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Bulk Encryption Device
The Gretacode 603 was a bulk encryption device developed by
Gretag in Regensdorf (Switzerland) in the mid-1980s.
It was intended for the encryption of fast multiplexed telephone and data
channels at speeds between 32 kbits/s to 2 Mbits/s. The Gretacoder 603
is based on the military Gretacoder 601. Data is exchanged in full-duplex
time-division multiplex.
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The system consists of two 19" rack-mount units; one for either side of the
communication link. Each unit has a multiplexed input (MUX) and is probably capable
of enciphering both voice and data signals.
The system is clearly derived from similar military devices, as it is partly
green and has typical military connectors. Several keys can be loaded into
the machine simultaneously by using a key filler.
More images below.
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Not much is known about this Gretacoder 603 system. According to a former
owner, it was used for communication via satellite between two bank sites;
one in Switzerland and one in the far-east.
You can help us to extend this page by
providing additional information.
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Devices like the Gretacoder 603 generally store they crypto-key
in the internal memory. The key itself is generated elsewhere and
is loaded into the device by means of a so-called key fill device,
or key-filler.
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With this crypto-set, two devices were supplied that are related to
the key-loading operation. The first one is the external key filler
(or possibly a key generator) that is shown here.
The other one is a simple switch, mounted on a military connector.
This switch was probably used to select which key was being loaded
or overwritten (see image below).
Furthermore, as set of key are supplied with each machine. These
were used to switch between cipher and plain-text mode.
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A red button is present on the front panel. It was probably used
to select the required key, or to delete all crypto variables in
case of an emergency.
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© Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Thursday, 12 July 2012 - 07:48 CET
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