Is it possible to program a Motorola Astro Spectra for RX only to monitor the San Diego County RCS system? Looking at buying one but would like some insight on this.
Motorola Astro Spectra question
- Thread starter jpwise1773
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n5ims
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Although it's not recommended, if you find one with all of the right options it could work. A scanner will be safer and may even cost less once you add the programming costs to the radio cost. Two major cautions though.
First, one minor slip up when you program the radio and you could cause interference to the system (that they will not like at all) and you could easily have them brick your radio.
Second, programming a trunked system into this kind of radio requires a "system key" file, which only the system owner is given. They will only give a copy of this file to shops that they authorize to program their radios onto that system and they will only use it on radios that they have authorization to program on the system. It's possible that they may charge others with a serious crime if they have an unauthorized copy of this file or use it outside of the bounds of their authorization.
See this sticky for some details on what you're asking about. http://forums.radioreference.com/mo...ou-want-monitor-trunked-system-moto-read.html
First, one minor slip up when you program the radio and you could cause interference to the system (that they will not like at all) and you could easily have them brick your radio.
Second, programming a trunked system into this kind of radio requires a "system key" file, which only the system owner is given. They will only give a copy of this file to shops that they authorize to program their radios onto that system and they will only use it on radios that they have authorization to program on the system. It's possible that they may charge others with a serious crime if they have an unauthorized copy of this file or use it outside of the bounds of their authorization.
See this sticky for some details on what you're asking about. http://forums.radioreference.com/mo...ou-want-monitor-trunked-system-moto-read.html
That post was a good read, thanks. I think that answered all my questions. I'll stick with my digital scanners.
cabletech
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Besides, if you are truly in Menifee, then you are in Riverside Co. and maybe too far north to monitor San Diego system.
Negative, I'm in San Diego every day
Just a head's up but there are management involved in the RCS that monitor this forum. So be careful exactly what you ask for or, or recommend to a request. Out of respect for them and the info they do provide to us I would not recommend putting any unauthorized radio on the system whether someone thinks it won't TX or not.
Thanks for the heads up. As my second post states, gonna stick to my scanners. I was unaware of the unauthorized radio and legalities behind having an actual radio programmed. I appreciate everyone sharing their input.
The sad thing is that Motorolas receive so much better than scanners.......you can get 800 Astro Spectras for around $25 on ebay, but without programming, they are useless. That explains the low prices.
Paul
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