Background noise on p25

[RAMCHOPS63]

Hello, I have an astro spectra vhf consolette that I have programmed to analog and p25 digital.

Upon keying base mic on analog there is not an issue, but keying up on the same frequency digitized there is a background noise that is competing with the operator. It sounds like rain or almost like a static.

I have tried a different mic and still the same. I have the fan on a switch and had the fan off and on wile transmitting and makes no difference.

Anyone have ideas? Another thing to add, radio inside consolette is shifted into the circuit board and one of the capacitors it was against looks good but is slightly loose. I can upload pics if that would help.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[RAMCHOPS63]

Wasn't sure if I possibly missed something in the cps or if it could be where the radio bumped the capacitor.

 

[MTS2000des]

Astro Spectras themselves are known for leaky caps in the control head and other boards that need replacing and cleaning/repair of any traces from leaked electrolyte. Being these radios are a minimum of 20 more like 25 years or more old, I'd start there. Relic radios have relic radio problems like leaky caps, and even with caps replaced, if one cares about performance, a full alignment is in order. Not to mention things like updating the HOST/DSP which on these old radios, makes a HUGE difference in P25 audio performance. Of course this requires things like a Smart RIB, refresh keys and/or forbidden software not discussed.

Expecting these old radios to "just work" after programming is becoming more and more of a dream as time goes by and these things age.

 

[RAMCHOPS63]

Thank you for the reply and info. I am going to get it to a guy that is capable of checking or changing caps as this is above my level. I didn't notice anything leaking or damaged aside from that somewhat loose. That's under the hood, but obviously I haven't looked at the ones in the head.

Is this consolettes head just a standard remote mount head does anyone know or is it a special one? If it's standard could I go with like a w4 head instead of the w7 it has? Thanks again sir.

 

[MTS2000des]

The same head in the Astro/Spectra consollette is on a dash/remote mount. The control head change out is more than just swapping heads on these old radios, you need software not discussed here to do it. You'd have to move up to an XTL to be able to swap heads with standard CPS.

 

[MTS2000des]

You should read this article on recapping Spectra's so you know what you're up against:

Recapping the Spectra

 

[RAMCHOPS63]

Thank you MTS. I appreciate your information and guidance.