A7 to A9 head Conversion

[WCHija]

I have an astro spectra plus with an A7 head that I use on my Department Motor, is there a way to upgrade it to an A9 head so I can get the A9 functions? I thought about buying an A9 radio, but there is no room for a 110 watt drawer on a Kawasaki, nor am I going to use a 110 watt radio when my spine is 24" from the antenna.

[jmr061]

Seeing as it is a plus, pretty much out of luck there. W9 heads are not motorcycle rated anyway. I hope your W7 is a motor head and not a regular one.

Jason

[4n6inv]

Have you ever brushed up against an antenna that was transmiitng more than 15 watts? I can assure you that it's no pleasant memory! Not only do you not want to TX more than 15 watts from an antenna sitting on top of your radio, but if you come into contact with the same; you will know God! It's somewhat like taking a rusty needle and jamming it into your finger as hard as you can. Now; imagine how much de-sense you're going to experience having an antenna directly above your radio. It ain't pretty. I have a John Deere Gator with a W-3 HHCH with the radio in a motorcycle housing. If I go above 15 watts TX, my radio goes deaf. I have a high output alternator and a Optima Gel Cell Battery on my Gator, but the fact remains, you can't run that much output with an antenna sitting on top of the radio.

As Jason said; I hope your W-7 is MC rated. W-9's are not. We can wish in one hand and crap in the other and see which gets filled first. I'd LOVE to have a W-9 weatherproof on my Gator.

Jim

[WCHija]

As for brushing up against an antenna, YES I have. UHF mobiles, military radar, VHF mobile. No, its not fun. As for the desense that makes sense, what about the metal shield in the box? Is that for ground plane or shielding or both?

[4n6inv]

Both. But but not designed for that high of wattage. Best bet is to go with the rating. Sorry. Bigger is not always better. My epererience to go with Motorola's rating.

Jim

[WCHija]

Ok, thanks.