PART III
OPERATION
301. REQUIREMENTS.
(a) The following are required for operation of the ECM Mark 2:
(1) CSP 889 (or 888) complete, in operating condition.
(2) The effective Key List.
(3) The set of Code Wheels upon which the Key List is based.
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302. PREPARATION OF MACHINE.
(a) Prepare the machine for operation in accordance with paragraph 106.
(1) Insure the motor plug and indicator plug are in the proper receptacles as shown in Plate 8.
(2) For motor operation, insure the pawl of the emergency hand drive gear rides in the channel ring (See Plate 8).
(3) Insure the power cord Is plugged into the proper source of power for the type of motor installed in the machine.
(4) The ground connection clip of the power cord should be connected to the metal of the Type 8 Safe Locker or to the ship's structure. This suppresses radio-interference; no difference in the operation of the ECM may be noticed.
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303. KEY LIST.
(a) The effective edition of the Key List is determined by associated communication publications: Crypto-Channel Charts, CSPMs, etc.
(b) Each ECM Mark 2 Key Setting contains:
(1) The Code Wheel Arrangement.
(2) The Index Setting(s) and corresponding 26-30 Letter Check.
(3) Certain types of Key Lists may, in addition, contain one or more Initial Code Wheel Alignments.
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(c) The following illustration is an example of the Key Setting Form most generally used. It Is based on CSP 1336.
(d) The Code Wheel Arrangement consists of ten numbers corresponding to the numbers engraved on the Code Wheels. The Key List omits any letter prefixes or suffixes of the individual Code Wheel designations and in some Key Lists only the final digit may be shown.
(1) (A) The Code Wheels corresponding to the first group of five numbers listed (generally designated "AL:") are to be Inserted in the Alphabet Maze (the rear row) In order from left to right, as appearing in the Key List.
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(B) The Code Wheels corresponding to second group d five numbers listed designated "ST:") are to be inserted in the Stepping Maze (the middle row) in order from left to right, as appearing in the Key List.
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(2) The letter "R" (reverse) appearing after a Code Wheel number in the Key List indicates that that particular Code Wheel is to be inserted in the reversed position (i.e., with the engraved alphabet letters appearing upside down to the operator).
(e) (1) The Index Wheels are normally not removed from the Cipher Unit, and their arrangement normally remains the same. Certain Key Lists, however, may call for a different Index Wheel Arrangement, in which case the Index Wheel spindle is removed and the Wheels rearranged in accordance with the "tens" digits d the Index Wheel Arrangement.
(2) Different Index Wheel Settings are given, corresponding to the different secrecy classifications d the messages for which the Key List was designed. Normally there are three Index Settings, one each for SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL and RESTRICTED messages, respectively.
(3) The five letter group following each index Setting is the corresponding 26-30 Letter Check. The five letter group is the encipherment 1 the letter "A" on the 26th to 30th steps inclusive from the Zeroize position using the Code Wheel Arrangement and the Index Wheel Setting given in the Key. THE 26-30 LETTER CHECK SHALL BE MADE EACH TIME CSP 887 IS INSERTED IN THE MACHINE AND AFTER EACH CHANGE OF CODE WHEEL ARRANGEMENT OR INDEX WHEEL SETTING. ITS USE IS MANDATORY.
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304. CODE WHEEL SET.
(a) The set 1 Code Wheels upon which the Key List is based is shown in the Instructions appearing in the Key List, generally in paragraph 1. A Key List is said to be based upon a particular set d Code Wheels because that particular set was used to obtain the 26-30 Letter Check(s) given in the Key Setting.
305. CODE WHEEL ARRANGEMENT.
(a) To make the Code Wheel Arrangement:
(1) Remove the lid from the cover by lifting straight up.
(2) Loosen the four thumb-screws which secure the Cipher Unit (CSP 887) and remove the Cipher Unit by lifting it straight up from the machine.
CAUTION: Use BOTH HANDS in removing and inserting the Cipher Unit.
(3) Remove the Code Wheel spindles, Insert the Code Wheels in the Cipher Unit in the arrangement and positions shown by the Key. Insert the Code Wheel spindles.
(4) Carefully insert the Cipher Unit into the machine and secure it by means of the four thumb screws.
CAUTION: Use BOTH HANDS in removing and inserting the Cipher Unit.
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306. INDEX WHEEL SETTING.
(a) Rotate, by hand, the Index Wheels until they are set at the positions given in the Key List. The Index Wheels are not moved mechanically and are not to be moved again during the course d enciphering (or deciphering) the particular message.
(b) BE SURE THE INDEX WHEELS ARE IN EXACT ALIGNMENT.
(c) Replace the lid.
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307. ZEROIZING.
(a) The process of turning the Code Wheels so that each one is set with the
letter "O" opposite
the white reference lines is called "Zeroizing", and when the Code Wheels
are all set, it is called
the "Zeroize position". All processes (except special methods of operation)
start from the
Zeroize position.
(b) To Zeroize:
(1) Set the Controller at "R" (Reset). The motor should start as soon as
the Controller is turned
away from "O" (OFF).
(2) Set the Zeroizer (the "up and down" switch at the front left) at
"Zeroize".
(3) Press the "RPT" Key, then the "Blank" Key and hold both keys down. The
Code Wheels will
step until each Code Wheel has reached its zeroize position (i.e., with the
letter "O" opposite the
white reference line) where it will stop.
NOTE: If each Code Wheel does not step and automatically stop at its
zeroize position, the cause
should be ascertained and corrected. See paragraph 506.
(4) When all Code Wheels have stopped at the Zeroize position release the
Blank and Repeat
Keys.
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308. 26-30 LETTER CHECK.
(a) The 26-30 Letter Check is given as a method 1 checking:
(1) That the machine is operating properly.
(2) That the Code Wheel Arrangement is correct.
(3) That the Index Setting is correct.
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(b) A correct check assures the operator that the machine is in initially
good operating
condition. It does not insure that the machine will continue to function
perfectly beyond the
30th step, but failure beyond this point is not likely to occur.
NOTE: Periodic checks for steps up to 10,000 are given in paragraph 519.
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(c) To make the 26-30 Letter Check.
(1) Make the Code Wheel Arrangement and Index Setting in accordance with
the Key Setting.
(2) Zeroize.
(3) Set the Zeroizer at "Operate", and set the Controller at "E"
(Encipher). Reset the counter to
zero.
(4) Press the "Repeat" Key, then the "Blank" Key, and hold both Keys down
until the counter approaches twenty-five. Release both Keys, and, by means at the "Blank" Key, step the Code Wheels until the counter reads twenty-five.
(5) Press (Encipher) the letter "A" five times.
(6) The printed encipherment of "A" should check with the values given in
the Key List.
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(d) Failure to produce the 26-30 Letter Check may indicate:
(1) An incorrect set of Code Wheels or an error in the Code Wheel
Arrangement.
(2) An error in the Setting (or Arrangement) of the Index Wheels.
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NOTE: If an Index Wheel is improperly positioned (i.e. set "half-way") the
resultant 26-30
Letter Check will consist of five alike letters).
(3) The machine is not functioning properly. (The most common fault is
dirty contacts of the
Code Wheels or Cipher Unit. (See paragraph 403.)
(4) An error In the 26-30 Letter Check given in the Key List. Every
precaution is taken to
insure that the correct value is given, however, a simple typographical
error in the Code Wheel
Arrangement will give an entirely different 26-30 Letter Check. An error in
an Index Setting
will give an erroneous check for that Setting. Four correct letters should
be accepted. If the 26-30 Letter Check is not obtained, it should be attempted on a second machine
or with other Code
Wheels if these are available. Code Wheel and Cipher Unit contacts should
be cleaned (see
paragraph 403). If the 26-30 Letter Check cannot be obtained, and the
operator is satisfied
that everything is functioning correctly, the 26-30 Letter Check as
appearing in the Key List
should be ignored. However, under no condition will the machine be used if
the 26-30 Letter
Check so obtained is five alike letters. (See paragraphs 328 and 511).
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(e) THE 26-30 LETTER CHECK SHALL BE MADE EACH TIME CSP 887 IS INSERTED IN
THE
MACHINE AND AFTER EACH CHANGE OF CODE WHEEL ARRANGEMENT OR INDEX SETTING.
ITS USE IS MANDATORY
309. CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
(a) The Code Wheel Alignment is a group of five letters, selected at
random, to which the Code
Wheels of the Stepping Maze (the front row of five Code Wheels) are set
prior to encipherment
(or decipherment).
(b) This alignment (or reading) of the Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze at
the start of the
actual encipherment is transmitted unenciphered as the INTERNAL INDICATOR
of the message. It
shall be recorded on the message being enciphered for reference purposes in
case a verification
is requested.
CAUTION: THE CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR EACH MESSAGE ENCIPHERED BY A
PARTICULAR
KEY SETTING MUST BE DIFFERENT. THE SELECTION OF THE LETTERS MUST BE
ENTIRELY AT
RANDOM, THE LETTERS "O" AND "Z" MUST NOT BE USED, AND THE LETTERS MUST NOT
FOLLOW
A REGULAR SYSTEM OF PROGRESSION. (See paragraph 329).
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(c) To make the Code Wheel alignment:
(1) Zeroize the Code Wheels, (pan. 307). Set the Controller at "R" (Reset)
and the Zeroizer at
"Operate". The left (#1) Code Wheel of the Stepping Maze will step one
letter for each time the
numeral "1" Key is pressed. Press and release this Key the number of times
required to align
#1 Code Wheel to the first letter of the Code Wheel Alignment.
NOTE: While the Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze are being aligned, the
Code Wheels, of the
Alphabet Maze will also step.
(2) Similarly align, in succession, the second (#2) Code Wheel with the
numeral "2" key, the
third (#3) Code Wheel with the numeral "3" key, etc, until the Code Wheels
of the Stepping
Maze are aligned to the letters chosen.
CAUTION: The Code Wheels must be aligned in correct sequence. If any Code
Wheel is stepped past
the correct letter or if the Code Wheels are not set in proper sequence,
the entire process must
be re-commenced from the zeroize position.
(3) Do not use the Repeat Key in this operation, and avoid a "staccato"
touch of the numeral
Keys. It is possible to press the Key and release it quickly enough that
the Code Wheels of the
Stepping Maze will step, but the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze will not,
thus resulting in an
incorrect setting.
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(4) After the Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze have been set to the Code
Wheel Alignment, CHECK THE ALIGNMENT OF THE CODE WHEELS OF THE ALPHABET MAZE TO INSURE THAT All FIVE OF THESE WHEELS ARE NOT ALIGNED TO "O". While the Code Wheels of the
Stepping Maze are
being aligned, the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze should step in an
irregular manner. If for
any reason they do not step, this will be indicated by the fact that all
five Code Wheels of the
Alphabet Maze will remain aligned to "O". Therefore, if all five of these
Code Wheels are found
on "O" alter the Code Wheel Alignment has been made, the machine is not
functioning properly.
In this case, make the 26-30 check and follow instructions in paragraph 308.
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(d) Certain methods of operation require manual alignment of the Code
Wheels. When this Is
required, follow Instructions appearing in the Key List.
310. HEADINGS AND INDICATORS.
(a) To type the Heading and Indicators alter having set-up the Code Wheel
Alignment:
(1) Set the Controller to "P" (Plain) and the Zeroizer to "Operate".
(2) Type the heading, date/time group and any other identification data
desired.
(3) Advance the tape by means of the space bar, or press the tape release
tab and pull the tape
two or three inches.
(4) Type the External Indicator. The External Indicator is given in the Key
List, Rotating
Indicator List, Crypto-Channel Charts, etc. Many of the crypto-channels In
which the ECM is
used have been assigned several Rotating Indicators for each
classification. It is important that
these Indicators be used equally and in random order, and checked off as
used so that an Indicator
will not be used again until all the others have been employed, and so that
an alphabetical or
other pattern will not be apparent.
(5) Space once and type the Internal Indicator (the letters chosen for the
Code Wheel Alignment
see paragraph 309(a)). Space once.
(6) Reset the Counter to zero.
NOTE: Certain Operators may prefer to type the Heading, Indicators, etc.
before aligning the
Code Wheels. In this case, perform the operations of this paragraph before
those of paragraph
309.
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PROCESS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR ENCIPHERMENT ONLY. -
311. ENCIPHERMENT.
(a) Having aligned the Code Wheels, typed the Heading, External and
Internal Indicators, etc:
(1) Set the Controller to "E" (Encipher) and the Zeroizer to "Operate".
Reset the Counter to
Zero.
(2) Type the text to be enciphered, using the space bar and alphabet keys
only. Spell out
numerals. The letter "X" shall normally be used to represent every mark of
punctuation. When
necessary for clarity, punctuation marks may be spelled out. The only
abbreviations for
punctuation authorized are PAREN, PARA, and QUES. All punctuation shall be
kept at a minimum
and used only when necessary to attain clearness. The enciphered text will
appear on the tape In
groups of five letters When padding is added at either or both ends to
conceal a particularly
short message, one in stereotyped form, or one which has been or may be
encrypted in another
system, the use of spaces and other stereotyped padding must be avoided.
(See Chapter IV,
Communication Instructions for example of objectionable padding.)
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312. COMPLETING THE MESSAGE.
(a) Set the Controller to "P" (Plain). Leave the Zeroizer at "Operate".
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(b) Note the Counter reading and if necessary, type the letter "X" as many
times as required to
produce a counter reading which is a multiple of five. Space once.
(c) Type the Internal Indicator, space once and type the External Indicator.
(d) Advance the tape until all printing is clear of the guide and tear off
the tape. The tape is now
ready for pasting on the message blank.
313. EXAMPLE.
(a) The following example illustrates the appearance of a message
enciphered in this manner. It is based on the sample Key Setting shown in paragraph 303(c). JOROM is assumed to be the CONFIDENTIAL External Indicator.
314. CHECK DECIPHERMENT.
(a) As a check on accuracy, an enciphered message shall be check-deciphered
prior to
transmission, preferably by another coding officer, and if possible, on a
second machine using a
different set of Code Wheels. In an emergency the check-decipherment may be
deferred until
after transmission, but should be completed as soon as possible. THE
CHECK-DECIPHERMENT IS
MANDATORY.
PROCESSES COMMON TO DECIPHERMENT ONLY
315. DECIPHERMENT.
(a) To prepare the machine for deciphering a message:
(1) Insert the Code Wheels in accordance with the Code Wheel Arrangement
appearing in the
Key List.
(2) Set the Index Wheels in accordance with the Index Setting in the Key
List which corresponds
to the secrecy classification of the message as determined by the External
Indicator of the
Message.
(3) Make the 26-30 Letter Check.
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(b) To decipher the message:
(1) Zeroize.
(2) Set the Zeroizer at "Operate", leave the Controller at "R" (Reset).
(3) Align the #1 (left) Code Wheel of the Stepping Maze to the first letter
of the Internal
Indicator of the message by pressing and releasing the numeral "1" Key.
Similarly, align #2
Code Wheel to the second letter of the Internal Indicator by means of the
numeral "2" Key, etc.,
until all five Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze have been aligned to the
letters of the Internal
Indicator.
(4) Set the Controller at "D" (Decipher), leaving the Zeroizer at
"Operate". Reset the Counter
to zero.
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(5) Type the text to be deciphered, ignoring spacing between groups. The
space bar is
inoperative while the Controller is set at "D" . The Plain text will appear
with normal spacing
between worth, except that "X" will be printed where "Z" would normally
appear -
XERO,XEBRA, RENDEXVOUS etc.
(6) Upon completion of the decipherment advance the tape until the printing
is clear of the tape
channel and tear off the tape.
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JOINT ARMY-NAVY METHOD
OF OPERATION OF THE ECM
316. GENERAL.
(a) The U.S. Army general method of operation of the ECM differs from the
method in general
use by the U.S. Navy in that:
(1) The Code Wheels are aligned by hand.
(2) The Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze are aligned to the Code Wheel
Alignment as well as the
Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze.
(3) The Code Wheel Alignment is enciphered, by means of an additional
element of the Key
Setting before it is included in the message as the Internal Indicator.
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(b) The U.S. Army method of operation is used in Joint Army-Navy ECM
systems.
317. KEY LISTS.
(a) The following illustration is an example of the Key Setting Form most
generally used in
Joint Army-Navy Key Lists. It is based on CSP 1336.
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(b) The sample Key List illustrated provides for both SECRET and
CONFIDENTIAL messages. The Key Setting consists of:
(1) The arrangement of the Code Wheels in the Alphabet Maze (U.S. Army:
Cipher Rotors)
designated "Cip/Alp:".
(2) The arrangement of the Code Wheels in the Stepping Maze (U.S. Army:
Control Rotors)
designated Con/Stp: -
(3) The setting of the Index Wheels (U.S. Army: Index Rotors) for SECRET
messages designated
"SEC" and corresponding 26-30 Letter Check.
(4) The setting of the Index Wheels (U.S. Army: Index Rotors) for
CONFIDENTIAL messages,
designated "CON" and corresponding 26-30 Letter Check.
(5) The Alignment of the Code Wheels which is initially used in the process
of encipherment,
called the Initial Code Wheel Alignment (U.S. Army: Initial Alignment)
designated "Initial Alignment".
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(c) The use of the 26-30 Letter Check is not mandatory in the U.S. Army.
When given in the
Key List, the use of the 26-30 Letter Check is mandatory In the U.S. Navy
regardless of the
particular Key List in use. The 26-30 Letter Check Is made in the same
manner as in the
standard U.S Navy general method of operation.
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318. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this method of operation, two different Code Wheel Alignments are
used, requiring
differentiation:
(1) The MESSAGE CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENT Is the alignment appearing upon the
Code Wheels at
the start of the actual encipherment of the message. It consists of five
letters selected at random.
(2) The INITIAL CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENT is the alignment given in the Key List
and is used in
the process of enciphering the Message Code Wheel Alignment.
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(b) The INTERNAL INDICATOR Is the encipherment of the Message Code Wheel
Alignment, using
the Initial Code Wheel Alignment at the beginning of the encipherment.
(c) The EXTERNAL INDICATOR is provided for by each Key List.
319. ENCIPHERMENT.
(a) Arrange the Code Wheels in accordance with the Key List and set the
Index Wheels to the
Setting corresponding to the classification of the message.
(b) Make the 26-30 Letter Check.
(c) Set the Controller to "P" (Plain) and set the Zeroizer to "Operate".
Type the Heading,
Date/Time Group and any identification data desired. Type the EXTERNAL
INDICATOR and space
once.
(d) Set the Controller to "E" (Encipher). Align, by hand both the Code
Wheels of the Alphabet
Maze and the Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze to the INITIAL CODE WHEEL
ALIGNMENT given
in the Key.
(e) Select at random a group of five letters to use as the MESSAGE CODE
WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
Make a note of the five letter group on the message being enciphered for
reference purposes in
case a verification is requested.
CAUTION: THE MESSAGE CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR EACH MESSAGE ENCIPHERED BY A
PARTICULAR KEY SETTING MUST BE DIFFERENT. THE SELECTION OF THE LETTERS MUST
BE
ENTIRELY AT RANDOM, THE LETTERS "O" AND "Z" MUST NOT BE USED, AND THE
LETTERS MUST
NOT FOLLOW A REGULAR SYSTEM OF PROGRESSION. (See paragraph 329.)
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(f) Type (Encipher) the Message Code Wheel Alignment. The resultant
encipherment is the
INTERNAL INDICATOR.
(g) Align, by hand, both the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze and the Code
Wheels of the
Stepping Maze to the letters of the Message Code Wheel Alignment (the five
letters selected at
random (paragraph (e) above.)
(h) Reset the counter to zero.
(i) Type the text to be enciphered, using the space bar and alphabet keys
only. Spell out
numerals. The letter "X" shall normally be used to represent every mark of
punctuation. When
necessary for clarity, punctuation marks may be spelled out. The only
abbreviations for
punctuation authorized are PAREN, PARA, and QUES. All punctuation shall be
kept at a minimum
and used only when necessary to attain clearness. The enciphered text will
appear on the tape in
groups of five letters. When padding is added at either or both ends to
conceal a particularly
short message, one in stereotyped form, or one which has been or may be
encrypted in another
system, the use of spaces and other stereotyped padding must be avoided.
(See Chapter IV,
Communication Instructions for example of objectionable padding.)
(j) When the text has been completely enciphered, note the counter reading.
If it is not a
multiple of five, set the Controller to "P" (Plain) and type the letter "X"
as many times as are
needed to produce a reading which is a multiple of five. Space once. Set
the Controller back to
"E" (Encipher).
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(k) Align, by hand, both the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze and the Code
Wheels of the
Stepping Maze to the Initial Code Wheel Alignment. Type (Encipher) the
Message Code Wheel
Alignment. Check the resultant encipherment with the first Internal
Indicator (paragraph (f).)
They must be the same.
(l) Set the Controller to "P" (Plain). Type the External Indicator.
(m) Advance the tape until all printing is clear of the tape channel and
tear off the tape.
320. EXAMPLE.
(a) The following example represents the appearance of a message enciphered
In this manner. It
is based on the sample-Key Setting shown in paragraph 317 (a). QYBAL Is
assumed to be the
CONFIDENTIAL External Indicator.
321. DECIPHERMENT.
(a) Arrange the Code Wheels in accordance with the Key List and set the
Index Wheels in
accordance with the classification of the message.
(b) Make the 26-30 Letter Check.
(c) Turn the Controller to "D" (Decipher) and set the Zeroizer to
"Operate". Align, by hand,
both the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze and the Code Wheels of the
Stepping Maze to the Initial
Code Wheel Alignment given in the Key.
(d) Type (decipher) the Internal Indicator. The resultant decipherment is
the Message Code
Wheel Alignment.
(e) Advance the tape until the portion of the tape containing the Message
Code Wheel Alignment
is clear of the tape channel. (These five letters must be destroyed after
use and must not appear
on the delivery copy of the message). -
(f) Set the Controller to "P" (Plain) and type any identification data
desired. Set the Controller
to "D" (Decipher) and set the Counter to zero.
(g) Align, by hand, both the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze and the Code
Wheels of the
Stepping Maze to the Message Code Wheel Alignment (the five letter
decipherment on the tape
(paragraph (d)).
(h) Type the text to be deciphered ignoring spacing between groups. The
plain text will appear
with normal spacing between words.
(i) Tear off that portion of the tape containing the Message Code Wheel
Alignment and destroy by
burning.
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PARALLEL OPERATION
322. PARALLEL OPERATION.
(a) Parallel operation of the ECM is not recommended except in unusual
circumstances.
Experience has shown that the reliable operating speed of the parallel
arrangement is far below
that of a single machine. The two machines tend to "out of step" if this
speed is exceeded. For this
reason, and because general use of parallel operation would require a
number of machines far in
excess of the number available, parallel operation should be kept at a
minimum.
(b) The following instructions for Parallel Operation are given for
instances in which its use is
authorized.
323. PREPARATION OF MACHINES FOR PARALLEL OPERATION.
(a) Both machines must be equipped with motors designed for operation on
the same type power.
(b) To prepare the machine for parallel operation:
(1) Determine which machine has the higher speed;
(A) Prepare each machine for individual operation.
(B) Set the Controller of both machines to "R", and reset the Counters to
zero.
(C) Press both "Repeat" Key Levers. Simultaneously press both "Blank"
Keylevers, and hold
them down approximately one minute. Release the Keys simultaneously, and
turn both machines
off.
(D) Note the Counter readings. The machine with the higher Counter reading
should be used as
the secondary machine (to the right), the machine with the lower Counter
reading should be
used as the master machine (to the left).
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(2) Disconnect the power cord of the secondary machine from the source of
power. (Secure it in
manner which will prevent accidental re-connection).
(3) Replace the fuses in the master machine with 10 ampere fuses. (This is
necessary because
5 ampere fuses are insufficient to start both motors at the same time. Five
(5) ampere fuses
will work, if the master machine is always started first, then the
secondary machine.
(4) Place the secondary machine to the right of the master machine. Using
the Connecting Cable
(ENG 111) connect from the "Output" of the master machine to the "Input of
the secondary
machine. The machines are now ready for parallel operation.
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324. OPERATING PROCEDURE.
(a) Set the Zeroizers of both machines at "Zeroize" and both Controllers at
"R" (Reset).
(b) (1) Zeroize the master machine according to previous instructions.
(2) Set the master machine Zeroizer at "Operate" and make the Code Wheel
Alignment from its
own keyboard in the normal manner.
(3) Set the Zeroizer to "Zeroize".
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(c) Zeroize the secondary machine and make the Code Wheel Alignment from
its keyboard in the
normal manner.
CAUTION: Both machines cannot be set up from a single keyboard.
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(d) Set both machines to "P" (Plain), with the Zeroizers at "Operate" and
operate the space bar
once.* Type the plain text of the Heading and any other pertinent data. If
it is desired that the
secondary machine not print this matter, turn the Controller to "Off"
position.
*NOTE; It is necessary to operate the space bar only on some machines. The
purpose of this
operation is to clear any stop-pins unlatched on the Printer.
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(e) Set the master machine to "Encipher" and the secondary machine to
"Decipher". Reset both
counters to zero and proceed with the encipherment. The master machine will
print the
enciphered text, the secondary machine will print the decipherment of the
enciphered text.
NOTE: Always use the master machine for encipherment. In so doing, the
electrical impulses of
the encrypted text travel through the alphabet maze of the secondary
machine and are
deciphered, producing a decipherment of the encipherment. If the right hand
machine is used as
a master, the left hand machine will act merely as a printer indicating
only the keylever which
has been depressed on the right hand machine. No check on the correctness
of the enciphered text
will result unless the machines are used in the manner indicated.
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325. EMERGENCY OPERATION.
(a) To prepare the machine for operation on an emergency power supply of 24
volts, DC:
(1) Disconnect the power lead.
(2) Interchange the position of the motor plug (designated "DC" or "AC",
depending upon the
type of motor) and the indicator plug so that the pointer of the indicator
plug points to "24 DC".
See Plate 8c.
(3) Raise the pawl from the channel ring and slip the channel ring to the
outside, allowing the pawl to engage the ratchet (See Plate 8c).
(4) Connect the power lead to a source of 24 volts direct current. (See
para. 211(d).)
(5) Proceed with the normal operation of the machine except, for each Key
lever pressed,
completely depress the emergency hand drive lever once. Make a full down
stroke for each letter
and permit the motor to stop before pressing the next letter. Do not "pump
the handle".
Emergency operation cannot be hurried; it is a slow process.
CAUTION: HOLD THE KEYLEVER DOWN DURING THE ENTIRE TIME NECESSARY TO
COMPLETE THE
CYCLE. This is most important when making the Code Wheel Alignment.
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(b) When operating with low voltage it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that the
contacts of the Code
Wheels and Cipher Unit be clean. (See paragraph 403.)
(c) To return the machine to normal operation:
(1) Lift the pawl and slide the channel ring under the pawl and allow the
pawl to engage the
channel of the ring. (See Plate 8.)
(2) Interchange the position of the Motor plug and Indicator plug, so that
the Indicator plug
points to "115" volts. (See Plate 8.)
(3) Connect the power lead to the normal source of power.
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326. CORRECTION OF ERRORS.
(a) During encipherment, if the wrong keylever is pressed, that letter only
will be in error.
The decipherment will appear exactly as typed - with a one letter garble. It is
essential that no
attempt be made to correct the actual error other than a complete re-encipherment. The
error may be
ignored, and if the check-decipherment is intelligible without confusion,
leave the one-letter
garble in the text. If desired, the word "ERROR" or the letter "E" repeated
several times, may be
enciphered followed by the last correct word, proceeding with the
encipherment from that
point.
(b) During decipherment, if the wrong keylever Is pressed, that letter only
will be in error. If
the error is ignored and the decipherment continued, only a one letter
garble will result, and
the text should be easily completed by inspection.
(c) If the check-decipherment reveals the omission of entire words or
phrases, the best
practice is to re-encipher the text in its entirety.
(d) In order to check the encipherment or decipherment of a certain portion
of the text or to
recommence decipherment at the point at which a garble occurs:
(1) Check the first letter of the portion of the text to be checked and
determine the interval
from the beginning of the encipherment (or decipherment) to this letter.
NOTE: It is recommended that the check be started one or two groups (five
or ten letters) before
the point of the garble to insure that the starting point has been
correctly determined.
(A) On encipherment, the interval is difficult to determine because it is
necessary to count each
letter of plain text plus the spaces, assuming the original typist did not
make errors. If the
portion to be checked has just been typed, the counter reading may be noted
and the interval
"counted back" and one added to the number thus obtained.
(B) On decipherment, the interval may be determined from the regular
arrangement of the
cipher groups.
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(2) Zeroize and align the Code Wheels.
(3) Set the Controller at "E" (Encipher) or "D" (Decipher), according to
the process desired,
leaving the "Zeroizer" at "Operate". Reset the Counter to zero.
(4) Press the "Repeat" Keylever, then the "Blank" keylever and allow the
Code Wheels to step
until the counter reading approaches the interval previously determined,
then release both
Keylevers. Using the "Blank" keylever step the Code Wheels until the
Counter reading is one less
than the recorded interval.
NOTE: The paper tape feed can be suppressed by holding the tape release tab
down while the Code
Wheels are being stepped with the "Blank" keylever.
(5) Record the alignment of all Code Wheels and the Counter reading.
(6) Proceed with the encipherment (or decipherment) from the letter
previously checked.
(A) If the printed text Is garbled, reset the Code Wheels, by hand, to the
alignment previously
recorded (paragraph (5) above). Proceed with the encipherment (or
decipherment) but begin
with one letter previous to the letter checked.
(B) If the printed text is still garbled, reset the Code Wheels, by hand,
to the alignment
previously recorded and proceed with the encipherment (or decipherment) but
begin one letter
after the letter checked.
(C) If the text Is still garbled, try adding two letters then subtracting
two letters, etc. until five letters plus or minus have been tried. Failure of correct text to
appear indicates than an
incorrect alignment has been used, the machine is not functioning properly,
or that an error
has been made in computing the interval.
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327. GARBLES.
(a) Should decipherment fail completely:
(1) If the letters of the two Internal Indicators at the beginning and end
of the message are not
identical, try the various combinations until an alignment is obtained that
will produce
intelligible text.
(2) The External Indicator of one classification may have been used for the
message, but an
Index Setting for another classification may have been used. Try all the
Index Settings given in
that particular Key Setting.
(3) The Key Setting for the previous or following day may have been used.
(4) The enciphering machine may have been defective or the enciphering
operator may have
failed to make the 26-30 Letter Check. Try the process given in paragraph
328.
(5) When using the Joint Army-Navy method of operation one additional
garble is possible. If
the operator should select a "Z" in violation of paragraph 319 (e) the
Internal Indicator will
decipher with an "X" in the Message Code Wheel Alignment Instead of the
"Z". In this case, try
substituting a "Z" for an "X" in the Message Code Wheel Alignment.
A MESSAGE WHOLLY UNDECIPHERABLE MUST BE TRIED BY THE PROCESS GIVEN IN THE
NEXT
PARAGRAPH BEFORE A SERVICE IS REQUESTED.
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328. SPECIAL CHECKING PROCESS FOR "SIMPLE-SUBSTITUTION".
(a) A mono-alphabetical ("simple-substitution") cipher capable of being
solved by an amateur cryptanalyst can be produced by the ECM if certain operating procedures are
not faithfully
followed by the operator.
(b) The primary cause of the production of a simple substitution cipher is
the mis-alignment
of an Index or a Code Wheel. If an Index Wheel is not accurately positioned, the
stepping control
circuits to the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze will be broken, and the
Code Wheels of the
Alphabet Maze will not step. If a Code Wheel of the Stepping Maze is not
accurately positioned
(generally in Joint Army-Navy method of operation wherein the Code Wheels
are aligned by
hand) the stepping circuits will also be broken. The resultant encipherment
in either case will
be a "simple-substitution".
(c) The operator can definitely insure against the production of a simple
substitution cipher by
faithfully performing the 26-30 Letter Check, and, when using the U.S. Navy
general method of
operation, checking the alignment of the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze
after making the Code
Wheel Alignment to see that all five are not aligned to "O". A machine
capable of producing a
"simple-substitution" encipherment will not give the correct 26-30 Letter
Check, nor will the
check-decipherment, if properly performed, decipher.
(d) When a message is wholly undecipherable, in order to check the
possibility of its having
been enciphered on a machine improperly adjusted:
(1) Prepare the machine for operation in the normal manner, except turn any
Index Wheel
between two numbers or remove it entirely.
(2) Set the Controller at "D" (Decipher) and set the Zeroizer to "Operate".
Reset the counter to
zero.
(3) (A) If the message was enciphered by the standard U.S. Navy method of
operation, zeroize
the Code Wheels, and leave them aligned to 00000.
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(B) If the message was enciphered using the Joint Army-Navy method of
operation, align by
hand, the Code Wheels of the Alphabet Maze to the Initial Code Wheel
Alignment and decipher the
Internal Indicator to produce the Message Code Wheel Alignment. Align, by
hand, the Code
Wheels of the Alphabet Maze to the resultant Message Code Wheel Alignment.
(The Code Wheels
of the Alphabet Maze must not step during this process.)
NOTE: For either method of operation, the Code Wheels of the Stepping Maze
may be ignored
entirely since the mis-alignment of the Index Wheel prevents these Code
Wheels from
controlling the stepping of the Code Wheels in the Alphabet Maze. For this
reason, when using
either method of operation, a Code Wheel Alignment need not be made on the
Code Wheels of the
Stepping Maze.
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(4) Type (decipher) the message. While deciphering, the Code Wheels of the
Alphabet Maze
must remain aligned to the original Code Wheel Alignment (00000 if using
standard Navy
method, or if using the Joint Army-Navy method, the Message Code Wheel
Alignment). If they do
not, it indicates the Index Wheel is making contact.
(5) RESET THE INDEX WHEEL TO THE CORRECT ALIGNMENT
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(e) If the message deciphers properly it indicates the enciphering machine
was operating
incorrectly. The deciphering activity should report, as opportunity
affords, to the enciphering
activity with information to the Chief of Naval Operations any message so
deciphered.
(f) The deciphering activity must not relay the cipher text of a message
enciphered in the above
manner, but should re-encipher the message. Prior to re-encipherment, the
order of sentences
should be changed. Different indicators and Date-Time Group should be used,
and other standard
re-encipherment practices followed to prevent linkage with the original
message.
(g) The seriousness of such an encipherment cannot be over-emphasized. A
simple substitution
can result only through carelessness of the operator. THIS CARELESSNESS IS
INEXCUSABLE. The
ECM Mark 2, like any machine, is not fool-proof. Common sense and faithful
observance of
instructions on the part of the operator are essential.
(h) OPERATORS MUST TAKE CARE TO USE THE ECM PROPERLY.
329. RANDOM SELECTION OF CODE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS.
(a) Code Wheel Alignments must be selected at random and any definite
system of progression
must not be followed. Random selection of Code Wheel Alignments is
imperative to insure the
greatest possible variety of starting points. A Code Wheel Alignment which
is not selected at
random is likely to be repeated using the same Key Setting. Two messages
with the same starting
point is a condition sought by cryptanalysts.
(b) There are several methods which may be employed to produce random Code
Wheel
Alignments:
(1) Cipher groups may be selected at random from a group of messages.
(2) An average of one out of ten letters may be deleted from the cipher
groups of a message, and
the letters used consecutively.
(3) Poker chips or cards may be labeled with the letters of the alphabet and
five selected at
random for each setting.
(4) A cipher machine may be prepared for encipherment using a random Code
Wheel
Arrangement and the keys depressed at random or a cipher message typed.
Letters of the cipher
groups thus produced may be used consecutively for Code Wheel Alignments.
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(c) In each case, the letters "O" and "Z" should be deleted to prevent
accidental use.
330. MESSAGE LENGTH.
(a) Very long messages to be enciphered with the ECM Mark 2 should be
broken up into parts,
each of which uses a different Code Wheel Alignment. Each part should not
exceed three-hundred
and fifty (350) groups in length.
(b) This limitation on message length is imposed, for convenience in
traffic handling and for uniformity of
procedure between the services. The cryptographic security of the ECM is
not involved.
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