Batboard

Hi Folks:
I would appreciate input on choosing a VHF (trunk mount) unit. I have been researching the Syntor X, the Spectra and the Astro Spectra in the 110watt version. Are there any other models I should be considering? I need something that will cover 2 meters up to about 158mhz or so---anything else I should consider?

bill in las cruces

Probably would come down to the question of whether or not you need, or
might ever need, P25/digital capability in your area. If not the choices are many
and varied. If you do then you'll have to go for an Astro Spectra or XTL.
Watch out for used/old Spectras, though. They all have or will have leaky
capacitors that must be changed out. Also, remember that you can do about as
much with 50 watts and a 3db gain antenna as you can with 100 watts and
a quarter-wave, except for having different radiation angles off the antenna.

f

As Tom said, if you don't need to do any digital modes (P25) you have a lot more to choose from. If you are looking for one to do digital the Astro Spectra would probably be my choice. In fact I still have a stack of 100 watt VHF drawers that are all IMBE. PM me if you are seriously looking for one.

No, digital is not necessary or desired.

bill in las cruces

Since you said you do not need Digital, then I highly recommend the CDM Series (more so the CDM 1550). If you want a feature rich radio that can do more features then you can shake a stick at, a Motorola CDM1550 is for you. If you don't want that many bell's and whistles, then I recommend the CDM1250. They are great radios, are new/currently being produced from Motorola, and get the job done. I have the UHF version of the CDM1550 set up in my truck, and absolutely LOVE it (and that's from coming from using a Spectra for years).
So, again my vote:
CDM1550 or
CDM1250

i'd go with a cdm1550 also, it's still in production and supported. all of the other radios you mentioned are great radios but they are getting old. how much are you looking to spend and how many channels do you need?

K5ILF wrote:Hi Folks:
I would appreciate input on choosing a VHF (trunk mount) unit. I have been researching the Syntor X...

Well, if you're like me and are just going to use it for what I think you are down there, the SyntorX will work just fine for you. You can't beat the prices, they're cheap to acquire but pretty basic with no frills. They're a strong performer and are built to last forever. Yeah, they're old tech already, but far from useless.

I'm currently using two of them mobile, for about three years now, here in Albuquerque. They work great in this environment. I have another 110 watt drawer and mounting plate that I'm gathering control head and cable for then it goes in service too.

By the way, have you heard Carl (K5DI) down there lately?

Syntorx 9000's are great radios, you can scan more channels than the spectras, (Keep that in mind if you want to listen to multiple channels). The 9000's also require a slow 486/386 puter to program as well. I would look for the preamp receive option on either the Spectras or Syntorx 9000. It makes a world of difference.

Syntor X9000....I second that for a inexpensive old school radio.

I used a pair of these for many years and they never had one single issue. I know where both of them are now still operating, still never one issue. I great radio and they can eb had fairly cheaply these days. They are big and bulky compared to most of what is out there today, but still good radios.

Another no longer in production radio is the MCS2000. It is a much smaller footprint and still a excellent performer.

Don't forget the Maratrac. 99 channels with an A7 head, and a HOT receiver. VHF highband version is spec'd for 146-174, but it'll do 144-146 with no issues. They're old and out of production, but cheap and plentiful on eBay.

2nd on the Maratrac. KickA$$ radio. I'd still be running one if it werent for the new NB 12.5kc channels, splinter channels, etc