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ID this dio

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k9gunner

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ID this radio

What radio is this at the bottom? I am told it is compatable for the Ohio MARCS System, but I want to make sure. They are going to pull the radio and get me the tag info to confirm. Also what is the thin part just above the radio?

6ymh2yh.jpg
 
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W0JJK

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It looks like either an A9 spectra or W9 Astro Spectra, Astro Spectra +, or XTL500.

It would have to be a W9 and with the correct flash code to work on Ohio MARCS which it looks to be digital Type II.

The top part is the DEK. It is used to control thing like lights, sirens and almost anything that you can think of.
 
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Astro25

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Definately not an XTL. That mic way to old looking to be with any radio that new. While it's possible, I doubt it.
 

zz0468

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Astro25 said:
Definately not an XTL. That mic way to old looking to be with any radio that new. While it's possible, I doubt it.

I have an XTL in my 'company' car with a similar style microphone. They're still very much out there. It's got an A7 style head, though.
 

k9gunner

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Astro25 said:
Definately not an XTL. That mic way to old looking to be with any radio that new. While it's possible, I doubt it.
The black Mic says Code 3, and is a PA Mic for the siren. The white one I am not sure about, since the mic to the radio was cut.
 

W0JJK

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I think Astro 25 is referring to how beat up the mic looks. That is what our 10 year old mics look like, discolored, scratched and just plain used the crap out of.
 

k9gunner

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Thanks guys, I got the code off the radio, and it is not what I am looking for. It is a VHF 110W.

On a side note, my buddy is now looking to sell it since it is not what we though. What is it worth?
 

N9JIG

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It is likely a Spectra or Syntor X9000. Look at the shelf unit, if it has a large rectangular connector on the front for the control head with the power cables integrated into the large connector (which screws down with a large thumb bolt) then it is likely a X9000.

If it has a smaller DB25 style connector that connects in the center of the handle then it is likely a high power Spectra.

The X9000 is pretty much worthless except to select buyers due to the age and need to run an old DOS application (actually separate programming for the head and shelf units!) for programming, using a unique cable. If it is a Spectra then there would be a larger market for it since it uses an easier program to use for programming but is still limited in value since you can do just about everything with a $600 CDM1250 that you could do with the Spectra and more if 50 watts will work for you.

In used condition the Spectra might be worth $50 at a hamfest if it includes the complete cable, slightly more if it has options like a siren or PA. Since it is VHF it is unlikely to include digital, but if it is a digital Spectra then it would be worth more.

The Syntor X9000 might be tough to give away these days unless you find a collector or someone restoring a police or fire vehicle from the 1980's. You might also find someone that needs it for a parts source to help keep an existing fleet working. I tossed out 25 of these radios years ago, I couldn't find anyone who wanted them. I did save and give away the cables and heads though to various folks since they are hard to find. I finally gave away the last of the parts 2 years ago. (I am on the second generation of replacements for these radios!)
 

SLWilson

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Mikes...

zz0468 said:
I have an XTL in my 'company' car with a similar style microphone. They're still very much out there. It's got an A7 style head, though.

We have some brand new P25 Astros that have the same mike (actually fits the Spectra head on the Maratrac)...So, you can't go by "just" the mike...

The pictures below are a similar control head as the posters shot in his question, just don't have all the "extra" functions on it....Maratrac VHF Hi Band mobile....

Steve/KB8FAR
 

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