Spectra Convert from A7 to A3

[mber]

Does anyone have any experience converting a Spectra A7 to A3? Is any conversion necessary or might one be able to use the A3 control head on the A7 radio with the limited features of the HHCH(A3)?

[Will]

Yes, the connections on the interface board are different. You would have to change out the front panel/interface board with the A3 part.

[mber]

Thanks. With apologies for the simplicity of this question...is changing out the front panel a plug in process or would some mods be needed? I'm trying to decide between repairs to an existing A3 model vs a god deal on an A7 and moving the front panel of the current A3. Thanks again.

[W1HVN]

I wanted to revive this thread.

As to the unanswered question the thread author had, could one take an A3 faceplate, cable, and head from one Spectra and swap it out on another Spectra with an A5 or A7 head (remote or dash mount)?

What other mods/changes in RSS or otherwise would need to take place?

Thanks.

[Code3]

I know its not possible to go from an A3 to an A7 without swapping the MLM, but I'm not sure if the converse is true. Just something to consider.

[Will]

I know its not possible to go from an A3 to an A7 without swapping the MLM, but I'm not sure if the converse is true. Just something to consider.

Going from A3 configuration to A5,7, or A9 does require a different MLM because the A3 MLM has less chips and different 'code'. As well as the hardware, interconnect board, cable, ect.

[RADIOMAN2002]

From the times I tried to go either way, you need to change the MLM. Apparently the MLM has a different firmware in it. I never was able to use an A-3 MLM for anything but an A-3. I did try using an A-5 on an A-3 but again it didn't work. Gave me a Fail 001.

[W1HVN]

If one were to go from an A7/A5 to an A4, any changes to MLM?

[jmr061]

No changing of the MLM would be involved in going from an A7/5 to an A4. Some mlm's may even let you change it right in the programming software under control head type. If it doesn't allow it, then you would have to bit bang it to an A4.

Jason

[W1HVN]

I did a search to bitbang. No luck. Could someone pm me some info?

[RADIOMAN2002]

Try looking right here on Batlabs, there is a whole article on it. Though it does require the dark side software.