Spectra A5 - remote question

Jay G. · Post by **Jay G.** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:00 am

Hey!
I have a UHF spectra (a5 model) which is currenly set up as a remote. I am looking to make this a base unit. This will require a LONG run of about 110 feet. I have a 100' DB25 shielded cable which I can use. Question is before I try it and blow up the radio - has anyone tried this before? I'd love to know if it works first!

thanks!

Jay G. · Post by **Jay G.** » Sat Oct 07, 2006 6:48 pm

anyone??

MotoMax300 · Post by **MotoMax300** » Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:17 pm

It would be better to run the coax over 100' rather than the head from the unit, the voltage wont range that far and will cause a FAIL 01 81 (or equiv) head / hardware missing.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 1:11 pm

The cable you mention is just an overall shield, and would not work well due to cross talk on the 'wires'.

A custom cable made up of seperate two conductor shielded cables for the BUSS + and BUSS -, BUSY+ and BUSY-. The IBM Token RING type cable, two pair individuly shielded would work for the two data pairs.

A seperate shielded lead for the MIC hi, MIC LO to shield.

18 ga twisted pair for the speaker leads.
A few 22 ga wires for the other needed connections. (not ALL connections are needed)

Motorola did have a 40 foot cable available, but it has the DB25 and the control head connectors and would not work as an 'extension' cable.

And yes, we have made them for simmular applications.

MotoMax300 · Post by **MotoMax300** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 6:09 pm

I think the tops I would go would be 60' beyond that I think it would be cheaper and better just to route coax that far.

It can be done, but not cheaply and needs to be shielded pairs, like Will said.

Jay G. · Post by **Jay G.** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 7:35 pm

Ok, so it looks like this one is out.

Anyone know if a CDM remote kit will work that far?? total run is 110'.

or any other remote type setup like this?

thanks!

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:03 pm

The Spectra has the best chance of working that far.
Doubt the CDM would even work.

Do you need to change channels?
If not the mic and speaker can run that far no problems. But you DO need the TX and Busy LED's, so the remote idea is a lot better than loosing most of you RF signal in the coax cable.

Lets see, 110 feet of 3/4 Heliax about $3.00 per foot... then add the connectors connectors. And how much antenna cable is there now?

Jay G. · Post by **Jay G.** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:16 am

Currently, we have a 25w GM300 setup with a quickmount kit, which was designed to work at 100', and does work at 110' (locks up once in a while). I wanted to upgrade to a "plain english" display instead of numericals.

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:07 pm

I've used an L1473A with great results.

I use it on a Maxtrac repeater setup using an ICS repeater controller. It was a PITA to set up with the ICS, but I finally figured it out with a bit of help from this site.

With the pinouts that are included in the manual, it's very easy to set up with one radio. The manual states that for runs over 300 feet that you must use a wall adapter to power the remote and anything over 1000 feet would need a junction box.

Anything less than 300 feet will allow you to run the remote off of the radios power. I put 100 feet of shielded cable on mine and it works great.

Also, a LOT cheaper than running more coax.

Edit - They have the remotes that have alpha displays as well.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:07 pm

Jay, If the Spectra is still needed I will make up a cable here and test it to prove it works properly.

Seems like you wanted to use the existing quickmount cable??