Batboard

I have a Dash mount D43 Spectra, is it possible to use a Systems 9000 siren amp? does it connect to the DB-15 on the back of the radio?
Steve

The only Systems 9000 Siren/PA for the Spectra that I'm aware of uses a DB-25 connector on the radio side:
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/c ... ml#spa4363

This requires a remote mount Spectra with two DB-25 connectors on the front (the J6 options connector is where the Siren/PA is connected):
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/i ... l#sprdconf
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/i ... l#sys9khou

The DB-15 on the rear of the radio looks like this:
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/i ... #j2dashrem
which is missing some important connections the Siren/PA requires (like filtered audio).

Convert your radio to the correct remote mount configuration (two DB-25 connectors) if you want to use the Motorola Systems 9000 Siren/PA.

Mike, do you think it would be possible to tap into the proper points in the radio to head interface board with a cable, and just hook a siren in that way? Can't you get a "T" cable for doing this on a remote mount, instead of having to plug into the second DB25 on the radio?

Well you might make a DB-25 T cable, but the standard dash mount has no way to connect an external DB-25 cable. There is also no way to get wires from inside a standard dash mount interconnect board outside the radio chassis. You might try re-wiring the rear DB-15, but haven't even looked at if this is possible or not (i.e. if the DB-15 has enough/useful pins).

However, since the OP has to convert from dash to remote mount anyway, why get a remote mount interconnect board with only one DB-25 when a correct one with two DB-25s is much easier?
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/p ... tml#sprdib
These remote mount interconnect boards are usually found with the remote mount front plastic attached.

This link shows the choices between the "original" and "Systems 9000" type of dash to remote mount conversions (just click on the diagram hot spots):
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/index.html#combo
The control head front plastic and control head circuit board are removed from the dash mount, then attached to the correct type of rear plastic and cabled to the radio remote mount new J5 connector.

I think the fun conversion would trying to make a dash mount external Securenet connector work with a Systems 9000 Siren/PA. This non-standard dash mount radio has a special chassis with a connector hole in the bottom.

Of course there is also the choice of a stand alone Siren that doesn't connect to the Spectra.

Mike B wrote:Well you might make a DB-25 T cable, but the standard dash mount has no way to connect an external DB-25 cable. There is also no way to get wires from inside a standard dash mount interconnect board outside the radio chassis. You might try re-wiring the rear DB-15, but haven't even looked at if this is possible or not (i.e. if the DB-15 has enough/useful pins).

Mike, I was referring to the possibility of landing wires on the correct spots of the interconnect board, and bringing a cable with a properly connected DB-25 on the end out through a custom-drilled hole in the chassis (with a proper strain relief, of course), or mounting a DB-25 somewhere on the radio. While I know this may not be the most elegant approach, its not really that bad to do. I've done something similar on a Maratrac with an A7 head. I custom-built and installed a "secondary" control head on a base setup at the office of the railroad I used to work for. Brought a cable out of a hole drilled in the side of the control head, tapped into the proper points on the circuit board, and ran three runs of CAT5 cable to my custom control head in another office app. 30' away. The secondary head gave an operator at that position the ability to change channels, adjust the volume, turn scan on or off, and see what channel the radio was currently on. I was thinking of something similar to that for the Spectra. It may be a lousy idea, but I think it should work (provided there is enough room in all the right places to physically install a cable or connector).

I have found the plastic piece that has 2 DB-25s and a circut board. Don't I need some kind of housing for the back of my A7 head? and a cablles for the siren and radio? if I can't find the missing parts I might pull the Spectra and replace it with my trusty ole X 9000, I have all of the cables and siren amp.

Steve

Yes the control head needs back plastic, cables and a mounting bracket w/ hardware.

You have a choice of a 1580293L02 back plastic with cable 3080157M01 (old part # 3080183P01) or with cable 3080157M04 (old part # 3080183P02). This was the original spectra type of setup. The back plastic on the control head has a hole the cable enters through (the cable connector seals the hole). These cables also have an extra DB-15 connector off of the control head cable (this DB-15 replaces the one in the rear of the Spectra).

Your other choice is a 1502116Z02 back plastic with a HLN6432 converter board mounted in the back (this connector looks just like any other Systems 9000 control head connector). Then you need a HKN4355 or a HKN4356 cable for the Systems 9000 type of setup.

http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/spectra/index.html#combo

The motorcycle radios are slightly different, but you obviously do not have this since you have a dash mount.

Just check eBay, here on the board, etc. for a control head back and compatible cable.


kf4sqb,

I wasn't thinking of cutting a hole in the chassis in my reply, however it should work just fine. It could be interesting trying to install/remove the interconnect board with all the soldered in wires going a new way out of the chassis.

Mike B wrote:I wasn't thinking of cutting a hole in the chassis in my reply, however it should work just fine. It could be interesting trying to install/remove the interconnect board with all the soldered in wires going a new way out of the chassis.

I'd say you're probably right, it would be a little interesting. As I said, not the most elegant solution, just a possible one . My main concern was if it could even be interfaced this way. I was pretty sure it would, but its always better to have the opinion of the more experienced!