Spectra Problems

[fire-medic8104]

I have a VHF spectra that is giving me problems. First I was getting a Fail 001 code for a few days. Checked all power leads, and double checked programming since this normally is a result of being programmed out of band.

Well, now I am getting no fail codes, but not receiving anything either. I can get tones by changing channel or adjusting volume, but nothing on any active channels including the weather channel. I don't get a receive light or anything. Any suggestions?

[Bill_G]

Synthesizer is out of lock. Has this unit been recapped? Any obvious leakage damage on the RF board?

[fire-medic8104]

I'm going to pull it in the morning. Just wanted to get a few ideas to look at

[Splat]

I had the same problems with mine. Leaky caps. Replace them and it'll be back to normal.

[fire-medic8104]

where did you get yours at? If I remember right, it wasn't something radioshack carried. I haven't done one in a while, never had to buy them I had a friend give me a batch of them last time.

[Bill_G]

They can still be ordered from MOT. A number of folks can sell them here, or do the work for you. That's if caps are your problem. Every once in a blue moon it's the vco board.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Here is a link to an excellent article about recapping the Spectra. It has lots of photos and explanations on how to do it yourself.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorol ... -caps.html

Another question you may want to ask yourself is "is it worth fixing?" The narrowbanding deadline is fast approaching and the Spectra radio will soon need to be replaced anyway.

Good Luck!
WEC

[maxkelley_kc2spy]

I used the Panasonic HD series capacitors to replace the ones in my dashmount Spectras.

For the 47uF @ 16v (1 per radio) DigiKey Part # PCE3340CT-ND @ $0.32/each
For the 10uF @ 50v (3 per radio) DigiKey Part # PCE3350CT-ND @ $0.26/each
For the 10uF @ 16v (6 to 7 per radio, depending on revision) DigiKey Part # PCE3338CT-ND @ $0.17/each

These fit perfectly on the pads for the old ones. A fine tip soldering iron, steady hand, and some solder wick make this job not too hard for the intermediate solderer. Took me an hour and fifteen minutes for the first one I did, I think.

http://www.ai4ji.com/Projects/Spectra/spectra_main.htm <-- Here's another good resource on recapping the Spectra..

[jland138]

That is a great site with lots of terrific pictures. Does anybody know what the trick he used to get the scratches out of the display lens?

[thgiz]

I have used Meguiars Plastic Restoration Kit for CDM1250s and it has worked great.