Adding second control head to Spectra/Astro Spectra

[W1HVN]

Here's the idea:

I have an analog Spectra mid power and a high power Astro Spectra that I would like to run a second remote head (already equipped with one) with. They don't need to be operable at the same time, so we toyed with the idea of a DB25 data A/B switch between the two heads and the radio chassis.

Is there a better way of doing this and has anyone tried it? In theory it should work. I will prob try it this weekend but figured I'd throw it out there before attempting.

Is there a way to split the heads with some sort of y-splitter? I imagine not as the voltages and current for the functions would be disrupted.

Thanks

[John]

I have successfully connected 2 like control heads to an analog Spectra. This was a remote mount with 2 DB25 connectors on the front. I connected one head to each connector and they effectively ran in parallel. Changing modes on either head would be reflected on the other. Same for the other functions. This isn't the "book" way of doing it but it does work. The correct way is to go into the Spectra software and configure it for 2 control heads and then use a button on the head to transfer command from one to another. In this method the remote head only allows you to take over command of the radio. Otherwise it just displays the word Remote in the display.

I haven't tried the same experiments with an Astro Spectra.

John

[Pj]

Get the correct dual port DB25 interface plastic.

[W1HVN]

Good deal, of my two analog Spectras one has the second DB25, which I will plug into and see how I make out. As far as the other is concerned, would obtaining a new dual DB25 Remote Head Faceplate be the only add'l piece of equip needed? Of course making the change in the RSS is the right way to do it probably.

As far as audio, does the Spectra have an audio amp capable of driving two speakers simultaneously, one from the radio chassis DB15 and one from the remote head DB15? Currently, all front speakers are driven from the chassis DB15 not the remote head speaker lead (don't know why, this is how the installer decided to do it), so when I add a rear control head and speaker, will it drive both simultaneously? Saturday is the day to experiment, just figured I'd get enough info ahead of time.

I will ask the question of the Astro Spectra on the APCO forum...

THX

[kf4sqb]

http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/index.html