What are my Astro Spectra alternatives?

[PETNRDX]

I am somewhat new to P25.
But have worked with most forms of radio for MANY years.
I find myself needing (more a case of wanting) a mid or low power P25 radio that will do both the Two Meter hamband,
and the 155 range public safety freqs.
I have had several Spectra's over the years, and prefer the "rotary" rather than "rocker" control head.
Must be able to operate P25 in the bottom of the hamband, and possibly the CAP freqs at 143mhz.
I assume the newer Astro Spectra's are NB by channel capable, let me know if that is not the case.
So the question is, what are the model versions that I will need to be looking for, and what are the
"pitfalls" to avoid.
Also, what price range will I need to plan for?
Likely will be looking for a radio in the next few months, but I need to learn more about these
before I buy.

[KX5MOT]

Since the Astro Spectra is no longer in production, i would something in the XTL line, they will do P25 if flashed appropriately and the VHF models cover 136 to 174Mhz. For what you need I would go with an XTL2500 or if you dont need a lot of features or channels an XTL1500.

Just my thoughts.

[PETNRDX]

I probably should have said that, because of cost, I will almost certainly have to look for used radios.
I am going to guess that the XTL models are too expensive, and have more features than I need.
Just guessing that the Astro Spectra is an option.
There aren't that many choices in P25 Motorola mobiles that are affordable to me.

[KX5MOT]

There are some used XTL's on the market but they are still a bit pricey. You could go with an Astro Spectra in the 136-162 "J"split. They did make them with 2.5 spacing as well.

[wavetar]

If you're looking at a low cost Motorola P25 mobile, then your only real option would be a used Astro Spectra. Keep in mind to check out the flashcode (must begin with 1 or 5) and most importantly, the firmware must be digital capable.

Lots of other manufacturers now have P25 mobiles, including Kenwood, Vertex & ICOM and are worth a look at too.

[alex]

Keep in mind that the 2.5khz Astro Spectras with the proper RF board installed in them are rather hard to find [or at least have been harder to find over the past couple of years] and you may end up paying a bit of a premium (rightfully so!) to get your hands on one.

-Alex

[515]

I recently got a Kenwood TK-5710 that I'm really happy with. It performs on par with an Astro Spectra, but has the following advantages:

No splitting of the display for zone/channel names. Both zone and channel names use the full display, like the old analog Spectras.

You can have more than 16 channels in the scan list.

The scanning can work like the older analog Spectras, where you have a user editable list for each zone.

It covers the full 136-174 MHz band right out of the box.

The VHF ones all do 2.5 kHz channel steps.

It does MPL.

It has a simple cellphone style signal strength meter that works in conventional mode.

There's a way to send DTMF digits A, B, C, & D from the keypad mic.



Of course with the Kenwood won't do MDC1200, the P25 call alert/page, or P25 digital DTMF transmission like Motorola Astro radios.

[alex]

I recently got a Kenwood TK-5710 that I'm really happy with. It performs on par with an Astro Spectra, but has the following advantages:

No splitting of the display for zone/channel names. Both zone and channel names use the full display, like the old analog Spectras.

You can have more than 16 channels in the scan list.

The scanning can work like the older analog Spectras, where you have a user editable list for each zone.

It covers the full 136-174 MHz band right out of the box.

The VHF ones all do 2.5 kHz channel steps.

It does MPL.

It has a simple cellphone style signal strength meter that works in conventional mode.

There's a way to send DTMF digits A, B, C, & D from the keypad mic.



Of course with the Kenwood won't do MDC1200, the P25 call alert/page, or P25 digital DTMF transmission like Motorola Astro radios.

Look at:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Communication ... 180H-8180H

I hear they are pretty good radios and fully support MDC1200 as well (thanks to the Patents expiring...). It even does GE Star for those of you who just have to be different. They are priced around $500-$600 each, right around the CDM price (should you have that nice 20% state/local/fed discount from M).

-Alex

[alex]

Ok, someone called to point out my stupidity - the radio above does not do P25. Sigh.

I'll stick to what I know in the future

-Alex

[4n6inv]

Also bear in mind; when you're programming an Astro Spectra or XTL (P-25 Series), you'll also need the software; which isn't cheap; by a long shot! The Astro Spectra SW and the "true" P-25 SW are different critters; so keep that in mind accordingly; unless you have money to burn.

[PETNRDX]

Good comments.
Thanks for the input.
Question, what's the difference between the Astro SW and the "true" P25?
A couple of the agencies I work for will program for me, and I have used what I think is the
regular Astro SW, I have not heard of "true" P25 being an issue.
I suspect a "J" split W4 mid power is what I may want, then again, I may settle for
What I can find and afford.

[escomm]

Also bear in mind; when you're programming an Astro Spectra or XTL (P-25 Series), you'll also need the software; which isn't cheap; by a long shot! The Astro Spectra SW and the "true" P-25 SW are different critters; so keep that in mind accordingly; unless you have money to burn.

This confuses me as well. Are you saying the Astro Spectra does not do "true" P25? If it's not "true," then what is it?

[resqguy911]

If i may. What I think 4n6inv means is that if one finds a great deal on a late model Astro Spectra or XTL5000, that they must realize that they have to inflate that "great deal" by at least $350 by properly selecting the tools needed (AM or A25 CPS and choice of cable) otherwise they will be stuck with an unprogammable radio. How many times have we heard of someone ask "why won't my AM 5.02 CPS and RIB talk to my XTL?"

[N4KVE]

This wouldn't matter in the OP's case as he can get his radio programmed for free where he works. I'm sure lots of people on this forum are just as lucky. GARY N4KVE

[cmdcomm]

I think the new Kenwood TK-5720 would be a great fit for your needs. It is the same platform as the TK-7180/8180 but is full P-25. The software and hardware is about $125 for everything.

[intermod]

I agree. The TK-5720 / TK-5820 seems to have everything you requested, and is remote head capable, and does MDC (and P25 Phase I). I am considering a couple of these, plus a 5710/5810 since I want the extra programmable control head buttons, the knobs (I hate ramp switches) and better intermod and adjacent-channel rejection. Found the specs:

http://tinyurl.com/kenwood5X20

The 5X20 also has the AMBE+2 vocoder. To be P25 Phase I compliant, the vocoder needs to also do IMBE; but I suspect the vocoder SW or hardware does both now. I am guessing that this radio might eventually be capable of Nexedge/NXDN *AND* P25 since Nexedge/NXDN uses the AMBE+2......just a guess.

intermod