Greetings all,

I was given a VHF SyntorX. It has some ham channels programmed in it, but none usable in the Indy area. Are the Xcat boards and software still available? If so, how do I acquire one? If not, are there any used ones floating around? Thanks in advance for any info.

?

73,

Mike, WA9FDO

?

OOPS. Should have selected reply to group......?

?

Greetings Mike,
? Welcome to the group.?
Skip Hansen, the group owner and co-developer of the X-Cat has make all info for a "roll your own" available to the public in the files section.
?There is/was a guy on here by the name of Brad Andrews that picked up the mantle and made a (proto?) batch, that I presumed he did sell at/near cost. I had asked for 2 ea as well, and he ended up with some time/life/priority things to address and hasnt been back in touch. That was about 1 1/2 years ago.....I have not followed up nor do I know if he will be pursuing the project any further. His contact info is here in the group. I have at least 2 more (4 total) I could press into service as well.....I guess I need to drop him a line and see what's up.
? At any rate, the info is in the files section should you be so inclined. IIRC, Brad also posted the PCB specific files to order the PCB(s).
? Good Hunting.
sw

You're right, Stan. Time-life priority stuff, like what took Lee N7LD out of the business. I've been deep into some projects at work and when I get home I don't have much brain-space or energy for more electronics projects. Not to mention that there's only about one square foot of open space on my bench right now. It's a horizontal surface - What else need I say :)

I've got parts including a handful of PCBs and would be willing to put what's necessary in an anti-stat bag if you care to assemble your own. I think around $80 would cover my costs and shipping but I'd have to double-check before making any promises. No other support or warranty of any kind included except my assurance that I have assembled them and made them work. Except for one which I in which soldered the processor to the PCB 90 degrees off and ruined everything trying to fix it. It takes extraordinary attention to detail, a very steady hand, good eyes, and appropriate soldering equipment to assemble because it's all SMD. Most hams will lack proficiency, I think.

If anyone feels brave I'll accommodate them.

73,
Brad KB9BPF

PS to Stan: I am sorry I've let you down.

PS to all: Here is a copy of the info file I posted in the file area of the group:

Xcat PCB layout by Brad KB9BPF: Notes 26SEP22
- I am NOT interested in building Xcats. These resources are for those
who are interested in DIY.
- I used free ExpressPCB Classic software to create these files. It is
available at https://www.expresspcb.com/
- I've found ExpressPCB to be extremely easy to learn and use.
- Boards are ordered through the ExpressPCB software using an internet
connection.
- If I have spare PCBs I would be willing to sell them. Contact me if
interested.
- If I have spare parts I would be willing to sell them. Contact me if
interested.
- I can program PICs. Contact me if interested.
Anything I sell will be as close to my cost as possible. I would like to
defray some of the modest costs I incurred developing and debugging.
I do not make any guarantees or provide any warranties.
- You must judge for yourself whether or not these resources meet your
specifications or standards.
- You must judge for yourself whether or not your skills and tools are
adequate to the task of assembling these very small surface mount
devices.
- Any parts I provide will be new, or NOS, from a reputable source,
usually Digikey or Mouser. All sales will be final - no refunds or
returns.
Contact:
Brad Andrews KB9BPF
kb9bpf
- at -
A R R L
- dot -
NET

@ Tyler,

?Also, all the project related source code w/comments is on Skip's Github as well, per Skip's posting in the files section.

Hey Brad,

?Good to see you are still monitoring. I'm sure you realize I've been pacing the floor over those X-Cats....lol

Time/life/priority stuff here as well...play when I can. Retired doesnt mean plenty more time to play, more like plenty of time to do stuff you didnt get to while still working the salt mines.

Anyway, as I said then, no hurry, those X's arent going anywhere and I figured I'd hear from you when the stars align ("Age of Aquarius' playing in my head...Ahhh the 60's...lol) and you could get back to it....no let down, no worries. As we talked then, between loss of sight in one eye and cataracts in the other SMT vision is out of the question any more. I'd take you up on the offer if I knew someone that could do the assy. Remember that 10 year old OG DDS kit I told you about?....still in it's parts bag...lol

Thanks to all who replied to my post. I sort of figured that they were not being made anymore, but I did stir some good conversation. Sorry, but my SMD abilities are lacking, however, if someone does decide to build some boards, please put my name on the list of "I'll take one".

?

73 for now,

?

Mike, WA9FDO_at_arrl_dot_net