Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Radio Telephone and Telegraph Transmitting and Receiving Equipment
dcartledge
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:13 pm

Well it's been four years I suppose but I finally found all of the pieces to the puzzle for the m151 setup.

Hope to be installing soon and give a successful sitrep....

Many thanks for all of the info and interest.
d
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035


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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Thu Sep 27, 2018 11:42 am

So the process begins.

Now I need to build the cable that powers up the light.

Anyone know what connector I need and which is positive/negative - the terminals are labeled A and B.

Many thanks,
D
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by wa5cab » Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:12 pm

A little searching turned up PDF's of the 11-5855-250-12&P and something called TM 11-5855-250-34LD. I also found TM 11-5855-250-34, but it was DIS Code D, which requires being able to log in to LOGSA, which being retired and not having a Security Clearance any more, I can't. The -34LD turned out to be the schematics, but it does not show an input connector, only a square box inside of which it says "TANK POWER SOURCE". However, it did sorta confirm that the negative power lead is chassis or ground. So open the thing up and determine whether A or B is grounded. That will be the negative terminal.

If you can post a closeup front view photo of the input power connector, I may either have the mate or know where to find it and how to determine the MS or other number.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Fri Sep 28, 2018 6:30 am

Thank you sir - I found the -12&P manual.

I'll try to get pic of the connector on the light control box. It is a two pin 2 inches in diameter. I'm figuring #2AWG wire.

The pins are marked A and B and are roughly 3/8 of an inch in diameter.

Thanks for assisting,
D
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by wa5cab » Fri Sep 28, 2018 1:31 pm

OK. If the connector is threaded, give the exact OD of the threads, and if possible the thread pitch. There is probably enough information stamped on the connector to ID it but depending upon how it is mounted, it may not be visible.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Urban Camo » Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:01 pm

Not sure if you have heard of the candle power forum.
There is extensive information regarding both the AN/VSS-1 and AN / VSS-3 and 3A .
I have a VSS/3. I believe all of them take the same 2 pin power connector.
There is a list of all of the part #'s to make all of the cables for the lights .
You may try to join and contact member BVH on that board he will be able to help in your quest.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Urban Camo » Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:41 pm

this should keep you busy for awhile.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... earchlight

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by wa5cab » Sat Sep 29, 2018 9:59 pm

OK. If you follow the link that UC gave you will end up at the 2006 beginning of a thread mostly about AN/VSS-1 and in the beginning, how to hook it up. At post #3 there are two connector nomenclatures given and at post #8 are photos showing the smaller 8-pin connector and a mismatched larger 8-pin connector pair. What you can still easily buy are going to be the "A" or "B" and not the "E" or "F" version. But unless you intend to use it in a tropical downpour, should work fine.

The MS part numbers given in post # 3 in the other thread may not be exactly correct. Photos of what you actually have would settle that.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Mon Oct 01, 2018 9:42 am

Thanks - I've tapped danced on that thread a good bit.

Most of those guys are using external generators instead of a 151 application. I looked at their connector numbers but it appears to me it is for the M60 tank light which has the six control wires I do not have and the line up notches are different.

I'll keep playing and looking for my original cable.

D
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Urban Camo » Tue Oct 02, 2018 7:41 pm

is it just the power cable you need?

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by wa5cab » Tue Oct 02, 2018 9:00 pm

UC,

I think that's correct (cable).

D,

I'm told by Bill Perry (only guy whom I know of with more connectors than I have) that the "Lights" actually used three different connectors for the 28 VDC supply. The early one uses a large threaded 2-pin connector. The early M60 used an 8-pin threaded connector (2-large and 6-small) and the late M60 used an 8-pin bayonet connector. The photo at the link that UC gave shows the 8-pin early M60 chassis female threaded connector. The male connector fits nothing because it consists of the bayonet body from the late M60 with a threaded coupling nut from the earlier ones. Apparently, all three connector pairs have 32 shell sizes.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Wed Oct 03, 2018 3:58 am

Thanks all.

I found my cable last night. Literally by accident - seems I keep out smarting myself when putting things away....

Now what I need is some guidance on how to connect this thing up.

Do the cables from the l;I got go to the batteries? And how do I get the charging circuit back to the wiring harness?

I have the cables from the generator to the regulator and from rectifier to the regulator but that's where my parts stop.

I notice a positive and negative terminal studs on the rectifier as well.

A simple set of photos or wiring diagram would be most helpful.

Thanks again - you guys are awesome!
D
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Wed Nov 14, 2018 6:19 am

Getting close now.

What I need to build is the regulator output cable. From the diagrams it appears only one wire comes out of it into the wiring harness of the vehicle.

The output connector I need is a female six pin - three 14 gauge and three larger size.

Does anyone have the Amphenol number for such a connector? It is 2" or so in diameter and looks like most voltage regulator (100 amp or bigger) connectors...

Thanks all.
D
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035

dcartledge
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Mon Jan 14, 2019 12:02 pm

Thanks to all for input.

I have all the components now....the only piece to the puzzle I am missing is the threaded nut that holds the cable in the control box. The connector is two pin bending 32-5 - little over 2 inches in diameter. Must have slid off in the shuffle somewhere..

Anyone have a line on one?

Thank you in advance.
D
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Mon Aug 23, 2021 3:26 am

The install is complete…and the light works!

Thanks to all who offered assistance.

D
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035


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