Need Education

[W4JLR]

I am needing to be educated on the differences between a Syntor X9000 vs. a Spectra (I notice in some situations they look almost alike) , Mainly I need to know.

Which technology is older?
Which is better?
Do they Both do Narrow banding? IE 12.5k?
What kind of mods can be done to them, (IE I hear the Scan list on the X9000 Can be made to as many modes as are in the radio)
Can they both be programmed VIA Software RIB and RSS, or do I have to get into a EEPROM stuff?

Thanks
KG4DGN

 

[Astro25]

The Spectra is newer technology (although both are discontinued).

The Astro Spectra will do narrowband, I forget if the analog Spectras will or won't, but the Astros do.

 

[n2hbx]

Syntor vs. Spectra

Analog Spectras won't do narrowband, either. Nor can 800 MHz versions be rebanded.

Syntors and remote mount Spectras can use similar appearing control heads (the "A9", large rectangular head) depending on the model, and the 110 watt Spectras are a drawer unit like the Syntor, but smaller. Spectras can also use a smaller rectangular head (looks like a regular dash mount front panel with a remote cable attached).

Spectras are programmed with the RSS/RIB configuration. The Syntors required the 1801 "Suitcase" programmer with the right software and adapter socket for the EPROM. These things are scarcer than the proverbial hen's teeth, even among Motorola shops.

Spectra over Syntor...easy choice.

Larry

 

[W4JLR]

thanks for all the excellent feedback so far.
Sound like the Syntor Should be avoided

 

[zz0468]

The Syntors required the 1801 "Suitcase" programmer with the right software and adapter socket for the EPROM. These things are scarcer than the proverbial hen's teeth, even among Motorola shops.

Spectra over Syntor...easy choice.

Larry

The Syntor X9000 was programmed with a RIB and RSS.

The one notable exception to where a Syntor is prefered is low band. First, because there never was a low band Spectra. But second, the Syntor X and X9000 would cover BOTH the 10 meter and 6 meter bands with NO mods to the radio.

There is a company called Piexx that sells after market upgrades that will allow easy programming for Syntors and Syntor X's. They are exceptionally nice performing radios, probably better than the Spectras, and with the Piexx modules, the programming hassles are gone.

 

[n2hbx]

Syntor

The Syntor X9000 was programmed with a RIB and RSS.

You are correct...I misspoke. Syntors and Syntor X radios need the 1801. The X9000 radios do, in fact, use RSS/RIB recipie.

I still prefer the Spectra, however.

Larry

 

[Mr_Observer]

The Syntor X9000 was programmed with a RIB and RSS.

The one notable exception to where a Syntor is prefered is low band. First, because there never was a low band Spectra. But second, the Syntor X and X9000 would cover BOTH the 10 meter and 6 meter bands with NO mods to the radio.

There is a company called Piexx that sells after market upgrades that will allow easy programming for Syntors and Syntor X's. They are exceptionally nice performing radios, probably better than the Spectras, and with the Piexx modules, the programming hassles are gone.

I just looked up Piexx and i must say, I'm impressed! Those memory modules are pretty nifty.

 

[zz0468]

I just looked up Piexx and i must say, I'm impressed! Those memory modules are pretty nifty.

Yes, they are. And, although I don't have any myself, I know a couple of guys who do, and they're happy with them.