How to tell if it is an astro Spectra or not

n9upc · Post by **n9upc** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 6:24 am

Besides using the astro software and trying to read the radio is there any other way to tell if a radio is an astro spectra or not???

I have a very good friend who runs an ambulance service and he was wondering about getting his radio reprog. I said sure that would not be a problem so I asked him what radio he had???
He said that looking at the draw unit it said Motorola Spectra so I thought OK an analog Spectra no problem right???
Well as he was saying how he wanted some of the ken functions on the head to change he asked what the word astro means on the control head???
I asked him to explain and he stated that on the control head in the corner it said the words Astro in Blue.

Now correct me if I am wrong but if the radio is an Astro version should it not say Astro on the draw unit also???

Also I thought that an Astro head could not work on an analog radio???

I do realize that maybe someone switched the outer housings of the radio and the outer housing is an Astro one but I also notice something else a little different.

When I heard the channels buttons being pressed to change channels the radio let out a low sounding beep like an astro would compared to a high sounding beep like an analog spectra would.

The radio is about three hours away from me here so I can not just run over and look at it. But, I was wondering if there is anyway to tell as I made need to have someone else program it for me if this is an astro instead of just an analog spectra.

Any help???

Post by **alex** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:00 am

Well, can he take a look at the model number? That would make it easier.

The best test to do is have him power cycle the radio. Hit home 5 times. If it goes through and says 512k or 1 MEG than it's probably an astro spectra. If it goes through and eventually gets to a menu, which doesn't cycle between RF Test and Ch Test, then it's an analog spectra.

The HLN1073 head can actually support Syntor -> Astro Spectra with a change of Firmware. You can also buy new face plates which have the astro logo on them, so it might be negligable. If it's a dept vehicle, most likly it's Astro - if the label is there.

I think the control head test (hitting home 5 times) will work the best to give you a quick determination.

-Alex

515 · Post by **515** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:07 am

As Alex said, the model number check would probably be the easiest way to find out. All of the 110W Astro Spectras I've seen had the same "Motorola SPECTRA" label silkscreened on the drawer unit that the analog ones did.

If it's an Astro, it may be an Astro Spectra Plus, and require different CPS and cable. The Astro Spectra Plus should show "SPECTRA+" on the display on power up.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 8:27 am

I always thought the Astros model number was the 2nd and 3rd digit was 04. At least that is what my Astro is, and all the ones I have seen. But all the Astros mobiles I have seen are just like mine.

n9upc · Post by **n9upc** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 6:16 pm

The drawer unit is mounted actually upside down so that the front faces the floor behind the drivers seat on the wall. So he can not see that model number nor does he have a key for the drawer.

It is a dual control head set-up and both heads say Astro on it so that is why I was wondering.

I think they got sold this one because. The other rigs run syntor X9000 with PAC-RT's and I believe this one does also.

I know that this radio has been in service for at least 2 years so I doubt that it would be an Spectra+.

So the other question then is can an astro head work on an analog spectra w/o problems????

(Note to Alex - Sorry I should have known better and put this in the Astro section instead of the main general discussion. Sorry.)

Post by **wavetar** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:43 pm

n9upc wrote:
So the other question then is can an astro head work on an analog spectra w/o problems????

Alex already answered this, but NO...not without firmware changes in the head. He also pointed out the easiest way to verify if it's an Astro Spectra is to access the test mode & see if it informs you of things like HOST & DSP versions, Flashcode, Vocon size, etc. If so, it's an Astro.

Todd

Post by **/\/\y 2 cents** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:22 am

you could also get a scanner or service monitor, scan through its (the spectra's) bandsplit range (if you even know that), and if it is programmed for digital, upon keying it you will hear nothing but a hash sound w/ a little bit of data sound in the background...when you release the PTT...it should go back to normal squelch (the scanner) if it is programmed as analog, you will hear alot of feedback/squealing and be able to hear your voice when coming through....Not the most scientific method, but it will work providing you have a complete spectra with a mic and a way to get power to it. Kind of a poor man's way to identify a radio w/o having to read it. Did you say there was no model tag on it? If there is no tag, my way would be ok...but if there is a tag just cross-refrence it with the batlabs model # breakdown chart.

Steve

Post by **alex** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 6:43 am

Steve ---

IMHO, that's more of a PITA than hitting home 5 times and seeing what comes up. Besides, I know a few agencies that purchased the Astro Spectra's since they are narrowband complient.

Regardless,

Another way might be to look at the model number of the control head.

I think (but not positive)

1073A/B - Syntor
1073C/D - Analog Spectra
1073E - Astro Spectra

That's if it's a 1073 head. Still, Hitting home 5 times is still the best, fastest, and most harmless way.

Have him do that, and report back to us.