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Astro Spectra

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mike6256

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Hello
I just purchased a Astro Spectra model# T99DX+130W D04UJF9PW4AN 800MHz. I have tried to read the radio using Astro Spectra CPS--Astro Spectra Plus CPS and Astro 25 CPS--all give error message "Radio Failed to acknowledge". I have also used the 25 pin to 25 pin program cable with rib---the accessary program cable and the ribless mic program cable, all give the same type message. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated.
 

clbsquared

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Astro 25 Mobile CPS is used on the Spectra Plus. Regular Astro CPS is for the Astro Spectra. You have a mid power Spectra. Which should use the rear accessory plug for programming. What version of CPS are you using?

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mike6256

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I have tried on a true serial port on an xp machine and usb on a xp laptop..I have both a after market rib and oe rib..all do the same
 

clbsquared

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And you've supplied power to the red wire on the accessory connector? The model number shows its a dash mount. Has it been converted to a remote mount? If so, the head needs to be connected and powered on as well. Also, is there a specific number that's referenced to the error?

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mike6256

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I do have the red wire connected to BATT + and the error code is 24. As far as the conversion I would assume it has--I crossed to a dash mount also but it is a trunk mount
 

mike6256

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Well after numerous hours of surfing on the net I found some info that said on some spectra radios that have had the remote mount upgrade-the control head must be put back on the radio for programming.
I will be trying this tonight after I get off work. Will update later
 

mikewazowski

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I think he believes that the radio must be converted to a dash mount before it can be programmed.

I've always used the 15 pin connector on the back of the drawer unit. Never had a problem with any of the radios I've owned.
 

mike6256

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Well converted the radio back to dash mount and still can not get the radio to read
 

wcu02mpa

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RIB most likely

I have years of experience with spectra, spectra plus and XTL series. The analog spectras have a bad time with a non OEM RIB. Make sure you are using an OEM RIB and make sure you have com-1 port selected. You have to use the rear port connector.
 

cmdrwill

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The analog Spectras have a bad time with a non OEM RIB. Make sure you are using an OEM RIB and make sure you have com-1 port selected. You have to use the rear port connector.

'Analog' Spectras or not same problem(s).
The Motorola RIB has had problems from day one. Who ever "engineered" the RIB had NO clue about Serial RS232 standards. Simple answer is the RIB does not work to RS232 standards. And we let Motorola know this way back, and they ignored the problems.

And all the knock off RIBs have the same problem.

Is there a fix, yes, there are fixes. How do I know, we 'fixed' hundreds of them.
 

rescue161

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Just as MikeOxlong stated, he needs to use the 15 pin port to program. That will solve the problem.
 

mike6256

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I have the15 pin port cable and OEM Rib connected now--Just tried reading the radio and get "Communication with radio failed"
 

mike6256

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As far as the head powering up YES--all works--There is one channel programmed and I can receive and transmit on that channel
 
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