Installing a Syntor X9000 Drawer Unit

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

My plan for 2021 includes a road trip and fully equipped radios.

I have been shopping for a new SUV and there are a lot of compromises. For one, having a V8 engine. I have a nearly 20 year old Expedition with 93K miles, still running strong. For about $6K I could have it all fixed up with new tires, front brakes, upper/lower ball joints and fresh paint. For $55K I could have a newer SUV with a turbocharged 3.5L V6 and a myriad of electronic and electro-mechanical doo-dads, and accelerated depreciation. I am having a hard time adopting that change, though could easily write a check.

Back to radios:

Mounting the Syntor X 9000 drawer unit is a challenge. Under the rear passenger seat would work, unless I want to fold down the seats for cargo.

I could mount it upright on its edge near the right side of the rear compartment by the tire jack door. It would take some angle aluminum and diamond plate to make a sturdy surface. But then the wiring would be exposed.

The newer vehicles, including my wife's Santa Fe have under deck storage in the real. In the Sante FE that space is never used except to hide stuff during travel. A Syntor X and smaller radios would fit there unnoticed.

I see a lot of under deck aftermarket solutions but they are all slide out trays for tools and equipment. What I would like is a diamond aluminum (or similar) plate box that fills the majority of the floor space yet is only about 4 inches deep inside. That space would be great for the Syntor X 9000, Pyramid SVR, excess cable, and other radio remote electronics. I could make this with wood, but the result would be heavier and have less interior space. I also like the idea that some grounding, bonding and shielding would result from this method.

Is there a company that already makes shallow electronics boxes like this? (EDIT : 45 " x 45" x ~ 5" tall) I don't need anything more than a shallow box with hinge and latch.

 

[mmckenna]

turbocharged 3.5L V6

Pretty awesome motor. I had a 2011 F150 and that truck would really go + if I was careful, 25mpg on the highway. Did a round trip to Vegas and held 25 from start to end.

Back to radios:

I see a lot of under deck aftermarket solutions but they are all slide out trays for tools and equipment. What I would like is a diamond aluminum (or similar) plate box that fills the majority of the floor space yet is only about 4 inches deep inside. That space would be great for the Syntor X 9000, Pyramid SVR, excess cable, and other radio remote electronics. I could make this with wood, but the result would be heavier and have less interior space. I also like the idea that some grounding, bonding and shielding would result from this method.

Is there a company that already makes shallow electronics boxes like this? I don't need anything more than a shallow box with hinge and latch.

The PD car upfitters equipment manufacturers make such things, but finding one for a 20 year old expedition might be a challenge.
Our new PD utilities have them with a couple of radios, camera system, PC, siren/lights etc. But they are not cheap.

Eco Line Aluminum Storage Box 42" x 19" x 6" - Troy Products

SKU: SB-ECO42196 • Storage drawer is 0.09 aluminum constructed • Black wrinkled finish • Lightweight and durable • Two (2) drawer latch handles to help eliminate rattling • Slides are quick-release for easy installation • Optional accessories can be purchased separately; rubber matting, internal...

troyproducts.com

Command Post Accessory, 35" W x 27" L Map Drawer Module with carpet-lined storage - Troy Products

SKU: CP-MS-1MD-30 • All welded construction, housing is made of .090 aluminum • Single housing for one (1) full-width map drawer • Map drawer has hinged polycarbonate lid • Lid can be lifted to trap prints beneath for grease pencil notes • Handle allows user to lift for access to carpet-lined...

troyproducts.com

But the prices on those….. Might be cheaper to get a new truck.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Pretty awesome motor. I had a 2011 F150 and that truck would really go + if I was careful, 25mpg on the highway. Did a round trip to Vegas and held 25 from start to end.

The PD car upfitters equipment manufacturers make such things, but finding one for a 20 year old expedition might be a challenge.
Our new PD utilities have them with a couple of radios, camera system, PC, siren/lights etc. But they are not cheap.

Eco Line Aluminum Storage Box 42" x 19" x 6" - Troy Products

SKU: SB-ECO42196 • Storage drawer is 0.09 aluminum constructed • Black wrinkled finish • Lightweight and durable • Two (2) drawer latch handles to help eliminate rattling • Slides are quick-release for easy installation • Optional accessories can be purchased separately; rubber matting, internal...

troyproducts.com

Command Post Accessory, 35" W x 27" L Map Drawer Module with carpet-lined storage - Troy Products

SKU: CP-MS-1MD-30 • All welded construction, housing is made of .090 aluminum • Single housing for one (1) full-width map drawer • Map drawer has hinged polycarbonate lid • Lid can be lifted to trap prints beneath for grease pencil notes • Handle allows user to lift for access to carpet-lined...

troyproducts.com

But the prices on those….. Might be cheaper to get a new truck.

I just measured the space. Allowing for some air passage for the rear AC and a bit of slop fore and aft, it comes to 45 " x 45" x ~ 5" tall .

I did look at Troy Products. But again, it is a bunch of drawers. I don't want to add a lot of rattling and the drawer slides are not going to be happy with a heavy radio and the big cable. I like the idea of a shallow box because I can hide a bunch of stuff in there and run remotely.

The new engines look great on paper but the accessories , the fuel injection, turbo chargers etc are under tremendous stress. I don't see one of those going 250K miles without major service.

My old Expy admittedly has a bunch of stuff that has broken, two power door locks, (just fixed this week) drivers power window, (for tomorrow), speedo cluster VFD came unsoldered (24 screws just to solder one lead, might as well change a dozen bulbs in there while at it) . Rear wiper motor. (Do I really need that annoying thing. maybe I will just delete it during the repaint?) . Now look at a 2017-2021 Expedition and count all of the gimmicks that can go wrong. Could I fix those at my advanced age? Can anyone 10 years from now? I could get something smaller and cheaper, but it will be everybit as overly complex. What about all the HF and VHF noise? Yikes!!

I will say the thought of my old Expy's A/C system going out concerns me greatly. I will have to add $1.5K for a new compressor and flush.

 

[mmckenna]

The new engines look great on paper but the accessories , the fuel injection, turbo chargers etc are under tremendous stress. I don't see one of those going 250K miles without major service.

Mine had about 110,000 on it when I traded it in on the F-350. No issues with it, but 250K is a lot.
On the other hand, my wife has a 2009 Ford Escape that has 145,000 on it and the only issue we ever had with it was the electric power steering had a sensor go bad. Other than that, it's been rock solid. Passing it down to my niece who needs a reliable car for not much money.

My old Expy admittedly has a bunch of stuff that has broken, two power door locks, (just fixed this week) drivers power window, (for tomorrow), speedo cluster VFD came unsoldered (24 screws just to solder one lead, might as well change a dozen bulbs in there while at it) . Rear wiper motor. (Do I really need that annoying thing. maybe I will just delete it during the repaint?) . Now look at a 2017-2021 Expedition and count all of the gimmicks that can go wrong. Could I fix those at my advanced age? Can anyone 10 years from now? I could get something smaller and cheaper, but it will be everybit as overly complex. What about all the HF and VHF noise? Yikes!!

I will say the thought of my old Expy's A/C system going out concerns me greatly. I will have to add $1.5K for a new compressor and flush.

Yeah, but will you be able to repair all that stuff on the Expedition in 10 years?
I went with an XL for my F350. Only non-mechanical option on it was a 400 watt inverter, and I don't think I ever used it. I agree, all the options add complexity that I don't need or want. Am quite happy with vinyl seats and rubber floor. Not sure about everyone else, but I wear clothing when I drive, so my butt can't tell what sort of material it's planted on thanks to pants.

 

[spanky15805]

Keep your Expedition! It has a steel cab. Spend the money for timing chains and an high volume oil pump, it's a pita to do yourself but worth it.

 

[jeepsandradios]

In the past i found a local fire repair center. I had them bend me a piece of aluminum with 4" risers on each side and back. I used a rubber snap style latch on the back. This was in my ramcharger when all radios were remote mount. I had 3 maratracs and a syntor under the panel. No bells but worked perfect. I would think a welder or fab shop could bend up something pretty quick for you.

Id keep the expedition !

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

It is hard to even think of parting with the Expy. Even with the bad clear coat on the hood and roof. I keep looking at money in the bank that would remain if I keep it. I have to fix a few things and will have my mechanic make an assessment. The new ones just seem like a lot of money for less engine and more problems. Yes I know the new engines have a lot of power.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

In the past i found a local fire repair center. I had them bend me a piece of aluminum with 4" risers on each side and back. I used a rubber snap style latch on the back. This was in my ramcharger when all radios were remote mount. I had 3 maratracs and a syntor under the panel. No bells but worked perfect. I would think a welder or fab shop could bend up something pretty quick for you.

Id keep the expedition !

Yup thats the idea. I like radios, just dont want the inside of the car to look HamSexy with wires and radio drawers showing everywhere.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Keep your Expedition! It has a steel cab. Spend the money for timing chains and an high volume oil pump, it's a pita to do yourself but worth it.

Yeah, my mechanic had an odd steel backing plate on display and he told me that the OEM Ford pump, would distort under high pressure and leak.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Mine had about 110,000 on it when I traded it in on the F-350. No issues with it, but 250K is a lot.
On the other hand, my wife has a 2009 Ford Escape that has 145,000 on it and the only issue we ever had with it was the electric power steering had a sensor go bad. Other than that, it's been rock solid. Passing it down to my niece who needs a reliable car for not much money.



Yeah, but will you be able to repair all that stuff on the Expedition in 10 years?
I went with an XL for my F350. Only non-mechanical option on it was a 400 watt inverter, and I don't think I ever used it. I agree, all the options add complexity that I don't need or want. Am quite happy with vinyl seats and rubber floor. Not sure about everyone else, but I wear clothing when I drive, so my butt can't tell what sort of material it's planted on thanks to pants.

I guess if it lasts me another 10 years I will consider it fully depreciated. The price on the new sleds is outrageous. Am I so lazy that I can't open the tailgate hatch with my hands? If I have two paper shopping bags they are in a cart. And if there are two , there are three. And back up cameras? Why not have decent big flat mirrors like my E350 15 passenger van. I parked it backed in, thousands of times ,never missed the parking spot. Its gimmicry .

I like Ford, but the Tahoe with V8 might be a better price option . Still those are loaded with doodads including variable cylinders .

 

[mmckenna]

I guess if it lasts me another 10 years I will consider it fully depreciated. The price on the new sleds is outrageous.

Yes, prices are getting high on new vehicles. One of the reasons my F-350 is pretty much stripped down, other than the good mechanical stuff (Diesel, electronic locking diff, manual hubs, exhaust brake) Less stuff to break down, less annoyances. And I don't miss the stuff.
Trick is finding a vehicle like that. Salesmen know they can upsell most anyone. Too many people won't stick to their guns when purchasing a vehicle. I've either scoured dealer inventory lists to find exactly what I want, or I do an order. No $80K trucks for me.

Am I so lazy that I can't open the tailgate hatch with my hands? If I have two paper shopping bags they are in a cart. And if there are two , there are three.

Yeah, gimmicks.

And back up cameras? Why not have decent big flat mirrors like my E350 15 passenger van. I parked it backed in, thousands of times ,never missed the parking spot. Its gimmicry .

Required by law, though. I find them handy, nice to make sure there isn't a kid behind my tall truck when backing up. But yeah, I learned to back up just using my mirrors. Haven't hit anything yet...

I like Ford, but the Tahoe with V8 might be a better price option . Still those are loaded with doodads including variable cylinders .

If you can find the lower trim model, or place an order, sure.

As for the cylinder deactivation, it does seem complex, but it does appear to work pretty well. My dad's truck has that. It does get pretty good MPG's. Can't really tell when it's switching, except the indicator on the screen.

 

[N9JIG]

Let's try a different tack on this, regardless of the vehicle choice why the X9000? There has to be more practical choices in radios these days. Unless it is low band (for which newer radios are hard to come by these days) even a Spectra or MCS2000 would be a better choice and, with careful picking, can use a similar control head.

X9000's back in the day (a LONG time ago!) were pretty cool but they have serious issues. First off is the programming. DOS only, with a wacky programming cable and having to use 2 (or 3 for trunking) different applications just to program it. One program was for the radio, another for the head and a third for trunking. What a nightmare that was!

A Spectra of slightly newer vintage at least allowed a single application (but still DOS) to program the head and radio and could use an easier connection to the radio that would not require disconnection of the main control cable in most instances. It could be had with 9000 series control heads if you want that big-un. An MCS2000 can still be found in 100 watt versions if that is an issue. XTL series might be even better and can be found at reasonable prices on VHF and UHF versions.

More recent Motorola radios would offer better specs and features, including narrow band. If running VHF-Hi or UHF these would seem to be a better option these days. Even low band radios can be found with a little searching.

Besides all that the florescent display on 30 year old control heads are bound to fail at some point and parts would have to be scrounged to repair them.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Let's try a different tack on this, regardless of the vehicle choice why the X9000? There has to be more practical choices in radios these days. Unless it is low band (for which newer radios are hard to come by these days) even a Spectra or MCS2000 would be a better choice and, with careful picking, can use a similar control head.

X9000's back in the day (a LONG time ago!) were pretty cool but they have serious issues. First off is the programming. DOS only, with a wacky programming cable and having to use 2 (or 3 for trunking) different applications just to program it. One program was for the radio, another for the head and a third for trunking. What a nightmare that was!

A Spectra of slightly newer vintage at least allowed a single application (but still DOS) to program the head and radio and could use an easier connection to the radio that would not require disconnection of the main control cable in most instances. It could be had with 9000 series control heads if you want that big-un. An MCS2000 can still be found in 100 watt versions if that is an issue. XTL series might be even better and can be found at reasonable prices on VHF and UHF versions.

More recent Motorola radios would offer better specs and features, including narrow band. If running VHF-Hi or UHF these would seem to be a better option these days. Even low band radios can be found with a little searching.

Besides all that the florescent display on 30 year old control heads are bound to fail at some point and parts would have to be scrounged to repair them.

This one is so easy. Yes its a low band!

There is no modern low band radio equivalent to the Syntor X 9000.

I found a NOS control head with new VFD so there is that.

Syntor X apparently did not use the many crapola capacitors as Spectra. So they live on.

There is so little room in the cabin of new vehicles, what with all the extra buttons and mega latte holders that you still need a remote mount radio unless you want to take a chainsaw to an $80K vehicle and put a big Havis shield box between the seats.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

snip

Yeah, gimmicks.

Required by law, though. I find them handy, nice to make sure there isn't a kid behind my tall truck when backing up. But yeah, I learned to back up just using my mirrors. Haven't hit anything yet...

snip

The upper mirror is from a Ford E350 15 passenger van.
The bottom one from a typical vehicle.

Can you guess why backing up an E350 is easier than the "normal" vehicle?

Now there is a move afoot to eliminate mirrors entirely and use electronics.

Is it time to get rid of rear-view and side-view mirrors?

As technology advances and more cars come equipped with backup cameras, rear-view and side-view mirrors may become less common.

www.csmonitor.com

They must have read my mind.

"Consumers, on the other hand, may be less enthusiastic about the new technology. It's bound to drive up new-car prices, which are already too high for many people. And of course, relying on displays will require some behavior modification, like looking to the center stack rather than over shoulders to check blind spots."