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SS70A 

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INTRODUCTION   

 
The Ramsey SS70A is a complete two-way speech scrambler/descrambler 
with suitable inputs and outputs for scanner, two-way radio, cordless 
telephone, or tape recorder operation. It is designed to help the user secure 
total privacy for communications or recorded memos. Just as its scrambling, 
technically called “speech inversion”, can be decoded by knowledgeable 
users of similar equipment, the SS70A in turn can be used experimentally to 
descramble some public service communications, cordless phones and other 
systems where low cost scrambling is employed.  
 
Similar to the regulations affecting the use of mobile VHF scanners, it is the 
responsibility of the user of this equipment to know and observe any 
applicable laws regarding the interception and descrambling of transmissions 
employing speech inversion. 
 
“Speech inversion” is a process that interchanges high and low speech 
frequencies by removing the carrier frequency and transmission of only one 
sideband in a communications link. This renders the speech unintelligible 
unless received by a device capable of replacing the carrier frequency 
exactly. The single inversion scrambling technique used in the SS70A is 
adequate to minimize casual eavesdropping or ambulance chasing. Greater 
security is possible, using precision audio filters, and by inverting more than 
one audio range simultaneously. 
 

SS70A CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION 
 

Radio amateurs will notice some similarity between the SS70A and a basic 
sideband transmitter. However, in the speech scrambler’s case, the audio 
input is mixed with a local oscillator running right in the audio range (3.3 KHz) 
rather than an RF oscillator, and it is precisely that modulation of such a low 
frequency that results in speech inversion. Let’s look more closely at what 
happens in the circuit. Have a glance at your schematic and follow along.

  

 
At the heart of the speech scrambler circuitry is the MX128 full-duplex 
frequency inversion scrambler IC. This chip contains a balanced modulator 
and several digital audio filters for both transmit and receive audio paths. In 
addition, the 3.3 KHz injection frequency is generated within the MX128. J3 
provides selection of either a 10.24 MHz or 3.58 MHz crystal. 
  
Notice the similarity between the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) circuit paths. 
Both inputs are "limited" by the overload protection diodes D1,2,3, and 4. An 
additional "voltage divider" (R1,R3) is used to reduce the RX input level when 
speaker level input path is selected. The TX path is designed for microphone 
level inputs/outputs. 

Содержание SS70A

Страница 1: ...ar to SSB Decodes most cordless phones and basic 2 Way radio systems Loud amplified speaker output no need for an external amp Super clean low noise audio excellent audio quality Accepts mike line or...

Страница 2: ...nce Meter RAMSEY AMATEUR RADIO KITS DDF1 Doppler Direction Finder HR Series HF All Mode Receivers QRP Series HF CW Transmitters CW7 CW Keyer CPO3 Code Practice Oscillator QRP Power Amplifiers RAMSEY M...

Страница 3: ...5 Parts List 7 Schematic Diagram 8 SS70A Assembly instructions 9 Testing the SS70A 12 Hook up Configurations 13 Troubleshooting 16 Parts Layout Diagram 18 Ramsey Kit Warranty 19 KIT ASSEMBLY AND INST...

Страница 4: ...used in the SS70A is adequate to minimize casual eavesdropping or ambulance chasing Greater security is possible using precision audio filters and by inverting more than one audio range simultaneously...

Страница 5: ...ed audio The inverted audio is then amplified by either Q1 or Q2 depending on the path On the RX path J4 jumper position selects either speaker level audio from the LM 380 2 watt audio amplifier or li...

Страница 6: ...in physical relationship to each other so there s minimal chance of inserting wires into wrong holes Second whenever possible we install in an order that fits our Learn As You Build Kit building phil...

Страница 7: ...apacitors marked 100 or 101 C2 11 1 01 uF disc capacitor marked 01 or 103 or 10nF C14 3 1 uF disc capacitors marked 1 or 104 C3 13 16 5 10 uF electrolytic capacitors C1 5 9 12 18 1 100 to 220 uF elect...

Страница 8: ...SS70A 8...

Страница 9: ...te traces to the top side of the board and over obstacles other traces You will notice that jumpers are normally not found on the schematic but are necessary for proper circuit operation 11 Install C3...

Страница 10: ...f the chip is marked with a notch dot or band Check the parts diagram for correct placement Before soldering ensure all pins have made it through the board It s not much fun removing a chip because on...

Страница 11: ...rugged and can handle the heat that any pen type soldering iron can deliver 38 Install C1 10 uF electrolytic Be sure to orient the part correctly 39 Install C9 10 uF electrolytic observe polarity 40...

Страница 12: ...s connected to power input jack J5 center pin is positive Current requirements are typically 250 500mA which means a decent battery set C or D cells or good quality power supply may be used If you re...

Страница 13: ...two way operation where we wish to scramble our outgoing or transmitter audio The RX path through the SS70A is used for receiving and unscrambling the scrambled audio If you are simply using the SS70A...

Страница 14: ...and RX paths We ll scramble the audio through the TX path and send it on to the recorder s input to be recorded We ll use the SS70A s RX path to take the recorder s playback audio and unscramble Once...

Страница 15: ...udio through the SS70A RX path Due to the large number of types of keying circuits it is best to contact the transceiver manufacturer concerning proper installation of this scrambler in line with your...

Страница 16: ...pe can be used to trace the audio signals through the forward and reverse paths of the circuit Loop the audio through the SS 70A having it scramble and unscramble compare to see where a problem lies I...

Страница 17: ...pose our manual in the easiest most user friendly format that is possible As our customers we value your opinions comments and additions that you would like to see in future publications Please submit...

Страница 18: ...SS70A 18 SS70A PARTS LAYOUT DIAGRAM...

Страница 19: ...h be assured that the 1K ohm resistors are actually the missing 10 K parts Hum m m I guess the red band really does look orange Ramsey Electronics project kits are packed with pride in the USA If you...

Страница 20: ...H INVERSION KIT RAMSEY ELECTRONICS INC 590 Fishers Station Drive Victor New York 14564 Phone 585 924 4560 Fax 585 924 4555 www ramseykits com REQUIRED TOOLS Soldering Iron Ramsey WLC100 Thin Rosin Cor...

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