Astro Problems on 160.440

[NSPD]

I'm having issues with various Astro Radios on 160.440 and other 16X.XXXX frequencies that I can't figure out. The main problem frequency is 160.440 that I monitor in Mixed Mode (local RR channel). I seem to always get intermod on that frequency no matter where I am. I had the same problem on my old Astro Saber. Is this a no-no frequency for Astro radios or what?

Thanks!

[Rayjk110]

I had an XTS2500 a year or so ago that did this on 160.770 all the time. The newer XTS2500 that I have now does not do this, but they were a different Host/DSP (7.x and now 10.x, respectively) so I have no idea what it could have been.

[Josh]

I'm having issues with various Astro Radios on 160.440 and other 16X.XXXX frequencies that I can't figure out. The main problem frequency is 160.440 that I monitor in Mixed Mode (local RR channel). I seem to always get intermod on that frequency no matter where I am. I had the same problem on my old Astro Saber. Is this a no-no frequency for Astro radios or what?

Thanks!

It's probably the vocon microprocessor throwing spurs. I have the exact same issue on 160.800 with my astro spectra, and formerly my astro saber (same vocons). At one point I almost bought an XTS3k, but didn't because it too had the issues.

The XTS5k I ultimately bought is ok.

What I think is going on is that the VOCON is throwing spurs out and the radio then intercepts them at the antenna. If you have the radio far enough away from the antenna (as in base installation), the problem should clear itself up. I have to keep my radio about 8' from the antenna in order to keep the noise down. I couldn't run it in the car because of this issue.

Why do I assume it's the VOCON? Because I have and XTS3k radio that throws a spur out on that frequency, but more notably, two Astro Spectra radios I have were upgraded to Astro Spectra PLUS radios, with 4meg vocon and upgraded processor. The result, the noisy frequencie went away!

Food for thought, try any of the ideas above (antenna distance) for yourself and hopefully it'll clear up for you too.

-Josh

[NSPD]

I was afraid that would be the answer. Since this is my daily-carry portable removing the antenna and moving it farther away isn't really feasable.

I guess i'll just have to live with it. Thanks guys!

[Josh]

I was afraid that would be the answer. Since this is my daily-carry portable removing the antenna and moving it farther away isn't really feasable.

I guess i'll just have to live with it. Thanks guys!

Well... you never differentiated your radio from an astro mobile or astro portable.

-Josh

[kato56]

I have a similiar problem with a 403-470 Astro Saber on 462.700 analog. When a real carrier is received, I hear an annoying hertodyne that is always in the background. Have to leave that channel is PL decode to keep the radio quiet.

I'm having issues with various Astro Radios on 160.440 and other 16X.XXXX frequencies that I can't figure out. The main problem frequency is 160.440 that I monitor in Mixed Mode (local RR channel). I seem to always get intermod on that frequency no matter where I am. I had the same problem on my old Astro Saber. Is this a no-no frequency for Astro radios or what?

Thanks!