Spectra A7 Siren/Repeater Setup

[scvfd1204]

Hi all.

I have a VHF A7 Spectra. What i would like to do is this:

I have the dual prt remote faceplate for the radio, in which I plan to install in my vehicle. I have the Sys9000 siren unit as well with the proper cable and such.

Is there any way I can have both the Siren sys and somehow connect a PAC unit to work along with the spectra?

I currently have a high power VHF A9 in my vehicle with the siren setup connected. What I want to do is add this lower power spectra to my vehicle so I can monitor two channels at once (one for dispatch, one for tactical channels), without having to worry about missing a call due to priority settings.

If I can't have both the siren and a PAC unit on the lower power spectra, I could probably come up with another configuration somehow.

The reason I want to siren on the remoted A7 is the location I plan to install the control head, the siren function buttons on the A7 head will be closer to my free hand when driving, and I wont have to reach down beside the console where the A9 control head is currently installed.

Any ideas?

Jeff
Surf City, NC

[kc7gr]

Hi all.

I have a VHF A7 Spectra. What i would like to do is this:

I have the dual prt remote faceplate for the radio, in which I plan to install in my vehicle. I have the Sys9000 siren unit as well with the proper cable and such.

Is there any way I can have both the Siren sys and somehow connect a PAC unit to work along with the spectra?

<snippety-one>

Yes indeed, though it may take some digging equipment-wise. There exists a Systems-9000 box that is a combination siren and VRS. I don't recall the part number, but it will be easily distinguishable from a stock siren unit by the presence of a UHF connector on the front panel.

Keep in mind that the VRS-only units look like that as well. In order to determine if what you have is a combo siren/VRS, or just a siren, you will need to carefully check the model number.

Alternatively, open the box up and look inside. The VRS-only units will be missing numerous components on the lower PC board, while the combo units will be just chock-full of electronics.

I currently have a high power VHF A9 in my vehicle with the siren setup connected. What I want to do is add this lower power spectra to my vehicle so I can monitor two channels at once (one for dispatch, one for tactical channels), without having to worry about missing a call due to priority settings.

<snippety-two>

If you're referring to two Spectras on one head, you're describing a setup similar to WSP's old one. Our troops have an interesting combination of a Spectra 'area receiver' hooked up with a Syntor X9000 transceiver, all routed to a common control head.

Doing this trick requires SP firmware in the control head, special radio cabling, and special RSS to program. You're not likely to find any of the above from Motorola (they'll probably laugh at you).

I have seen dual-radio Spectra setups, but it still takes special hardware and software to implement, and I've never seen it done with Systems-9000 control heads (perhaps someone else has?)

My advice would be to simply add the second Spectra as a separate radio, with its own control head and speaker. Or, you can try doing what I did and route all your audio paths from multiple radios through a retired aircraft audio panel. It actually worked pretty darn well for me, and it kept the mics and speakers from breeding.

Happy tweaking.

[scvfd1204]

Thanks for the reply Bruce.

What I'm looking at doing is have two seperate VHF spectras in the truck.

I want one of them, preferably the A7, to have both a VRS and a Siren unit connected.

The communications system in my county leaves alot to be desired, to say the least. What I would like to do is have the VRS listen on a specific VHF freq and when I talk on my portable on that freq, it keys the mobile and talks on the dispatch channel, and when dispatch responds, it repeats that out on the other freq.

I want to get something setup where I can just push a button and go to a specific mode using the mode rockers, and then I can carry my portable around the scene.

Since the county isn't doing much to solve the communications problems, I am trying to figure out a somewhat "simple" (radio nerd solution) to make communications with dispatch on the fire scene a little easier, since I can't always sit in my truck, or carry a 110 watt mobile around with me.

Anyone happen to have a model number on this "combo" box? Or any other ideas/suggesstions??

Thanks!!

Jeff
Surf City, NC

[twowaytekk]

Of course if you can't find the VRS/Siren combo you can always get the systems 9000 t-cable and just plug in the VRS with the siren in line.


Mark

[scvfd1204]

Would anyone hapen to have the part number for the T-cable?

I'm not sure if that would work, but I havent had a particular setup like this before.

Thanks

Jeff
Surf City, NC