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ASTRO Spectra Without a Control Head?

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steele_lpd

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I know it is possible to pull audio from the 2nd 25-pin connector on a high power ASTRO Spectra. Is it possible to power and use the radio as a stand alone receiver without a control head? Obviously I would need to make a 25-pin cable to plug into the 1st port to make up for the ignition sense and so on.

If not, can I put a W4, W5, W7, or W9 head on a W3 radio by just changing a few settings in the software?

I got a W3 radio for a great price and want to dedicate it to a few P25 channels that I monitor. I have the ability to program the radio so that's not an issue.
 

mancow

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Yep go over to batlabs and they discuss it on the analog spectra page if I recall correctly.
 

SCPD

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Feb 24, 2001
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You can put a different control head on it but you will get an error. The radio should still work. The only way to change the type of control head so the radio will accept it is to change the model number. Unlike the analog spectra you cannot change the control head in the programming software or bit bang it. To change the model number you will need a S-record with the same model number, except the control head portion. Also make sure that the flashcode is the same or close to it, don't get one the is not digital. You will need Astro mobile lab software not the same software as the CPS.
Just change the front of the radio from remote mount to dash mount, if it is not high power. If it is a high power radio just install it like a remote mount with any other control head.
 
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