Handheld Control Head (HHCH) Radio's

[KG5HHS]

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a 2018 Ford F-150 XL (with STX appearance package) crew cab pick up. I have an existing thread in the radio equipment installation forum. The reason for my thread here is because I'm looking at Handheld control head radios for this pick up since it has a console. I have three radio's in mind but don't know much about these types of radio's as I have only had portables and "regular" control head mobile radio's. I am looking for a radio in the VHF band and preferably one that supports ADP Encryption.
The first radio I have looked into is a XTL5000 with a W3 or O3 control head. These radio's are out of my current budget and the cost to convert them is out of my budget as well. The second radio (Which might still be an option if I cant find one that supports ADP encryption) is the Astro Spectra with W3 head. My issue with those is trying to find the Y-Cable or Extension/Accessory Cable (Model No. HKN6096B). I have been unsuccessful in trying to find one. My other issues with this radio is the "Leaky Capacitor" issue and the lack of ADP encryption. However, as stated above, if I don't find any other option and could find a cable, I wouldn't mind getting this radio.
The latest radio I have been looking at (which I know absolutely nothing about) is the XTVA XTS Convertacom with the HHCH. I wouldn't mind this option at all if it will work. I would need the unit itself to be mounted under the back seat or behind the back seat. I have the following questions about the unit:
- Is there an extension cable for the HHCH since I will have the unit so far back?
- with the unit being so far back, would adjusting the volume control be an issue or can the volume be adjusted with the HHCH?
- What is the power out put of the unit? I have read that an external RF amplifier will be needed. If so, does anyone know a model number for this unit?
- I would prefer to get an XTS5000 (VHF with ADP encryption of course), but is there any specific requirements other than the RF adapter to work with the convertacom?
I'm unaware of any other HHCH models but if anyone has any other suggestions (even if it's not motorola) that would be great as well.

 

[N7YUO]

In case you might be interested, a non-ham, Jesse Leslie has a Motorola Astro for sale.
Make offer

Motorola Astro
Model T04QLF9SW4AN
SERIAL 526CEU0326
Surplus from DHS/FPS in the Denver area.
Unit is programmed with Federal Frequencies in the 406-419 band.

Main Transceiver, control head, mic, speaker, and all cables.
no antenna

ALLinOneComputers@gmail.com
ALLin1SLC.com
cell 760-207-1378

 

[brndnstffrd]

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a 2018 Ford F-150 XL (with STX appearance package) crew cab pick up. I have an existing thread in the radio equipment installation forum. The reason for my thread here is because I'm looking at Handheld control head radios for this pick up since it has a console. I have three radio's in mind but don't know much about these types of radio's as I have only had portables and "regular" control head mobile radio's. I am looking for a radio in the VHF band and preferably one that supports ADP Encryption.
The first radio I have looked into is a XTL5000 with a W3 or O3 control head. These radio's are out of my current budget and the cost to convert them is out of my budget as well. The second radio (Which might still be an option if I cant find one that supports ADP encryption) is the Astro Spectra with W3 head. My issue with those is trying to find the Y-Cable or Extension/Accessory Cable (Model No. HKN6096B). I have been unsuccessful in trying to find one. My other issues with this radio is the "Leaky Capacitor" issue and the lack of ADP encryption. However, as stated above, if I don't find any other option and could find a cable, I wouldn't mind getting this radio.
The latest radio I have been looking at (which I know absolutely nothing about) is the XTVA XTS Convertacom with the HHCH. I wouldn't mind this option at all if it will work. I would need the unit itself to be mounted under the back seat or behind the back seat. I have the following questions about the unit:
- Is there an extension cable for the HHCH since I will have the unit so far back?
- with the unit being so far back, would adjusting the volume control be an issue or can the volume be adjusted with the HHCH?
- What is the power out put of the unit? I have read that an external RF amplifier will be needed. If so, does anyone know a model number for this unit?
- I would prefer to get an XTS5000 (VHF with ADP encryption of course), but is there any specific requirements other than the RF adapter to work with the convertacom?
I'm unaware of any other HHCH models but if anyone has any other suggestions (even if it's not motorola) that would be great as well.

I have an xtva with hhch in my truck. Not an F150 so mounting options would be different, but I can answer some of your questions.

There are extension cables, however you can make your own using a straight through cat5 cable. That's what I did on mine.

You can adjust the volume on the hhch. There is still the volume on the actual convertacom, but with the hhch it becomes more of a volume limiter and isn't really necessary to adjust.

The xtva does not require an amp like the Jedi version did. Without one you will only get the power output of the radio inserted into it, so just add an amp for the band you want to use. I don't remember model numbers off the top of my head but the factory ones came in vhf, uhf , or 800, although you are not limited to only using the intended factory amps.

There is nothing else required for the xts radio to work other than the rf adaptor, although only a model 2 or 3 will have channel names on the display.

Another benefit to the xtva is that you can use the xts3000 in it also so if you don't require ADP you can pick up a cheaper radio to add other band capabilities. Just remember to shut off the amp or get a multiband amp.

 

[scrotumola]

John,

You have researched your options well. I have updated my UHF and VHF A9 spectras to W9 Astro Spectra Plus units, which are the first run XTL5000s in W Astro Spectra clothing. On eBay, there is a seller named Zippersells from Sinton, Texas who fully refurbs Astro Spectras and Astro Spectra Plus units to your spec and also gives you the option of getting the highly sought receiver pre-amp. He stands by his work and I am a very satisfied repeat customer. I have both the mobiles and the XTVA with the 5000 and will be obtaining a 8000 VA soon, but they are going in a different vehicle.

Hope this helps, good luck!

~S~

 

[KG5HHS]

I have an xtva with hhch in my truck. Not an F150 so mounting options would be different, but I can answer some of your questions.

There are extension cables, however you can make your own using a straight through cat5 cable. That's what I did on mine.

You can adjust the volume on the hhch. There is still the volume on the actual convertacom, but with the hhch it becomes more of a volume limiter and isn't really necessary to adjust.

The xtva does not require an amp like the Jedi version did. Without one you will only get the power output of the radio inserted into it, so just add an amp for the band you want to use. I don't remember model numbers off the top of my head but the factory ones came in vhf, uhf , or 800, although you are not limited to only using the intended factory amps.

There is nothing else required for the xts radio to work other than the rf adaptor, although only a model 2 or 3 will have channel names on the display.

Another benefit to the xtva is that you can use the xts3000 in it also so if you don't require ADP you can pick up a cheaper radio to add other band capabilities. Just remember to shut off the amp or get a multiband amp.

Thank you for replying! I like the idea of running straight cat5 cable. Did you just run the cat5 cable, add a cat5 coupler and plug in the HHCH, or is there more to it than that? also, you mentioned that its not limited to only using the intended factory amp, could i use something like the TPL Communications PA3-1AB-M1? Also, I found an article on batlabs saying "The XTVA requires the radio to have at least version 5.6 software (The version via service menu)" I am confused by this, what version are they referring to?

 

[KG5HHS]

John,

You have researched your options well. I have updated my UHF and VHF A9 spectras to W9 Astro Spectra Plus units, which are the first run XTL5000s in W Astro Spectra clothing. On eBay, there is a seller named Zippersells from Sinton, Texas who fully refurbs Astro Spectras and Astro Spectra Plus units to your spec and also gives you the option of getting the highly sought receiver pre-amp. He stands by his work and I am a very satisfied repeat customer. I have both the mobiles and the XTVA with the 5000 and will be obtaining a 8000 VA soon, but they are going in a different vehicle.

Hope this helps, good luck!

~S~

I will definitely look into that if i decide to go the spectra route, Thank you!

 

[Project25_MASTR]

I've got a W3 Astro Spectra (VHF) laying around. Currently programmed for the Lubbock area but it's sitting in the metroplex. Been thinking about selling it.

Anyway, the control head is the most expensive thing with converting XTL5000s. The TIBs can be found second hand from guys like Sunny Communications (though I'm still trying to track down a W3 mid-power TIB for my Jeep). O3's use the same TIB as the O5 on the XTL5000s.

 

[KG5HHS]

I've got a W3 Astro Spectra (VHF) laying around. Currently programmed for the Lubbock area but it's sitting in the metroplex. Been thinking about selling it.

Anyway, the control head is the most expensive thing with converting XTL5000s. The TIBs can be found second hand from guys like Sunny Communications (though I'm still trying to track down a W3 mid-power TIB for my Jeep). O3's use the same TIB as the O5 on the XTL5000s.

Does that mean if I find an XTL5000 with an O5 control head, I could just swap out to an O3 control head?

 

[firefive76]

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a 2018 Ford F-150 XL (with STX appearance package) crew cab pick up. I have an existing thread in the radio equipment installation forum. The reason for my thread here is because I'm looking at Handheld control head radios for this pick up since it has a console. I have three radio's in mind but don't know much about these types of radio's as I have only had portables and "regular" control head mobile radio's. I am looking for a radio in the VHF band and preferably one that supports ADP Encryption.
The first radio I have looked into is a XTL5000 with a W3 or O3 control head. These radio's are out of my current budget and the cost to convert them is out of my budget as well. The second radio (Which might still be an option if I cant find one that supports ADP encryption) is the Astro Spectra with W3 head. My issue with those is trying to find the Y-Cable or Extension/Accessory Cable (Model No. HKN6096B). I have been unsuccessful in trying to find one. My other issues with this radio is the "Leaky Capacitor" issue and the lack of ADP encryption. However, as stated above, if I don't find any other option and could find a cable, I wouldn't mind getting this radio.
The latest radio I have been looking at (which I know absolutely nothing about) is the XTVA XTS Convertacom with the HHCH. I wouldn't mind this option at all if it will work. I would need the unit itself to be mounted under the back seat or behind the back seat. I have the following questions about the unit:
- Is there an extension cable for the HHCH since I will have the unit so far back?
- with the unit being so far back, would adjusting the volume control be an issue or can the volume be adjusted with the HHCH?
- What is the power out put of the unit? I have read that an external RF amplifier will be needed. If so, does anyone know a model number for this unit?
- I would prefer to get an XTS5000 (VHF with ADP encryption of course), but is there any specific requirements other than the RF adapter to work with the convertacom?
I'm unaware of any other HHCH models but if anyone has any other suggestions (even if it's not motorola) that would be great as well.

If you don't require ADP, you can get a HHCH for a XPR5550.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Does that mean if I find an XTL5000 with an O5 control head, I could just swap out to an O3 control head?

Yes. If you have a remote mount XTL with the hardware to support the O5 control head, swapping out for an O3 is as easy as plugging it in and defining the O3 buttons in CPS.


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[jeepsandradios]

Thats sorta correct. The XTL5000 allows an O3 head. The XTL1500/2500 does not.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Thats sorta correct. The XTL5000 allows an O3 head. The XTL1500/2500 does not.

Technically, a XTL2500 can only support a M5 head (which is the same board as the O5 just a carbon jumper on the button membrane to tell it M5). The 1500 is of course slaved to the MX head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ResQguy]

Thank you for replying! I like the idea of running straight cat5 cable. Did you just run the cat5 cable, add a cat5 coupler and plug in the HHCH, or is there more to it than that? also, you mentioned that its not limited to only using the intended factory amp, could i use something like the TPL Communications PA3-1AB-M1? Also, I found an article on batlabs saying "The XTVA requires the radio to have at least version 5.6 software (The version via service menu)" I am confused by this, what version are they referring to?

CAT5 plus a double female adapter at the HHCH end is all you need. If you're really lucky you can find an old cell phone handset extension cable, which has nice holes in the female end for mounting with screws.
TPL is actually the OEM amplifier for the XTVA.
The radio requires a certain minimum version of firmware so it understands what an XTVA actually is and how to communicate with it. And if you come across an XTS5000 that old, it's been in a museum or something because r20.50 is the most current (and final) firmware.

 

[brndnstffrd]

CAT5 plus a double female adapter at the HHCH end is all you need. If you're really lucky you can find an old cell phone handset extension cable, which has nice holes in the female end for mounting with screws.
TPL is actually the OEM amplifier for the XTVA.
The radio requires a certain minimum version of firmware so it understands what an XTVA actually is and how to communicate with it. And if you come across an XTS5000 that old, it's been in a museum or something because r20.50 is the most current (and final) firmware.

Beat me to it.

You could also use one of these on the side of the center console or under the dash. Yes it requires a hole but they look decent enough.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0N79K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_HM6tCb8JGX0DY

 

[KG5HHS]

Thank you to all that replied. I think I will definitely be using the connectors brndnstffrd linked. I have decided to go with the XTVA. I just think it offers the best of both worlds given that I can also take the portable with me when I get out of the truck. I would like to find a VHF/UHF Amplifier but haven't found one. If anyone can refer me to one, that would be great!

I am also wanting to install a Uniden CMX760 handheld cb radio. I have found a diplexer (and triplexer if I'm able to find a VHF/UHF amp) that could make the antenna coaxing simple. I just don't know about an antenna. Can someone point me in the right directions. Also, If this topic would be suited better in another forum, I don't mind moving it.

 

[radioman2001]

Quote"
Anyway, the control head is the most expensive thing with converting XTL5000s.

O3 heads are expensive, the W-3's are becoming a dime a dozen. As far as locating a W-3 TIB for an XTL the Astro Spectra interface board works fine with a few minor parts added. I have three running right now in various vehicles with serial switch boxes for band selection.
I don't have it here in front of me, but besides clipping or shortening the pins to fit the XTL flex you have to add a +5 regulator that's missing compared to the true W-3 XTL TIB.
If you have an older version of firmware that doesnt support ADP there are ways out there to fix that. All my units run the next to last version (reports of reset problems with the last version) and ADP that was added.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

As far as locating a W-3 TIB for an XTL the Astro Spectra interface board works fine with a few minor parts added. I have three running right now in various vehicles with serial switch boxes for band selection.
I don't have it here in front of me, but besides clipping or shortening the pins to fit the XTL flex you have to add a +5 regulator that's missing compared to the true W-3 XTL TIB.
If you have an older version of firmware that doesnt support ADP there are ways out there to fix that. All my units run the next to last version (reports of reset problems with the last version) and ADP that was added.

I’ll have to look into that. Digging around in the service manual I noticed the boards are the same between the W3/W9 and other W series TIBs when it comes to to mix-power model. Need to do some more digging to see if it is practical and/or simply a component swap.


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