W5 to W7 or Wxxxx?

[Pj]

We all know that you can bitbang a spectra, but what about taking a W5 to W7 etc... Has anyone come up with a way yet?

[penstar]

It is very difficult to do and very tragic (to your radio) if you're not careful. It involves using Astro Lab and S-records. Best bet if you want a W7, ditch your W5 and buy a W7 outright.

[penstar]

It is very difficult to do and very tragic (to your radio) if you're not careful. It involves using Astro Lab and S-records. Best bet if you want a W7, ditch your W5 and buy a W7 outright.

[Pj]

That's what I was thinking. I am all done playing with lab these days... I am going to send M an upgrade request form and see how much they would charge.

[ASTROMODAT]

pj, it will likely be much cheaper to unload your W5 on eBay, and then buy a replacement W7 the same way. From what I have seen, there is little or no difference in price between a W5 and W7 ASTRO so it shopuldn't be too bad financially.

The reason I say this is because I recently asked Motorola for a quote to downgrade an ASTRO W9 to a W7 dash mount (and I already have a new W7 head for the radio). First off, they didn't even want to do it and they said it would be a special quote, even if they would be willing to do it. Read that: Pricey!

Larry

[Pj]

Yeah, I wonder about their pricing. Awhile back I asked them about firmware updates and they wanted something like 1100 a radio. DON'T THINK SO. Considering that it mostly only involves 30 mins worth of work (turn computer on, read radio, write radio, change plastic), I can see them charging 500-1000+ for the upgrade.

[ASTROMODAT]

You're probably about right! That's why I keep hoping ICOM will give 'em a run for their P25 money!