W3 head on a B5

[rsqemt911]

hi,
i am relatively naive in the workings of the older /V\ radios and have searched on this this topic and have not come up with any concise answer.

i have curently an 800mhz B5 spectra with the remote kit. the replacement plate on the drawer has the 2 DB25 ports. the control head connection is just like the back of a maratrac/syntor ect. (mike,control,VIP) ... i would like to replace the head with a handheld control head due to space limitations in my vehicle. is it possible to replace my current head with a W3? the connection would appear to fit on my existing radio but i wasn't sure if boards/programming and such would need to be replaced ... i can get a W3 head relatively easy, i just do not want to get extrememly involved in performing a conversion to do so.
thanks guys in advance

[tvsjr]

An Astro Spectra head (W3) on an analog Spectra? No, not likely to happen. The Astro and analog radios are two different beasts as far as firmware/software.

An A3 head, as designed for the analog Spectra, along with the required cabling (and an SIU, IIRC), yes.

[rsqemt911]

i am not a fan of the A3 head i have seen ... it is not alphanumeric nor does it have the same buttons/options. also it has a very old/archaic look/feel to it ... i would basically like a head that is handheld version of my A5 or relatively close to it ... anyone have any options/sugestions for me?

[tvsjr]

Buy an Astro Spectra W3, or an XTS3000 + XTVA + power amp + display mic. Handheld control head units are fairly rare birds, but they can be found.

And yes, the A3 is archaic-looking/feeling and non-alpha.

[rsqemt911]

i'm all set with buying another radio right now ... i REALLY do not need an astro ... i guess i will have to make due with what i have ... thanks for the help though