Batboard

Hi all.

A friend told me that he heard that a regular Spectra could be upgraded (don't know how) to receive ASTRO transmissions. Is this possible, or just a pipe dream? If it is possible, how is this done? I told the guy that my best guess was that someone had just dumped ASTRO Spectra guts into a regular Spectra chassis, but I thought if anyone would know, it would be someone here.

Thanks,
John, N5API

thats what id guess as its a totally different beast once the covers are off.

A Spectra and Astro Spectra really aren't too terribly different internally. The main differences are:

- Analog Spectra RF board vs. Digital Astro Spectra RF board.
- Spectra Controller Board & MLM Board vs Astro Spectra Controller Board & VOCON Board

All other RF components are basically the same.

You can in fact upgrade an Analog Spectra to an Astro Spectra by installing a new RF board, installing a new Controller board and VOCON board, and performing a full alignment. Without the full alignment, your new Astro Spectra may recieve somewhat OK, but it will likely not transmit either analog or digital very well. That may be what the OP's friend meant by Astro RX.

Is it worth it to swap the boards from a cost standpoint; i.e. is it cheaper to mod a Spectra, or just buy an ASTRO Spectra in the first place?

-John

It cannot be economiclly viable as the most expensive boards have to be replaced.

That's kind of what I figured.

Thanks guys!

Bruce1807 wrote:It cannot be economiclly viable as the most expensive boards have to be replaced.

Yes, if you buy them new. But let's say you pick up one of those el cheapo Gov't split Astro Spectra units. The RF board is band specific, not sub-band specific, so all UHF radios use the same board, all VHF radios use the same board, etc. Of course the controller board and vocon board are the same no matter what band or split. Pull out of Gov't split, insert into destination Spectra, and presto.

Okay, we're talking VHF here. Even if I managed to get a hold of all the boards, what about firmware, flashcode, etc. I'm assuming that is dictated by the Vocon board, correct? How many surplus IMBE flashed boards are there floating around anyway, since that's what the state system uses? I know flash upgrades aren't that cheap, and Moto probably won't touch a parts radio anyway, so that's probably not an option.

Also, does the alignment have to be done with Spectra Lab, or can standard RSS do it?

This is starting to sound like it's more trouble than it's worth...

I guess I have the bonus of if I want I fill out a PO and buy it.

That must be nice, although if I did agree to do this, it would be coming out of my friend's pocket, not mine.

I'd also insist on a six-pack of beer for my time. Then again, this sounds like at least a steak dinner job.

n5api wrote:Okay, we're talking VHF here. Even if I managed to get a hold of all the boards, what about firmware, flashcode, etc. I'm assuming that is dictated by the Vocon board, correct? How many surplus IMBE flashed boards are there floating around anyway, since that's what the state system uses? I know flash upgrades aren't that cheap, and Moto probably won't touch a parts radio anyway, so that's probably not an option.

Also, does the alignment have to be done with Spectra Lab, or can standard RSS do it?

This is starting to sound like it's more trouble than it's worth...

The alignment will be done with the Asto Tuner. Also the radio of course will now be programmed with Astro RSS/CPS.

The upgrade isn't that bad. I've done it with every astro spectra I own, with the exception of one, and I also helped a friend build one for a total of 6 or so.

the Command board/vocon are changed and the RF board as stated...BUT...

if it's a W9 head, then the firmware needs to be changed to support the astro spectra radio, and only certain heads are upgradable.

If it's anything else, then the head needs to be replaced with one supporting astro. XTL vacu-displays will work on the astro spectra radio.

The beauty of buying a government split radio from eBay is that you'll get pretty much everything you need.

-Josh