Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1290-326-35P for AN/GSQ-64 Signal Data Reproducer W/E, November 1965
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual covers repair parts and special tools for the AN/GSQ-64 Signal Data Reproducer with equipment, FSN 1290-973-2180. Issued in November 1965, it supported higher-level maintenance of this punched-tape reader used with the M18 Gun Direction Computer, better known as FADAC. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include a signal data reproducer, computer, paper tapes, cables, tools, or other equipment.
Publication Details
This Cold War publication helped trained maintenance and supply personnel identify and order the parts needed to support the AN/GSQ-64.
- Manual number: TM 9-1290-326-35P
- Publication date: November 1965
- Equipment: AN/GSQ-64 Signal Data Reproducer W/E
- Federal Stock Number: 1290-973-2180
- Later NSN format: 1290-00-973-2180
- Manual type: Repair parts and special tools list
- Maintenance level: Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance
- Primary application: M18 Gun Direction Computer, or FADAC
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
The “35P” suffix identifies this as a higher-level parts publication rather than an operator’s manual. It was designed to help personnel locate authorized repair parts, special tools, assemblies, and related support items. Manuals of this type commonly include illustrated parts groups, stock numbers, manufacturer part numbers, item references, and maintenance codes for supply and repair work.
About the AN/GSQ-64 Signal Data Reproducer
The AN/GSQ-64 was an auxiliary electronic device that read programs stored on punched paper tape. It converted the tape’s punched patterns into electrical signals and transferred the information into the M18 computer’s magnetic-disc memory. The reproducer could also work with the AN/GSM-70 Computer Logic Unit Test Set to read diagnostic routines used for finding computer faults. The term “W/E” means “with equipment” and refers to the complete authorized equipment configuration.
M18 FADAC Weapon-System History
The M18 FADAC was one of the U.S. Army’s early field-deployable digital computers. FADAC stands for Field Artillery Digital Automatic Computer. Developed during the early 1960s, it processed information about the battery, target, ammunition, weather, and weapon to calculate firing data for cannon and rocket artillery. Its solid-state electronics and rotating magnetic-disc memory helped artillery crews complete complex calculations faster than older manual methods.
History of Use
The November 1965 publication date places this manual during the Army’s early use of computerized artillery fire direction and the opening years of major U.S. operations in Vietnam. Maintenance personnel used the AN/GSQ-64 to load or restore ballistic programs in the M18 computer and to supply test routines during troubleshooting. Although the reproducer did not aim or fire a weapon, it helped keep the FADAC system ready to provide accurate firing solutions for field artillery units.
Collector and Research Value
TM 9-1290-326-35P preserves official parts and supply information for a specialized piece of early military computer equipment. It is a useful reference for studying the M18 FADAC, punched-tape technology, artillery fire direction, military electronics, and Army maintenance practices during the Vietnam era.
Condition
This vintage military technical manual may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, punched holes, loose pages, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This manual is well suited for collections, restoration research, displays, and exhibits related to Cold War artillery and early military computing.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M18 FADAC research and restoration
- AN/GSQ-64 equipment research
- Vietnam-era artillery displays
- Early military-computer collections
- Punched-tape technology exhibits
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .2", Approx weight .2lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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