For Programming Syntor, SyntorX, or MCX-100 Motorola Radio, check out the SprogII Link above. It has information on the Windows based PC Programming software.
For other Motorola radio programming, you will need the RIB (Radio Interface Board) Click on the RIB link above for information on how to get your own going.
These pages deal with programming and operation of various older Motorola Radios, so far these include the SyntorX, Syntor, MCX-100. These radios are easily obtained at ham swaps and of course on the internet. Prices range from a few bucks to several hundred depending on the condition, band, power output, etc. An inportant thing to always check for is cables and accessories. These can cost you as much as the radio if they are missing. For new radios, the RIB card (Radio Interface Board) is used to connect up a PC with the Radio for all programming. You will require specific radio software (RSS) for programming as well as a cable from the RIB card to the particular radio model. See RIB Card page for more information.
Future Projects
Currently I am kicking around 2 new projects, one is a synthesiser for older radios (PL as well), ie Mitrek's that are plenty and cheep! The Idea is to replace the entire channel element with a synthesiser and have a seperate control for the radio. This brings me to the second project, a universal control head that will work with Syntor/SyntorX/Mitrek/etc that has the ability to control most features of these radios. These are works in progress, so if you have any feedback send it! Road blocks currently are time, and a couple of technical problems, ie, for the synthesiser (Using DDS) not sure how to modulate the signal, as most channel elements use a xtal and a variactor diode to change the frequency, this is not possible with digital systhesisers. Looking at a circuit from the Amateur Handbook that does phase modulation and that might work. Just need the time to do it...
Programming
These radios all use PROMS to store the Mode information, a mode being a transmit, receive, PL/DPL, and scan type of infomation. The SyntorX uses a 2816 EEPROM in most version, the others use an older style Bi-Polar PROM that can only be burnt once (You can burn unused locations however). The SyntorX is usually the best choice if you do not have access to something that can burn the Bi-Polar Proms. They cost a bit more, but the option set usually makes them worth it, as they all come with PL/DPL, where this is not true of the older brother Syntor and MCX-100's. You will need software and a progammer to do any of the above radios. Motorola used the R1801 Suitcase programmer with software and an interface card for each type of prom/radio. It can be done much easier with a standard programmer and some software that is available (I have some, other sites listed as well).
And as you would expect I also have Programming Software for the SyntorX, Syntor, and MCX-100 Series radios. The software will do all ranges and bands of each model radio. Most all features are supported, including scaning, PL, DPL, Dual Front Ends, and other radio specific features. The program can be had in two versions, the HAM version and the Commercial version. The HAM version can only program frequencies in the HAM bands, all radios, just limited to the Amateur Radio frequencies. The commercial version will do all frequencies. Check the SPROGII (Sprog 2) link for more information and ofcourse the cost.
Prom Information
SyntorX
All 2816(A) 2Kx8 EEPROM
Syntor
Mode 82S129 256x4 (16 Modes Max)
Mode 82S131 512x4 (Up to 32 Modes)
PL 82S135 256x8
MCX-100
Mode 82S129 256x4 (16 Modes Max)
Mode 82S131 512x4 (Up to 32 Modes)
PL 82S129 256x4
Scan 82S129 256x4
Other compatible pin Proms can be used, just make sure that your programmer can handle them, especially the bipolar types. If you have additional infomation on tested PROM's please EMail me so I can add them to the list.
Sources for the proms
Jameco Electronics
1.800.831.4242
www.jameco.com
NOTE: If you order 82S131's from Jameco you will get Fujitsu MB7116's which program differently
JDR Electronics
1.800.538.5000
www.jdr.com
Brinkley Electronics - PROM Adapters for all of the above
www.brinkleyelectronics.com
Batlabs -Batwing Labratories More information then anyother site on most all types of Motorola Radios and Pagers
G1IVG Home Page - Motorola and other radios programming info, GM300, GP300, McMicro
Brinkley Electronics - Brinkley Electronics does programming and has PROM adapters for MCX, Syntor, and SyntorX radios
