HP Forum Archive 14

[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Interesting HP41 module on ebay Message #1 Posted by Tom (UK) on 21 July 2004, 7:50 a.m. See page at: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=414&item=6109186257&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW I wonder if it was meant to be an electronic version of an enigma type machine? I have not seen a removable rubber overlay that is shown for the HP41. Please note that I have no connection with this item.

Re: Interesting HP41 module on ebay Message #2 Posted by Matthias on 21 July 2004, 8:10 a.m., in response to message #1 by Tom (UK) I contacted the seller and as a remark: He sells the EPROM with the overlay I think. I´m not shure if he sells also the HHP EPROM box! Happy bidding

Re: Interesting HP41 module on ebay - comments about 41 & crypto.. Message #3 Posted by Bill Wiese on 21 July 2004, 1:05 p.m., in response to message #1 by Tom (UK) Some time ago I heard persistent rumors that during early 80s some crypto gear disguised as HP calculators were supplied to some Soviet defense scientists/engineers who spied for US CIA/DIA - a guy like A.G. Tolkachev comes to mind (eventually caught by KGB & shot circa 1985?). (There was apparently another small radio device that allowed shorter, secure messages to be conveyed up to 1/4mi to avoid face-to-face agent contact and was separate from this.) I had heard somewhere it was a 41 (after all, it was alphanumeric!) but even if that was wrong, other hacked numeric-only calcs that could deal with something like 5-digit code groups could work too. An HP sci calc at that time would be a piece of equipment that although uncommon and pricey would not be odd or out of ordinary and at the worst could be 'explainable' in an investigation as a blackmarket purchase but would be tolerable for a senior guy... Bill W San Jose CA

[ Return to Index | Top of Index ]

Go back to the main exhibit hall