Ssytem Saber band change question

[rrfd43]

I have a system saber 148-174 split radio. I also have a standard saber 1 146-162 split. Can I switch guts to get the system saber to program lower? If so what parts in the radio do I need to switch??

I need to program freq's in the 145 and 146 area and know I can at least go one meg lower with system saber 4.0 RSS.

Would the RSS pick up the new guts and identify it at the lower split? I have exausted the ability to hack the RSS to go lower in system saber...unless anyone has found the trick?

Thanks!

[FireCpt809]

Im pretty sure most of the modules are the same, the only one that may need to be changed is the PA. The systems saber RSS will read the radio at what it is now. You can change the bandsplit in the RSS when you make a new codeplug. You may have to realign the radio once you program it with the 145 stuff..

[AEC]

As long as the modules are designed for the split (band) you intend to use, then yes, you can easily swap one VHF band split for the other without any problems, even the PA normally works well at even somewhat 'extreme' ends of the VHF splits.

To be proper, always use the proper split PA regardless, as the harmonic filtering is designed to work within the specified range, and will degrade spectral purity once it's operated outside that range, but it will not be so severe as to cause spurs, it will simply degrade the useful power output a little.

Don't forget to swap the filter under the receiver module( the square one, U4) as those are band limiting items.

The F.D.S is wideband and designed for the entire VHF split, unlike the PA and receiver filter.

Always do a complete alignment using a service monitor to properly set your deviation levels, and power output, and not set the output level to 'MAX' as this will shorten battery life and cause excessive heating and reduce the PAs life expectancy as well.

Aside from some common misconceptions, there is very little in the way of heatsinking inside any Saber, aside from the actual PA device, but common sense dictates you never set the power level to its maximum.

You 'may' be able to get 5 or even 6 watts from the PA, but it's NOT recommended, and it's not necessary either, as nobody can possibly detect a 1-3 dB loss in signal level when a portable is never in the same location over time, it's always moving and the signal is always changing, so a slight decrease in PA output will never be noticed by anybody.

1-3dB may seem like a lot, but in practical applications, the slight loss due to running the radio at 3 or 4 watts is negligible, but it will have a definite impact on battery life and internal heat dissipation!

Good luck with your upgraded Saber!

[smokeybehr]

If you can acquire a copy of the SS Lab RSS, it will allow you to program in frequencies from 140 up. I have a couple of 145 freqs programmed in, and they work fine, except for a little less RX sensitivity.

[bilat]

I've done this quite a few times with systems sabers that I've owned. It really is simple especially if a moron like myself can do it. Swap out the modules and throw the approriate codeplug into it.