Batboard

hi,
i am relatively naive in the workings of the older /V\ radios and have searched on this this topic and have not come up with any concise answer.

i have curently an 800mhz B5 spectra with the remote kit. the replacement plate on the drawer has the 2 DB25 ports. the control head connection is just like the back of a maratrac/syntor ect. (mike,control,VIP) ... i would like to replace the head with a handheld control head due to space limitations in my vehicle. is it possible to replace my current head with a W3? the connection would appear to fit on my existing radio but i wasn't sure if boards/programming and such would need to be replaced ... i can get a W3 head relatively easy, i just do not want to get extrememly involved in performing a conversion to do so.
thanks guys in advance

An Astro Spectra head (W3) on an analog Spectra? No, not likely to happen. The Astro and analog radios are two different beasts as far as firmware/software.

An A3 head, as designed for the analog Spectra, along with the required cabling (and an SIU, IIRC), yes.

i am not a fan of the A3 head i have seen ... it is not alphanumeric nor does it have the same buttons/options. also it has a very old/archaic look/feel to it ... i would basically like a head that is handheld version of my A5 or relatively close to it ... anyone have any options/sugestions for me?

Buy an Astro Spectra W3, or an XTS3000 + XTVA + power amp + display mic. Handheld control head units are fairly rare birds, but they can be found.

And yes, the A3 is archaic-looking/feeling and non-alpha.

i'm all set with buying another radio right now ... i REALLY do not need an astro ... i guess i will have to make due with what i have ... thanks for the help though