Installed VIC-1 in my Deuce. - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Snarky · 12-16-2009, 16:00

I just installed a Vic-1 in my deuce. I custom made a power cable for my M7777A and attached it to the terminals on my inverter for now to get power.

I took a CX-13089 cut it in half, saved the 3 prong side for later use and took the 4 progged side for my power cable. I ground down the side of the 4 prong connector so I could line the 4 pins A, B, C and D up correctly in the suppressor, then I opened up the connector and removed the wires from the pins, and next enlarged the center hole with a drill because the center female pin on the suppressor was bigger. Then I re-soldered the wires so that Pins A and B were 24V positive (red and white) and C and D were negative (black and green). I pulled the female retaining screw out of the back plate and reasembled the connector. Then I attached it to my M7777A by putting a bolt through the connector and screwing it in. I tested it all with two car batteriss in series, waha, we got communication.

I installed the equipment by putting a 67." 2x4 across the top of the hardtop in a manner that made it tight and stay up right. I installed two individual units on the passenger side, one on the drivers side, and the main control unit in the middle. I attached 3 cables to the top, 2 for the passenger side, 1 extra for cargo passenger use if needed later. 2 cables on the bottom, 1 for the drivers side, and the CX-13089 for the M7777A suppressor. The extra cable can be run through the back windows for cargo passenger use, but I store the extra headset and control unit in the cab.

I attached my M7777A custom power cable to the terminals on my inverter for use now, and I'll figure out a better way to manage power later, I would like to install a key on 24v relay or solenoid between the battery and inverter, until then it's just fused.

Snarky · 12-16-2009, 16:02

Certainly not the cleanest installation, but it was a necessity that I get this thing working and installed, so I can hear what people riding with me are saying. I look forward to drilling holes and more permanently mounting my suppressor and inverter later, after I install a better way to provide power.

cranetruck · 12-16-2009, 19:51

That's one way to do it.

Keep you mouth close to the mike for best sound...

jfnemt1ff1 · 12-16-2009, 22:31

I would like to get that set up. Does anyone know where? I know nothing about military Radios.
John
Ps Pm me if you can help with the parts

ida34 · 12-16-2009, 22:35

There was a vic-1 setup on ebay. Do a search and you should find it. I also think Tbanks had a setup for sale. You might try sending him a PM. He is a member of the board. I love mine and need to work on getting the ipod integrated.

Recovry4x4 · 12-16-2009, 22:46

They can vary wildly on Ebay. I've sold 3 station VIC-1s for as cheap as $150 and as much as over $600. Just depends on who is looking.

Snarky · 12-16-2009, 23:13

I think if I was going to do it again, I would probably go with a commercial system for aircraft. The military stuff is cool and OD, but parts are kind of a pain to get together. It took me about 45-60 days to get all the stuff I needed to get this one running. Aircraft systems tend to work on either 12v or 24v, and have more modern better performing components. For what I ended up paying piecing this together, I probably could have got a good aircraft intercom.

Oh well, I'm just happy everything works. I think one of my headsets is only transmitting through one speaker, but considering I have 4 headsets, it's not a big deal, I can probably repair it.

Anyways, I'm trying to figure out a better way to deal with my power being transmitted to both my intercom and inverter. Frankly my constant on live wire kind of scares me, plus I fear maybe one day I'll forget to turn one or the other off and end up with a dead deuce. One of my batteries is not all that healthy according to battery test, so better safe than sorry.

So what I figure is the best way is to probably cut into the 4 gauge wire I have and put a 24v solenoid between my batteries and also a circuit breaker to replace the fuse.

I found these two items:
DC Power Solenoid, 24V, Amps 50 - DC Power Solenoids - Solenoids - Electrical : Grainger Industrial Supply
https://www.firstchoicemarine.com/p-...-40a-1040.aspx

It's not that I don't trust my 30 year old looking M7777A, but... I don't trust it.

mbarber84 · 12-17-2009, 10:03

Looks good Snarky, you`ll really enjoy the VIC-1. I tossed around with the idea for a while before I finally broke down and bought one. If you do much roadway driving (45+ mph), the VIC really helps the in-cab communication! Not to mention it doubles as an Accoustic Suppression Kit for your ears. (lol)

You def. went the right way, installing the MX7777, it will protect your investment. From what I have been told, the VIC system will not tolerate much when it comes to electrical variances. As far as operating the VIC-1, the only point of interest I have come across is that the bail-out connectors on the headsets can be "fussy". If you run in to any non-comm problems, that`s one of the areas I would troubleshoot first. Just make sure they are nice and snug.

Looks good, now go enjoy it!

Crapgame · 12-17-2009, 11:52

We used to run music into our track's intercom by using a Walkman with the headphones cut off the plug wiring. Strip the ends of the wire and hook up to the springposts on bottom of the 1780 box. Music will temp stop the trans selector is used on headset or CVC.

Should be able to do the same with IPOD earbuds.

Snarky · 12-17-2009, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapgame

We used to run music into our track's intercom by using a Walkman with the headphones cut off the plug wiring. Strip the ends of the wire and hook up to the springposts on bottom of the 1780 box. Music will temp stop the trans selector is used on headset or CVC.

Should be able to do the same with IPOD earbuds.

I was trying to hook my FRS/GMRS radio into it, but I couldn't get a very high volume, I think the wires were too thin, or it doesn't output enough power.