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Was given a stornophone 6000 - what can I do with it?

  • 24-02-2016 6:48pm
    #1
    euser1984
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,977 ✭✭✭


    I like this kind of stuff but it has a 25pin connector on it - I could wire it up to a 12 power supply with just the correct pins but is there any point?

    In other words, is there any fun to be had with the device?

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    GekkePrutser
    Closed Accounts Posts: 673 ✭✭✭GekkePrutser


    euser1984 wrote: »
    I like this kind of stuff but it has a 25pin connector on it - I could wire it up to a 12 power supply with just the correct pins but is there any point?

    In other words, is there any fun to be had with the device?

    Thanks.

    Yes! People have been modifying them to HAM radios, they'll need to be retuned and a new EPROM burned. You'll need a ham license though to use it legally. They were public service and business mobile radios at the time.

    There were 2m, 70cm and some other versions (like 70/80Mhz). Not all versions can be used legally even with a HAM license and when modified. And others were built for frequencies too far from the legal HAM bands so it was not possible to retune them (they'd lose PLL lock or the filters would need to be rebuilt). So it depends on the one you have. Do you know what frequency it operates on? They usually don't show the frequency on the display (unless it's already modded to a HAM radio), as they were meant for business/public service users who have no interest in stuff like frequencies.

    I used to have a similar set of similar age in the car, it was a Condor 16 from PTT Telecom in the Netherlands (originally made by Ascom). These sets were really easy to modify due to very simple microprocessor-driven design, all through-hole components (no SMD yet) and pretty indestructible components. They were really popular among HAMs in the Netherlands when the public services dumped them in large numbers. I think in the Netherlands the Stornos weren't as popular as the Ascoms but you'd see them around.

    Update: there's a good forum here at the Storno 6000 forum on storno.co.uk. You'll need an EPROM programmer to do serious mods though. There's some pretty nice custom EPROM images with even things like CTCSS and auto repeater shifting.

    So if you're a ham I'd definitely think its worth it. If you have a suitable version of course. Though you'll get more comfort and features out of a modern Jap mobile, it's fun to have a retro set like this. Eventually I moved up to a Yaesu FT-7800 and gave my (Ascom) Condor 16 to a new ham starting out. I really missed dual band and airband receive in the car so it wasn't worth it anymore. But I have good memories of the Condor. It was super solid and very easy to use, just one knob for volume and one for frequency.

    Update 2: Another link, with the pinout: Link. And another one with firmware images from a different source: Link


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