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Grand Cherokee Laredo Spectra9000

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MrSing

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I just traded my Jeep Cherokee for a 2007 Grand Cherokee and am dreading the radio install.

I am trying to install a UHF and VHF 110w Motorola Spectra9000 system with PA siren.

Just doing a little research has me convinced that this is the worst vehicle for a radio install I have ever come across.

There was one post on Batlabs but all the pictures were deleted.

Any help appreciated.

Sing
 

gallagher073

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Location
Connecticut
You are going to have to get creative with this one. You might want to consider ditching that Spectra 9000 and buy two CDM-1250's with remote heads. You could probably manage to install one 9000 but two, I think you will have some issues with. You can buy the CDM's cheap on ebay. You will just have to find somebody who can program them for you. The seller may even offer this service, just make sure you have letters of authorization.

Its not a fun car do install anything in - so make sure you allocate yourself some time and don't rush the install. If your going to have two antennas, one VHF the other UHF I would recommend NMO mounts drilled into your roof. "L" Brackets on the fender are for wimps. The ground plain on the antenna will give you better performance. I also recommend running extra wires while you have the car apart should you decide you want extra equipment later on.

PA Siren?
Are you looking for a PA only? Whelen makes a great handheld siren but I would avoid installing the siren unless you have a permit for one. More and more states have laws that apply not only to the use - but just having a siren in you car that is operational can be illegal.

If your just looking for a PA, then get the Whelen Airhorn with PA, just don't wire in the PA function as your likely to get in trouble with it. My advice, if you don't have a permit for it just don't install it.

Just my .02 Cents
 

MrSing

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Messages
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Motorola Spectra

Ok if I was going to put a CDM-1250 I would just buy an Icom. The radio's are Motorola 110w Astro Spectras and It was a bit of effort to get them on the air.

The radio's have an integrated PA siren box.

I just thought someone here might have some advice. I have access to any sort of aluminum welding and fabricating I want, so I am sure I can sort something out and make it look nice.

When I was younger I worked for a two way shop, so I can probably work out installing the ant's.

The DEA has used these vehicles with the radio's I mentioned, and thought maybe someone had some pictures of the install.

Thanks
Sing





You are going to have to get creative with this one. You might want to consider ditching that Spectra 9000 and buy two CDM-1250's with remote heads. You could probably manage to install one 9000 but two, I think you will have some issues with. You can buy the CDM's cheap on ebay. You will just have to find somebody who can program them for you. The seller may even offer this service, just make sure you have letters of authorization.

Its not a fun car do install anything in - so make sure you allocate yourself some time and don't rush the install. If your going to have two antennas, one VHF the other UHF I would recommend NMO mounts drilled into your roof. "L" Brackets on the fender are for wimps. The ground plain on the antenna will give you better performance. I also recommend running extra wires while you have the car apart should you decide you want extra equipment later on.

PA Siren?
Are you looking for a PA only? Whelen makes a great handheld siren but I would avoid installing the siren unless you have a permit for one. More and more states have laws that apply not only to the use - but just having a siren in you car that is operational can be illegal.

If your just looking for a PA, then get the Whelen Airhorn with PA, just don't wire in the PA function as your likely to get in trouble with it. My advice, if you don't have a permit for it just don't install it.

Just my .02 Cents
 

b7spectra

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3,143
Location
Cobb County, GA
Normally, DEA, and others, use HHCH3 type radio's (Hand Held Control Head). That way they don't have to borry about mounting the LARGE A9 control head. I know that the A9 heads look good in a vehicle, but the smaller 3/5/7 series takes up less room. You might also look into Kenwood where you can actually hook two radios into 1 control head (i.e. TK630/730/830) to conserve room.
 

WatnNY

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1,180
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Knoxville, TN
No disrespect was meant, Sing. I had a personal Jeep that I had a difficult time putting two radios into that had small control heads. Then there was the Jeep Cherokee I had for patrol -- you are right, they fabricated a stand that held two radios, a light control box and a siren control box -- problem is it took up half of the passenger side of the car -- no one could ride with you very comfortably.

Good luck with your installs, and share pics with us so we can see how creative you got.

Mike
 

FFPM571

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Mar 11, 2003
Messages
1,706
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Nashvillle
Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are two different cars. Cherokee is limitied on space Though I have an astro W4 head, XTS impress charger and an XTVA in mine. Its not impossible. Though a Grand Cherokee is laid out different. We used to mount the trunk unit on the back hatch floor paralell to the seat and then built a cover and carpeted it with matching carpet. Most times the rear cargo cover ( shade?) was pulled over it the head was in the center console and the speaker was under the seat or high up under the passenger side dash. 2 A9 heads and a siren head may be a little tight.
 

MrSing

Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Messages
3
Thanks for all the support. I will make this work and post pictures o the final install.

Sing
 

gallagher073

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
73
Location
Connecticut
Thanks for all the support. I will make this work and post pictures o the final install.

Sing

Mr. Sing, I've installed radios, scanners, lights and sirens in a few Jeeps and they are never an easy task. I was just trying to be helpful, not trying to insult you. I'm sure you will come up with something creative and I'm sure other Jeep owners will follow in your footsteps. Just be cautious of the passenger airbag and its area of deployment.

I look forward to your install.
 
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