KY-57, Speech Security Equipment (VINSON)

[mac101]

Before the advent of the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS), the US military used the KY-57 along with the PRC-77 radio to provide secure communications.  The PRC-77 is, I think, the most advanced and last radio on the military surplus market.  Because SINCGARS capable radios have the encryption built into the radios, they are all destroyed rather than sent to surplus.

When I was in the service, we used the PRC-77 and the KY-57.  The KY-57 could be powered by battery or vehicle.  You can occasionally find demilled units on e-pay.  I was putting together a few radio related items for a military display and purchased one of these demilled KY-57.  I wasn't sure if there's any interest but I took a few photos of the KY-57.

https://flic.kr/p/2kEVEUB
https://flic.kr/p/2kEZifz
https://flic.kr/p/2kEVEUg
https://flic.kr/p/2kEZR3i


Thanks,
Mac


 

[Tankradio]

Interesting pist Mac,

I have a demilled KY-57 kit for my Series 3 FFR. Never found the correct battery box but have everything else.

I remember an Army open day at Karrakatta years ago when I mentioned I had a full encryption setup the Ares Sigs Sgt nearly had kittens ! (They were still in service then)

Cheers

Phill

[mac101]

Interesting pist Mac,

I have a demilled KY-57 kit for my Series 3 FFR. Never found the correct battery box but have everything else.

I remember an Army open day at Karrakatta years ago when I mentioned I had a full encryption setup the Ares Sigs Sgt nearly had kittens ! (They were still in service then)

Cheers

Phill

Hi Phill,
I just had a quick look on epay and there is a KY-57 battery box for sale ($20).  It looks like the seller ships internationally. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13931-Battery-Box-Cover-PN-0N241845-Z-AIJ-E1-BA-590U-KY-57-Good-Used-Condition/124286487446?hash=item1cf00d4b96:g:UPkAAOSwgN1fE19A

If you like, I can purchase and mail it to you.

I'd be interested in seeing your radio encryption setup.  Mine is not standard but I've included a photo.  It includes a URC-200 radio, KY-57, connection cable, handset, KYK-13 (demilled encryption key fill device).   The KYK-13 is still in service and is used with field phones, GPS devices.

https://flic.kr/p/2kFSPyD

I had just removed the tool hardware from the hood so I could treat the rust and refresh the paint.

Thanks,
Mac

[Tankradio]

Hi Mac,

Thanks for the headsup on the battery box. Will chase it up from here.

I have the complete vehicle mounting brackets, power supply, cables, manual etc for fitting in conjunction with VRC radio such as GRC160 and RT524 etc.

At the moment it is all dismantled while my series 3 FFR is in storage.

If I get a chance I will lay out the encryption gear for a pic sometime soon.

Kind regards

Phill

[mac101]

Thank you Phill,
I look forward to seeing it.

Stay well,
Mac

[brettwild]

Hi would you be interested in selling it.

Regards
Brett 0488255666

[mac101]

Hi Brett,
I've found someone who has demilled KY-57's for sale.

https://american-milspec.com/p-3627-ky-57-for-display-only-demilled-no-internal-circuits.aspx

Thanks,
Mac