Spectra Conversion

[radio_rob_nj]

OK, I've noticed that there are a lot of cheap analog conventional UHF spectra's on Flea-bay, but the astro ones are expensive. On the other hand, there are a lot of 800 Astro Spectra's that are cheap. Can I, with Lab software (If I were to have it), combine the astro from the 800 MHZ and the PA from the UHF in order to make a Astro UHF? I don't want to spend the money unless it can be done. Damn XTL's are too expensive for my taste.

Thanks,

Rob.

[Batwings21]

I believe the conversion can be done, but I think you the only part you can reuse is the pa, I think if you bought a uhf spectra and an 800 astro spectra you would still have to find a uhf astro spectra rf board, but I may be wrong.

[radio_rob_nj]

I was afraid of that... Can anyone else confirm this or give me good news? I guess I need to know if the Vocoder is in the RF board or somewhere else.

[akardam]

To do the conversion you speak of, you'll need:

(1) Spectra UHF in target bandsplit (R1 403-433, R2 438-470, R3 450-482 or R4 492-512)
(1) Donor Astro Spectra Radio (band unimportant)
(1) Donor Astro Spectra UHF RF board (the board is not bandsplit dependent)
(1) Donor Astro Spectra SRecord in target bandsplit & tools to use

1. Take the existing RF board, command board, and MLM out of the Spectra.
2. Install the Astro Spectra UHF RF board into the Spectra.
3. Remove the command board & cocon from the donor Astro Spectra radio and install it in the Spectra.
4. Force the donor SRecord into the radio.
5. Do a complete retune and alignment.

I think I have an extra Astro Spectra UHF RF board kicking around here. PM me if you're interested in acquiring it.

[jmr061]

I have some uhf astro RF boards as well. $25 a piece. You also have to consider what control head you are using. You can NOT use a spectra A3/4/5/7 on an astro spectra. You can use some A9 heads with a chip swap. If the 800 MHZ Astro comes with a W series head then you are okay using that one.

Jason

[radio_rob_nj]

In that case, I appreciate all of your help. I think I am going to try to find a UHF astro spectra in the bandsplit I need and bite the bullet and buy it. Since I'm using it for public safety, and I don't have the equipment to tune it correctly; and since it looks like it will be a considerable amount of money to do this project anyway, it does not appear to be worth it right now.

Now, does anyone have an Astro Spectra with a R3 bandsplit (450-482) that they would be willing to part with?

Thank you all for your help. Maybe I'll end up coming across the equipment I need in passing and can pick it up piece by piece, then I'll have two radios.

One other question, will the Astro Spectra's work with the 12.5 rebanding?

[motorola_otaku]

One other question, will the Astro Spectra's work with the 12.5 rebanding?

12.5 kHz, yes. 6.25, no. Only VHF radios with the 2.5 kHz RF board will do 6.25 spacing.

In this thread, xmo claims to have moved an 800 MHz Astro Spectra board down to VHF. I would assume (yeah, yeah, I know, ass = you & me) if that's possible then so is 800 --> UHF.

Now, you may also be thinking "gee, if I can do that, then why can't I take a VHF 2.5 kHz board and move it up to UHF or 800?" The answer is: who knows?