2 spectras, 1 head. Can it be done?

jp450 · Post by **jp450** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 11:47 am

I would ike to run 2 spectras, 1 VHF and 1 UHF. Is there a way to do this with one head? If so, how? I would like to save some space in my car...

jmr061 · Post by **jmr061** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 11:53 am

What heads are you using. Rumor has it that two radios can be done with one A9 head but I don't think anyone on this board knows how to do it yet. I know how to do two X9000's this way but not spectras. If anyone knows how to do two spectras with one A9 head, I am sure lots people out there would like to know how including me.

Jason

Post by **xmo** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 12:51 pm

I don't have a real answer for you, but to get you thinking, try this. Start your spectra RSS. Then press <F9> Setup, then <F4> RSS Configuration. Notice the first parameter "MULTIPLE RADIOS"

If you press <F1> Help - the RSS will tell you the differences between a main and an auxilliary radio.

Information I have suggests that only specific MLM versions will support the multiple radio feature. One document stated: "... modified MLM permits the existing Spectra radio to act as a 'main or primary' radio, while the second ...will become the 'auxilliary' unit. At this time, only MLM version 6.02 will provide this function. In the future, the plant may incorporate this function in the currently shipped MLM.."

Something to think about anyway. Maybe S.G. will fill in the blanks here.

Post by **alex** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 1:10 pm

From what I have read here, it is my understanding that if you want to use a dual spectra setup, you are restricted to an A3 head. It also requires a very RARE box to interconnect the radios to the head.

I have seen a couple of people mention that they have a dual X9000 setup with A9 Heads, however, I don't know what box they use to accomplish this.

Interms of firmware revisions, I have no clue

Hope this helped somewhat.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: alex on 2002-03-17 16:10 ]</font>

PCSAR 4x4 652 · Post by **PCSAR 4x4 652** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 1:42 pm

The HHCH (handheld control head) is the only way I have seen two Spectra radios one one control head. To do it with an A9 you will probably need the T series spectras t84 and t83 model numbers. they have a second DB25 port for system 9000 optons or a rear head cable like the fire trucks use.
Occasionally I see the HHCH head and cabling on eBay.
Alo, Usually the Tech at your local M shop will talk to you about things for free. You may ask there as well. Some M shops are not familiar with all of Mot's stuff. I ran into a "long time tech" at an M shop and he had no clue what a VRS is. He said it must be home made. HAHAHHAA!

Post by **wavetar** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 2:04 pm

I'll change that to "NO M shops are familiar with all of M's products". There's too much to be familiar with. My service manager was an M tech & supervisor for 16 years (30 years total in the business), even he isn't familiar with everything M ever put out. Far from it. There's more "SP" stuff out there than you can shake a stick at. Even some of the stuff that isn't "SP" is still very rare...such as the dual Spectra set-up. Unless your local M shop has worked directly with it, they probably won't know any more than you do about it. We've got a dozen different Spectra manuals at the shop, none of them deal with a dual set-up.

Todd

jp450 · Post by **jp450** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 7:47 pm

I have heard of the dual A3 setup. Was wondering if it can be done with the other ones. ie A5, A7.

I have also seen the syntor xx9000 one too.

Looks like I have my summer project already started..

Thanks for all the replys....

Jeff

spectragod · Post by **spectragod** » Sun Mar 17, 2002 7:51 pm

I have seen the setup, with the A3 heads, 9000 heads, and a astro with W3 heads, we jotted down the part #'s for the w3's, turns out, they are a special order, GOV'T ONLY part, they wouldn't sell to me, my MSS or to the local Motorola rep without a special gov't #??, So yes, it can be done, available??? Not in your lifetime unless you find one at auction.... or a parking lot.
SG

Jim202 · Post by **Jim202** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 5:47 am

Yes it can be done with the HHCH. Yes I have seen them. Yes I have worked on them. The ones I have played with came from the government. The UHF Spectra was in the low split, 403 to 420 or something like that. Haven't figured out how to move the VCO up yet.

The radios are operated with the Hand Held Control Head. There is an SIU, serial interface unit that is needed to connect all the pieces together. You will need some software that allows you to play with the MOFLAG settings if you want or need to change any of the programming settings.

Most of these packages came with DES boxes connected to both radios. I chose to remove the DES boxes and the siren packages. Had to remake the control cable that went from the radio to the DES box. Made it connect to the SIU instead. Changed the configuration to be a single radio setup.

Jim

Post by Pj » Mon Mar 18, 2002 11:12 am

The x9000 dual radio setup came in two flavors. System 9000 or HHCH. The A9 denotes spectras, not x9000's (to be techical).

The X9000 Systems 9000 setup requires a 1063A control head. This head is every way the same as the spectra 1073a, execept that the firmware chip is different. There have been posts that say the 1073a HAS worked for the x9000, but I have not personally seen it yet. The x9000 DOES NOT require an interface box. It DOES require SP04 firmware in each radio, and the dual radio cable and RSS (SP03/04).

The HHCH setup DOES require the SIU and a host of other stuff in addition to firmware and SP01 RSS.

I own the X9000 setup, and I love. I will only get rid of it (maybe) when I have replacement Astro Spectras.

I have heard there are dual radio W9 Astro Spectra's in the DC area, but I have no first hand knowledge of them. All of the government radios that I have seen in my area have been W3's.

larrybl · Post by **larrybl** » Fri Mar 22, 2002 7:10 am

I have experimented with making a dual control head spectra 800 mhz, using the A7 heads, we tried adding a dual connector board to the radio, this wouldn't work, both heads in control. We successfuly used a standard A/B switch box, you have to have "sense" power to both heads, once the control head has been transfered, you need to power up the radio again, not a big issue. The transfer does not set off any emergency alarms. I want to try using the A/B box to interface one control head to two radios, an 800 and a VHF, as soon as I find a VHF unit, I'll let you know if it works.