Homepage Crypto Index Enigma Hagelin Fialka Siemens Philips Nema Racal Motorola STK Transvertex Gretag HELL Telsy TST Mils AT&T Tadiran USA USSR UK Voice Hand Mixers Phones Spy sets Burst encoders Intercept Covert Radio PC Telex Agencies Manufacturers Donate Kits Shop News Events Wanted Contact About Links Racal MA-4450 (MEROD) Message Entry and Read-Out Device The MA-4450 was a Message Entry and Read-Out Device (MEROD) developed by Racal COMSEC in Salisbury (UK). It was intended for sending encrypted messages in burst mode over a radio link, and was therefore often used by Special Forces (SF) in combination with a manpack radio.   The image on the right shows a typical MA-4450 unit with the optional illumination lid opened. It has a rather large LCD screen at the top and a keyboard with 51 rubber keys below it. The keyboard consists of the usual alphanumerical keys (0-9 and A-Z) with the common QWERTY layout. At the top row are 7 function keys. At the bottom is the space bar and two large keys for left and right. The MA-4450 is also known as a Tactical Data-Entry Device (TDED) or by its National Stock Number (NSN) 5811-99-722-5579.    All connections are at the rear of the unit. There are 4 sockets for RADIO, HANDSET, PRINTER and a REMOTE port. Each socket accepts a different type of connector, so that mistakes are avoided. Power is supplied to the MA-4450 via the REM-PORT. When the optional illumination lid is fitted, it takes its power from the PRINTER socket, to which it is connected by means of a short lead.   For use in the field, and in particular by special forces, the MEROD would generally be pcked inside a nylon 'raincoat' or carrying pouch, such as the one shown in the image on the right. It allows the device to be carried at the sholder or to be attached to the webbing. The MEROD can be operated from within the pouch and various pockets for the ancillaries and cables are present. Further images below. A small junction box is used to connected the device (TDED) to the radio and a suitable DC power source. This junction box can be installed in one of the pockets of the pouch.      Dutch Special Forces During the 1980s MEROD devices, such as the MA-4450, were used by Dutch Special Forces (104 Waarnemings- en Verkenningscompagnie) for operations behind enemy lines, in many cases combined with a manpack radio set, such as the AEG Telefunken SE-6861 (Dutch: LAPR).   The image on the right [2] shows Dutch Special Forces (Commando's) using a MEROD device in an underground hideout. At the top right is the SE-6861 radio set. In the Netherlands this radio was commonly known as LAPR (Lange Afstands Ploeg Radio, Long Distance Group Radio) or its designator KL/TRC-5151. The MEROD device itself was known in The Netherlands as DBA (Digitaal Berichten Apparaat, Digital Message Device). It was also used at the other end of the communication link, e.g. in a (mobile) command center [2].    The MA-4450 was also used in combination with the MA-4420 MEROD base station. It allowed messages to be (pre)recorded, stored and printed, and could be controlled by a computer.   References Racal, MA-4450 Operators Handbook Tactical Data-Entry Device (TDED) MA 4450 Version 1. TH 8426, Issue 1, April 1987. Anonymous source, Images of Dutch Special Forces using MEROD Photographs reproduced here with permission from the owner. March 2012. Racal-Comsec, MEROD - Message Entry and Read Out Device 4-page full-colour brochure of the MEROD terminal. Date unknown. Further information MA-4420, MEROD base station KY-879/P, special version of MEROD used in the USA About Racal COMSEC Other message entry devices Other burst encoders Any links shown in red are currently unavailable. If you like this website, why not make a donation? © Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Tuesday, 10 April 2012 - 15:53 CET