Syntor X9000

The Syntor X9000 is a fancy Syntor, with some of the control features of a Spectra. Since it is RSS programmed, we will give it its own page.


General Information

To program the Syntor X9000, you need this cable, along with the proper RSS. You will also need a "T" connector to convert the plug on the drawer to a DB25. This could be a stand alone "T" connector, or you could use a Siren/PA Cable that has the "T" already built into the drawer connector.

Another, excellent, source of info for these radios can be found atMike's Syntor Page. Mike should have a model chart that will help, just click here to see it. If there is something you want to know about these radios, this is probably one of the best people to ask.

The Syntor X9000 radios were also able to be programmed with the Epson HX-20. See the Epson page for more information.

To use Syswatch II with the Syntor X9000E, you need to use a RIM (radio interface module), which is just about impossible to find.

If you want to use a PAC-RT with the Syntor X, check out this schematic.

In order to program a VRS in these radios, you need version 6.00 or higher of the radio and control head RSS. VRS is one of the options on the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION SCREEN where you select it and on the SYSTEM MENU SCREEN where you program it.

The YLN-4077 option board for a Syntor X9000 is a singletone encoder.

The HCN1063A and HCN1073A Systems 9000 control heads both use Surface Mount Device (SMD) integrated circuits (i.e. flat pack ICs). They also both use a soldered in SMD 8K EEPROM at U0005 (the ATMEL AT28C64-20J1 is the one we have encountered) and these have no jumpers or provisions for any different size EEPROM. The firmware for these control heads has been moved into a separate one-time programmable PROM chip that fits in a 32 pin PLCC socket at U0007 (the ATMEL AT27C256R-20J1). The firmware used to be inside the microprocessor at U1 on the older control heads. If you try using one of these newer heads with a Syntor X9000, it may or may not work, it depends on if it has Spectra firmware or Syntor X9000 firmware. In theory, you should be able to change the firmware from one to the other to make the head work in your application.

For more control head information, see this page.

For out of band hacks, check here for more information. It looks like you will need to get your hands on some hacked RSS in order to program the radio out of band. No one has been able to supply us with the modifications for the standard RSS, yet, to change the bandsplits.

The pinout of the DB25 on the HLN1196A (maybe also HLN1206) Auxilliary Switch Panel (wildcard box) is as follows:

   DB25 Pin		Description
	1     		A+ for lamp power
	2    		SW5 N.O.
	3    		SW5 Common
	4    		SW5 N.C.
	5    		SW7 N.O.
	6    		SW7 Common (Momentary)
	7    		SW7 N.C.
	8    		SW8 N.O.
	9    		SW8 Common (Momentary)
	10    		SW8 N.C.
	11    		SW3 N.O.
	12   		SW3 Common
	13    		SW3 N.C.
	14    		SW6 N.C.
	15    		SW6 Common
	16    		SW6 N.O.
	17    		Ground for lamps
	18    		SW4 Common
	19    		SW4 N.O.
            		Note: SW4 N.C. contact is not brought out to the connector
	20    		SW1 N.O.
	21    		SW1 Common
	22    		SW1 N.C.
	23    		SW2 N.C.
	24    		SW2 Common
	25   		SW2 N.O.

The service sheet for the Auxiliary Switch Panel is 68-80101w13. This is not a DEK, it is a series of 6 locking and 2 momentary single pole double throw switches rated at 1A @ 13.8 volts used for controlling low current devices, ie relays. The IC and transistors inside are used for lamp illumination only.


SP99 Option

Beware of the SP99 option, as in a T34KEJ7J04AKSP99.

When you open it up you will find it has no transmitter! If you look at the factory build decal on the lid of the radio, and it shows a single receive frequency (matching the one in the radio) with ???? as a transmit frequency.

Close inspection reveals that the mounting holes for the various transmitter assemblies in the radio have never had screws in them. The high current leads which would normally go to the PA are cut off flush at the capacitor.

You can program it up with 32 channels and it is a fully functional scanning receiver. :)

We can only assume that this thing was either used as a stand-alone receiver, or it was mated with another X9000 in some kind of weird dual radio setup for data or a monitor channel which couldn't be changed. The factory program was for a single channel.


Setting up Siren Options

The following will tell you how to wire the horn ring for the "manual" button and horn transfer on the siren.

In the control head programming program vip input #1 as horn ring. Program vip ouput #3 as horn transfer. Pin 4 of the vip plug on the back of the control head will be the horn ring which should go to terminal #87 of the relay. Pin 34 which is the horn transfer should go to pin 85 of the relay. Pin 35 of the vip plug should go to pin 86 of the relay. Pin 87a of the relay should go out to the vehicle horn (where you disconnect the following connection). Pin 30 of the relay should go to the vehicle horn switch (steering wheel switch, and it must be a ground signal to activate).

The drawer unit will need to be programmed for what you want it to do when it is activated. Choices are air horn, wail or yelp.


Systems 9000 Control Head Tricks

Received via email...

I bought a HCN1055B head off of Ebay and when it arrived I discovered it was a trunked head. I cannibalized the buttons and case from it thinking I would just pitch the boards, when I decided to try something.

When I tried to read the head with conventional head software, I got an "Unknown EEPROM Size" error message. Just for the hell of it, I pulled the EEPROM out of the head and noticed that it was a ceramic package instead of a plastic package. ALL of the 2K EEPROMS I've pulled out of conventional heads were plastic packages. So I'm wondering if this might be a 16K or some other strange size EEPROM.

So, I dropped a blank 8K EEPROM into the head and loaded it. It worked! I have a fully functional conventional head.

Next, I was trying to get a dual control head setup to work, and was dealing with HCN1033 heads with old firmware which would bomb on loading. Since in my application I don't care if the front and rear speakers change over, and since I don't care if either head has exclusive control over the radio, I just loaded both heads with the same single head load and hooked them up with the dual head T-cable.

Both heads work fine, both control the radio, and both track each other, each displaying what the other has called. I have not tried more than two heads, but I wouldn't be surprised if it worked too.

My application involves using an X9000 in a multiple position dispatch setup as a battery backed up control station. Several dispatchers may wish to access specific frequencies. While they can't all do different frequencies, any of them can call a channel from their individual heads.

As an extension of the multiple head-on-a-radio concept, I have an X9000 in one of our vehicles which also has a siren. It is irritating to have to trade-off functionality because of the limited button complement on the head, and I don't want to put DEKs on the radio.

So I programmed one head to control the scanning, TBSCN, MPL, DTMF, and DIR functions on the indicator buttons; and the direct mode selections on the keypad buttons for the 9 most important modes in the system; along with DTMF dialing. I programmed the other head to be exclusively an option control head.

The second head controls the siren, the PA, and the VRS. The second head's channel name list is empty, as is it's MPL name list, so it stays dark when the first head calls a channel or an MPL code, and conversely the first head is not programmed for any siren or option functions so it doesn't do anything when any of those options are called from the second head. The only time when both heads indicate the same thing is on a volume change.

Lastly, just because you have a 2K control head, it doesn't mean it won't control an 8K radio. The scanning functions and scan lists are in the radio, not the head; so if the radio scan lands on a channel above 32, the head just says "Mode 33" or whatever. The head will still take the radio to Mode 33 with the mode rocker, you just can't put in a mode name. Of course, you can't do any functions that require 8K like DEKS, VRS, or that stuff.


Converting a Syntor X-9000 from 32 to 64 channels

To change from 32 to 64 channels there are two chips that get changed, one is in the control head, and the other is in the radio. These chips are 2kx8 EEPROMS. You need to put in 8kx8 EEPROMS. Additionally a couple of jumpers need to be changed to reflect the new addressing. The jumper changes are in the manual if you have one. The newer control heads that use surface mount components do not need the EEPROM upgraded, it is already an 8kx8.


Dual Radio Option (HHCH)

The Syntor X9000 was available in a configuration (known as SP04) that allowed the control of 2 radio drawers with only one control head.

It involves using a Hand Held Control Head (HHCH) with a switch for R1/R2 (Radio1/Radio2). The part number of the head is YCN4018A.

There are some other parts that you will need. The part number for the cable from the head to the junction box is YKN4237A. The part number for the junction box is YLN1120A. The part number of the cable from the junction box to radio is YKN4238A. Now, if anyone has schematics of the above cables, please contact us. The service manual that covers all this is 68P07992D43-O. It has schematics on everything in the system except for the drawers and security housings, though it does have all the interconnect wiring diagrams.

Unfortunately there is a catch. You need SP (SP01) RSS that supports this option in order to program the control head as well as the master and slave radios. The SP01 RSS contains the "System Unit Interface" Programmer (for the control head) and D7.01.SP01 Radio Programmer (32/64 Channel Capable). You also need the HLN5027ASP04 firmware for the radios and the control head. Both of which are NLA from Motorola.

As a side note, there was also a SP06 option used by the Washington State Police. This option allowed the control of a Spectra and a Syntor X9000 from a single control head. It may use HLN5027ASP06 firmware, which is still available from Motorola. We do not know what RSS this setup would use or any other information about it. What we do know is that the Spectra is only used as an auxiliary receiver, not as a transceiver (this has been confirmed). So this combination is really a Syntor X9000 transceiver with a piggy-backed Spectra auxiliary receiver.

The difference in the firmware is the way that the control head addresses the drawer units. In a standard configuration the radio is known as group zero while in the dual radio configuration the master radio is group 1 and the slave radio is group 2.

The special firmware in the drawers is in the U501 EPROM chip. You can see where that chip is located by looking at the HLN5299B Personality Board layout (thanks Mike).

You use the exact same HLN5027ASP04 (the part number on the EPROM is probably 01-06710T70) EPROM in both radio drawers. You hook them up one at a time on the main control head cable for programming, with the dual radio RSS.


Dual Radio Option (Systems 9000)

Here is the rundown on the Syntor X9000 Dual radio setup with the Systems 9000 control head (Spectra A9 Type Head).The "special" equipment needed for this is:

Otherwise, the setup uses two speakers, one microphone and a standard drawer unit to control head cable. You still need to run a second speaker from the other radio because the setup does not combine the audio. This setup allows 64 channels on each radio.

As far as the YKN4214A cable goes, it closely resembles a Siren Cable (with the exception of pins 6 and 7) that went on a diet and lost some pins.

Control head - The button programming is the same between both the primary and secondary radios. For instance, on the top row, you cannot set it up for.DTMF, Scan, DVP etc on one, and then Call, Page, Scan for the secondary radio. It's the same for both radios. The control head is programmed with an "ALT" button to toggle between the two drawers units. Also, a good tip would be to add a second button that only the SP RSS supports, a "MUTE" function, which will mute the unselected speaker. MUTE is optional, but it very handy.

Everything function wise, is the same. When you press the "ALT" button to select the other radio, you control everything like you would if they were on single heads. Scanning is also selectable on a "by radio" basis. If you hit scan, it will only scan one radio, unless you select the other radio, and scan on the other one as well. The display names will still show the name of the channel that it is receiving on scan, even if both are scanning. We are not sure what priority is given to the names that are displayed. It seems random which one will display first.

As for adding a siren to this setup, program the primary radio for siren operation. Do not program the alternate radio for either siren or just PA operation. Program the control head with the appropriate siren buttons. The siren T-cable end should be hooked up on the primary radio with the siren cable closest to the drawer unit. The 1185A siren will not work with the set up. If you have an 1185B or later siren, remove the top cover and then the metal enclosure over the option board area. You will see an area with approximately 10 or so jumper locations. Only one of these jumpers with have posts coming up from the circuit board. It should be jumper #8. You must install a jumper on these posts for the dual radio set up to work properly. Everything should work then. The control head will operate the siren no matter if you are on the alternate or secondary radio.

To our knowledge, this will not work with the X9000E, or trunking radios. Band does not matter...you can have low band/800, vhf/uhf etc.

The RSS on the Motorola site is for the HHCH setup, and does not support all the radio features such as enhanced MDC calling/paging etc. It will support securenet, singletone, but no other options. In order to program this setup, you need the following RSS:

We've been told that the SP03 may work with the HHCH as well, but don't know for sure.

A really interesting table appeared in the Syntor X 9000 Error Codes pages. It is titled "Device Address Codes Single/Dual System":

Error Description
01 Radio (single system)
21 Primary Radio (dual system)
41 Secondary Radio (dual system)
05 SIU (single or dual system)
25 SIU (when error detected on primary radio)
45 SIU (when error detected on secondary radio)
08 Siren/PA (single system)
28 Siren /PA (dual system)
09 ASN (single system)
29 Primary Radio ASN (dual system)
49 Secondary Radio ASN (dual system)
0A MDC Repeater Access Option
0B MDC Repeater Access Option
14 Singletone Option (single system)
34 Singletone Option (primary radio - dual system)
54 Singletone Option (secondary radio - dual system)

The above are the first 2 digits of an error code (i.e. ERROR 01/90).


128 Mode Operation and Beyond

There is a 128 mode option for these radios. This option required a firmware change and some SP software (RSS). There is also supposedly a 256 mode option for this radio, which also required different firmware and RSS.

To program the radio with 128 channels, you need SP05 RSS. There is a version 4.00SP05 that programs both the radio and the control head with 128 mode images.

The changes are in mapping the locations of the SCAN list. Some people who have attempted to mod their radios for 128 channels have no scan above mode 64. This is a firmware problem that is corrected with the proper 128 mode firmware for the radio. The same applies to the 256 mode option... no scan above 128 (yeah, it SAYS it is scanning but it won't stop on a non-priority channel, just priority).

If someone has a copy of the 256 mode SP firmware, please email us!.


Syntor X9000 Error Codes

These codes come from the 68P80100W94-0 service manual, which covers VHF and UHF radios.

Display Shows Replace U500 Replace U501 Reprogram EEPROM/ Check J501/502 Action Taken
FAIL 01/81   X    
FAIL 01/82     X check jumpers if still fails after programming replace U502
FAIL 01/83   X X  
FAIL 01/84     X  
FAIL 01/85   X X  
FAIL 01/89 X      
FAIL 01/8A X X    
FAIL 01/8B X X X  
FAIL 08/8C X   X  
FAIL 01/8D X X X  
FAIL 01/90 SERIAL BUS FAILURE CHECK CABLE KIT AND SEE PERSONALITY CONTROL UNIT TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTS      
FAIL WX/90 OPTION #WX SERIAL BUS FAILURE SEE OPTION TROUBLE CHART      
ERROR WX/90 OPTION #WX SERIAL BUS ERROR, SEE OPTION TRBL CHART      
ERROR WX/YZ OPTION #WX ERROR SEE OPTION TROUBLE CHART      
#WX Code Option
08 Siren/PA
09 Securenet
0A MDC-600
0B MDC-600
0C MVS

The manuals for the X9000 are supplemental to the Syntor X manuals. The RF sections are the same, just different computers.

What follows are the fault codes for the Siren/PA.

Display Description Action to be taken
ERROR 06/01 HLN1184A RAM FAIL REPLACE U7
ERROR 06/02 HLN1184A ROM FAIL REPLACE U7
ERROR 06/03 HLN1184A RAM/ROM FAIL REPLACE U7
ERROR 08/01 HLN1185B RAM FAILURE REPLACE U7
ERROR 08/08 HLN1185B ROM FAILURE REPLACE U7
ERROR 08/09 HLN1185B RAM.ROM FAIL REPLACE U7
ERROR 08/10 HLN1185B BUS FAIL SEE SIREN ERROR TRBL CHART
FAIL 08/90 HLN1185B FATAL ERROR SEE SIREN ERROR TRBL CHART

The following error codes are from the 68P80102W05-0 manual:

Table 3. Radio Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
FAIL 01/81 Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502. If "FAIL" shows after program, replace U502.
FAIL 01/82 Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502. If "FAIL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/84 Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502. If "FAIL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/83 Replace U501. Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502.
FAIL 01/85 If "FAIL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/88 Replace U500.
FAIL 01/89 Replace U500 and U501.
FAIL 01/8A Replace U500. Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502.
FAIL 01/8C If "FAIL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/8B Replace U500 and U501. Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502. If "FAIL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/8D Replace U500 and U501. Reprogram EEPROM or check J501/502. If "FIAL" shows after reprogram, replace U502.
FAIL 01/90 (BUS Fail) Check cable kits. See Personality and Control Unit troubleshooting charts.

Table 4. Control Unit Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
FAIL 05/82 Control Unit EEPROM corrupted. See Control Unit troubleshooting in this manual.
FAIL 05/84 Control Unit EEPROM blank. See Control Unit troubleshooting in this manual
FAIL 05/90 Control Unit serial bus failure. See Control Unit troubleshooting in this manual

Table 5. SECURENET-Capable Radio Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
FAIL 09/90
ERROR 09/10
Option serial bus failure. See appropriate SECURENET Instruction manual.

Table 6. Trunking System Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
FAIL 10/82
ERROR 10/02
Option EEPROM corrupted. See the Trunking troubleshooting chart in this manual.
FAIL 10/84 Option EEPROM blank. See the Trunking troubleshooting chart in this manual.
FAIL 10/10 Option serial bus failure. See the Trunking tourbleshooting chart in this manual.

Table 7. Siren/PA Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
ERROR 08/10 Option serial bus failure. See the Systems 9000 Siren/PA option instruction manual.

Table 8. MDC-600 PTT ID or MVS Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
ERROR 0D/10 Option serial bus failure. See the appropriate option instruction manual.

Table 9. MDC-600 Full-Feature Trouble Shooting Display COdes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
ERROR 0A/10
ERROR 0B/10
Option serial bus failure. See the MDC-600 Full-Feature option instruction manual.

Table 10. MDC-1200 Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
FAIL 0A/82 Option EEPROM corrupted. See the MDC-1200 Signalling option instruction manual.
FAIL 0A/84 Option EEPROM blank. See the MDC-1200 Signalling option instruction manual.
ERROR 0A/10 Option serial bus failure. See the MDC-1200 Signalling option instruction manual.

Table 11. DTMF Troubleshooting Display Codes
DISPLAY SHOWS DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
ERROR 0E/10 Option serial bus failure. See the DTMF Option instruction manual.
ERROR 0E/02 Option EEPROM failure. See the DTMF Option manual.

Miscellaneous Error Codes

We have also found out that error/failure codes starting with "12/xx" are for the VRS. Also, a fail code of 0F/10 for the DTMF option is listed in the troubleshooting flow chart. The DTMF can get an "ERROR 0E/10", an "ERROR 0E/02 or a "FAIL 0F/10" according to the 6880101W21-O manual.


Syntor X9000 Option Codes

Option Number Description Option Number Description
W12 VHF Pre-amp W470 Emergency footswitch
W20 Telephone Interconnect W496 10' Negative Ground
W70 Omit Antenna, UHF W496 10' Negative Ground, SECURENET
W71 Omit Microphone W589 Public Address
W87 Omit Speaker W591 Auxilliary Switch Panel
W90 Omit Accessories W674 Security Housing Cable
W101 22' Negative Ground Cable W688 Emergency pushbutton, hidden
W109 Handset with hang-up W709 25 systems/8 subfleet/32 modes
W116 External Alarms W793 SECURENET, DVI-XL encryption
W123 Antenna, 3.5 dB gain W795 SECURENET, DES-XL encryption
W124 Antenna, 5dB gain W797 SECURENET, DVP-XL encryption
W125 External option housing W814 MDC-1200 PTT ID/Emergency
W239 Noise cancelling microphone W820 Unlimited Private Call/Call Alert
W268 SECURENET code storage battery (secure-capable only) W821 Wide area coverage, AMSS
W269 Siren/Public Address W822 Dynamic regrouping
W304 SECURENET proper code detect W826 Omit Emergency Alarm/Call
W305 16 system/8 subfleet/64 modes W829 8 systems/16 subfleets/64 modes
W306 15 system/16 subfleet/8 modes W838 Spare DVP-XL encryption
W354 Trunked DEK (8) W839 Spare DES-XL encryption
W355 Trunked and MDC-1200 DEK (8) W840 Spare DVI-XL encryption
W370 MDC-1200 DEK (8) W930 64 Mode Operation
W373 Trunked DEK (16) W941 MDC-1200 DEK (16)
W374 Trunked and MDC-1200 DEK (16) W946 Conventional phone/DTMF
W391 SECURENET with Physical Security (secure-capable only) W995 Zone/Mode control unit
W412 MDC-1200 Selective Call W996 System/Subfleet control unit

Syntor X9000 Button Part Numbers

These part numbers are for standard Systems 9000 Control Head buttons shipped on units after June 1987. Selected buttons have bold graphics compared to prior to June 1987 Buttons.

Function Buttons

Part Number Legend Description
3880043M01 Blank
3880043M02 MPL
3880043M03 Scan
3880043M05 PA
3880043M06 Sirn
3880043M07 Wail
3880043M08 Hi-Lo
3880043M09 Man
3880043M10 H/L
3880043M11 Sts
3880043M12 Call
3880043M13 Msg
3880043M14 Rcl
3880043M16 ExRd
3880043M17 Del
3880043M18 Sel
3880043M20 DTMF
3880043M21 Yelp
3880043M22 MVS
3880043M26 Emer
3880043M27 Ext
3880043M28 F/R
3880043M29 Alt
3880043M31 Sql
3880043M35 Pvt
3880043M36 Site
3880043M39 Home
3880043M40 Menu
3880043M41 Rpgm
3880043M42 Step
3880043M44 Phon
3880043M45 Dir
3880043M49 O
3880043M50 L/S
3880043M51 S/S
3880043M52 Emer
3880043M58 AirHn
3880043M61 Srch
3880043M62 Lock
3880043M63 Page

Mode and Volume Rocker Buttons

Part Number Legend Description
3880091J07 SYS Bold Graphics
3880091J06 SUB Bold Graphics
3880091J05 Zone Std Graphics
3880091J04 Vol Bold Graphics
3880091J03 Mode Bold Graphics
3880091J02 Volume Std Graphics
3880091J01 Mode Std Graphics

Direct Entry Keyboard Buttons

Part Number Legend Description
3880156L01 Blank
3880156L02 MSG 1
3880156L03 MSG 2
3880156L04 MSG 3
3880156L05 MSG 4
3880156L06 MSG 5
3880156L07 MSG 6
3880156L08 MSG 7
3880156L09 MSG 8
3880156L18 STS 1
3880156L19 STS 2
3880156L20 STS 3
3880156L21 STS 4
3880156L22 STS 5
3880156L23 STS 6
3880156L24 STS 7
3880156L25 STS 8
3880156L34 Siren
3880156L35 PA
3880156L36 Yelp
3880156L37 Wail
3880156L38 Hi-Lo
3880156L39 Man
3880156L40 ExRd
3880156L41 ArHn

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