Motorola Syntor

[DAR]

Hello all,
I have recently bought a Motorola Syntor (T83SRA3200BK) thats in nice shape. I don't know much about the Syntor line of radios,let alone the first model offering. I quess my question is how good of a radio was the original Syntor model. Its in nice shape and complete. I have someone available for the conversion and
programming just wondering if the radio is worth it?
Thanh you, Dave

[Bill_G]

I'm still maintaining a fleet of about 1000 T34SRA Syntors from 1984 and earlier if that is any indication of how robust they are. They are super radios until they break, and then you can't get any parts for them. And you'll have trouble finding someone able to burn new proms for you. Other than that, they're great. Hopefully, you did not invest very much.

[Mike B]

Dar,

Check out the Conventional Syntor page here:
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/

You can build your own PROM replacement boards:
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/syntor/index.html#seprom
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/syntor/eprom.html

At least it upgrades the original factory one time only programmable PROM to a UV erasable and reprogrammable EPROM. You could also build one for an electrically erasable reprogrammable EEPROM. People have even used larger EPROMs programmed for and wired to digital thumb wheel switches for crude frequency agile radios.

If you want it done for you, look at Brinkley Electronics:
http://www.brinkleyelectronics.com/prog ... ab/sab.htm
or Ries Labs:
http://www.rieslabs.com/SyntorFreqPromAdapter.htm
http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/links.html#top_links

The optional VHF Rx preamp is a plug in board that is useful if you already have it or can find one.

http://www.onfreq.com/syntorx/#modesc

As for if they are worth it, it depends on what you need them to do for you. They are not very flexible and they lack features built into more modern radios, but they are solid radios if they fit the type of use you want to put them to. I built a nice repeater out of a pair of them.

Bill_G, Wow over 1000 still in use at your place. Amazing! I wish I had met you when I used to live in Salem OR.

[DAR]

Bill_G
Thank you for the info.
Dave

[Bill_G]

Bill_G, Wow over 1000 still in use at your place. Amazing! I wish I had met you when I used to live in Salem OR.

Good info Mike. Thanks. I have to wring two more years out of them, and about 250 D44KMA Spectras, and then they will go to the state auction after the new Tait 700M system is built. And beauties they are indeed. I may have to take a 12 step program to remove them from my being.

[ke4zdg]

I just picked up an Epson HX-20 with the programming adapter and tapes. Anybody needs programming, let me know. Kinda itching to try it out, but I don't have any Syntors.

Came w/ 32 and 64 mode Syntor tapes, as well as Mostar tapes.