Motorola Astro Spectra W3 head change

[txpss]

Hey guys... need some help with this one. I have been researching google and batlabs on this. We received a Motorola Astro Spectra VHF Trunk mount.. more like it was given to us with no heads or cables just the unit itself. The model information is

ASTRO Spectra W3
Model Number T04KLH9PW3AN (VHF 146-178 MHz)
FLASHCode 580001-000000-0

Options Installed on this Flashcode
580001-000000-0

Q806/G806 IMBE / APCO-25 Digital Operation
H14/G114 Digital ID Display
H868/W298 Conventional Multikey and Analog Conventional MDC OTAR
H35/G48 Conventional Operation

We have read the unit using Astro Spectra CPS R05.00.02 shorting out pin 20 to 22 and it confirms that it was used with a W3 hand held control head.

We do not have any cables or the W3 control head for this unit, but we have tons of spectra cables to use the W4-W9 heads and some spectra heads even an astro spectra W9 head.

The question now is how easy is it to convert this radio to use a different head other than the W3 handheld head? We have a SmartRIB and all the correct programming cables but this is the first Astro unit we have messed with in detail. If its a pain to convert does anyone have a W3 handheld head and a cable that I might be able to procure from them for a price?

Thanks

----
Wm. Reynolds
Texas Public Safety Solutions
Brazos County, TX

 

[txpss]

Anybody have any insight? Im hitting dead ends on what exactly needs to change for an astro spectra head conversion. I find stuff about s-records and needing a new codeplug for that model head wanting to use but what are the exact things needing to be done.

 

[N4KVL]

You are going to need to contact Motorola to obtain the flash as well as the flashkey in order to upgrade the unit to a W4 or W9 head.

 

[BigLebowski]

It will probably be more trouble than you want to deal with....

The W3 uses a different interface board for the control head than the W5/W7/W9 models do, so there is a hardware change involved, as well as the use of lab-software and s-records, as well as a firmware update in most cases.

Double unfortunately, the control head doesn't plug directly into the radio either. There is a Y-cable that plugs into the drawer, one end of which goes to the control head, the other end terminates to a DB15 I think, which is used to interface a speaker among other things. You will need that cable, a speaker, a control head, and a high-power power cable to make the radio work.

We just put one of these in a vehicle for a friend, awesome radio but as with most things moto, it's more complicated than it really should be.

 

[mikewazowski]

I'm not even sure Motorola sells flashes to change control heads.

 

[Mr_Observer]

Head type is not defined by the flah code. It is a paramater that can only be changed by lab software. As a previous poster said you will also need several pieces of hardware to change it out.

Unless you are committed to this radio as a project for fun and are willing to spend time and money on it the radio head change is probably more trouble than its worth. Concider just getting a w3 head and control cable.

 

[mikewazowski]

I'm sure the Depot could come up with some sort of upgrade package if he found the right person to deal with.

It would probably cost more then buying the appropriate radio secondhand.

Sure, we'll upgrade the radio for you.

$500 for the hardware, $500 to diddle a few bits to change the head type and $500 for the labour.

Total cost $1,500.

Turnaround time would be 60 days.

Meanwhile, some guy was blowing out astro spectras at Dayton for $200 a couple of years ago.

 

[Motoflightmedic]

I'm sure the Depot could come up with some sort of upgrade package if he found the right person to deal with.

It would probably cost more then buying the appropriate radio secondhand.

Sure, we'll upgrade the radio for you.

$500 for the hardware, $500 to diddle a few bits to change the head type and $500 for the labour.

Total cost $1,500.

Turnaround time would be 60 days.

Meanwhile, some guy was blowing out astro spectras at Dayton for $200 a couple of years ago.

200 bucks! that is still very steep.

As far a the OP's question, just find a different RF deck that is setup for the control head you want. it will be a lot easier. then just sell the radio you have.