February 3, 2003 6881076C20-E
1-2 Introduction: 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
Feature W3 W4 W5 W7 W9
Display 2 line/14
characters
Liquid-Crystal
Display (LCD)
with 8 Status
Annunciators
1 line/8
characters
Vacuum
Fluorescent
Display
1 line/8
characters
Vacuum
Fluorescent
Display
1 line/8
characters
Vacuum
Fluorescent
Display
1 line/11
characters
Vacuum
Fluorescent
Display
Mode &
Volume
Controls
Rocker Switches Rotary Mode &
Volume Controls
Rocker Switch
Mode &
Volume Controls
Rocker Switch
Mode &
Volume Controls
Rocker Switch
Mode &
Volume Controls
Numeric
Keypad
YesNoNoYesYes
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