Last time up at Depo X-Ray saw a Motorola 11350 Suite case radio, it’s a portable VHF transceiver that can be used locally, over a two or four wire remote or set up to operate as a repeater. Long story short, it’s a huge, heavy and overly complicated box that preforms the same function as a hand-held radio. 

Being way overcomplicated and pointless it is just the type of item that appeals to me. Close examination reveals that the box is built around two Motorola MX series handheld radios, one used for a receiver and the other as a transmitter. Each in its own RF sealed enclosures. There is also a amplifier, power supply and a bunch of other electronics that do something. 

The radios are MX 320/340 S (synthesized) VHF high split, also Motorola in their wisdom only installed the necessary modules in each radio. The intended receiver has just things like the preselector and no PA with the transmitter missing receiver parts. 

Although it would serv no practical use I have a desire to adopt this box and try to make it function on the Ham bands. The problem is that this will require At least one or two Motorola MX Low split synthesized radios for the modules, something like a H23SAU18 the second digit is power, 2 is one watt and 3 is 2.5 and the fourth letter “S” is for synthesized, “A” is for the radios with channel elements. 

Swapping out the radio chassis for channel element radios would be a bit of work, of course that does not include all the issues that would be brought up with trying to program the radios in the first place.  

From what I recall the MX has to be programed with another special suitcase programmer and it may be that the synthesizer assembly can only be programed once on some of the modules. 

Needless to say, this is a project that would be way complicated and somewhat pointless but somehow it appeals to me. Anyone out there ever worked for Motorola or have a stash of MX parts? 

Attached is a picture for your enjoyment. 

Ray F/KA3EKH