Dual Head Astro Spectra Volume

[Tim]

Hi Folks,

Wondering how the volume controls are supposed to work on a dual head
astro spectra.

Are there actually two different volume settings, one for the front & back?

It's acting mighty funny, like there's only one. (the guys in the back of the
box say the volume is too loud, and even the patients are complaining)!!!

Thanks,

Tim

[Code3]

The selected head should control the volume for the selected speaker. Do you have the speaker relays installed that disconnect the unselected heads speaker? The way the system was designed, it was only meant to have one speaker active at a time. Just out of curiosity, what style heads are we talking about?

[Tim]

Hi Code3,

Using W3 heads, and there are no relays in the system, each head has a speaker connection. It's in an
ambulance, so having only one speaker working at a time is not an option. When the driver sets the
volume, then the audio in the back is too loud, although if he hits F/R, it is then at the volume he had
set. Looks like the easiest way to fix this is to put a pad in the back speaker so the 'default' volume level
is ok.

Was kinda hoping it worked like the Kenwood we had in a different box - guess it had two separate
audio stages - one for each side. The mic also worked like it should (not having to get control of the
head). Haven't played with a dual head XTL... wonder if it works the same?

Thanks!!

Tim

[Tim]

Sorry, it's a W4 Head.

Tim

[Code3]

They dual head system uses relays because the audio amp is not designed to run two standard spectra speakers at the same time. The head in control sets the volume for the whole system, and the unused speaker is switched off. That's why you get volume changes when you switch between the heads.

[Tim]

Hmm, not sure what happened to my last reply, but guess it got eaten.

That is how the system appears to be working. Guess it's time to put a local speaker pad on the rear speaker & then do some education for the drivers & EMTs.

Does the dual head function on an XTL work the same way, or is it a bit more intelligent?

Thanks!

Tim

[GlennD]

The XTLs we use with an 05 head have audio amplifiers in the head and operate independently. You just set the rear head as the second head and tell the radio it has 2 heads. The nice thing is that there is no special head and you can have up to 4 heads.

[Tim]

Thanks Glenn,

Do all of the heads work autonomously... meaning can I grab a mic & start
talking on any one of the heads, or change channels from any head without
having to press a F/R button?

We'll be getting a new ambulance soon, and will probably upgrade to a
dual head from the single head XTL that we've got.

(We have a Kenwood dual head radio, and that's how it works - very
intuitive).

Thanks,

Tim

[GlennD]

Yes, there is no front rear button