KY - 3 |
Legend has it that the device was developed in the early 1960's after people had trouble understanding President Kennedy on previous voice encryption gear. The KY-3 used Pulse Code Modulation to digitize the full duplex voice circuit. The circuit boards contained potted modules rather then discrete components.
KY-3's were sometimes placed in the homes of higher ranking state
department officials. At 300 pounds, painted gray and resembling a safe,
it would usually be hidden in a locked closet, behind some sort of
screen, behind a large piece of furniture such as a couch, or in another
room altogether (basement). Where they had to remain in view,
particularly in residences, they were often painted in colors other than
the standard gray, or covered with some type of wallpaper.
This KY-3 example is held in the collection of the National Cryptologic Museum. (Photo by Vin Simmons) |