Nagra JBR -Junior Body Recorder- Spy Tape

• Brand: Nagra

 Nagra JBR- Junior Body Recorder- is a very small magnetic tape recorder developed for spy purposes. JBR was secretly developed by Nagra, in 1984, for FBI and other USA agencies. The device only records (reproduction is not available on the recorder) sound in two independent channels. Nagra JBR uses a special magnetic tape cassette, that can be read on a Nagra SNST recorder adapted for this or in the tape player Nagra JBR Playback System PS-1, later developed (1986).

This recorder is very rare because it was produced only for security agencies in small quantities (1118) and the player unity was also produced in a smaller number (657).

Nagra JBR has no direct commands or knobs, but can be remotely controlled by a cable connected controller. This is a reliable way to produce spy sound recordings without necessity to operate the recorder by hand, preventing accidental operations in the spy work.

As the recorder doesn’t have any tape speed control or capstan so the pitch of recording varies with several factors. To obviate this problem Nagra JBR records in a special track a clock signal with a frequency of 5461 Hz exactly 1/6 of the crystal clock frequency of 32768 Hz (crystal used in electronic watches). This pilot signal is used to control the tape speed in the reading unity Nagra PS-1.

Nagra JBR is operated by 3 N type, 1.5 V batteries.

The nagra JBR was supplied in a small black box, along with the standard peripherals, batteries and the operator's manual.

Here you find 48 models, 45 with images and 19 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from Kudelski SA; Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne