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HELP! Need Advice on Astro Spectra Base

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 9:19 am
by NYRadio69
I am looking for advice on the best way to create a base station for our detectives offices. Have an external mounted VHF antenna already. I have one of our Mot VHF Astro Spectra High Power remote mount W3 radios and all included hardware pieces for mobile installation. I need to make this mobile radio into a base station for the office.

Currently all I have for power is a PS for a SpectraTac receiver, the PS model # is something like TPN1217A I believe, its a rack mount PS. We always used consolettes so we didn't have to worry about having extra PS around. We do have one Radio Shack 25amp Switching PS (#22-510) sitting here in the box that could be used also, not sure if that could handle the radio though.

The base radio would not be used to TX very often, more to monitor things in the field, and we could program the unit into low power mode also since we don't really need 110W output most times.

Has anyone done this before that could help? Any help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:39 am
by /\/\y 2 cents
I have an idea that will allow you to monitor AND talk to the field from any computer w/ internet at the station or anywhere in the world for that matter, and it would be cheaper. All you need is a spare handheld (or the astro spectra would be fine) and our inexpensive adapter. After you run all the coax to the roof and buy the Yagi/omni and mount it, plus find a powersupply with correct amperage that is matched to that mobile, it's going to be twice as much s our solution. Let me know if you have internet at the listening point. We can turn any PC into a "consolette" or tone remote.

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:41 am
by /\/\y 2 cents
whoops you already have antenna/coax...our product will still be pretty cool though since it will allow ANYONE in your department to use it...get 10,000 base stations for the price of one.

Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:46 am
by chartofmaryland
Thats a setup if its just for monitor... Why not just have one of those SSE5000's you all use in NY and a desk charger.. Heh
110watt W3 is a bit much for a desk setup, but hey, use what you have I guess.. If you had a motorcycle setup or just a dash mount W4 5 or 7 you can really save some space and use the power supply you have. The Spectratac supply doesn't sound like it will be able to handle the + 20 Amps required on Tx. Turning down the Tx power alittle may work and help on the PA as well. Would deffinatly go with a linear over switching power supply if you can get one. Also, make sure if you do with the HP that you use an antenna capable of handling the RF thats going to be SHOVED through it.

I love my collection of them, and they last depending on the year and use.


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Astron power supply

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:32 pm
by NYRadio69
If I had an Astron RS-35 (35 amp Linear PS), that should give me enough power to run the base station set-up and power up without problems, right?

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 4:07 pm
by chartofmaryland
For what short use you stated, should work fine.


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