Advice needed: Still thinking ASIII purchase

motorolamaniac · Post by **motorolamaniac** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 11:42 pm

I just bought a Sys Saber III and I am still looking for an Astro Saber III. I found one but was looking for advice on this particular model. Price is $499 and comes w/ new spk mike. Heres what it has:

AP R07.20.00
DSP I08.0302
EMC RO3.55
KG1 OFB Kg2-des xl
1 MEG
HO4KDH9PW7AN
FLASHCODE: 580001-000000-0

I understand about half of that info, in an expert opinion does this seem like a decent radio and a decent price?

Is MDC PTT ID encode standard on all VHF Astro Sabers regardless of Flash? I did a lot of research here but I didn't find a definitive answer to that question. Tho I do lean towards "yes"

According to the Flashcode it has H868/W298, is this MDC option for rekeying the DES? (OTAR is my giveaway)

Last question, how hard is it to get it programmed? From what I read here it sems like a major hassle with regard to last software version used, current firmware, etc. I have no RSS/CPS available and rely on a dealer that does not do a lot of work on these units. Basically I would want it to match my Sys Saber III and Saber I particularly with regard to DES-XL keys.

Thanks, Jeff

Post by **akardam** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 6:45 am

That's not at all a bad price for that unit. It's got pretty recent Host/DSP firmware, and you've got a very nice crypto board in there. The flash is not trunking capable, but if you're on a purely conventional system you should have no problems.

I've yet to come across an Astro Saber that wouldn't at least encode a MDC PTT ID, so I'd say you're probably fine there.

The H868/W298 primarily means you can configure the radio with multiple "slots" for different encryption keys. This is of course necessary for OTAR, but in the absence of an OTAR system it is still a nice feature to have, since you can program the radio to allow front panel selection of any one of up to 16 different encryption keys. You do of course need to have a keyloader to load the keys into the radio. The Astro line has a nice feature called infinite key retention, which once set means you don't really have to worry about the radio losing its keys if you take too long to swap the battery.

Yes, unlike the Systems Sabers, the Astro Sabers have to deal with not being able to go back to an older version of RSS/CPS. First thing I do whenever I get a new Astro is to create a backup of the SRecord. With regards to programming, ask around on the board, chances are there's a batlabber in your area that can program the radio for you.

motorolamaniac · Post by **motorolamaniac** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:01 pm

Thanks for the info. Infinite Key retention seems like a great feature since should I decide to recase the radio I won't have to worry about losing the key while I do that. It is a great security measure but a PITA if you do not have a keyloader should you forget and take the battery off a Systems Saber while it is turned on.

Jeff

Post by **wavetar** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 3:44 pm

I saw the unit you're considering on ebay, it looks in good shape, nice unit. You should double-check with the seller on the speaker/mic, as the picture shows a new one in the bag, but the description lists it as 'used'.

Todd

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 3:48 pm

The lable, that you can't see might read "WHCA ####" I got one, 400.00, and it's nice. I just need to consider an upgrade to the firmware if that's possible and cost effective as the radio works great now.

motorolamaniac · Post by **motorolamaniac** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 4:29 pm

Lost em!!! The first one with the better Flash was pulled "because it is no longer available". The second one with the basic Flash sold for $499 BIN. Guess you can't just sit on those.

What is up with the WHCA radios anyway? Did the agency liquidate all their equipment? My Sys Saber III is a WHCA unit.

Jeff

Nexrad16 · Post by **Nexrad16** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 5:17 pm

Well, if infact there is a White House Commo Agency, they probably have gone to something better; smaller, more secure. Maybe they went to one of those Moto TalkAbouts that go 7miles;-).

Watch the seller. If he post more you may want to get one with the buy now. My guess is the price will rise because they've been selling quick.

Good Luck!

motorola_otaku · Post by **motorola_otaku** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:54 pm

WHCA is most likely the White House Communications Agency and, like every other gov't agency, they're being forced to upgrade their equipment for narrowband capability. From what I've heard (friend of a friend), most of their portable fleet is comprised of XTS3000s, with the occasional XTS5000.

Post by **alex** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 7:52 pm

I had a friend who got a few of those sabers and was reselling them for a bit.

All of the ones i've seen look pretty good and have worked well.

I don't know if the auction is one of his or not - but I don't think he has any more of them anyway.

I can't imagine he's the only one to get his paws on them...

motorolamaniac · Post by **motorolamaniac** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:54 pm

The Sys Saber III I got was NEW literally. I am still working on a Channel list so I have not used it yet but geeze for the money it was a steal. I paid $245 and I have seen him sell em now as low as $205. Considering what they cost new and what capabilities they have thats a great deal.

Jeff