Astro Spectra Flashcode help

[pacrat551]

I have searched and I can't find a detailed explanation on the options for this Flashcode: 440001-000000-7 Radio model number is T04KLH9PW9AN

I understand it is the following:

H14/G114 Digital ID Display
H868/W969 Multikey Operation
H35/G48 Conventional Operation

I understand the Conventional (thats a given), but what exactly does the Digital ID Display mean? Does this radio actually do P25 digital? I've tried listening to a couple of digital agencies in my area and can't seem to get it working right. I'm not even truly sure I have the correct NAC, so that may be my first problem.

I understand that the multikey Operation is for Encryption. How do I find out if this radio will actually do encryption?

Thanks,

[MattSR]

Its VSELP - wont do P25 sorry

what firmware is in the radio?

[Pj]

The key to this radio is that the flashcode does not include:

ASTRO Ready, or
APCO 25 Digital CAI/IMBE Operation

Thus, it makes it a VSELP radio. This WILL NOT decode any of the P25 stuff. It needs to be upgraded by your local radio shop. The 2nd twist to this, is that most likely the firmware is not capable of supporting the P25 option (G806) by forcing in a codeplug into it. The radio will take it, CPS will see it, the radio won't speak it.

If you legitly get the radio the G806 flash upgrade, it will also update your firmware. Since it already has the VSELP software in there, you should be paying full price for the IMBE upgrade. Expect around $400ish + shop time.

[fogster]

what exactly does the Digital ID Display mean?

Digital ID has nothing to do with digital voice. Digital ID is basically "MDC Decode." When a unit keys up with a PTT-ID using MDC1200, it'll display their ID (or alias, if you configure it for it) on screen. It's a nice feature to have, but it's irrelevant to doing digital voice.

I understand that the multikey Operation is for Encryption. How do I find out if this radio will actually do encryption?

I'm at the fringes of my area of expertise, but since no one's answered this part yet... I think the only real way is to either try to load a key (using a keyloader--not a cheap purchase), or to open the radio up and see if it has an encryption module. (And disassembling expensive radios isn't such a hot idea either...) It might show up in RSS; my experience is limited to a couple analog Sabers that had modules in them.

(Logically, I don't see why a 'legitimate' Flashcode would have multikey operation in it if it didn't have hardware encryption in it, but I gave up on expecting the world to do what logic dictated long ago )

[DES-AJ]

I thought VSELP had software keys that could be entered into cps/rss or was that optional as is Hardware crypto... yeah must of been a flash option.

One good thing about VSELP is hardly anyone can hear ya! No real need for encryption! Mr Joe down the street with his Uniden 396 can't hear ya! Only another user with a shotty old VSELP can.

[pacrat551]

Thanks for the clarification. I'll check with my local radio shop for availabilty to upgrade.

As far as the encryption stuff, I just saw it in the codeplug, but I have no real need for it around here, but more and more agencies are going digital.