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Motorola astro spectra setup help

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sy1234

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hi all

vol emt looking to put a Motorola astro spectra in my car. I know zero about radios, I just bought one on eBay, so forgive me and please try to explain in layman's terms.

model # T99DX+88w Astro

I have posted below all the equipment that I have so far and wondering if I need anything else.
in addition I am wondering what I would need to have the Motorola Astro Spectra siren, and what programming would need to be done and If it is difficult. ( I have a guy who programs ht1250 and cdm but this would be his first Astro Spectra.

thank you
 

mmckenna

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Hard to see the photo clearly enough, but it looks like you have most of what you need.

Would need to know what frequency your agency uses and the full model number of your radio to know if it's compatible.
You'll also need a properly installed and tuned antenna.

I'll also add this just so you are aware, I'm not the radio police, just passing this on since many are unaware.
You, as an employee, volunteer, etc of the agency are not licensed by the FCC. The FCC license for your agency -only- covers the agency and radios that they put on the system. That means that you will need to have permission from the licensee (not the chief, not anyone else) to add a radio to their system. You can look up the FCC license on the FCC.gov page, find out who the license holder is and talk to them. Make sure you get it in writing just to cover yourself.

A couple of things I'd add...
The radio needs to be properly installed. That means pulling power directly off the vehicle battery. Do not tap into any existing wiring for radio power.
If you want the radio to turn on/off with the ignition, that will need to be wired up and programmed.
The most important part of your installation is the antenna. Do not buy a cheap antenna/mount off e-Bay, Amazon, etc. and expect things to work. Use quality parts from Larsen, Laird, Comtelco, etc. Avoid the cheap Chinese knock off parts from Tram, Browning, any of the Amateur/hobby grade stuff. Have the antenna properly installed on a permanent mount on top of your vehicle. Have the antenna tested with an antenna analyzer or at least an SWR meter designed for the frequencies you use.

Also, when it comes to programming,
I'd really, strongly, suggest getting it programmed by who ever does the radios for your agency. There's a lot of places to make errors that can cause issues. You don't want to be "that guy" when it comes to this stuff. It's fairly easy to set radios up in such a way they can interfere with other agencies. By getting them programmed by someone who's experienced with that model radio and understands the license restrictions, you'll save a lot of headaches and potential risks to the agency FCC license. Not hard to do, but not for the beginner, either.

Those old Astro Spectras can have a number of issues. I'd suggest having a knowledgeable technician that knows how to work on that model radio put in on a service monitor to make sure it's working to factory specs.

Most of all, get help if you need it. This isn't like installing a CB, so avoid stereo shop installs, and the like. It really is worth having the equipment installed, tuned and tested.
 

sy1234

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May 21, 2019
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On the radio it has Id # T04KLH0PW3AN-UCM

radio is being installed by a professional. It’s just the programming guy that it’s his first time with this radio.

frequency the agency uses is 160.xxx not sure the exact. Uses a few in the 160 range.

so right now all I am missing is the antenna ?
also would you know what I need for the siren part of the radio?
 

cmdrwill

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It’s just the programming guy that it’s his first time with this radio.

I hope the "programming guy" does not screw up a really good radio.

Those old Astro Spectras can have a number of issues. I'd suggest having a knowledgeable technician that knows how to work on that model radio put in on a service monitor to make sure it's working to factory specs.

EXACTLY..
 

mmckenna

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I found this on eBay... please let me know if this is the part I need for the siren



I'd get a separate siren and not mess with the Motorola one. Last time I had a siren with a Motorola is was on a Syntor.
 

sy1234

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I'd get a separate siren and not mess with the Motorola one. Last time I had a siren with a Motorola is was on a Syntor.
I have a federal signal smart siren, and a secondary sho me 8 function undercover siren. Figured if it was only $50 more for the Motorola one might as well put it in for 3 sirens in the vehicle.

anything I should tell my programming guy to keep in mind when he programs the radio ?
 

mmckenna

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anything I should tell my programming guy to keep in mind when he programs the radio ?

Have him duplicate your other agency radios so everything matches. Makes life easier when switching between radios.

I'd also reiterate the suggestion for putting it on a service monitor to make sure it's still on frequency. If it's out of whack, performance will suck. Some of them also had a bad habit of the electrolytic capacitors puking all over the circuit boards.
 

sy1234

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Joined
May 21, 2019
Messages
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Have him duplicate your other agency radios so everything matches. Makes life easier when switching between radios.

I'd also reiterate the suggestion for putting it on a service monitor to make sure it's still on frequency. If it's out of whack, performance will suck. Some of them also had a bad habit of the electrolytic capacitors puking all over the circuit boards.

We use ht1250. Would he be able to copy it from there?
 
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