Quick progress report... the concept proved!
Today I "edited" mode 1 to receive on 147.00, updated the checksum and the (re)selected mode 1 all via SB9600.? It worked!
The values were hard coded, but I believe I know now to calculate them so it's just a matter of writing some more code.
I finally hooked my X9000 to a supply with decent power supply and tested the transmitter, works 94 watts @ 18 amps.
Stay tuned...
73's Skip WB6YMH