[Motorola] Help please ??

[Geoff Fors]

The basic Syntor X 9000 is a 32 channel computer programmable radio with
programmable per-channel PL built in.  Other things such as multiple PL per
channel and scan are also built in.  They can be expanded to offer more
channels.  Its design dates to the early years of the personal computer, and
it requires one to be programmed.

The Syntor X 9000 can be programmed into the ham band where it makes a great
radio.  However, you will need the Motorola software, an older PC such as a
286 vintage laptop, an interface box ("RIB") and an interface cable.  The
Motorola software manual wouldn't hurt either.  The items needed to program
the radio can easily exceed the cost of the radio itself on the used market,
so it may be cheaper to have a cooperative local two way shop or another ham
program it for you.

There are some nuisance issues regarding programming which you can read
about on websites such as batlabs.  You have to be careful not to interrupt
power during programming and some setups stubbornly resist being configured
in the manner you desire.

The VHF Syntor X and X9000 series for the 150-174 range does not work
properly in the ham band as it is.  The transmitter will function fine but
the receiver sensitivity will be poor and the receiver VCO may not stay
locked on some radios.  There are a few web pages which describe the steps
necessary to modify the VCO and retune the front end.  It isn't that hard
but you have to be careful with the front end as it is sweep tuned by the
factory to be broad banded.  The UHF radios seem to be even worse, while the
lowband radios fire up just fine with an occasional cranky one not locking
its VCO on transmit in cold weather on the 10 meter band.

Geoff Fors
WB6NVH