Spectra Astro Plus

963Expert · Post by **963Expert** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 12:14 am

I want to read out a Spectra Astro Plus. Looks just like any other Spectra, but I'm thinking it must take a newer program cable.

I've searched all over the site, but I can't find any specific cable or software info. Will my DOS software read this? Which version(s)?

Does anyone have a cable that they can provide the pinouts?

Thnx,
963Expert

Post by Pj » Tue Dec 16, 2003 3:07 am

Astro Spectra Plus uses the same cable, but different RSS. I believe its the same software as the XTL5000.

n9upc · Post by **n9upc** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 5:31 am

Correct astro spectra plus uses the same software as XTL5000 and uses a different cable then the regular spectra.

The cable plugs into the mic jack (yes mic jack) and has a spot in the cable where there seems to be a oval shape about 1/3 up from the plugin of the mic connector.

Also you can not use a regular spectra cable on an XTL5000 for programming either. Come on it's Motorola!!! This means: New radios = New software + New Cables x having to purchase it all = coeff. of Motorola getting fat sassy and happy.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:47 am

It is darn nice that one can finally program a D5/D7 ASTRO dash unit from the front mounted mic jack! Very frustrating to have to pull out a D5/D7 from an integrated in-dash mount configuration in order to get at the rear mounted programming port. Way to go Motrorola for finally getting this moved to a front connector!

Larry

Post by **wavetar** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 3:25 pm

ASTROMODAT wrote:It is darn nice that one can finally program a D5/D7 ASTRO dash unit from the front mounted mic jack! Very frustrating to have to pull out a D5/D7 from an integrated in-dash mount configuration in order to get at the rear mounted programming port. Way to go Motrorola for finally getting this moved to a front connector!

Larry

I'll agree with that 100%. On a related note, the Dept of Natural Resources helicopters up here were outfitted with DB-15 straight though cables, to allow one to reprogram the units without ripping them out of the helicopters. Works great!

Todd

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 4:28 pm

Right on, Todd! Even with a semi-permanently installed programming cable, the darn rear apron programming cable female DB-15 connector does NOT have any female threads, so one could otherwise positively connect the DB-15 programming cable plug securely, especially in a helicopter environment (e.g., plenty of vibration, even with fully-articulated dynamic systems).

Seems like a simple oversight on Motorola's part that has never been corrected.

Larry

963Expert · Post by **963Expert** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 10:14 am

Am I to assume that the portion of the cable that is fatter contains some secret circuit, or does someone have one of these cables that can be ohmed out to figure out the pin-outs?

While I'm visualizing programming this radio, does this cable require a rib box? Or is that what the swelled cable is all about?

Thnx

963Expert

n9upc · Post by **n9upc** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 12:43 pm

If you have a full legal copy of the software it will give a media player demo of what the cable looks like and how to program the radio.

The nex cables do not require a rib box anymore. They are basic straight through cables with the bubble in it which I am told holds some surface mount small caps/diodes/resis.

These cables can not really use a rib anymore as they are in USB style now and the serials have to use an "i" chip reader if you are goign to flash.

Sad times you just now have to break down and pop for a $250 or so programming cable which is good for one and if your luck maybe two models of radios.

Thanks motorola for using the sand mix on this programming cable to the world.

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 2:28 pm

"Sad times you just now have to break down and pop for a $250 or so programming cable..."

I'm not sure where folks are getting their pricing, but the Motorola programmiong cables are not $250.

For instance, the programmimng cable for the new XTL5000 is HKN6155, and it lists for $95. Don't forget that you don't need a RIB, either.

I don't think that's so unreasonable.

Larry

963Expert · Post by **963Expert** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 12:24 am

I heard a rumor, okay I actually read this elsewhere on this board, that there are two different cables. One that goes through the USB, and the other that uses the RIB box and the serial port. Apparently the one that goes through the serial port is a straight through cable?

Can anyone confirm or deny this is true?

Like I said, I actually read that here when I was researching before I asked the question. So, I don't have a confirmed source on this just rumor.

963Expert

963Expert · Post by **963Expert** » Mon Feb 02, 2004 5:40 pm

I spoke with a guy the other day who told me that on the Astro Spectra Plus, there is a rubber plug on the back that has to be removed to access a programing port that utilizes the serial port and a rib box.

Can anyone else confirm or deny this?