Astro Spectra PLUS problem: HELP

[alex4659]

hi all,

Ive acquired an astro spectra plus model that wont read in astro 25 cps... but i will read in astro cps R05.02.00?

I have the firmware for the Astro spectra plus and im wondering if this can fix it?

FYI its a consolette w7 model but i have it installed in my truck as an w9 configuration.

Anyone that knows to fix this radio please let me no.

thanks

 

[PJH]

If its reading and writing with ASTRO Spectra CPS, its NOT an AS+.

They did have upgrade/replacement boards to convert an AS to an AS+, but that means it would be read/write with ASTRO25 CPS.

Bascially, you bought an ASTRO Spectra prob with an AS+ label on it.

No amount of firmware will "fix" this problem. The two radios use completely different vocon/command board (whatever you want to call it).

If you bought it off of ebay, I think I saw that auction. The seller was convinced that it was, or knowingly lied that is was an AS+ was it was clearly not.

 

[ResQguy]

You say it WILL read with Astro CPS? OK, what does it say as a model number in the codeplug?

 

[alex4659]

the model number in CPS R05.02.00 reads: L04Uxxxxxxxx i cant remember the other numbers and letters at this time.

But on the back of the radio itself is:

L20URS9PW1AN

 

[alex4659]

And the serial number is different under CPS R05.02.00 as well.

 

[PJH]

My guess is that someone just swapped boards in the drawer. In any case, you have a regular Astro spectra...so really there is nothing to fix.

 

[alex4659]

So I can't flash the astro spectra plus firmware back into it?

If I can, what cables do I need to flash it.
I have a rib box and cable to the consolette and I also have an xtl5000 w head programming cable if I need it.

What are the steps to flash the firmware back into the radio?

I have astro 25 mobile CPS and astro spectra CPS...

Thanks

 

[PJH]

No no no no. Your not reading the previous posts.

The difference between the ASTRO Spectra and the ASTRO Spectra Plus is ONLY a single hardware board. You CANNOT flash, firmware, create or otherwise turn one radio into the other by software means. The control heads, cables, power amp etc are the same between the radios EXCEPT the VOCON board, specifically part number HLN6837. HLN6837 is what makes the PLUS a PLUS. If you put an ASTRO Spectra VOCON in a radio that was created as an ASTRO Spectra PLUS, you just made that radio an ASTRO Spectra.

Again, the radio you have...someone took the board out of it and replaced it with an ASTRO Spectra VOCON...making that radio you have an ASTRO Spectra ONLY.

You can reference Motorola manual 68P81095C21-O which details the conversion of an ASTRO Spectra to an ASTRO Spectra Plus.

This upgrade allows existing ASTRO Digital Spectra mobile radios to be upgraded to the ASTRO Digital Spectra Plus mobile radio, which enables the 9600-baud feature set of P25 trunking systems. This upgrade provides the capability necessary to operate the data and system features that will be available in the respective releases on the integrated voice and data (IV&D) system designs (6.05 and higher system releases).

This upgrade can be performed on the different hardware versions of the ASTRO Digital Spectra mobile radios, including the 512K and 1M versions and all control head types. Existing 800MHz ASTRO Digital Spectra radios, operating in Voice Only applications and wishing to upgrade to 9600-baud trunking, will not require this VOCON board upgrade to an ASTRO Digital Spectra Plus. A FLASHport™ upgrade (G361) is available for this purpose.

The upgrade kit, H1794, does not provide FLASHport upgrades. If an upgrade to existing capabilities is required, such as Smartnet to Smartzone, a FLASHport upgrade must be purchased. Contact your sales representative for details.

The following is a bill of materials for upgrade kit H1794:
1 HLN6837 VOCON Board
4 0312016A27 Screws
1 3385054E01 Label

 

[alex4659]

thanks for your help