ASTRO Spectra to ASTRO Spectra Plus Upgrade Now Available

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Sat Apr 26, 2003 8:27 pm

In browsing through my April, 2003 R3, I noticed that there are now upgrade kits to uplift an ASTRO Spectra to an ASTRO Spectra Plus. W3 thru W9 kits, a nd they are frequency dependent (VHF, UHF and 800). The main ingredient is a new Vocon board, with the new software. KEWL!

Larry

Post by Pj » Sun Apr 27, 2003 6:29 am

I forget, but what was the major difference between the two?

ASTRO_25 · Post by **ASTRO_25** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 11:14 am

512 Talkgroups....

Post by **xmo** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 12:47 pm

3600 baud and 9600 Astro 25 trunking in the same radio.

spectragod · Post by **spectragod** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 5:40 pm

The plus has a 7 meg board.

SG

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 7:28 pm

Well isn't it true that there is a newer type of astro radio coming out later this year. I forget the nickname off hand but....

Similar to the Spectra but with an LCD display?

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 7:37 pm

Yes, and a lot cheaper, too! No encryption, though.

Burtle · Post by **Burtle** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 9:23 am

ASTRO_25 wrote:512 Talkgroups....

Yeah, 512 would come in handy!!!!

Victor Xray · Post by **Victor Xray** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 11:32 am

JAYMZ wrote:Well isn't it true that there is a newer type of astro radio coming out later this year.... Similar to the Spectra but with an LCD display?

I assume this is it - XTL5000
http://www.motorola.com/cgiss/mobiles/xtl5000.shtml

Post by **batdude** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 3:58 pm

sez that it DOES support encryption

doug

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 4:58 pm

The XTL5000 Looks like a whacked out Astro Spectra... But it doesn't say anything about an LCD display. By the picture it looks as though it may still be the vacumm flourescent displays of old...

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 5:32 pm

JAYMZ wrote:The XTL5000 Looks like a whacked out Astro Spectra... But it doesn't say anything about an LCD display. By the picture it looks as though it may still be the vacumm flourescent displays of old...

A closer look at the description shows something about upgrading the control heads to "next generation" control heads that will be available in the future.

At this point, I'd still prefer the Astro Spectra.

-Josh

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 8:52 pm

The XTL5000 looks to be a lot more expensive than the current $6,000+ ASTRO Spectra!

There is supposed to be a cheaper version of the ASTRO Spectra out 4Q03 that will support IMBE, but no encryption.

Obviously, this XTL5000 is NOT a cheaper version of the ASTRO Spectra! In fact, the XTL5000 compared to the ASTRO Spectra looks like a Mercedes compared to a Cadillac.

In any event, I check my R3s as soon as they arrive in the mail. I will getr the drop on Motorola list prices regarding the XTL, and I will advise the Board as soon as I receive this information. Don't hold your breath for a cheap price!

Larry

Post by **HumHead** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 9:31 pm

Hmmm.....

XTS /XTL

Astro Saber / Astro Spectra

Any bets on another Intent to Cancel coming down the pipe?

ASTROMODAT · Post by **ASTROMODAT** » Tue Apr 29, 2003 10:15 pm

A very good bet. As of the April, 2003 R3, the ASTRO Spectra is still current. But, I would guess that its days are numbered!

Larry

ASTRO Spectra to ASTRO Spectra Plus Upgrade Now Available

ASTRO Spectra to ASTRO Spectra Plus Upgrade Now Available

but the web page...