Motorola Astro Digital Spectra Digital Spectra Plus Basic 6881076c20 E Manual

							Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Notations Used in This Manual
Throughout the text in this publication, you will notice the use of note, caution, warning, and danger 
notations. These notations are used to emphasize that safety hazards exist, and due care must be 
taken and observed.
NOTE:An operational procedure, practice, or condition that is essential to emphasize.
1.2 Radio Descriptions
The ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus radios are among the most sophisticated two-
way radios available. The ASTRO Digital Spectra is available with VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz bands, 
and the Digital Spectra Plus is available with VHF and 800 MHz bands only.
The ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus radios provide improved voice quality across 
more coverage area. The digital process called “embedded signaling” intermixes system signaling 
information with digital voice, resulting in improved system reliability and the capability of supporting 
a multitude of advanced features. Such features add up to better, more cost-effective two-way radio 
communications.CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if 
not avoided, might
 result in equipment damage.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation 
which, if not avoided, could
 result in death or injury.
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous 
situation which, if not avoided, will
 result in death or 
injury.
!
C a u t i o n
!
W A R N I N G
!
D A N G E R
! 
						

							February 3, 20036881076C20-E
1-2Introduction: Control Head Descriptions
ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus radios are available in five models. Table 1-1 
provides a description of basic features for the five models covered in this manual.
1.2.1 FLASHport®
The ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus radios utilize Motorola’s revolutionary 
FLASHport technology. FLASHport makes it possible to add software that drives the radio’s 
capabilities both at the time of purchase and later on. Previously, changing a radio’s features and 
capabilities meant significant modifications, or buying a new radio. But now, the radio’s features and 
capabilities can be upgraded with FLASHport software, similar to the way a computer can be loaded 
with different software.
1.3 Control Head Descriptions
1.3.1 General
The control heads used with ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus radios have 
microprocessor circuitry that operates the standard and optional features built into the system. The 
control head design allows installation in even the smallest of vehicles. Systems that have many 
options require more control head buttons, not larger control heads.
The control heads may be field-programmed to add options or alter the information stored in certain 
areas of its electronic memory.
The following illustrations show some typical ASTRO Digital Spectra and Digital Spectra Plus control 
heads.Table 1-1.  ASTRO Digital Spectra/Spectra Plus Basic Features
FeatureW3W4W5W7W9
Display 2 line/14 
characters 
Liquid-Crystal 
Display (LCD) 
with 8 Status 
Annunciators1 line/8 
characters
Va c u u m  
Fluorescent
Display1 line/8 
characters
Va c u u m  
Fluorescent
Display1 line/8 
characters
Va c u u m  
Fluorescent
Display1 line/11 
characters
Va c u u m  
Fluorescent
Display
Mode & 
Vo lu me
ControlsRocker Switches Rotary Mode &
Volume ControlsRocker Switch 
Mode &
Volume ControlsRocker Switch 
Mode &
Volume ControlsRocker Switch 
Mode &
Volume Controls
Numeric 
KeypadYesNoNoYesYes
Channel 
Capability 
(Digital 
Spectra)255 128 128 255 255
Channel 
Capability 
(Digital 
Spectra Plus)512 128 128 512 512
Remote Mount Available Available Available Available Available
Dash Mount Available Available Available Available Not Available 
						

							6881076C20-EFebruary 3, 2003
Introduction: Control Head Descriptions1-3
1.3.1.1  Model W3 Control Head
Figure 1-1.  Typical W3 Hand-Held Control Head
1.3.1.2  Model W3 Controls
 On/Off Button (T1) — Turns the radio on and off.
 Orange Programmable Button (T2) — Programmed at the factory for emergency. Field-
programmable by a qualified radio technician.
 Programmable Button (T3) — Field-programmable by a qualified radio technician.
 LED Indicator — Green/red light-emitting diode indicates operating status.
Display — Two-line x 14-character display provides visual information about many radio 
features.
Keypad — Provides control of, and data interface with, many features.
 Programmable Side Button 1 (S1) — Field-programmable by a qualified radio technician.
 Programmable Side Button 2 (S2) — Field-programmable by a qualified radio technician.
 Programmable Side Button 3 (S3) — Field-programmable by a qualified radio technician.
 Mode Control — Is used for selecting modes and programming menus.
 Volume Control — Is used for selecting the volume level, editing names, and making certain 
radio adjustments.
 Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button — Engages the transmitter.
MODE
HOME
2ABC1QZ3DEF
4GHI5JKL6MNO
7PRS8TUV9WXY
0
VOL
Side Button 1 (S1)
Side Button 2 (S2)
Side Button 3 (S3) On/Off
Button
(T1)
Push-To-Talk
(PTT) SwitchLED
Indicator
Alphanumeric
Keypad
Volume
ControlMode Control Orange Programmable
Button
(T2)
Programmable
Button
(T3)
Display
Button 
						

							February 3, 20036881076C20-E
1-4Introduction: Control Head Descriptions
1.3.1.3  Models W4, W5, W7, and W9 Controls Head
Figure 1-2.  Typical W4 Rotary Control Head
Figure 1-3.  Typical W5 Pushbutton Control Head
Figure 1-4.  Typical W7 Pushbutton Control Head
PHONE
PAGE
or
SECURE
or
EMERGENCYPage
Emer
CALL DIRECT
XMIT
BUSY
Mode
Volume
Pwr
Phon
Call Sel Scan
Mic
Home
Dim
H/L
Dir Mon
SCANSELECTMONITOR
MODE
KNOBPOWER ON/OFF/
VOLUME KNOB
HOME
HORN/
LIGHTS
PRIORITY/
NON-PRIORITY
INDICATORSDIRECT
INDICATOR
Mode
Vol
Mic
Phon
Call Sel
H/LMon Dir
PWRScan
XMIT
BUSY DIM
HOME
MODEPOWER
ON/OFF
PAGE
or
SECURE
or
EMERGENCYPage
Emer
PHONE
SCAN
CALL
SELECT
VOLUMEPRIORITY/
NON-PRIORITY
INDICATORS
DIRECT
INDICATORHORN/
LIGHTS
MONITORDIRECTHOME
POWER
ON/OFF
2
2Pgeor
SITE
LOCK
MESSAGE REPROGRAM
DIRECT
O#Del    Rcl
Mode
Vol
MicPhon
Call Sel
PWRScan
XMIT
BUSY DIM
HOME
1Ste2
3Lck
4Sts5Rpg6Msg
7H/L8Mon9Dir
MODE
EMERGENCY
or
SECUREEmer
PHONE
SCAN
CALL
SELECT
PAGE
VOLUME
DIRECT
INDICATORDELETERECALL
MONITOR
STATUS
HORN/LIGHTS
HOME
PRIORITY/
NON-PRIORITY
INDICATORS 
						

							6881076C20-EFebruary 3, 2003
Introduction: Control Head Descriptions1-5
Figure 1-5.  Typical W9 Pushbutton Control Head
1.3.1.4  Models W4, W5, W7, and W9 Controls
 Power Switch — The power (PWR) switch turns the radio and its accessories on or off. The 
power switch is part of the rotary volume knob on the W4 model, a push-type switch on the W5 
and W7 models, and a slide switch on the right-hand bottom surface of the W9 model.
 Mode Switch — The Mode switch is used for selecting modes and programming menus. The 
Mode switch is a rotary switch on the W4 model and a rocker switch on the W5, W7, and W9 
models. Pressing the right side of this rocker switch increases the mode number. Pressing the 
left side decreases the mode number. If you press and hold the switch, it scrolls the mode 
number up or down. The mode names appear in the display window.
 Volume Switch — The Volume switch is used for selecting the volume level, editing names, and 
making certain radio adjustments. The Volume switch is a rotary switch on the W4 model and a 
rocker switch on the W5, W7, and W9 models. On the pushbutton models, pressing and 
releasing the volume switch checks the volume setting. Your display will show “VOLUME_ _” 
and a number value (0-15). Press and hold the left side to decrease the volume. The number 
value scrolls up or down to your desired level. The Volume rocker switch also controls the 
volume level of the public address (PA) and external radio speaker (Ex Rd) options when they 
are enabled. The display window shows “PA VOL _ _” when public address is on and the 
Volume rocker switch is pressed.
 Dim Button — The DIM button is used to control the brightness of the display and button 
backlighting. When you turn on the system, the display comes on at the brightness level it was 
on before the system was last turned off. Press the DIM button once to reduce the brightness of 
the display to medium level and twice for low brightness level. Press the DIM button a third time 
to turn the display and button backlighting off. This is called the “surveillance” mode.
 Home Button — The Home button is used for restoring preprogrammed mode, establishing 
programmed mode, selecting programming entries, etc. Press the Home button to go to the 
radio’s preprogrammed “home” mode. On the W7 models, you may use the Home button 
instead of Mode switch to change modes. Hold the Home button until a beep sounds to enter 
the configuration state. The display shows an entry prompt. Use the keypad to enter your new 
mode choice and press the Home button again. Your mode is now changed without scrolling.
 Select Button — The Sel button is used to configure radio options.
XMIT BUSY
Call
Scan Emer
DIM
Pri
Non
Pri
123
456
789
0
Mode
Vol SelHome
Phon H/L
Rcl Sql Del Dir
Sts Msg
VOLUME
ROCKER MODE
ROCKERSELECTHOME
KEYPAD
RECALL
SQUELCHDELETE
DIMMER
CONTROLPRIORITY
INDICATORFUNCTION
BUTTON
NON-PRIORITY
INDICATOR FUNCTION
ON/OFF
INDICATORS
* Optional buttons (included but not installed or programmed)
MESSAGE*
STATUS* 
						

							February 3, 20036881076C20-E
1-6Introduction: Control Head Descriptions
 Option Buttons — The option buttons are used for turning options on and off, such as Phone, 
Scan, Emergency Call, and Secure.
 Display — The vacuum fluorescent (VF) display’s primary function is to display mode numbers, 
mode names, volume level, and the status of options. It also functions as an on-off indicator for 
the entire system and plays an integral role in the operator’s reconfiguration of options. The 
display is 8 characters on W4, W5, and W7 models; 11 characters on the W9 model. 
 XMIT and BUSY Indicators — The XMIT indicator lights when the radio is transmitting. The 
BUSY indicator lights when the selected channel is busy.
 Scan Indicators — When scan operation detects activity on a non-priority (NON-PRI) channel, 
the NON-PRI indicator light comes on. Activity on a second priority channel causes the priority 
(PRI) indicator to light. First priority channel activity causes PRI to flash.
 12-Button Keypad (W7 and W9) — The keypad is used to change the status of options and for 
entering numbers. Several keys serve multiple functions. See the ASTRO Digital Spectra or 
Digital Spectra Plus User’s Guide for a complete description of keypad operation.
-Site (Ste - #1 key) — Forces the radio to scan for a new site when the automatic multiple-
site select (AMSS) feature for wide-area coverage is in use.
- Page (2 or 2Pge - #2 Key) — Initiates a Call Alert page/enters Call ID list programming.
-Lock (Lck - #3 key) — Locks the radio onto the current site when the AMSS feature is in 
use.
-Status (Sts - #4 key) — Used alone or in conjunction with other keypad buttons and the Sel 
button to send a status transmission, indicating a predetermined condition change.
- Regroup (Rpg - #5 key) — Requests a change in the radio’s talkgroup assignment when 
the dynamic regrouping feature is used.
- Message (Msg - #6 key) — Used alone or in conjunction with other keypad buttons and the 
Sel button to transmit a message, indicating a response or temporary condition.
- Horn/Lights (H/L - #7 key) — Selects/enables radio external alarms.
- Monitor (Mon - #8 key) — Monitors the radio for channel traffic.
- Direct/Simplex (Dir - #9 key) — Used for talkaround (mobile-to-mobile) conversations.
- Recall (Rcl - * key) — Reviews modes in scan and phone lists.
- Delete (Del - # key) — Used when editing stored lists. 
						

							Chapter 2 Basic Maintenance
2.1 Introduction
This section of the manual describes preventive maintenance, handling precautions, and some basic 
repair procedures and techniques. Each of these topics provides information vital to the successful 
operation and maintenance of your radio.
2.2 Preventive Maintenance
Radios are shipped from the factory with a worst-case frequency error of ±200 Hz for VHF, ±300 Hz 
for UHF, and ±500 Hz for 800 MHz. These specifications are tighter than the most stringent FCC-
required specifications of 2 ppm (parts per million) for both VHF and UHF, and 1.5 ppm for 800 kHz, 
within which the radio will operate to specification.
2.2.1 Reference Oscillator
For radios that have been in storage for over six months from the factory ship date, the reference 
oscillator should be checked when the radio is initially deployed to the field. It is strongly 
recommended that the reference oscillator be checked every time the radio is serviced or at least 
once a year, whichever comes first.
The crystal contained in the reference oscillator naturally drifts over time due to its aging 
characteristic. Periodic (annual) adjustment of the reference oscillator is important for proper radio 
operation.
Improper adjustment can result in both poor performance and interference with other users operating 
on adjacent channels.
A recommended test setup and tuning procedure is detailed in Chapter 6. Radio Alignment 
Procedure. The frequency counter used for this procedure must have a stability of 0.1 ppm or better.
2.2.2 Inspection
Check that the external surfaces of the radio are clean, and that all external controls and switches 
are functional. A detailed inspection of the interior electronic circuitry is not needed.
2.2.3 Cleaning
The following procedures describe the recommended cleaning agents and the methods to be used 
when cleaning the external and internal surfaces of the radio. External surfaces include the control 
head and radio chassis. These surfaces should be cleaned whenever a periodic visual inspection 
reveals the presence of smudges, grease, and/or grime. Internal surfaces should be cleaned only 
when the radio is disassembled for servicing or repair.
The only recommended agent for cleaning the external radio surfaces is a 0.5% solution of a mild 
dishwashing detergent in water. The only factory recommended liquid for cleaning the printed circuit 
boards and their components is isopropyl alcohol (70% by volume). 
						

							February 3, 20036881076C20-E
2-2Basic Maintenance: Handling Precautions
2.2.4 Cleaning External Plastic Surfaces
The detergent-water solution should be applied sparingly with a stiff, non-metallic, short-bristled 
brush to work all loose dirt away from the radio. A soft, absorbent, lint-free cloth or tissue should be 
used to remove the solution and dry the radio. Make sure that no water remains entrapped near the 
connectors, cracks, or crevices.
2.2.5 Cleaning Internal Circuit Boards and Components
Isopropyl alcohol may be applied with a stiff, non-metallic, short-bristled brush to dislodge embedded 
or caked materials located in hard-to-reach areas. The brush stroke should direct the dislodged 
material out and away from the inside of the radio.
Alcohol is a high-wetting liquid and can carry contamination into unwanted places if an excessive 
quantity is used. Make sure that controls or tunable components are not soaked with the liquid. Do 
not use high-pressure air to hasten the drying process, since this could cause the liquid to puddle 
and collect in unwanted places.
Upon completion of the cleaning process, use a soft, absorbent, lint-free cloth to dry the area. Do not 
brush or apply any isopropyl alcohol to the frame, front cover, or back cover.
NOTE:Always use a fresh supply of alcohol and a clean container to prevent contamination by 
dissolved material (from previous usage).
2.3 Handling Precautions
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, and other high-technology devices, 
are used in this family of radios. While the attributes of these devices are many, their characteristics 
make them susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharge (ESD) or high-voltage charges. 
Damage can be latent, resulting in failures occurring weeks or months later. Therefore, special 
precautions must be taken to prevent device damage during disassembly, troubleshooting, and 
repair. Handling precautions are mandatory for this radio, and are especially important in low-
humidity conditions. DO NOT attempt to disassemble the radio without observing the following 
handling precautions:
 Eliminate static generators (plastics, Styrofoam, etc.) in the work area.
 Remove nylon or double-knit polyester jackets, roll up long sleeves, and remove or tie back 
loose-hanging neckties.
 Store and transport all static-sensitive devices in ESD-protective containers.
 Disconnect all power from the unit before ESD-sensitive components are removed or inserted 
unless otherwise noted.
 Use a static-safeguarded workstation, through the use of an anti-static kit (Motorola part 
number 01-80386A82). This kit includes a wrist strap, two ground cords, a static-control table 
mat and a static-control floor mat.
NOTE:Be sure that the table and floor mats are properly grounded.
When these items are not readily available, observing the following techniques will minimize the 
chance of damage:The effects of certain chemicals and their vapors can have 
harmful results on certain plastics. Aerosol sprays, tuner 
cleaners, and other chemicals should be avoided.
!
C a u t i o n 
						

							6881076C20-EFebruary 3, 2003
Basic Maintenance: Handling Precautions2-3
 If a static-sensitive device is to be temporarily set down, use a conductive surface for 
placement of the device.
 Make skin contact with a conductive work surface first and maintain this contact when the 
device is set down or picked up.
 Always wear a conductive wrist strap when servicing this equipment. The Motorola part number 
for a replacement wrist strap that connects to the table mat is 42-80385A59.
 For additional information, refer to Service and Repair Note SRN-F1052, Static Control 
Equipment for Servicing ESD Sensitive Products, available from the Literature Distribution 
Center.
Motorola
Literature Distribution Center
2200 Galvin Drive, Suite 2218
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 783-2522
(847) 783-2523/2524 (Fax) 
						

							February 3, 20036881076C20-E
Notes
2-4Basic Maintenance: Handling Precautions