[A.G. 062.11 (5-28-42)]
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION:
1BN & H 1 and 8 (2) ; 1C and H 1,2,4, 6, and 7, (2),
11 (8), and 17 (3).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6)
32
33
Fig. 2
33
Return to the CSP-1500 page.
Return to the ECM Mark II page.
|