Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

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Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Fri Apr 25, 2014 5:16 pm

Does this light only require a regulated 100 amp 28 volt supply? Or is there some other power supply required.

I'm thinking that since the cable for the light control box has only two wires, it should bolt up to a 100 amp alternator with built in voltage regulator.

Or will the 100 amp generator and rectifier used in the radio jeeps work?

If none of these will work, what then do I need to fire up this light?

Many thanks 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 brian in denver » Sat Apr 26, 2014 5:48 am

from this thread it sounds like it draws 140 amps.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... earchlight

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Urban Camo » Sat Apr 26, 2014 11:04 pm

Like Brian suggested go check out the candlepower forum. lots of good info over there.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Sun Apr 27, 2014 9:23 am

Lots of extraneous dialog on that thread.

All I really need to know is if all I need to make it work is a steady 28 volt input.

The light has only two wires into the control box.

100 amp is the current - it may draw 140 in overdrive but it cannot be run in OD very long.

I got the books coming - should shed some more light on this thing then,

Thanks for input,
d
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Kurt Lesser » Mon Apr 28, 2014 2:39 pm

The VSS searchlights draw around 100 amps when operating. There is an overdrive mode however that draws 150 amps. The wise thing to do when installing one of these searchlights is to add a 200 amp alternator to the vehicle to cover the power drawn by the searchlight and the vehicle. Don't fool around here, you don't want an electrical fire in a vehicle.

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:20 pm

Agreed, but the originals had the 100 amp setup (at least according to the books and recent supply line article).

I do not intend to either run overdrive or have a fire - thanks for the info...

I have the correct generator and have located the correct regulator - got the manuals yesterday so hopefully I'll have a test run here in the near future,
d
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Bill, Idaho » Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:43 am

Laying on the floor of my garage is a couple of the proper generator/regulators that were designed for a VSS on a MUTT. The generators are 180 amp, NOT 100. A 100 amp generator, will BARELY run it, but won't start it. The generator and the light are marked for exactly which parts to use. (For example, on the side of the light, one of the required parts listed is the MUTT itself!)
The regulator is a great big thing with a bracket WAY bigger than the original MUTT generator.

I have two VSS-1 (and a VSS-3). One of the -1'S is mounted on a 1 1/2 ton M100something trailer, with a 100 amp gas-powered GI MEP, with a duece-and-a-half battery box with two GI batteries in line with the MEP unit. That way I get the I get the 100 amps, PLUS the amperage provided by two batteries, plenty for the light.
You do not want to run on the upper edge of the capabilities of the generator/regulator when dealing with 100 amps of 28 VDC!
Yes, there are two wires that actually lead into the -1 for power. IF you can find something that will push well over 100 amps, and maintain the 28VDC, and still be able to "ease" back down to about 100 amps, you would be GTG. You don't have a lot of wiggle room.

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Kurt Lesser » Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:58 pm

I have the T & E pintle that I've been trying to give away for years but it's a pickup only because of the weight.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by Bill, Idaho » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:38 pm

Ya know Kurt, I was unaware you had that. We need to talk about that. I will PM.

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by emmado22 » Fri May 02, 2014 8:36 pm

The US Army ADA museum just got an original searchlight jeep unmolested in their collection. They may have more info on the correct parts.
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Tue May 06, 2014 12:21 pm

Have a POC?
d
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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Mon May 19, 2014 12:37 pm

OK - I have the 180 amp generator - now looking for the rectifier and regulator and cables.
Any out there?
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 » Sun May 25, 2014 5:55 pm

went thru the candlepower forums - seems those folks power their lights with a generator of sorts, not on a 151.

I think I have all the pieces parts excepting the voltage regulator and output cable.

Any assistance in finding those parts would be most helpful,
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 Augi » Wed May 28, 2014 3:46 pm

I just got my VSS-3 up and running on my HMMWV.

I made a cable for it using a slave cable connector and plug it right into the slave receptacle at the passenger's feet.

The truck has a 200amp neihoff alternator and you can hear the engine pulling a little harder at idle when the light is running. No modification was required to the truck electrical system.

Maybe you can retrofit one of these later alternators to the jeep? They are entirely self contained, all you would need to do is fab brackets (assuming it fits under the hood).

Augi

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Re: Question about the AN/VSS-1 Searchlight

Post by dcartledge » Fri May 30, 2014 4:59 pm

Sweet!

I looked at the 200 amp alternator but it appears that the air cleaner will not fit under the hood if I install one.

Slave cable is a great idea - might try that one if I cannot find the remaining two pieces to my puzzle,
d
45 MB,64 M151 Searchlight,66 M151A1,74 M151A2 Tow, 86 M1035


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