W4 head swap from astro spectra to XTL5000

[jedi_saber]

I have a motorcycle W4 astro spectra remote setup and it may need to be upgraded to an XTL5000 motorcycle radio with a W4 remote head.

Since the wiring will be a pain in the neck, I want to know if it is possible to simply switch radios and use the same cables/heads, so that all I would have to swap are radio drawers. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Code3]

You can simply change out the drawer. The head portion of the install is identical. You may want to purchase an adapter cable for the rear accessory connector if you had a helmet wired in. "HKN6158 - Cable, Audio Adapter Kit" should make it plug and play, as this adapts the new 26 pin accessory connector to the old 15 pin style for audio related applications.

[jedi_saber]

So this means that an astro spectra remote W4 head, cable and connector will work on an XTL5000.

Code3, this is outstanding information! I do indeed have a helmet kit wired into the accessory connector and knowing that I can simply get an adapter instead of rewiring the whole thing or getting new connectors is very good to know.

[4n6inv]

Are you restricted to 128 modes, like the Astro Spectra W-4? Damn! If I could get my paws on an XTL5000 and mate it with a W-4 head... I just need close to 500 frequencies. I detest the O-5 head; and the siren DEK box and Wildcard box would look perfect with a W-4. Anybody know?

[escomm]

Yes the XTL will support all W series heads with the appropriate interconnect board

[Code3]

Are you restricted to 128 modes, like the Astro Spectra W-4? Damn! If I could get my paws on an XTL5000 and mate it with a W-4 head... I just need close to 500 frequencies. I detest the O-5 head; and the siren DEK box and Wildcard box would look perfect with a W-4. Anybody know?

You can have up to 1000 channels on the W4 head, there is no restriction like on the Astro Spectra.

[4n6inv]

escomm; you have just made me the happiest man! Thanks for the info! That is awesome!

[kb9suy]

To revive this thread The astro spectra only has two different interconnect boards one for the w3 remote hhch and the rest w7,w9, etc.?

[jmr061]

The midpower has one internconnect board for dashmount W4/5/7. There are two remote mount interconnect boards for the mid power, W3 and W4/5/7/9.

The hi power has interconnect boards for the W3 and then the W4/5/7/9.

So technically there would be 5.

Jason

[kb9suy]

Okay that answers that question thanks.

[Kenneth Jensen]

Is it possible to put an astro spectra w7 control head on an xtl5000 - dashmount - the connector on the flex cable fits - but is it the same control head?

[jmr061]

Yes a w7 head would fit on an xtl5000. You need the spacer for the head if your doing dashmount and I believe the flex cable is specific to the w series head, you can't use the O5 control head flex.

Jason

[Kenneth Jensen]

My problem is this (copied from another tread today)
I have bought this xtl5000 on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190577668457?ss ... 1497.l2649
It has the old astro spectra style remote on the radio part - and is may 2006 production - so it is probably original fitted with w7/W9 head - but comesw with a o5 head.
I have tryed to convert it to dashmount by pulling of the 2 remote parts - but the flex cable inside will not fit on the back of the o5 head.
What would be easiest for me - to make it dash or remote - and what parts do i need?
I would of cause prefer to have the o5 head work - and as remote - please help me....

[motorola_otaku]

To make it an O5 dashmount you need a different flex to go from the drawer to the O-series head, and a piece of plastic to go between the head and chassis. I don't have the part numbers handy but I'm sure someone else can come up with them. Both parts will run you maybe $30 (if that) from Motorola and far and away that would be the simplest and cheapest option to make use of what you already have.

edit: Going back to the old OP, the motorcycle Astro Spectra kit uses a different pinout on the remote cable-front interconnect DB25s and I'm pretty sure you'd let magic smoke out if you tried plugging a motorcycle head cable into a XTL equipped with a normal W-series TIB.