Batboard

Can somone tell me why some Sabers have 2 Battery posts, and others have 4?

DFC2

The reason is simple, your 4 battery posts are the older style, the case should also have recessed front plate with exposed keys while the later(newer) version has only two contacts on the bottom and a flush faceplate with flush keys as well.

Thsi later design protects the keypad from damage and accidental key presses and even shearing off of the keys in certain instances.

I believe the design change took place around 1990/91 to the new style you see predominantly on Ebay and hamfests.

I bought my first model III in mid 1991, and my radio had the later design.


That's all the data I have at the moment, I hope it helps.

73!


Enterprize.....One to beam up!

I have also wondered myself, what are those two other contacts for, that is what does the radio do with them?

The 4 contact version housings are pretty scarce.. Ive only ever seen a couple. I have a 4 contact battery if found in a parts bin once, date code is 88. Only one ive ever seen.

If memory serves, the 'other' contacts were used by the radio to detect battery voltage and flash the battery Icon on the displays of LCD equipped radios.