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Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 2:40 pm
by ski7669
Does anyone out there have any advice for interfacing a MC2000 Deskset to a 110W A9 Spectra.... I need to know what type of Tone Remote Adapter I need, and how to interface the TRA to the Spectra, and if any special Programming is needed to the Spectra to make this work. Pardon my ignorance, I am very green in the Tone Remote Area

Thanks!

Re: Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:14 pm
by Jim202
When trying to convert any radio to a tone remote control, you will need
to add a tone remote control adapter panel. In most cases, this is a
simple add on to the radio that connects to the PTT, mic high, ground and
RX audio. Some radios have a fixed RX audio out and some have to
use the speaker wires.

Be careful NOT TO GROUND either speaker wire in most of the Motorola
radios. You will blow the audio amp output stage.

You didn't provide any model info other than an A9 head. Most of the
Spectra radios are of similar construction. However there are a few
of them that may require a special connection.

By the way, there are a number of sources to obtain these tone remote
control adapters from. Not trying to support one over another, you should
be able to get one for $200 to $350. Take a look at Hutton, Tessco and
the like companies.

Jim


ski7669 wrote:Does anyone out there have any advice for interfacing a MC2000 Deskset to a 110W A9 Spectra.... I need to know what type of Tone Remote Adapter I need, and how to interface the TRA to the Spectra, and if any special Programming is needed to the Spectra to make this work. Pardon my ignorance, I am very green in the Tone Remote Area

Thanks!

Re: Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:18 pm
by wavetar
Several surface-mount jumpers (zero-ohm resistors) need to be relocated in order to interface to a TRA. See the following link:

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.p ... rd+jumpers

It details which jumpers need to be moved to obtain external PTT & MIC HI. There is also another jumper move needed to obtain discriminator audio, but it's always unsquelched & sounds like crap, so it's somewhat useless.

To make things even more interesting, there are many different versions of the board, so it can be very difficult to figure out which jumpers are the correct ones, even with a detailed service manual.

Todd

Re: Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:49 am
by Jim202
As Wavetar has said, there are a few zero Ohm jumpers that need to be relocated. These are on the control
board. The entire board needs to be removed from the radio to make the mods. There are some on each
side of the board that need to be changed.

As these jumpers are surface mount components, it will take some skill and the correct soldering tools to
make the changed. Sure you can do it with some solder wick and a small iron, but have to be careful
that you don't damage the circuit traces in removing the jumpers. Placing them in the new locations
is fairly easy.

The jumpers that need to be moved control the PTT and the external mic input.

If you send me your email address, I have a document that shows where these jumpers are located.

Jim
email jimszal at hotmail dot com


ski7669 wrote:Does anyone out there have any advice for interfacing a MC2000 Deskset to a 110W A9 Spectra.... I need to know what type of Tone Remote Adapter I need, and how to interface the TRA to the Spectra, and if any special Programming is needed to the Spectra to make this work. Pardon my ignorance, I am very green in the Tone Remote Area

Thanks!

Re: Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:23 am
by wavetar
I posted pics in this thread:

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=78370

They didn't come out quite as large as I'd have liked, but it'll give you a pretty good idea of where the jumpers are at least.

Re: Tone Remote and Spectra

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:51 pm
by Will
I get the signals needed off of the second DB25 connector, everything is there. I have not needed to do anything with the Command board.
Remember the OP said A9, and that is what you guys call analog Spectra.