COMMUNICATIONS-APPLIED TECHNOLOGY AMCVIS User manual

COMMUNICATIONS-APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
11250-14 Roger Bacon Drive Reston, VA 20190 USA
Voice: 800-229-3925/[phone] Support: [e-mail]
April 2015
Rev B
SETUP and OPERATING MANUAL
ADVANCED MULTI-CHANNEL VEHICLE INTERCOM
SYSTEM (AMCVIS)
with
DIGITAL CREW CONTROL
The AMCVIS was designed, manufactured and is supported by:
COMMUNICATIONS-APPLIED TECHNOLOGY CO.
RESTON, VA, USA
http://www.c-at.com
If you have any questions, please contact:
C-AT TECHNICAL SUPPORT at 800-229-3925/[phone] (voice), 703-471-4428 (fax), or
E-mail to [e-mail]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIGITAL AMCVIS SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................2
FIGURE 1: DIGITAL AMCVIS SYSTEM CONFIGURATION .....................................................................2
THEORY OF OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................3
1.SYSTEM COMPONENTS .............................................................................................................................4
1.1.INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU): ...................................................................................................... 4
FIGURE 2: INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU) FRONT PANEL ................................................................4
FIGURE 3: REAR and SIDE of INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU) ...........................................................4
1.2.INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU): .................................................................................................... 5
FIGURE 4: INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU) ..........................................................................................5
2.AMCVIS ADJUSTMENTS PRIOR TO OPERATION ...............................................................................6
2.1.CONNECTING IMU COMPONENTS: ................................................................................................... 6 
2.2.ADJUSTING AND BALANCING THE AUDIO LEVELS BETWEEN RADIOS AND INTERCOM
HEADSETS (NO TEST EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED): .................................................................................... 6 
2.3.RADIO PRE-ADJUSTMENT: ................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.AMCVIS IMU ADJUSTMENTS: ............................................................................................................ 6
FIGURE 5: AUDIO ADJUSTMENT POTS .....................................................................................................6
3.IMU CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ........................................................................................................8
3.1.FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................................................ 8
FIGURE 6: IMU FRONT PANEL ....................................................................................................................8
FIGURE 7: IMU SIDE/REAR PANELS ..........................................................................................................9
4.ICU CONTROLS AND INDICATORS .......................................................................................................10
FIGURE 8: INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU) ........................................................................................10
5.CABLE AND CONNECTOR INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................11
5.1.POWER CABLE: ................................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 9: POWER CABLE/CONNECTOR ................................................................................................11
5.2.RADIO CABLE: ..................................................................................................................................... 12
5.3.SINGLE and DUAL INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (SIRS and DIRS) ......................................... 12
FIGURE 10: SINGLE INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (SIRS) WITH DUST CAP .................................12
FIGURE 11: DUAL INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (DIRS) WITH DUST CAP ...................................12
APPENDIX A: SYSTEM COMPONENTS .........................................................................................................13
APPENDIX B: SYSTEM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE .......................................................................14
APPENDIX C: ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKETS TEMPLATE ..........................................................15
FIGURE 12: MOUNTING BRACKET TEMPLATE .....................................................................................15

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DIGITAL AMCVIS SYSTEM
COMMUN ICATIO NS-AP PLIED TECHNOL OGY
CAG E C OD E : 0E EY2
COMMUN ICATIO NS-AP PLIED TECHNOL OGY
CAG E C OD E : 0E EY2
COMMUNICATIONS-APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (C-AT )
DIGITAL ADVANCED MULTI-CHANNEL VEHICLE INTERCOM
THRU THE EAR MONITORING
PELTOR HEADSET
CHASSIS GROUND CONNECTIONS
FIGURE 1: DIGITAL AMCVIS SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

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THEORY OF OPERATION
 The AMCVIS-D (p/n 500.7045) provides up to five personnel with a two way intercom capability.
All headset station ports have common capabilities.
 The AMCVIS-D provides the five users with the ability to simultaneously monitor two, 2-way
radios---connected to the AMCVIS---and to transmit on one of them. Selection of the Radio to be
transmitted on is made at a switch located on the individual users ICU. When a radio is selected for
both monitoring and transmitting, the other radio is automatically monitor only.
 All users hear all voice transmissions by the other users whether the Intercom or a Radio is keyed at
an ICU.
 A user hears his own voice in his headset when he is keying either the intercom or the radios from
his ICU. This “sidetone” circuit provides the user with confirmation that all parts of his
communications system is operating properly.
 Each ICU is configured with two volume controls. These rotary controls permit the user to adjust
the listening level in his own headset from a preset minimum to maximum volume (approximately
0.5 watt into 50 ohm speaker). Adjusting the level on one’s ICU does not affect the listening level of
the other users. One volume setting independently controls the radio that the user currently has
selected to transmit/receive. The other volume control is a master control to each users’ overall
system volume.
 Each user is configured with a radio selector switch to independently select which radio will be used
in “monitor only” and which radio will be used to transmit and receive.
 Separate, momentary, push-to-talk switches are provided for the intercom and radio “keying”
functions. These are located on the individual ICUs and protected by guards. Keying a radio also
places the user’s voice in the intercom for other users to monitor.
 Variety of headsets can be used with the intercom system. The system accommodates most types of
dynamic and 2-wire electret type microphones and headset speaker impedances from 50 to 2000
ohms.
 The Intercom Master Unit (IMU) and Intercom Control Unit (ICU) are designed to comply with
military environmental shock and vibration specifications.
 A limiter and speech frequency filter circuits in each channel control the level of the headset
microphone and filter out extraneous noise.
 To reduce potential acoustic feedback between the headset speakers and the headset microphone, the
side tone is attenuated by as much as 32dB (adjustable from inside of the master intercom unit).
 Power requirement for this intercom system is +11 to +24 volts DC from an external power source.
The power input is protected by a self-resetting fuse, which can be quickly reset in the field without
tools. Current requirements are 350mA at 11V during initial “start up” and normally at 300mA.

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1. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1.1. INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU):
The IMU is the AMCVIS system controller. It contains the various audio circuits, power supply, two
radio interfaces and five intercom station interfaces. The components are housed in a splash-proof,
rugged metal housing that can be mounted in a wheeled vehicle or boat.
FIGURE 2: INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU) FRONT PANEL
Controls, indicators and jacks include:
1. A power “ON/OFF” switch located on the front panel.
2. A red LED on the right side panel is the power ON indicator
3. A power jack located on the rear side panel.
4. Five jacks on the IMU front panel allow connection to the intercom control units (ICU).
5. Two radio interface jacks also on the front panel allow connection to the military and commercial
two-way radios.
6. A cover labeled “RADIO AUDIO LEVEL ADJUSTMENT” (held in place by two thumb screws to
provide environmental protection) allows access to the Radio #1 and Radio #2 RECEIVE and
TRANSMIT level adjustments, (one per radio).
7. Two Green LEDs on the side panel are the P-T-T indicators for Radio #1 and Radio #2.
8. There are also five side tone adjustments, (one per station), that are located inside the IMU. These are
not accessible from the outside of the unit (no field adjustments should be required).
FIGURE 3: REAR and SIDE of INTERCOM MASTER UNIT (IMU)

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1.2. INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU):
The Intercom Control Unit, or ICU, is the individual’s link to the intercom system and the radios
connected to the intercom system’s IMU. The ICU provides the user with:
1. Jack for a headset with a U-174/U connector
2. Personal earphone volume control
3. Personal radio selector switch
4. INTERCOM push-to-talk button to talk with others in the vehicle
5. RADIO push-to-transmit/talk button
The user talks through the intercom by pushing the INTERCOM P-T-T button or transmits over a
selected two way radio by using the RADIO P-T-T button (these transmissions are also heard by all
intercom users). All AMCVIS users (intercom and radio) hear all voice communications.
All five users can be talking on the intercom or radio at the same time.
All switches and controls are protected by guards.
The volume control permits the user to adjust the listening level in his headset from a preset minimum
volume to maximum. This is an individual control and will not affect the listening level of the other
users.
The system accommodates most types of dynamic and 2-wire electret type microphones and headset
speaker impedances from 50 to 2000 ohms.
FIGURE 4: INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU)

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2. AMCVIS ADJUSTMENTS PRIOR TO OPERATION
2.1. CONNECTING IMU COMPONENTS:
Securely connect power cable into the IMU power jack. When the power switch is in the “ON” position,
the Red LED on the right side of the IMU will be lit.
Securely connect the radio cables into the IMU Radio jacks.
Connect at least two ICUs into the jacks on the IMU, labeled “INTERCOM STATIONS”.
Connect at least two headsets to the ICUs.
2.2. ADJUSTING AND BALANCING THE AUDIO LEVELS BETWEEN RADIOS
AND INTERCOM HEADSETS (NO TEST EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED):
2.3. RADIO PRE-ADJUSTMENT:
Set the radio’s volume control to a mid-position between fully CCW and fully CW.
2.4. AMCVIS IMU ADJUSTMENTS:
NOTE: NO FURTHER ADUSTMENTS SHOULD BE NECESSARY. WE SUGGEST THAT
THE FOLLOWING ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE IF THE AUDIO LEVELS
BETWEEN RADIO USERS AND/OR INTERCOM USERS AND INTERCOM USER AND/OR
RADIO USERS IS DEEMED UNACCEPTABLE.
After removing the “Radio Audio Level Adjustment” protective panel, use a 3/32 flat tip screwdriver to
rotate the trim pot adjustments. Turning the adjustment clockwise increases the audio level and counter
clockwise decreases it. Each trim pot has only 270º of rotation. DO NOT FORCE THE ADJUSTMENT
PAST ITS MECHANICAL STOPS.
FIGURE 5: AUDIO ADJUSTMENT POTS
To Radio #1
Set for undistorted audio from a headset to radio #1. Set with headset microphone place close to
speaker’s lips. Radio # 1 must be selected at the ICU and the Radio P-T-T must be depressed and held.
From Radio #1
Set for maximum undistorted audio at a headset from radio #1. Set with ICU volume control fully
clockwise and Radio output volume set to a mid position.

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To Radio #2
Set for undistorted audio from a headset to radio #2. Set with headset microphone place close to
speaker’s lips. Radio # 2 must be selected at the ICU and the Radio P-T-T must be depressed and held.
From Radio #2
Set for maximum undistorted audio at a headset from radio #2. Set with ICU volume control fully
clockwise and Radio output volume set to a mid position.
NOTE: If the Radio-to-Headset volume levels for Radio #1 and Radio #2 are not equal, adjust the levels
at the ICU Radio output volume control.

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3. IMU CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
3.1. FRONT PANEL
FIGURE 6: IMU FRONT PANEL
POWER “On/Off” Switch: A
This is a two position switch is used to turn the IMU power “ON” and “OFF
INTERCOM STATION Jacks 1-5: B
Pin A: Mic High
Pin B: PCB Ground
Pin C: Audio out to headset
Pin D: Control signal
Pin E: 9V DC supply for ICU circuit
Pin F: Isolated microphone ground
RADIO INTERFACE #1 Jack: C
Pin A: Ground
Pin B: Audio from radio
Pin C: P-T-T
Pin D: Audio to radio
Pin E: No Connection
RADIO INTERFACE #2 Jack: D
Pin A: Ground
Pin B: Audio from radio
Pin C: P-T-T
Pin D: Audio to radio
Pin E: No Connection
B A CD

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SIDE and REAR PANEL
FIGURE 7: IMU SIDE/REAR PANELS
POWER LED (Red): E
When this LED is lit, it indicates that the IMU is enabled
RADIO #1 P-T-T LED (Green): F
When this LED is lit, it indicates that Radio #1 is being keyed at an ICU.
RADIO #2 P-T-T LED (Green): G
When this LED is lit, it indicates that Radio #2 is being keyed at an ICU.
RADIO AUDIO LEVEL ADJUST (Controls under protective panel): H
To Radio #1
Audio level adjustment from a crew station headset to radio #1.
From Radio #1
Audio level adjustment to crew station headset from radio #1.
To Radio #2
Audio level adjustment from a crew station headset to radio #2.
From Radio #2
Audio level adjustment to crew station headset from radio #2
POWER INPUT Jack: I
PIN OUT:
Pin A: +11 TO +24 VDC
Pin B: Ground
F GE H
I

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4. ICU CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
On the ICU is a jack that will mate with U-174/U headset plug.
A spring-loaded clothing clip is provided on the ICU.
To plug the cable’s connector into a jack on the front of the IMU, align the ICU plug and IMU jack
Intercom and Radio P-T-T switches, and volume control are installed on the ICU.
FIGURE 8: INTERCOM CONTROL UNIT (ICU)
Individual Radio Select
for Transmit
Volume adjustment fo
r
selected radio
Master volume adjustmen
t
for intercom and radio
Intercom ONLY “key”
Selected radio and
intercom ‘key”
Interface to EITHER Dynamic
or Electret Microphones. IMU
will auto-adjust for either type.
U229 Interface to IMU

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5. CABLE AND CONNECTOR INSTRUCTIONS
5.1. POWER CABLE:
The IMU power cable is supplied with an unterminated end. The cable should be secured away from any
sharp objects. Power requirement for the IMU is +11 to +24 volts DC from vehicle or an external power
source. The power input is protected by self-resetting fuse. Refer to drawing below.
Line up the keyway on the IMU’s jack, labeled POWER, with the tab on the inside of the cable’s
connector, sliding the connector body down until the threads make contact. Rotate the threads clockwise
until the power connector body is finger tight to the receptacle.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN OR DAMAGE TO THE THREADS MAY OCCUR.
FIGURE 9: POWER CABLE/CONNECTOR

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5.2. RADIO CABLE:
The IMU radio cables should be routed to their associated radios. The cables should be secured away
from any sharp objects.
To plug the cable’s connector into the IMU, take off the dust cover by turning counterclockwise. Align
the connector keyway (red dot) and push the connector into the receptacle turning clockwise until it
“locks” in place.
To disconnect the cable from the IMU, turn the connector counterclockwise, then pull on the
connector’s outer shell. Do not pull on the cable. Always replace dust cover if no cable connector will be
attached.
Note: A silicon based lubricant on the plug’s internal “O” ring may be helpful if excessive binding is
encountered during this process. Do not remove the rubber “O” rings from the connectors; they are
essential for proper operation of the connector.
5.3. SINGLE and DUAL INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (SIRS and DIRS)
The SIRS and DIRS can be used to remote an intercom port to a distance of up to 16’ from the IMU.
The splash-proof rugged metal SIRS and DIRS enclosure can be mounted anywhere on the host vehicle.
They has a long interface cable that is terminated with a splash-proof locking connector that plugs into
the IMU.
FIGURE 10: SINGLE INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (SIRS) WITH DUST CAP
FIGURE 11: DUAL INTERCOM REMOTE STATION (DIRS) WITH DUST CAP

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APPENDIX A: SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Component Part Number Quantity required
Intercom Master Unit (IMU) 500.7045 1 each
Power supply interconnect cable
stripped and tinned 500.0757-10 1 each
SINCGARS, MBITR, “green gear”
radio interface cable with
ENVIRONMENTAL connector on both
ends
179.0615 2 each
Intercom Control Unit (ICU) Specially
configured for use with IMU P/N
500.7045
500.0726-10 1 each per user,
maximum 5 per system
Headset (G.F.E.) N/A 1 each per user,
maximum 5 per system

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APPENDIX B: SYSTEM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Before each use please check the following:
1. Make sure all connectors are dry tight and clean.
A pencil eraser and a can of compressed air can be used to brighten contacts and remove dust and
debris.
2. Aggressively shake each ICU to see if its mounting screws or internal hardware has worked loose.
Tighten any screws that show signs of movement.
3. Inspect all the cable runs for abrasion, stretching, and other kinds of damage. Replace any that show
signs of damage or excessive wear and might fail.
4. Inspect the power connection to the vehicle’s DC distribution system.
Insure that the terminals are clean and have a solid connection.
Good clean DC power is essential for proper operation.
5. Test each crew station interface.
Set the Radio Selector Switch to the Two-Way Radio #1.
With a known good crew headset do the following:
Test the Intercom P-T-T button; you should be able to hear your own side tone.
Vary the volume control from minimum to maximum, to insure that the volume control works.
6. Do your radio checks and adjust the levels slowly and carefully.
The trimmer pots have an adjustment range of about 270 degrees.
Use only small precision tools designed for this task.
Using too much force can break these parts, requiring a return to the factory for repair.
7. Test the Radio P-T-T Button
Ask for a radio check of the Two-Way Radio.
The goal is to transmit and receive well on the Two-Way Radio #1.
8. Set the Radio Selector Switch to the Two-Way Radio #2.
Ask for a radio check of the Two-Way Radio.
The goal is to transmit and receive well on the Two-Way Radio #2.
9. Should any of these field checks fail, follow your procedures for changing out the failed item and
have it submitted for higher level repair by returning it to manufacturer.
FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CALL [phone]x23 or [e-mail]

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APPENDIX C: ALUMINUM MOUNTING BRACKETS TEMPLATE
Note: SEE FULL SIZE TEMPLATE ATTACHED (DWG#087-1098-8)
FIGURE 12: MOUNTING BRACKET TEMPLATE
(P/N: 500.7045)
DIMENSIONS
SHOWN IN
INCHES