Batboard

I have recently acquired a Saber III. The unit is in mint condition and looks new. I initially thought it might have been refurbished with a new case fitted...but there is a new looking serial number/model number label on the back which matches the actual radio and looks like labels from genuine "used" Sabers.

I also have a Saber I which has a new case BUT there is no label on the back - just the serial number etched into the case.

So is it possible to have a refurbished Saber III which has a "real" back label maybe fitted my a Moto service center...or is my Saber III a genuine new old stock radio?

Since the Govt and large cities bought them by the truckload. I am sure there were a few that had been put aside as spares and never put in service so yes it is possible. A radio could have been sent to the depot and recased and given a new genuine motorola label. Pheonix FD/PD used to engrave their radios with a serial # and or asset # on the back.

Whats the serial numbers? You can get a date of mfg from it give you an idea

I've had "black tag" Saber analog radios made all the way up until 1999/2000. Remember these were still in production at the end of the 1990's, as there was no narrowband mandate B.S., and they were very well liked radios by agencies all around the world.

I would not be surprised to find them surplus, or even NOS- from that time period. I've acquired Jedi radios made in 1996 that were NOS (JT1000's) that sat in a box for the last 15 years, so it is certainly possible.

The date of manufacture is 1992 Dec (...*SY...)

What I really want to know is whether the Saber is totally unused ie. its just sat on a shelf for 20 years or has it just had a new case?

I was thinking it was maybe a totally unused radio as there is a really clean serial number label on the back...but if the depot can just fit new labels on replacement cases, then it might be an old dog in a new case!!!

Either way its a great radio for 20 years old. Better RX than a HT1250. Why do they make newer radios which are deafer!!!!
I read that new (in 1992) they cost $3000 vs $45 today!!

The old analogue Saber radios have been plentiful on E-bAy for many years now. Many going for SUPER cheap. I found that 99% of the MINT looking Saber III UHF radios are mainly ALL the lower UHF government spectrum ( 403-430ish MHZ ) making them useless for most of today's applications. I had an 8D core Systems Saber III in UHF 10 or so years ago. Paid about $350 for it, but that sucker was one phenomenal radio. Cool thing I remember about it was I could put it in scan and if I were to hit the light button, it would stay on all the time until scan was shut off.

Describing the label in greater detail might help. Is the label:

1. Black type on a white label?
2. White tyoe on a black label?
3. Green type on a black label?

#1 is a depot (Motorola repair shop) label.
#2 is an older original label
#3 is a much newer, somewhat rare, original label

Its black type on a white label...so its a depot repair...but I still love it!!!!

A year and a half ago I picked up 2 Saber 1 radios from a guy from Iowa who has been doing the hamfest circuit for years. $35 each. The radio is a H44QXN7139CN. It's a black label with green writing, ser # 426AWNXXXX. Made in 96. The guy had about 5 of them, but I bought 2 . The radios look like they were made yesterday, & talk to each other. Ch 1 is 450.000 mhz, so I assume they are 440-470 mhz radios. Newer looking Sabers don't exist. GARY N4KVE

Hook em up to RSS and read the history it should give you some dates while might not be accurate It'll give you an idea