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Motorola astro spectra control heads

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SCPD

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I have been looking at various control heads on eBay and one model has been the w5 and a5. There appears to be a lot of A5 heads with what looks like astro spectra connectors on the back (newer style).

Is this so they can be used on a astro spectra?

The only thing different is front of the bezel does not say ASTRO in blue.

I am looking for a w5 and don't see any deals, but found many a5 heads for pennies on the dollar.
 

cmdrwill

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No, they're different internally.
Yes the control head IS, but the two different housings are good for both Astro and good ole Spectras.
And there are two different control cables and they work on both Astro and Spectras.
 

KG4INW

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The original Spectra remote mount was different but they eventually came up with that newer design that the Astros then also used. The internal circuitry is still different.
 

mikewazowski

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Some Spectra heads can be changed to an Astro Spectra head by changing out the firmware.

There is no such thing as an Astro Spectra plug. That connector just has more pins for connecting VIP, mic and a remote cable. These were common on Spectras and the A9 control head could only use this type of connector.
 
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