Astro Spectra Radios - # of Channels

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Badboys2
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Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2002 4:00 pm

Astro Spectra Radios - # of Channels

Post by Badboys2 »

I have two Astro Spectra radios with W5 control heads. One of the radios has a 128 channel capability and the other has a 255 channel capability. What type of modification do I need to do in order to increase the channel capability of my 128 channel Astro Spectra. Any information would be helpful. Thanks
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wavetar
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Post by wavetar »

The Astro Spectra series is a FLASHport radio, meaning it can be upgraded (adding features, increasing channels, etc) in the field via special flashing software. See the link below for further details.


http://www.batlabs.com/flash.html

Basically, an end user with a couple of radios won't be able to get the required gear from Motorola to flash the radio. There is special software out there called LAB or Depot Radio Service Software that can force a codeplug from a 255 channel radio into a 128 channel radio, effectively converting it to 255 channels. This software was meant for use by Motorola only, but has leaked out over the years, and can be found if someone looks hard enough. You can also royally mess up your radio if you don't know what you're doing with this software, so I urge caution. Good Luck,

Todd
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