- SYNTOR X 9000 CONTROL HEADS
		- Systems 9000 Control Heads
			- HCN1032 Parts Layout
			- Programming Troubleshooting Steps
		- Using Spectra RSS to Reset a Control Head
		- HCN1047 Trunking to Conventional Control Head Conversion
		- Conventional Syntor X 9000 Control Heads
		- Additional Control Head Information
		- Systems 9000 Control Head Information and Cross Reference
		- Looking for Control Head Information
		- Spectra Control Head Information
		- Control Head Keys
		- Basic Control Head Troubleshooting
		- Fail 01/90
	- Syntor X 9000 Home
	- HOME

Systems 9000 control heads:

First I have an alert message. One of the web site readers got a HCN1033 and a HCN1071 control head that were actually HCN1032 control heads. The control head back plastic with the part number was changed out. Based on who he got the bogus control heads from, he believes they were innocently passed on to him via a resale of the items. The HCN1032 control head is not compatible with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios and only works with these trunking radios. If you buy or resell Systems 9000 control heads you may want to check them, especially if you resell them without testing them first. Here is a parts layout of the HLN4896 control board used by the HCN1032. As far as conventional Syntor X 9000 use is concerned, the U6 volume control chip highlighted in the parts layout is the kiss of death. If you remove the control head housing screws from the rear, open the plastic case halves, then you can easily see the solder side of the control board with the 16 solder pads from the DIP U6 chip (in fact you probably hope you do not see these solder pads). If you see the 16 solder pads from the U6 pins or are not sure, you can remove the back plastic from the control PC board and verify it. Another probable HCN1032 indication is if you try out the control head and get an error code starting with 3 (for example: 03/1C). Ironically, all of the photographs I have ever seen in all the conventional Syntor X 9000 manuals that show the inside of the control heads, are photos of an HCN1032 control head (you can see the telltale solder pads from the 16 U6 pins).

Unfortunately I have another alert. This fake model number problem has also occurred with the HCN1062 control head having the wrong model number on its back housing. If the chip located on the control head control circuit board at U0005 has 28C16 in its part number, or if the control circuit board or display board has a HLN5461 part number tag then it is an HCN1062 control head. This control head works, but is limited to a 2k EEPROM. An experiment is in process to see if the HCN1062 control head will accept the 8k EEPROM chip or not. Even if it will work with a 28C64 replacement 8k EEPROM, it still requires specialized surface mount soldering skills/equipment to change the chip.

Check out the Systems 9000 page for more information about the Systems 9000 label found on the control head.

As explained on the Systems 9000 page, the control head is one of the radio system components which uses the Systems 9000 serial data bus. As in the case of the HCN1032 control head, the Systems 9000 label does not mean the control head will work with a conventional Syntor X 9000. It does get a little confusing, because even though the conventional Syntor X 9000, trunking Syntor X 9000E, Spectra, Spectra II and Astro Spectra mobile radios all use the Systems 9000 serial data bus, it does not mean the same control head will work on all these different radios. Many models of these Systems 9000 control heads need some changes to work with the conventional Syntor X 9000. The HCN1033 and HCN1041 are the only two control heads that should always work with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios. This is because they are so "old", they can only be programmed correctly with conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS. So, these two models do not cause problems for the conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS, because they usually have not ever been programmed on any other model/type of radio. Other "newer" control heads also work, but might have programming problems that need correcting, if they have been programmed on different models/types of radios, are in a trunking or a zone configuration.

The main concern with Systems 9000 control heads is getting one that works with your conventional Syntor X 9000 radio. Most of the Systems 9000 control heads look the same externally (some have 2 rocker switches and others have 3 rocker switches). After you separate the ones with different numbers of rocker switches, the internal difference is the real issue. The type of construction, either DIP or SMD, is the first major internal difference. Some control heads indicate they are for Trunking radios by the labels on the keys and some Trunking control heads do not. Some control heads with different model numbers are really variations on another control head with the only change being the firmware (firmware is the program the control head's microprocessor runs) or the front plastic. This page is not complete yet so if you want to contribute information please contact me. Hopefully the information here will help you find the correct control head or help you modify an existing control head to meet your needs.

Systems 9000 control heads have two types of non-volatile memory, one type is the PROM where the radio's firmware is located and the other type is the EEPROM where the RSS stores the code plug.

• The control head microprocessor uses the firmware as its actual program. The firmware can not be RSS reprogrammed because it is on a one-time programmable only PROM.
• The EEPROM is used to hold the RSS programming information (i.e. the code plug). This memory can be reprogrammed by the RSS.

The firmware program determines how the control head behaves, to some extent what radios it will work with and what RSS it will program with. A benefit of the one-time programmable PROM firmware is that it can not be corrupted by an interruption or failure during an RSS radio write or RSS control head write operation. The Syntor X 9000 radio and control head both have PROM or EPROM firmware, so they are immune to firmware meltdowns from RSS problems. Some other later model Motorola radios that came after the Syntor X 9000 radios apparently do have a firmware meltdown problem that can turn the radio into an expensive doorstop in the blink of an eye, if abnormal problems occur during the RSS write operation. See, older radios like the Syntor X 9000 are not that bad after all :-).

• The older control heads built with DIP ICs have their firmware built into the microprocessor itself. These microprocessors were specially built (i.e. factory programed) and are no longer made. This means if one of these control heads does not work with or program with your Syntor X 9000 radio, your only chance of getting it to work may be to replace the U1 microprocessor which is NLA (try replacing or erasing the U2 EEPROM memory first, to make sure your problem is really with the U1 firmware).
• The control heads that use SMD ICs have their firmware on a separate 27C256R-20J1 32 pin PLCC socketed chip instead of the microprocessor. If necessary, these U0007 firmware chips can be replaced with chips programmed for the Syntor X 9000. Be aware that 99 percent of the time the firmware works with a Syntor X 9000 and the only problem is with the data already programmed into the EEPROM (the SMD U0005 EEPROM is soldered onto the board so it is not easily replaceable).

The size of the EEPROM determines how many modes can be programmed into the Syntor X 9000 control head. If you have a DIP construction control head it can come with either a 24 pin 2k EEPROM or a 28 pin 8k EEPROM. The DIP 2k EEPROMs can be upgraded to 8k EEPROMs. If you have a SMD construction HCN1062 control head it is permanently a 2k EEPROM control head. Any other SMD construction control head is permanently an 8k EEPROM. The 2k EEPROM control head can only have up to 32 modes programmed. The 8k EEPROM control head can have up to 210 modes programmed. Some options such as the Vehicle Repeater System (VRS) or MDC-1200 require the 8k EEPROM control head (the radio also requires an 8k or EEPROM).

A new replacement control head from Motorola usually comes with a blank EEPROM (i.e. never been programmed). Once the control head is programmed it will be initialized as trunking or conventional depending on how it was programmed. Once a control head is programmed as trunking, the Syntor X 9000 RSS will not program it. Even worse, the conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS will report bogus problems like "Serial Bus Failure" or "Unable to Determine EEPROM Size" on the computer screen. It may also go through the motions, appear to program, then immediately fail with a verify error at the beginning of the verify cycle. In fact the trunking control head was never programmed at all and the RSS never bothered to tell us it will not program a trunking control head. The problem with these bogus error reports is the control head may have a real problem causing a legitimate error report and we have no way to tell which is which. You will notice that nothing has been mentioned about the firmware, this is just a problem with the type of information stored on the EEPROM.

• If you are experiencing the kind of problems described above keep in mind that if your RSS computer is too fast it can also cause some of these problems.
• If you have a control head with DIP construction there are some simple solutions.
  • First you can remove the U2 EEPROM and replace it with a brand new one that was never programmed. When you power it back on you will get an error on the control head display because there is no program in the EEPROM. Just have it programmed with conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS and it should work.
  • Second you can remove the U2 EEPROM, erase it on a EEPROM programmer, then replace it. It will act just like a brand new chip does.
  • Third you can remove the U2 EEPROM, place it in a Syntor X 9000 radio at U502, make sure JU501 and JU502 is set to JU501 for the 24 pin 2k EEPROM or JU502 for the 28 pin 8k EEPROM. Then program the radio with conventional Syntor X 9000 radio RSS. When you remove the chip it is not really erased, but it can now be put inside the control head at U2 and programmed with conventional Syntor X 9000 control head RSS.
• If you have a control head with SMD construction the options are more limited. This is because the EEPROM is a surface mount chip that is soldered in place. Unless you have the right soldering equipment and experience you do not even want to think about replacing it..
  • If you have a Spectra radio with a saved A9 code plug, put the control head on the Spectra radio and program it with the A9 code plug. The control head will now program with Syntor X 9000 control head RSS.
  • I have been told you can reinitialize the control head if you have access to Spectra Lab RSS.
  • You could "gulp" pay a shop to replace the SMD EEPROM chip with a brand new one.

It all boils down to this, a control head that has been programmed as a trunking control head will not program with conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS until you somehow remove the trunking programming from the EEPROM. Just to make things harder, the Syntor X 9000 conventional RSS will throw misleading error messages at you.

Systems 9000 control heads have gone through an evolutionary development. Not all Systems 9000 control heads are "out of the box" compatible with Syntor X 9000 radios. Some control heads are dedicated for trunking radios (see below) and others do not have Syntor X 9000 compatible firmware. Many of the dedicated trunking control heads can be converted into convention compatible control heads. It is best if you obtain the correct control head with your radio, however, in the real world this is not always an option. Be careful, sometimes control heads that do not even work with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios are just thrown in with them when the radios are sold (i.e. the HCN1032 as an example of this).

• Most conventional capable control heads will have the buttons on the bottom row of the control head as shown in the Conventional Capable example below. If you see 3 rocker controls on the bottom left row of the control head or keys like "Fleet" rocker, "Subfleet" rocker, "Zone" rocker, "V/A" rocker, "S/S" key, "Send" key or "Clr" key you have a Trunking, MCT-3600 or MCT-4800 control head.The HCN1047A is an example of a trunking control head with 3 rocker switches.

Conventional Capable Control Head - bottom row key layout example
Mode	Vol		Sel	Home		Rcl	Sql	Del

Trunking Control Head - bottom row key layout example
Sys	Sub	Vol		Rcl	Sql	Del

Trunking Control Head - bottom row key layout example
Mode	Vol		Menu	Step		Sel	L/S	Del

• In the above examples "Mode", "Vol", "Sys" and "Sub" are rocker keys. Rocker keys are much wider than the other keys and are operated by pressing one end or the other end, not the middle.
• Conventional capable means just that. There are trunking control heads with bottom row key layouts just like the convectional example. As already pointed out above, there are conventional layout control heads that do not work as is with the Syntor X 9000 and some that do. The key to using the conventional capable example it to recognize that control heads with different key layouts might work, but really need to have the key layout converted to conventional and any trunking programming removed from the EEPROM.
• There are several variations of trunking control head layouts, but only one conventional capable layout. With some trunking control heads it is possible to replace the firmware, change the keys and remove the trunking programming to make it into a conventional control head. For the most part an SMD style control head will be required for firmware changes, unless you have access to a supply of DIP control head U1 microprocessors with conventional Syntor X 9000 compatible firmware. In reality you will hardly ever need to change the firmware.
• Conventional Spectra radios that are Zone capable can use a Zone control head that has 3 rockers like the trunking example above (Mode, Vol and Zone labels instead). There are no conventional Syntor X 9000 Zone capable radios.
• For specific control head details, check out the Systems 9000 Control Head Information Cross Reference below.
• Remember, DIP construction control head are easy to covert from trunking to conventional because the EEPROM is easy to change or erase. SMD control heads are not as easy to convert.

When you receive a used control head remember to check its internal jumpers. Also look for cut PC board traces and added wires, especially around the solder side of the cable connector. Some control heads have been jumpered or modified for special options (even aftermarket non-Motorola options). If your radio and accessories have been modified and are configured for special options, make sure not to change anything these options need to operate. Other times you will get a control head that was separated from a radio with special options and it may not work correctly with your radio until you reconfigure it as a standard head. If there is a "Kit" number on the back of the control head then it will have jumper changes or PC board modifications unless someone has already reconfigured it back to standard.

If you have a control head that was initialized as a trunking control head, a DIP construction control head will be the easiest one to convert to conventional use. If you have a control head with a firmware problem, a SMD control head will be the easiest one to convert. Keep in mind a firmware problem on a DIP microprocessor requires a replacement microprocessor with the correct firmware. Unfortunately Motorola has muddied the water quite a bit. Problems caused by 1) IBM compatible computer being too fast, 2) trunking programming in the control head EEPROM and 3) control head firmware that does not support conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS, can all mimic each other (i.e. error reports and behavior can be identical).

• When your control head will not program, these steps may help:
  • Remember to use anti-static precautions when handling boards or chips.
  • First check out this information for any problems.
  • Check and make sure it is not an HCN1032 control head. If your control head parts layout matches this outline then you have a HCN1032 control head. These are not really convertible to conventional, but they are good as parts for conventional control heads (except for U1, U6 and their printed circuit board).
  • Check the control head control circuit board (this is the board with the control head cable connector on it) for cut traces, jumper wires or unusual jumper configurations.
  • If it is a DIP construction control head replace the U2 EEPROM with a new one or erase the data on the existing EEPROM. If another used EEPROM is used as a replacement, erase it first. An EEPROM programmer is required to erase the EEPROM chips or this trick may be used. Pull the EEPROM from control head and place it a Syntor X 9000 radio that is jumpered for that size EEPROM. Use the RSS to program it with a conventional code plug. Then remove it from the radio, replace it back in the control head and use the RSS to program the control head. Spectra Lab RSS can also be used to reinitialize the DIP control head EEPROMs to conventional operation without even opening the control head housing. Regular Spectra RSS and a stored Spectra conventional A9 code plug can also be used to wipe out the trunking information. Then the control head can then be moved back to a conventional Syntor X 9000 and programmed with its RSS.
  • If it is an SMD construction control head erasing the U0005 EEPROM will be really difficult unless you have access to a Spectra radio and Spectra Lab RSS or regular Spectra RSS with a stored A9 code plug. As above you program the control head with the stored A9 code plug via regular Spectra RSS. Then put the control head on a conventional Syntor X 9000 and program it with Syntor X 9000 RSS. Apparently, Spectra RSS will write to a trunking control head using a conventional code plug and remove the offending trunking bits that the Syntor X 9000 RSS can not deal with.
  • Bruce Lane (http://www.bluefeathertech.com) has a new method of clearing the U0005 EEPROM trunking information from the SMD type control head.
    Note, pulling the U0007 PLCC PROM and powering the head out of its housing can be tricky. The potential for damage to the head is fairly high if you don't know what you're doing.
    PREREQUISITES:
    (1) The control head in question must be a Syntor X 9000 / Syntor X 9000E / Spectra SMD type Systems 9000 control head with a PLCC SOCKETED firmware U0007 PROM chip.
    HOW-TO:
    (1) Open up the head, remove the circuit board with the Systems 9000 radio cable connector from the housing and pull the top shield off the microprocessor section. With some heads, you may need to desolder the top shield.
    (2) Using a PLCC extraction tool, or an angled dental pick down the designated extraction slots in the PLCC socket, CAREFULLY extract the firmware chip from its socket. DO NOT USE A SCREWDRIVER OF ANY KIND! You will break the socket corners if you do. Also be very careful with the PC board traces under the U0007 PROM socket as sharp tool edges can easily cut these traces. The edge of the shield may get in the way of a PLCC extraction tool. This can usually be overcome as using the PLCC extraction tool presents the least chance of damaging anything. Note the beveled pin 1 chip corner.
    (3) Connect the control head to a working radio setup and, while keeping the boards separated, flip on the power for about ten seconds and then power off again. During this time, the head will display some gibberish and the display may flicker.
    (4) Reinstall the firmware chip (use the original pin 1 orientation), put the head back together, connect it to your desired radio setup, and power up. It will likely display at least 'FAIL 05/82,' possibly some other errors if the radio programming is goofy.
    (5) Program as desired!
    DON'T attempt this if you're uncertain of your tools or your skills.
• If it still has problems then the firmware is the last suspect:
  • If it is DIP construction a new U1 microprocessor with firmware that supports conventional operation must be found. Swapping a microprocessor chip from a working control head can help verify if you really have a firmware problem.
  • If it is SMD construction control head the U0007 PROM needs to be replaced with a new one that has HVN4026A firmware programmed on it.
• If you have done all of the above and it still will not program with conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS then trouble shoot the control head for hardware problems.

Just to complicate matters, if you use MDC 1200 there is special control head firmware needed in order for this option to function correctly. Hopefully, if you add MDC 1200 to your X 9000 radio you will get all the parts with your MDC 1200 kit. If your control head is the DIP type, then finding this firmware may be really difficult, because you have to find a complete MDC 1200 U1 microprocessor control head chip (which may be NLA?). If you have the SMD type control head then the search should be easier because you only need the MDC 1200 control head U0007 PROM chip (sorry, I do not have the MDC 1200 firmware part numbers).

I do not know if the MDC-1200 control heads cause any problems when used with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios without MDC-1200 or not? I will need some help to answer this question.

Using Spectra RSS to reset a control head:

1. Take a Spectra A9 radio and put a known working Systems 9000 head on it. Doesn't matter if it is DIP or SMD.
2. Now read the Spectra radio with Spectra RSS. It will read the head as well and the RSS may report errors reading the head or state it doesn't recognize the control head buttons. This is okay. Do not go into the RSS and look at the control head buttons (they will be all blank and you will be forced to change them which defeats the purpose of this whole deal).
3. If you save this code plug to a file, it becomes the "stored A9 code plug" referred to previously.
4. Now put on the SMD or DIP head you wish to switch from Spectra use to conventional Syntor X 9000 use. Program the radio. You may or may not get programming errors for the control head but don't worry about it. It should continue programming if you have done this correctly.
5. Put the control head on a conventional Syntor X 9000 radio and use the conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS to program the control head.

The above procedure should be very useful for converting SMD control heads for conventional Syntor X 9000 use. This is because the SMD 28C64 EEPROM chip is soldered in place, so there are not very many ways to deal with changing the control head EEPROM data.

Spectra Lab RSS is supposed to have a control head programming utility that can be used to convert control heads. I am told there are also some versions of Spectra Lab RSS that can be used directly on a Syntor X 9000 exclusively to reprogram the control head (the control head programming utility menu must be accessible from the main RSS screen instead of the Service Aids screen).

HCN1047 trunking to conventional control head conversion:

The HCN1047 is a DIP construction control head that uses the same control and display boards as the HCN1045 control head. It is a trunking control head that has 3 rocker switches under the display (see above for the key layout example). It turns out the HCN1047 firmware inside the U1 microprocessor is conventional compatible. Because it uses DIP construction the EEPROM at U2 can simply be removed and replaced with a new or erased chip. Now the control head will program with conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS, but the keys will be a bit messed up. The Volume rocker becomes the SEL and HOME keys. The Sub rocker becomes the VOLUME rocker and the Sys rocker becomes the MODE rocker. Finally, here is a great use for one of the otherwise practically useless HCN1032 control heads. Simply remove the plastic front from the HCN1032 and put it on the HCN1047 control head. Now you can put conventional keys in the HCN1047 control head. The finished product will be roughly equivalent to an HCN1045 that was initialized as a conventional control head. As a bonus, the trunking control heads usually come with 8K EEPROM chips already installed so the converted control head is probably jumpered and ready for 64+ mode operation.

Save the old HCN1047 front panel with the 3 rocker holes. It can be used at a later date or by someone else to make their own HCN1066 Zone control head for a Spectra model radio.

I have received e-mail that said a trunking HCN1055 control head that would not program with conventional RSS was converted to a conventional control head by replacing the U2 EEPROM chip with a new unprogrammed 8K EEPROM chip. It also reprogrammed with conventional RSS after the change.

Conventional Syntor X 9000 control heads:

As mentioned before, the DIP control heads can be converted from 32 mode to 64+ mode control heads. If a 32 mode control head is used with a radio that has more than 32 modes, the control head display will revert to a default display of "MODE ___" (the underlined space will have the mode number in it, as in "MODE 54"). So it is possible to use 32 mode control heads with 64, 128 and 255 mode radios, just not desirable because you can not program the 11 character mode names above mode 32. Some options like MDC-1200 and VRS do require 64+ mode capability control heads (the radio also requires an 8k or EEPROM).

The SMD control heads already are capable of 64+ modes, except for the HCN1062 which is permanently a 32 mode control head.

Many of the control head keys depend on installed hardware options in conjunction with the RSS programming. Some of these keys are briefly described in the Control Head Keys section below.

The following keys do not require optional hardware to use and are popular on conventional radios; "Scan", "TbScan", "DIR", "MPL" and "Ext".

I have see radios that are programmed to use the the keypad number buttons 1 through 9 like car radio buttons. When you press the key it jumps to a preprogrammed mode number (i.e. press the 1 key and it jumps you to mode 27). However, I have been told not all versions of the Motorola RSS care capable of programming this feature.

The DTMF option board uses the "DTMF" and "Phon" keys. It can also use the "H/L" key if the control head Vehicle Interface Port (VIP) is wired to control the vehicle's horn and lights.

The control head Vehicle Interface Port (VIP) outputs can be wired to your vehicle headlight circuit to provide automatic control head backlight dimming when you turn the vehicle headlights on. Siren equipped radios wire the horn ring or a foot switch to the VIP input and a horn ring transfer relay to the VIP output. MDC 600 and MDC 1200 radios can wire an external emergency switch to the VIP input. MDC and DTMF options can flash the vehicle's headlights or sound the vehicle's horn through the VIP output. Vehicle Repeater System (VRS) on/off can also be wired to the VIP (this is typically wired to a handheld radio mobile charger, so when the handheld radio is removed the VRS activates automatically). VIP inputs are either open or shorted to ground. VIP outputs are designed to switch relays, with one side of the relay connected to switched B+. According to the manual, each VIP output can sink up to 300 milliamps. It works out as 300 milliamps at the B+ voltage, which is the main supply voltage (usually the vehicle battery), so make sure you only use relays with a low enough current draw at that voltage (a reverse biased diode across the relay coil to suppress large reverse voltages spikes is also recommended).

The Siren / Public Address option uses the "Wail", "Yelp", "Hi/Lo", "AirHn", "Man", "Sirn", "ExRd" and "PA" keys.

The MDC 600 and MDC 1200 also have external DEK boxes available. One has 8 keys for "Sts 1" through "Sts 8" and the other has 8 keys for "Msg 1" through "Msg 8". It should also be possible to mix and match "Sts" and "Msg" keys on a single DEK box.

In addition to the DEKs there is an Auxiliary Switch Panel (also referred to as a wild card box). This panel is styled to match the rest of the Systems 9000 accessories and has 8 buttons, but it is not connected to the radio or control head unless a switch is connected to a VIP input. It is designed to mount with the control head or DEK if you want to mount it there. Each switch has a place for a lighted label (you can make custom labels). They are often used to control emergency vehicle light bars among other things.

Additional control head information:

Of course the Motorola manuals are the best source for control head information.

Check out the boards page for control head jumpering information.

Check out the cable page for control head cable wiring information.

Check out the parts page for control head replacement key information and other control head parts. Some control head repair parts are listed under Basic control head troubleshooting.

Check out the Options and Accessories page for current control head part numbers that are known to be fully compatible or can more easily be made fully compatible with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios. This list may grow as more information becomes available.

Systems 9000 Control Head Information Cross Reference
HCN1032 - THIS IS NOT A NORMAL SYSTEMS 9000 CONTROL HEAD                       (will never work / will never program) will never convert to conventional X 9000
	Documentation (DIP)  May have 2k or optional W930 8k U2 chip
HCN1033 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs)
	Use HCN1033 Documentation (DIP)  May have 2k or optional W930 8k U2 chip
HCN1036 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs)
	Use HCN1045 Documentation (DIP)  May have 2k or optional W930 8k U2 chip
HCN1041 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs)
	Use HCN1041 Documentation (DIP)  May have 2k or optional W930 8k U2 chip
HCN1045 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)  HCN1046 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)                      Zone Control Head - It requires a new front panel with only 2 rockers for conversion.  HCN1047 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)                      It requires a new front panel with only 2 rockers for full conversion.
	Use HCN1045 Documentation (DIP)  May have 2k or optional W930 8k U2 chip
HCN1052 - This is a MaraTrac radio control head, NOT a SYSTEMS 9000 head                       (will never work / will never program) will never convert to conventional X 9000                       NEVER PLUG THIS HEAD INTO A SYNTOR X 9000/9000E RADIO
	Use MaraTrac Manual (DIP)
HCN1055 - Firmware in U1 Microprocessor (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)                      I do not know what type of front panel it has.
	I do not know what documentation to use for this control head (DIP)
HCN1062 - Firmware programed in U0007 (works/????) Permanently Limited to 2k EEPROM
	Uses HLN5461 PC Board Documentation (SMD)  Has 2k U0005 chip
HCN1063 - Firmware in U0007 is HVN4026A (works / programs, EEPROM may need reseting)  HCN1066 - Firmware in U0007 (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)                      Zone Control Head - It requires a new front panel with only 2 rockers for conversion.  HCN1067 - Firmware in U0007 (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)                      It requires a new front panel with only 2 rockers for full conversion.  HCN1068 - Firmware in U0007 (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)  HCN1069 - Firmware in U0007 (works / programs after EEPROM is reset)
	Use HCN1063 Documentation (SMD)  Has W930 8k U0005 chip
	Some late model HCN1066 and HCN1068 heads use HCN1073  Documentation (SMD).  Use the board part number as a guide.
HCN1071 - Firmware in U0007, (works as REAR only, programs as REAR only)                      It can be converted into a HCN1073 equivlent if the EEPROM is reset and the power                      switch block is removed.  HCN1073 - Firmware in U0007 is HVN4026A (works / programs, EEPROM may need reseting)  HCN1073 - Firmware in U0007 is not HVN4026A (may not work / may not program)
	Use HCN1073 Documentation (SMD)  Has W930 8k U0005 chip
HCN1076 - Firmware in U0007 is HVN4026A (works / programs, EEPROM will need reseting)                        It requires a new front panel with only 2 rockers for full conversion.
	Use HCN1073 Documentation (SMD)  Has W930 8k U0005 chip
HCN1078 - Firmware in U0007 is not HVN4026A (does not not work / does not not program)                       If you replace the U0007 firmware with HVN4026A and reset the EEPROM it will                       work and program. This is normally an Astro Digital Spectra W9 control head.
	Use HCN1073 Documentation (SMD)  Has W930 8k U0005 chip
HCN1089 - This is a MaraTrac radio control head, NOT a SYSTEMS 9000 head                       (will never work / will never program) will never convert to conventional X 9000                       NEVER PLUG THIS HEAD INTO A SYNTOR X 9000/9000E RADIO
	Unknown Manual (probably SMD ????)
HCN1121 - Firmware in U0007 is not HVN4026A (does not not work / does not not program)                       If you replace the U0007 firmware with HVN4026A and reset the EEPROM it will                       work and program. This is normally an Astro Digital Spectra W9 control head.                       If you also reset the EEPROM as a normal front control head and remove the power                       switch block it can be used as a front control head.
	Use HCN1073 Documentation (SMD)  Has W930 8k U0005 chip

• This is only a beginning. It is information I have learned from using and repairing some of these control heads. Everything in this section assumes you are using working Syntor X 9000 radios and control heads (i.e. if you follow the HCN1073 test instructions below with a broken radio or control head you will get misleading results).
• The works notation tells you if the control head will work with a conventional Syntor X 9000 or not.
• The programs notation tells you if the control head will program with a conventional Syntor X 9000 RSS or not.
• The HCN1071 rear control head will not work as a front control head unless you treat it the same as a trunking control head and reset the EEPROM data for conventional front control head use. The power switch is also blocked so it is always on (the block can be removed for front control head use).
• Some of the different model control heads use exactly the same internal boards with different firmware. The HCN1033, HCN1041, HCN1045 and HCN1047 control heads appear to only have minor internal circuit differences between them, if any at all.
• The HN1062 is the only Systems 9000 control head I have found that is permanently limited to a 2k EEPROM. All of the other Systems 9000 control heads are upgradable or already have 8k EEPROMs.
• The HCN1066 Zone control head will work as is with a Zone enabled Spectra radio (i.e. you leave the 3 rockers on the control head).
• If I get more control head information it will be added to the above table.

LOOKING FOR CONTROL HEAD INFORMATION

HCN1055 (???? / ????) Trunking head - Is this 2 or 3 rockers?

HCN1065 (???? / ????)

• Some of the above control heads may not even be Systems 9000 control heads.
• If you have any information on the above control heads please contact me. I would like to know if they work with and program with conventional Syntor X 9000 radios. I would also like to know the control head controller board and display board part number(s) and manual number. Any other information like the radio line the control head goes with and any special options support (like MDC-1200, etc.) would also be nice if you know it. If you would like to share any other control head information please email it also.

Spectra control head information:

Because the Syntor X 9000 control heads and Spectra A9/B9/C9/E9 control heads have the same physical appearance and have the same Systems 9000 label, they are sometimes mistaken as being the same. Any Spectra A9 control head will work on a Syntor X 9000 radio (some control heads like the HCN1066 Zone control head will need some conversion work first). However, all A9/B9/C9/E9 control heads must be Systems 9000E compatible to work on a Spectra/SpectraII radio. I know the HCN1033 and HCN1041 are not Systems 9000E compatible. Therefore, there are some Syntor X 9000 control heads that will not work with any Spectra/SpectraII radio. There is no special labeling on any control head to specifically indicate which ones are Systems 9000E compatible and which ones are not (Systems 9000E compatibility is implied by the part number and sometimes its revision letter).

The DIP HCN1045B control head is listed in the Spectra manual and is Systems 9000E compatible. I have a HCN1045A that did not work with an A9 Spectra, so the A revision is probably not Systems 9000E compatible. I have no Systems 9000E compatibility information on the HCN1036, HCN1046, HCN1047 and HCN1055 control heads. A little help here would be appreciated.

Of course the HCN1032 will only work with a trunking Syntor X 9000 radio and nothing else. The HCN1052 and HCN1089 are MaraTrac A7 Advanced control heads and are supposed to cause/suffer physical component damage if they are plugged into any radio besides the MaraTrac radio they are intended for.

All of the above Syntor X 9000 SMD control heads (except for the HCN1089 and Astro Spectra W9 heads) should be Systems 9000E compatible. The Astro Spectra control heads require a U0007 firmware change to work with a Spectra or SpectraII radio.

Remember, A9/B9/C9/E9 are all Systems 9000 Spectra or SpectraII control head designations and W9 is an Astro Spectra control head designation. They are not Syntor X 9000 or Syntor X 9000E control head designations.

Control head keys:

CONTROL HEAD KEYS
KEY	DESCRIPTION
Scan	Operator select Scan on/off and scan list programing
TbScn	Operator select Talkback Scan on/off
Dir	Operator select Direct (Talkaround) on/off - for simplex on a repeater output frequency
MPL	Operator select Multiple Private Line on/off and MPL selection
Ext	Operator select Extender receiver on/off - (low band radio only)
Wail	Siren sound selection
Yelp	Siren sound selection
Hi/Lo	Siren sound selection
AirHn	Siren sound selection
Man	Siren sound control on/off - horn ring or foot switch changes siren sound selection if it's on
Sirn	Siren on/off
ExRd	Public address radio connection on/off - connects receiver audio to the public address
PA	Public address on/off - uses the radio's microphone
MVS	Mobile Voice Storage on/off - saves and sends voice messages to and from dispatch
Play	Mobile Voice Storage (MVS) Play ????
Rcrd	MVS Record ????
Rply	MVS Replay ????
Send	MVS, MDC 600, MDC 1200 ????
STS	MDC 600 and MDC 1200 ????
Msg	MDC 600 and MDC 1200 ????
Emer	MDC 600, MDC 1200 or Smartnet Trunking Emergency signal
Call	MDC 600, MDC 1200 and Trunking ????
Page	MDC 600, MDC 1200 and Trunking ????
ST	Single Tone on/off ????
F/R	Front and rear control heads - used to change back and forth between these two heads
Front	Used by the Rear control head to select the Front control head (also see F/R)
Rear	Used by the Front control head to select the Rear control head (also see F/R)
Alt	Alternate Radio - selects which radio the control head operates (dual radios only)
Mute	Mute Alternate Radio (dual radios only)
VRS	Vehicle Repeater System on/off and selection
H/L	Horn & Lights - selects vehicle horn and/or lights for optional operator attention signaling
DTMF	DTMF Unit Call on/off, the "mode" key is used for selection and programing
Phon	Phone Connect on/off, the "mode" key is used for selection and programming
Ø	Securenet on/off (DVP, DVI, DES, DVP-XL, etc.) works on Full Feature and Advanced
S/S	Trunking System/Subfleet selection
Menu	Trunking Menu selects various trunking functions
Step	Trunking Step is used to access individual Menu selections
L/S	Trunking ????
Rpgm	Trunking Dynamic Regrouping control ????
Srch	Trunking System Search and Lock on/off - looks for other trunking systems ????
Lock	Trunking Smartnet AMSS site scan control ????

• People have been asking about different control head keys and what they do, so I am starting a list of some of the keys.
• Many of these keys require optional hardware to be installed inside the radio or an external housing.
• Click here to lookup the key part numbers.
• All help is welcome. Any corrections, additions or maybe even confirmation of the keys marked with ???? is welcome. I am not sure of the function (i.e. on/off, etc.) of some of the keys and others I do not have any clue about.

Basic control head troubleshooting:

This is not a comprehensive control head problem list. It is intended as a practical supplement to the Motorola troubleshooting information and only covers some common problems.

When you power up the control head and wait at least 5 seconds:

1. There is no display, the backlight is on, none of the buttons work (i.e. the radio does not do anything) and when you press the DIM key many times the backlight never goes out.
   - The control head microprocessor is not functioning. The most common cause is a watchdog timer circuit malfunction caused by C6 on DIP control heads and C0006 on SMD control heads. An oscilloscope can be used to verify this watchdog timer malfunction loop by checking the reset signal line (J1-4 or control head pin 26) on the main radio cable.
   - For testing purposes, temporarily installing the radio's Personality Board jumper JU500 should prevent the radio's watchdog timer from causing any resets. Only on SMD heads, U0004 pin 43 (where C0006 is connected) can be shorted to ground to temporarily disable the control head watchdog timer, but check C0006 FIRST to make sure it is not shorted out.
2. The display is stuck on "SELF CHECK", the backlight is on, none of the buttons work (i.e. the radio does not do anything) and when you press the DIM key many times the backlight never goes out.
   - You may notice that when you power up sometimes you get no display and sometimes you get the "SELF CHECK".
   - Same problem as #1 above.
3. There is no display, the backlight is on, the buttons work (i.e. the radio works), the 6 red LEDs above the display never come on (if programed into the head), the Tx, BUSY, Priority, Non-priority LEDs never come on and when you press the DIM key enough times the backlight goes out.
   - The control head internal high voltage inverting power supply is dead. Usually the tantalum capacitor (C25 on DIP heads or C0050 on SMD heads) has shorted out. When this happens it usually also takes a coil with it (L1 on DIP heads or L0050 on SMD heads) and sometimes R0055 on SMD heads.
4. There is no display, the backlight is off, the buttons work (i.e. the radio works), the 6 red LEDs above the display never come on (if programed into the head), the Tx, BUSY, Priority and the Non-priority LEDs never come on.
   - Same as # 3 above, except the backlighting may not work at all. This depends on factors such as DIP or SMD construction (slightly different circuit designs) and the amount of damage to other high voltage power supply components.
5. There is no display, the backlight is on, the buttons work (i.e. the radio works), the 6 red LEDs above the display work (if programed into the head), the Tx, BUSY and Priority, Non-priority LEDs work and when you press the DIM key enough times the backlight goes out.
   - The display itself may be dead, the display driver chip (U101 on DIP heads or U0101 on SMD heads) may be dead and/or the display AC filament voltage is dead.

When servicing these control heads keep in mind that the electrolytic capacitors are a know problem. They can leak on the circuit board. If this leakage is left on the board long enough it can eat through the circuit board traces. It looks like Motorola had to use "commercial" rated electrolytic capacitors to get them small enough to fit inside the cramped control head ("industrial" rated electrolytic capacitors with a higher temperature range would have been the preferred choice). Because the watchdog timer uses an electrolytic capacitor on the DIP heads, leaks may cause the control head to stop working giving you ample time to repair the board before the traces are damaged. Always inspect for leakage when you open one of the control heads up for service. If you find any, clean it up, replace all the electrolytic capacitors (if one or more already leaked why trust the rest) and repair any destroyed traces.

Repair parts for both DIP and SMD construction: 72-80242J01 - Vacuum Fluorescent Display $ 24.75 DIP construction parts list: 23-11048C05 - Capacitor, Electrolytic 1uf ,±20%, 63V (5/pk) (C6, C12, C13) $ 2.25 23-11048C06 - Capacitor, Electrolytic 2.2 uf, ±20% (5/pk) (C15) NLA 23-11048C10 - Capacitor, Electrolytic 10 uf, ±20% 63V, (5/pk) (C11, C27, C28) $ 2.25 23-11048C11 - Capacitor, Electrolytic 10 uf, ±20% 44V, (5/pk) (C101) $ 2.65 23-11013E57 - Capacitor, Tantalum 10 uf, ±20% 25V (C25) $ 2.95 24-80138G04 - Choke RF Axial, 5.6 uh, 5% (3/pk) (L1) $ 2.70 SMD construction parts list: 23-11049A38 - Capacitor, Tantalum 1.5 uf, ±10% 16V (C0006) $ .75 23-80090M24 - Capacitor, Electrolytic 10 uf, ±20%, 50V (C0045, C0052) $ 2.00 23-11049A37 - Capacitor, Tantalum 1 uf, ±20% 20V (C0046, C0165) $ .55 23-11049J27 - Capacitor, Tantalum 10 uf, ±10% 25V (C0050) $ 2.15 06-11077A19 - Resistor, 5.1 Ohms, 5%, 1/8 watt (10/pk) (R0055) $.37 24-80140E16 - Choke RF, 10 uh (2/pk) (L0050) $ 3.20

• C0165 is only a tantalum capicator on the HLN6284 SMD controller board. It is not a tantalum type on the HLN5464 SMD controller board.
• Measure the physical dimensions of the NLA C15 and check out Digi-Key for replacements. Try a Digi-Key P994-ND for what appears to be the correct size part or see if you can squeeze in a higher temperature rating Digi-Key P933-ND which is 2 mm taller.

Do not confuse the "FAIL 01/90" display with a control head watchdog timer problem (see below).

Fail 01/90:

Fail 01/90 means the control head cannot talk to the radio drawer on the Systems 9000 serial bus. This fail message will repeat as the control head has nothing else it can do.

The problem can literally be anywhere between the radio drawer microprocessor, its Personality Board, the cable connectors, the cable itself, the control head Control Board, to the control head microprocessor. If the radio drawer large red and black power leads are not getting power, then it will also cause a Fail 01/90, as the radio drawer microprocessor will not get any power from the unswitched +5 volt regulator. The Personality Board P300 connector power supply outputs all need to be checked. Check out this page for radio drawer power troubleshooting/testing. If there are any problems with any power supply, it must be repaired before you can do anything else with the radio.

This is where having another working Syntor X 9000 radio comes in handy. You can swap parts around one at a time (i.e. drawer, cable and control head) and find out where the problem is. The different frequency ranges and programming of the radio drawers and control heads does not matter, you are only looking to see if the Fail 01/90 goes away. It does not even matter if a different error message is displayed (at least it means the radio drawer and control head are communicating).

Jumper JU500 can be installed before the radio is powered up. This will put the radio in test mode and disable the radio drawer watchdog timer resets. BTW, test mode cannot be used for normal operation.

The radio drawer Personality Board U501 chip should be checked for correct installation (pin 1 orientation) and any bent or broken pins. Sometimes U501 is removed before a radio is sold (a dumb thing to do), which will prevent the radio drawer microprocessor from working. Look for any other missing chips on the Personality Board, broken hybrid circuits or obvious damaged copper traces.

Even a simple problem like a cold solder joint will require some troubleshooting with test equipment to find. If you open the radio drawer top lid with the pushbutton, you can access the Personality Board Systems 9000 serial bus Bus + pin 17 and Bus - pin 25 (pin out drawing). If you have a dual trace scope, you can perform a simple check on the Systems 9000 bus. Set both scope channels for DC coupling of a 5 volt signal. Then check to make sure the Bus + and Bus - are always opposite polarity (they should be mirror images of each other). You might have to play with the scope triggering level, as there should only be intermittent bursts of serial data in the fail 01/90 condition. If they are not mirror images of each other then the serial bus drivers or cable connections have a problem. Then move one of the scope probes to pin 5 and check the Busy line. It should change levels when Bus + or Bus - is active (Busy remains active for the entire serial data transfer, i.e. it does not match the data stream signal). If Busy does not change states during serial data activity, then its circuits or cabling has a problem.

Sometimes damaged PC board traces can be found by tracing the serial data bus circuits back to to the microprocessor with an ohm meter. The Syntor X 9000 service manuals also have detailed repair flow charts.

In any case, Fail 01/90 problems must be repaired before the radio can do anything at all.

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PL, Private Line, DPL, Digital Private Line, MPL, Talkaround, MDC-600, MDC-1200, MVS-20, Securenet, Smartnet, Privacy Plus, Trunked X2, Trunked X3, Touch Code, Quick Call II, Channel Scan, Talkback Scan, System 90, System 90*s, Systems 9000, Mitrek, Micor, Spectra, Spectra II, Astro Spectra, MataTrac, Syntor, Syntor X, Syntor X 9000 and Syntor X 9000E are trademarks of Motorola Inc.