Reliable Spectra Power Cables

kb5udf · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:53 PM

Hi all,

I need a reccomendation for a reliable vendor of aftermarket power cables for 50w specta radios, with front mounted control heads. It seems like the stuff I've purchased in the past is woefully inadequate with regard to the gauge of the actual wire used (alot of insulation, only a little copper on the inside). This is causing radios to dim, reset, or have problems on tx (high power). I've observed the same problem with multiple cables, on multiple radios, hooked up to multiple power supplies, and shortening the cable as much as possible did help, but doesn't completely eliminate the problem.

P.S. I realize I can goto a radio shop and pay full price, but I can't quite afford that atm.

Alternatively, does anyone sell that odd connector on the back of the spectra? I could easily get the appropriate gauge wire and make my own harness.

Thx,

JB

jordanfinci · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 03:17 PM

I would also like any information on this, as i have a astro spectra digital radio, T99DX+130w so i assume i need a 130w cable.

Thanks

Magnetsteve · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 03:46 PM

Sometimes you can find the OEM stuff on ebay for a decent deal

n5ims · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:25 PM

This one indicates it's an actual Motorola HKN4137 for only $16. You probably can't get the parts to make it yourself for much less than that --> Radiodepot.com - Motorola Radios, Batteries, Accessories, Rentals, and Much More!

This one's $8 --> SB-HKN4137 Power Cable Assembly for GM300 Mobile

If you want to make your own, this shows how with part numbers of components --> Spectra Low/Medium Power DC Power and Ignition Cable

zz0468 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb5udf

Alternatively, does anyone sell that odd connector on the back of the spectra? I could easily get the appropriate gauge wire and make my own harness.

That "odd connector" is a standard automotive connector, and can be had at most any auto parts store in a variety of wire gauges. That's where I get mine.

zz0468 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanfinci

I would also like any information on this, as i have a astro spectra digital radio, T99DX+130w so i assume i need a 130w cable.

Thanks

No, that's not what that means.

jordanfinci · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

That "odd connector" is a standard automotive connector, and can be had at most any auto parts store in a variety of wire gauges. That's where I get mine.

Is the odd connector both of you are referring to look like this?

jordanfinci · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

No, that's not what that means.

I apologize for my arrogance, I am a radio newb. What does it mean?

zz0468 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanfinci

Is the odd connector both of you are referring to look like this?

Yep. That's the one. The mate to that is available in auto parts stores.

zz0468 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanfinci

I apologize for my arrogance, I am a radio newb. What does it mean?

No arrogance seen on your part, so no apology is necessary.

The best I can tell, the T99DX+130w is an Astro Spectra, 35 watts, with a W4 head. The +130W does not indicate that it's a 130 watt radio.

KF5DCI · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:28 PM

I think most people would know that the standard cable is a typical automotive harness available darn near anywhere, he may be talking about this connector.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160366642099

zz0468 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KF5DCI

I think most people would know that the standard cable is a typical automotive harness available darn near anywhere, he may be talking about this connector.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160366642099

He specifically mentioned a 50 watt radio, and the 50 watt class radio uses the automotive type connector.

jordanfinci · #13 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

No arrogance seen on your part, so no apology is necessary.

The best I can tell, the T99DX+130w is an Astro Spectra, 35 watts, with a W4 head. The +130W does not indicate that it's a 130 watt radio.

Thanks for all the information.

One last thing, and i apologize if this is off topic, but the spec sheet i've found says it "Receives Rated Audo at 13.8v"

Would i be able to connect to my 12v car battery?

kb5udf · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 12:28 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

I wasn't aware that it was any kid of standard connector, having never seen it outside of the back of a radio. But then again, my do it yourself skills can be easily surpassed by most people who rode the
"short bus" to school. I think a trip to autozone is in order.

73,

JB

KF5DCI · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanfinci

Thanks for all the information.

One last thing, and i apologize if this is off topic, but the spec sheet i've found says it "Receives Rated Audo at 13.8v"

Would i be able to connect to my 12v car battery?

Your 12v electrical system in your car likely is closer to 13.8v then 12v. But to answer your question, yes.

wayne_h · #16 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

The mate to that is available in auto parts stores.

Any examples since we're both in CA? Napa? I know Kragen and Autozone don't seem to have them. I used to use the ones at RadioShack in a pinch even though the wire gauge is too small.

zz0468 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne_h

Any examples since we're both in CA? Napa? I know Kragen and Autozone don't seem to have them. I used to use the ones at RadioShack in a pinch even though the wire gauge is too small.

I've been able to get them at Pep Boys. They come as a loop, with mating connectors plugged together. Cut it in half, and you have two connectors with a 6" pigtail, although one end winds up color coded wrong (black = positive). I've found them in #10 and about #14 wire sizes, in the section that sells trailer hitches and other towing items.