Background
The OA-3633() consists of the AM-2060()
Audio Amplifier/Power Supply and the CX-4655 Cable. The "A"
version has some extra power supply filtering, probably to increase
it's
TEMPEST rating for use with
COMSEC equipment.
AM-2060() Audio Amplifier / Power Supply
The
PRC-25
or
PRC-77
Radio Sets can be used in either a man pack (GRC-125, GRC-160) or
vehicle (VRC-53, VRC-64) configuration. When used in the vehicle
configuration the Radio Set is installed into the AM-2060() Audio
Amplifier/Power Supply. TheAM-2060() Audio Amplifier/Power Supply
is installed into the
MT-1029 Mount which
provides the DC power input, interface to the
VIC-1
Vehicle Inter
Communications system, or
COMSEC equipment
like the
KY-57 or
KY-38
by means of the J-3513 Junction Box.
CX-4655 Cable
The cable connects between the AM-2060 and the Radio Set. It
porvides power to the Radio Set and gets the line level audio from the
radio to feed the audio amplifier and drive the speaker. The
CX-4655 comes in either a 9" or 11" long version. They both have
U-316 connectors on each end since the Radio Set POWER connector is
identical to the AM-2060() Radio Set connector. The cable has all
the pins wired 1:1. Note when this cable is used the DC vehicle
power is
fed to the
MT-1029,
which feeds the AM-2060 Power Supply which in turn feeds the PRC-25 or
PRC-77 radio, therefore the radios's internal battery is not being used.
Functions
Power Supply
The PRC-25 and PRC-77 Radio Sets operate from standard "12 Volt"
civilian vehicle DC power, like you would get from a Cigarette Lighter
Socket. They can be powered using the
VPA-2577
Vehicle Power Adapter. But when used in a military vehicle with
"24 Volt" power, a power supply is needed to supply not only the "12
Volt" main power but also the 2.5 Volt DC for various parts of the
PRC-25 (the PRC-77 does not need this supply).
Audio Amplifier & Speaker
The background noise level in a military vehicle is higher than that
experienced by a man on foot, so an audio amplifier and speaker alows
the driver and/or passengers to hear the radio in a hands free maner.
Note that there is no RF connection between the AM-2060 and the Radio
Set or Antenna. There is no RF amplification involved with the
AM-2060. The
OF-185 contains both an
Audio Amplifier/Power Supply and an RF Power Amplifier for the
PRC-68 Family of Squad Radios.
The VIC-1 system allows crew members to hear the radio and
in some cases transmit on the radio. In addition the radio can be
interfaced into a retransmission system either to a radio in the same
band or to a radio on another band. For example a PRC-77 + AM-2060 + MT-1029
and be connected to a C-2299 Radio Relay
box and then to a GRC-213 H.F. radio to
make a cross band repeater. For this application the
retransmission function is handled by the AM-2060 and MT-1029, not the
AUDIO connector on the PRC-77.
Antenna Band Control
The
AS-1729 Antenna System uses the MX-6707
Base Matching Unit which needs to be set for the frequency band in
use. This can be done using the manual band switch or remotly
using electrical signals. These can come from the
RT-246, RT-524
or the AM-2060. The AM-2060() has a band switch on the front
panel that needs to be set for the frequency band that includes the
operating frequency of the Radio Set.
Installation Tips
Alignment Pins
The AM-2060A is located by the
MT-1029
using
two alignment pins that are a close fit. My AM-2060A would not go
onto the pins until I loosened the nut on the MT-1029 pin that's on the
junction box. I also applies a film of Radio Shack Lube-Gel to
both pins so there will not be any corrosion.
Order of Cable Connection
I have the radio system indoors, not in a vehicle. It's best to
connect all the cables to the MT-1029 BEFORE adding the AM2060A and
PRC-77. Once you've got all the radio equipment attached it's
more difficult to install the cables onto the MT-1029.
Rotating Connector Keys
One of the connectors coming from the J-3513 had it's connector Key
rotated from where it needed to be. You can use pliers to grab
the straight knurled sleeve behind the connector and turn the Key to
line up with the equipment.
The MWM type vehicle connectors used for DC power in and out as well as
for the VIC-1 interfaces have recessed nuts and you need a spanner to
remove both nuts so you can slip out and reinstall the connector proper
in at any 45 degree increment. This is often needed to get the
cables to fit.
I got a set of spanner wrenches from Fair Radio and a couple of them
are just the right size for doing this.
Manual
TM 11-5820-498-35 DS, GS & Depot
Maint Man Amplifier-Power Supply Groups OA-366()/GRC
This manual is part of the
VRC-53/GRC-125
for the PRC-25 and
VRC-64/GRC-160 for
the PRC-77 -498 series of manuals.
It includes operation with
VIC-1 Vehicle Intercom
equipment since the AM-2060 interfaces to the VIC-1 through the
MT-1029 Mount.