Upgrading a Standard Spectra to Astro Spectra

[btrains]

I posted in another subforum about the ability to hack Astro and/or Standard Spectra RSS/CPS to do out of band, and it looks like I'm just going to have to buy a new VCO board.

Here's what I have:
Two Motorola Spectras
VHF Split II (146-174)
50 watts
One was an A5, the other an A7. I cloned the A7 to the A5 to get the full functions of the A7 head.
The A5 came with an encryption board, which now gives errors since I cloned the radio as an A7.
Both are in working condition, and used on Amateur frequencies, as well as some Civil Air Patrol frequencies.

Here's what I need to have:
Astro Spectra
VHF Split I (136-162)
50 watts
W7 control head
2.5 kHz deviation
P25 enabled
255 modes (if possible) would be nice
It would be used on both Amateur and Civil Air Patrol frequencies.

This radio, as I need, seems to be one of the most impossible to find, which is why I am thinking I should just build my own from parts. On the other post, I was told I need the following:
Command board, VOCON, and W5 or W7 Control Head board from any P25 enabled Astro Spectra. I need to find the correct VHF split VCO capable of 2.5 kHz as well. Do I need any other parts? I will be running this radio remote mount and have the standard Spectra kit. Will that work on an Astro Spectra?

I guess my final question is: where can I start finding these items? I can't post in the Want Ads, and don't want to make this a want ad only, as I'm also looking for advice on all the parts required.

[tvsjr]

The only thing common between those two radios is the power amplifier, and I'm not even sure about that. The Astro control heads are different and you need to replace every board. You can reuse the remote kit too. Basically, go buy a range 1 VHF Astro Spectra that's 2.5-capable (all Astro Spectras are 2.5-dev capable, but the newer boards allow programming the splinter channels), and slap the remote kit you have on it.

[Tom in D.C.]

This subject was discussed in detail in the "other" forum the OP has referred to. There is no reason to start another thread regarding the exact same subject.

Topic is locked.