Batboard

In attempting to program a new Systems 9000 control head HCN 1033 A, I got the error messages, " UNRECOGNIZED CONTROL HEAD DATA " with a suggestion to check for missing control head buttons, then pressed F2 and got " CONTROL HEAD CHECK SUM ERROR ".

Same problem with several different units of same model # and codeplugs.

I'm programming the head to several T35 C9 Spectra radios all of which get along well with several of the Sys 9000 model version heads. This is the first such problem in along line of these heads.

It was sold as a new head and it is pristine, but when powered up it already had some mode names in memory. I've never had a brand new one so these may be set at the factory.

Is it the "A" suffix that's a problem or have I overlooked a larger error?

Well, the 1033 series is a conventional Syntor X9000 head, and "A" an early one at that, and they don't work with a Spectra (if I recall correctly. )That's why your software is objecting to it. This head only has 32 channel firmware, among other things, and may not be capable of upgrading.

It may be possible to convert it to a Spectra head but I've never tried it.

The Systems 9000 heads all look alike but there are differences and they do not all interchange. I think you would want a 1073 series head, which will run either a Spectra or an X9000, and there are some other higher- numbered heads which will run either radio.

I believe that you're absolutely correct. I must have one of those old leaking capacitors in my brain.

Every time I tried to program the radio, it would run for 1/4 of the blocks then the head would cut off, go back to "Self Check" and the process would just stop.

It's my own dumb fault, the seller did not misrepresent the head. It's a bummer since it's got such a nice display and all the back lighting is nice and bright.

Thanks for the info.

If its in that nice of a condition post it for sale, the X9000's horders on here will want it.. lol

1033 is a X9000 head, thats for sure. As for channel capacity, it's a DIP version head, just pop in a new 28C64B from Mouser for $4 and its a 64-256 channel head. Do it all the time here.

The only problems i have seen with the earlier revision is C6 going dead, and there is some fitment problems putting a new face on it if you have an A revision head and wanted to refurbish it. The new SMD front plastic has an extra screw location molded in just below and to the left of the DIM button that needs to be trimmed down to make room for a diode on the older revision display boards.

Good idea.

I'll put this in the For Sale forum. I'd prefer to sell it here where members know what it is ( unlike me ) and there won't be any confusion.

In addition to the sharp, clear VFD, I really liked having good bright back lighting for night use. It looks like the lighting is SMD and I don't know how I would replace them on some older heads.

Thanks again.

All of the heads i have worked on the backlighting was small LED's, not surface mount, but a small through hole package. If you took one apart you would see what i mean.

I have replaced them with other small LED's to repair or change the color. Sounds trivial, but i had guys that wanted them red or blue to match the vehicles interior indicator lighting, etc.

Those VFD's don't last long though if you always run them on the highest brightness setting, just like any vacuum tube they get dim with age.