I found this forum while searching for info on the AN/VSS-3A Searchlights. But all the posts regarding the VSS searchlights are now several years old. I saw where two people were able to get their VSS-3s working back around 2006. Was anyone else ever able to get any of them working? I just picked up three VSS-3As with a set of control boxes and I've rounded up all the necessary connectors and have built two of the cables and I'm about to start on the third. However I'm looking for the manuals for these. I can find them on CD but I like REAL manuals! Does anyone have a set to spare or can anyone tell me where to find a set? I particularly want schematics. I've found some on-line but they're tiny!
VSS Searchlights?
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nvrdark
Newly Enlightened
I have a VSS-1, the larger 2.2Kw version. I don't know if the control boxes are the same but I have one and drawing I made myself.
Bill Idaho
Newly Enlightened
Hello. My first actual posting, besides my intro in the practice forum. I will try to stay in my lane.
I have an operational VSS-1, mounted on an M103A2 1 1/2 trailer, powered by an MEP generator (backed up with a duece battery box with two HTL batteries). Everything is restored to as it was used twenty years ago. I read somewhere on this site about issues with the FAA when lighting up clouds. I found out it is a real concern, and there are bureaucratic/technical hoops to jump through. I have the phone calls to prove it.
Anyway, I recently picked up a VSS-3 for next to nothing, BUT it had been gutted (possibly a government demil). ALL the wiring had been torn out. The motor to turn the infrared cover was removed, as was just about everything else. The good news is the housing, lens and reflector are in pefect condition.
Here is my question: I want to convert this over to another bulb, for obvious reasons. There is no way I could ever replace all the missing stuff to return it back to original! The problem is I don't know enough about what is available as far as bulbs/lamps. I have another 3/4 ton military trailer and a few MEP generators sitting here with nothing to do, so I thought about building essentially a 3/4 scale twin of my VSS-1.
I can utilize either 110VAC or maybe even 220 VAC single phase (I think one of my generators is wired for 220), and there is relatively plenty of room inside the housing to hide anything like a ballast. I do want to keep it as original looking as possible.
I gutted the remaining items, and all I have left is the frame inside. I took a 500 watt bulb I found at Home Depot, the kind used in those worklights. It is about 5/16 in diameter and 4" long. I removed the receptacle frrom an old worlklight I had laying around and affixed it to the frame in roughly the same place an original bulb would have been. I then replaced the reflector and waited until dark. I discovered at about 150 yards, it produced a triangular shaped beam, not near as defined as the original configuration.
I realize a 500 watt bulb isn't near what the real deal is/was, but like I said, I would think there has to be something readily available to use.
I appreciate any advice. Thanks.
By the way, I don't know what all the fuss is about, these lights come up for sale all the time at our military vehicle swap meets. I just came from a meet in Lodi, California a few weeks ago and there were several VSS-1's and 3's for sale. About a year ago, a new-in-the-box VS-3 went for only $250, WITH the control box. The guy couldn't hardly give it away. I might have an extra control box for a VSS-1.
Once again, thanks.
I have an operational VSS-1, mounted on an M103A2 1 1/2 trailer, powered by an MEP generator (backed up with a duece battery box with two HTL batteries). Everything is restored to as it was used twenty years ago. I read somewhere on this site about issues with the FAA when lighting up clouds. I found out it is a real concern, and there are bureaucratic/technical hoops to jump through. I have the phone calls to prove it.
Anyway, I recently picked up a VSS-3 for next to nothing, BUT it had been gutted (possibly a government demil). ALL the wiring had been torn out. The motor to turn the infrared cover was removed, as was just about everything else. The good news is the housing, lens and reflector are in pefect condition.
Here is my question: I want to convert this over to another bulb, for obvious reasons. There is no way I could ever replace all the missing stuff to return it back to original! The problem is I don't know enough about what is available as far as bulbs/lamps. I have another 3/4 ton military trailer and a few MEP generators sitting here with nothing to do, so I thought about building essentially a 3/4 scale twin of my VSS-1.
I can utilize either 110VAC or maybe even 220 VAC single phase (I think one of my generators is wired for 220), and there is relatively plenty of room inside the housing to hide anything like a ballast. I do want to keep it as original looking as possible.
I gutted the remaining items, and all I have left is the frame inside. I took a 500 watt bulb I found at Home Depot, the kind used in those worklights. It is about 5/16 in diameter and 4" long. I removed the receptacle frrom an old worlklight I had laying around and affixed it to the frame in roughly the same place an original bulb would have been. I then replaced the reflector and waited until dark. I discovered at about 150 yards, it produced a triangular shaped beam, not near as defined as the original configuration.
I realize a 500 watt bulb isn't near what the real deal is/was, but like I said, I would think there has to be something readily available to use.
I appreciate any advice. Thanks.
By the way, I don't know what all the fuss is about, these lights come up for sale all the time at our military vehicle swap meets. I just came from a meet in Lodi, California a few weeks ago and there were several VSS-1's and 3's for sale. About a year ago, a new-in-the-box VS-3 went for only $250, WITH the control box. The guy couldn't hardly give it away. I might have an extra control box for a VSS-1.
Once again, thanks.
Bill Idaho
Newly Enlightened
I have no interest in selling any of my stuff, I just want to get my VSS-3 to run on something.
DM51
Flashaholic
There's another thread that might interest you: AN/VSS-1 Searchlight.
