Moto Programming Service vs DIY

[wes11b10]

Greetings from a FNG who fully intends to dive in head first once I have accumulated all the necessary programming bits.

I have a VHF Saber III (it has the NLD8773 PA module, which means it covers 146-174MHz. I know. I checked. Online.) who is eager to use it, I was considering using one of those outfits that advertises on eBay to program in all my local 2 meter repeater freqs/pl tones, etc. I'm not necessarily asking for a specific endorsement but is there something I should ask for or avoid or does anyone have any specific endorsements (hahahaha - just kidding!)

My current HT is a barely usable TYT dual bander with crappy audio and severe IMD issues (it was free, so I can't really complain). I really want to get my Saber working. Motorolas are such amazing radios. I also have an X9000 and will soon have a MaxTrac. I look forward to bombarding the boards with millions of questions.

Cheers,
W9YYH/Wes

[lafd55]

I would say never use one of those guys on Ebay. I have never used them but don't think I would ever. Find someone on here, ask around. Look for a local /\/\ dealer. It'll be hard with a Saber though.

[FireCpt809]

There are plenty of people here who can do it.( I can ). Ask around at some Ham clubs.. there may be someone local who can do it also.

[sjxts3000]

I would say never use one of those guys on Ebay. I have never used them but don't think I would ever. Find someone on here, ask around. Look for a local /\/\ dealer. It'll be hard with a Saber though.

If it's an Astro Saber III, it's not hard at all...same software as the XTS 3000's. If it's a Systems Saber or regular old Saber III, then it's only difficult if you can't find a dinosaur computer that boots to DOS to run the RSS software.

[lafd55]

Right, that's what I meant. I just had trouble finding someone to program a HT1000, but got it done.

[MTS2000des]

It's not an Astro Saber, he posted the RF modules- Astro Sabers don't have modules- they have an RF board.

I concur with others, plenty of qualified people who can program and more importantly TUNE your Saber analog properly. These radios are at minimum, 10-12 years old, some of them are over 20- they will most likely need some tuning as modules have aged, and it requires more than some Chinese knock off programming cable, not to mention the expertise in dealing with these now vintage radios.

The Saber analogs can be some of the best performing analog radios if programmed and tuned correctly, they can also be some of the biggest PITA and problem children if serviced by inexperienced people.

FYI, there are some limitations in the hardware, like a maximum of 32 PL/DPL combinations, on an 8K radio you can exceed the codeplug size enabling features like autodial lists, selectable PL, etc.

Great radios, and will stomp the pants off any Chicom crap performance wise, but they require some pretty old computing hardware to program and a good tune up to be their best.

[wes11b10]

It's a regular old Saber III. I do actually have an old laptop that I can use eventually. It's mostly a matter of $$$ and speed. I want a rock solid Motorola HT that I can use in a week or so on 2 meters. Not only do I need to buy a RIB and a programming cable, I need to set up the laptop and use the RSS without bricking my HT. I know that stuff isn't all that difficult or pricey, but lately I have been foolishly squandering all my money on food and heat. The eBay guy wants $25 which sounded cheap. I would be humbled and honored to have someone on here do it for me - I just didn't know that was an option, nor did I want you all to think that I want all the work to be done for me. No, I say. No! I absolutely want to learn how to work on my Motorola radios. Great suggestion about asking if any local ham club members can do it. Thanks for the feedback, fellas.

W9YYH/Wes