Alright. Let’s start this over. Life really likes to get in the way of my projects, it doesn’t help I forgot my login for this group lol. But about a year ago I joined and made a post looking to gather information on the Astro spectra systems as I am working towards restoring a retired police car back to its in service look for car shows, special events etc. The department the car belonged to used the spectra vhf systems from the mid 90’s and I believe upgraded to xtl5000 systems somewhere in the late 2000’s. Even the departments last remaining 2011 crown vics have the old w9 head radios in the console.
I know support for the older spectra systems is harder to find but they are a lot cheaper. I’d like the setup to be functional, fully programmed, just like it was in service with the exception of no mic just so there’s no mishaps of talking on air. Also, the w9 keypad was setup to control the spectra siren functions. I know it’s a long shot but any help regarding where to start looking or any general info I need to know is greatly appreciated.
1. would I be better off with an older spectra vhf paired with the siren unit? Or upgrade to the xtl5000 with the siren unit?
2. I can’t find any sort of wiring or installation diagrams, but how would one connect the siren unit to the main remote mount radio? I know the functions have to be programmed to avoid using the separate dek keys.
3. Where would I begin to look for help on programming at least the basic functions of the w9 head and siren features? Those are a must. I’d love to have channels programmed in too but they are not a must. I do however work for the railroad (or did until I got furloughed) so even having railroad channels would be nice.
I will include a picture of the w9 head so you guys n gals can see what I mean by keypad setup. Additionally, were there separate siren units? Or were they all the same as in compatible with the older to newer radios?
I know support for the older spectra systems is harder to find but they are a lot cheaper. I’d like the setup to be functional, fully programmed, just like it was in service with the exception of no mic just so there’s no mishaps of talking on air. Also, the w9 keypad was setup to control the spectra siren functions. I know it’s a long shot but any help regarding where to start looking or any general info I need to know is greatly appreciated.
1. would I be better off with an older spectra vhf paired with the siren unit? Or upgrade to the xtl5000 with the siren unit?
2. I can’t find any sort of wiring or installation diagrams, but how would one connect the siren unit to the main remote mount radio? I know the functions have to be programmed to avoid using the separate dek keys.
3. Where would I begin to look for help on programming at least the basic functions of the w9 head and siren features? Those are a must. I’d love to have channels programmed in too but they are not a must. I do however work for the railroad (or did until I got furloughed) so even having railroad channels would be nice.
I will include a picture of the w9 head so you guys n gals can see what I mean by keypad setup. Additionally, were there separate siren units? Or were they all the same as in compatible with the older to newer radios?