VIC 4 (?) Questions

[kml9705]

I am looking at what is listed as a VIC-4 Intercom System, NSN 5895-01-144-5995. Other than a few references to the VIC-4 I can not find any real information on this system. From what I have found so far is that it is similar to the VIC-1 but can handle 4 radios, utilizes the same cables and headsets as the VIC-1 but the other components are supposedly not compatible. Does anyone have any information on this system?





I have two Motorola CDM 1550, one VHF and one UHF that I would also like to interface with this if possible. Can this be accomplished and how? And if so, what military type antennas would work with the Motorola radios?

I have searched but haven't found much that is relevant to my questions other than interfacing a CB with this system. Not being a technical guy when it comes to radios the threads were a bit confusing to me and not sure if the same procedure would work with the Motorola radios. here is the threads I found searching;

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?14284-VIC-4-intercom-manual-and-VIC-1-VIC-4-mods http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?7124-AN-VIC-4-and-adding-switched-12V-24V-to-the-M35
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-interfacing-the-VIC-1-or-VIC-4-to-a-CB-radio
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?161130-VIC-4-Intercom-issues

Thanks

 

[Wire Fox]

I'm not so sure exactly what you're asking, aside from wanting documentation on the "VIC-4" (I'd like that info, too). You've done an excellent job at searching and finding some great posts that describe just what it sounds like you're trying to do. Was there something specific you were hung up on?

 

[kml9705]

I don't know if the same setup for the CB interface would work with the Motorla CDM 1550 or if it would need a different set up. I'm technically challenged when it comes to electronics.

I am also asking if there are military or military looking antennas in the VHF range of 136-174 MHz and a UHF range of 403-512 MHz. The ones I find are in different frequency ranges.

 

[IroncladGA]

I cannot answer your radio or antenna questions. I once owned a VIC-4 system, and it does use same headsets, connector and power cables. It is sometimes referred to as the M981 FISTV intercom. There may be some documentation out there for that. I haven't looked.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[Wire Fox]

I don't know if the same setup for the CB interface would work with the Motorla CDM 1550 or if it would need a different set up. I'm technically challenged when it comes to electronics.

I am also asking if there are military or military looking antennas in the VHF range of 136-174 MHz and a UHF range of 403-512 MHz. The ones I find are in different frequency ranges.

The antenna you're looking for would be very uncommon. The military usually uses the lower end of the VHF spectrum and uses the very low end and very high end of the UHF spectrum, which skips both of your operating bands; however, you're not all out of luck. I started looking into broadband/multi-band antennas and several do exist. One design that came up that multiple manufacturers made is the SFB3512/VRC Multi-Band Antenna. It operates acceptably well from 30-512Mhz, and it actually looks like it perfrom the best in the ranges that you're looking at. Here's a couple of different brochure links to different manufacturers:

http://shakespeare-ce.com/military/product/sfb3512vrc-multi-band-antenna/
https://www.cobham.com/media/653852/SFB3512VRC-DS Issue 1.pdf

The coolest part is you could connect both radios in to the same antenna, as one version has two feed lines for different segments of the spectrum. Unfortuantley, I think you're going to have a very hard time finding that exact antenna. With most surplus, you almost just have to have a goal in mind of what you need and keep looking for something in-general that might fit your application, do quick research on something that might work when you find it, then buy it. You almost certainly could try to direct order the antenna from the manufacturer, but don't be surprised if they quote you $1000-3000 for it.

 

[Wire Fox]

Another option that may exist from time to time for you... http://www.microwavejournal.com/articles/print/525-broadband-tactical-communications-antennas I personally own the EDO-manufactured version of the COM231 mentioned in this article, which apparently was the base design made as a stepping-stone to produce several broadband antennas off the same design. A COM237 would do your requested job quite nicely, just beware of the mechanical limitation (50 MPH vehicle travel speed...probably due to the flimsy Cobham antenna mount).