Page 1 of 1

Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:45 am
by d119
So whats the skinny on programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radios? I have several locomotives on property that are going to need our PBX and admin channels programmed into them. What cable is used, what port is it connected to? I have the Clean Cab CPS, so that should be OK...

Is it possible to add additional channels after the AAR channels so that the operators don't have to key in TX and RX channel numbers?

Can these things do PL? Our PBX and Admin channels are PL protected.

Thanks for any information, this is a first for me.

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 2:17 pm
by Josh
I used to have one of these, but it's been nearly 10 years...

I don't remember the specs for programming it as far as a cable, I don't think it was too complicated.

I was able to read/write the radio itself, and the control head with the clean cab CPS. The regular CPS would read the radio and from there I was able to program additional frequencies, splits etc. The radio will transmit PL, but it will not receive with a PL, it's CSQ only (and kinda crappy sounding at that). I think the control head takes the flat audio and amplifies it separate from how a normal astro spectra would process audio.

Hopefully this is some help.
-Josh

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 3:39 pm
by kd5ual
The Clean Cab CPS will only program the Control Head.
Use the latest Astro Spectra CPS for frequency programming with the mid, low power Spectra, Astro Spectra programming cable.
DO NOT CONNECT THE RED IGNITION WIRE OR YOU WILL LET THE SMOKE OUT!!!
This radio can have 255 modes programmed, wide or narrow, and as you know should be narrow band now.

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:07 am
by d119
So do I even need the Clean Cab CPS?

Do I plug into the DB15 on the back of the actual chassis, or do I need to open it and connect to the radio inside?

And I assume this uses a standard low power Spectra cable, and RIB?

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:10 am
by kd5ual
Yes standard low power Spectra cable and Rib pluged into db15 on the back, no need to open the case, and as I said do not power the red ignition sense wire.

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 8:00 pm
by d119
Thanks for the info, will do as instructed when the time comes.

Any idea how these JEM loco radios program?

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 10:25 am
by kd5ual
A google search for "Jem Radio" will give you what you need.

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:26 pm
by KitN1MCC
if you want to stay motorola railcom new train master is sexy

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 1:10 pm
by d119
Whoa - very nice! If only our railroad museum could afford them. We have to use what we have. I'm lucky they foot the bill for the AAR coordination and licensing. At least our FB2C is up and running.

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 4:13 pm
by KitN1MCC
Were i play trains and Radio at we just use mobiles. i have gone back after there after the "profensional shop" sold them all 25 watt radios now i have to fix the system

Re: Programming ASTRO Clean Cab locomotive radio?

Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2018 11:18 am
by d119
Got the Clean Cab ASTRO programmed just fine. Very straightforward since I was armed with the information here. Thanks again.