Motorola Spectra Question

[andrewkim]

I have a Motorola Spectra 110 watts VHF Radio and I have a question here. Since I know this radio is widely known of being a mobile radio, is it possible that it can be a base radio, too? I know there are people who had mobile radios that can use them at home, but I was still wondering if the Spectra could be just that?

 

[jim202]

I have a Motorola Spectra 110 watts VHF Radio and I have a question here. Since I know this radio is widely known of being a mobile radio, is it possible that it can be a base radio, too? I know there are people who had mobile radios that can use them at home, but I was still wondering if the Spectra could be just that?

You can use a radio any place you want as long as you provide the power to run it. I typically run a
bunch of mobile radios in the house or office as they are much easier to obtain. If I need to TX on those
radios, I need to supply a 12 volt power supply that has enough current output to hold the current the
radio needs. In the case of the 110 watt Spectra, you will need a power supply that has a 30 amp output
ability. Those radios in the TX mode typically draw 24 to 27 amps.

 

[andrewkim]

You can use a radio any place you want as long as you provide the power to run it. I typically run a
bunch of mobile radios in the house or office as they are much easier to obtain. If I need to TX on those
radios, I need to supply a 12 volt power supply that has enough current output to hold the current the
radio needs. In the case of the 110 watt Spectra, you will need a power supply that has a 30 amp output
ability. Those radios in the TX mode typically draw 24 to 27 amps.

Is there any accessories that I might need to have in order for that to happen?

 

[cmdrwill]

Yes, you would need the mobile power cable, control cable, control head/mic and speaker.

The control head, mic, speaker could be mounted at your desk and the radio located out of the way with the power supply.

 

[andrewkim]

Yes, you would need the mobile power cable, control cable, control head/mic and speaker.

The control head, mic, speaker could be mounted at your desk and the radio located out of the way with the power supply.

Ok. That sounds simple enough. I have the control head, mic, speaker, and all of the cables that came with the package. Is there a power supply you would recommend if I just want to work it out in a AC plug outlet?

 

[airboss1634]

I have always had great performance from dc power supplies made by Astron. If you plan on using this radio at the full 110w power, I would suggest that you look for a supply of at least 40 amp as the continuous power output of the supply will be lower that the peak output. These supplies are easily found on ebay.

 

[RKG]

Is there any accessories that I might need to have in order for that to happen?

Experience teaches that you will need a 50A Astron to keep voltage up on a hi-power Spectra.

Note that when used in the fashion described, the radio is now classified as a "fixed station" for FCC purposes and needs to be licensed as such.