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Automatic clandestine transceiver
- Wanted item
The PRM-4150 was a British spy radio station developed by
HMGCC at Hanslope Park (UK)
and built by Racal in the 1970s and 1980s.
It was a complete self-contained radio station
with a fully digital messaging system. It was often supplied in a standard
attaché case and was intended for use by
stay-behind organisations,
the Diplomatic Wireless Service (DWS)
and Special Forces (SF).
The PRM-4150 is also known by its codename TITHE
or (in the Netherlands) as DZO-81.
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The image on the right shows a typical PRM-4150 radio station packed
in a standard executive style briefcase.
It consists of three main units:
- RA-4151 Receiver (right)
- TA-4152 Transmitter (left)
- MA-4153 Message unit (centre)
Each of the units is self-contained and is powered by its own built-in
rechargeable batteries. A brief description of each unit is given below.
The Operator's Instruction Manual is available for download at the
bottom of this page.
Wanted
We are still looking for this radio station.
If you have more information or if you have this radio available,
please contact us.
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This is a message compilation and storage unit capable of storing a coded
message of up to 1020 numeric characters, for periods in excess of 7 days when switched OFF. The message is displayed 2 groups at a time, and each group
consists of 5 digits.
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The transmitter accepts data messages from the Message Store (MA-4153)
or from an external Data Unit, such as the Racal MA-4245 portable cipher unit.
It transmits messages as a two-tone Frequecy Shift Keying (FSK) signal
on the selected frequency channel at a rate of 50 characters per second.
This is equivalent to 600 groups per minute.
Furthermore, facilities are provided for transmissions in
morse code (CW).
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When set to DATA, this self-contained unit is capable of receiving data
messages on a selected frequency channel and storing this message until
reset by the user. The stored message can be recalled at any time up to at least 7 days after reception. It is displayed on the receiver's display.
Facilities are available to process the data message externally, e.g. on
a Racal MA-4245 portable cipher unit, whilst it is being received.
When in VOICE or CW mode, the receiver acts as a standard radio receiver
with frequency pre-selection, capable of receiving voice (LSB or AM LSB)
or morse (CW).
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The PRM-4150 in The Netherlands
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The PRM-4150 was also used by the Dutch
Stay-behind operation (Gladio)
O&I, where it was known as
DZO-81 (Digitale ZendOntvanger, 1981).
It was introduced in 1981 as a gap-fil solution between the aged
SP-15
and the forthcoming pan-European FS-5000 Harpoon.
Not many PRM-4150 units from the Dutch Gladio organisation have survived.
In fact, the only one known to have survived is now in the collection of
the Dutch Signals Museum
[5].
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- Racal Tacticom Ltd., PRM-4150 Portable High Speed Data Station
TH1344/T. Operator's Instruction sheet (8-pages fold-out).
2 September 1980.
- Racal Tacticom Ltd., PRM-4150 Technical Manual Vol. 1 (Parts 1 to 5)
Technical Service Manual with updates. 1 May 1981.
- Racal Tacticom Ltd., PRM-4150 Technical Manual Vol. 2 (Parts 6 to 10)
Technical Service Manual and updates. 1 May 1981.
- Racal Mobical Ltd. Racal PRM-4150 Technical Assembly Manual
Original PCB assembly instructions, with hand-written notes (2 binders).
Various dates - June 1978 to June 1981.
- Museum Verbindingsdienst, PRM-4150 in display case
PRM-4150 (without suitcase) formerly used by Dutch Stay Behind organization.
Photograph Copyright Crypto Museum, 25 February 2009.
- Louis Meulstee, Wireless for the Warrior, volume 4
ISBN 0952063-36-0, September 2004.
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© Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Friday, 01 February 2013 - 16:50 CET
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