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Sabers vs Jedi
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:36 am
by videonerd
What differences are there of using a Jedi radio over Saber radio? Does one offer advantages over another? My work is on the UHF band, with a repeater and my portable is crap, so I'm moving to another radio.
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:53 am
by mikegilbert
I've always preferred the Jedi over the Saber for a few reasons.
1. Size: the Jedi's are "sandwiched" vs. the "stacked" Sabers- they're smaller and are much easier to carry.
2. Versatility: From my experience parts/accy's are much easier to find for any Jedi radio vs. the Saber.
My only gripe with the Jedi series is the viewing angle on the display. I guess I'm spoiled by XTS3000s/5000s. The display MUST be read with the radio pointing away from you. Looking at it head-on doesn't work. When I've got my MTS2000 sitting on the desk, I have to pick it up to see what channel I'm listening to.
-Mike
For the record, I've got a UHF Jedi in the FS/FT section.
Click me
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:37 am
by AEC
From Jedi to Saber, they are personal choices at the very least.
To me, the Jedi series looks plain Jane, while the Saber is instantly recognized and looks like no other radio.
Performance-wise, they are pretty much equal, but the Saber wins hands down service and ease of use, it can't be beat!
As for size/form factor, actual size comparisons are not that much different, and the saber is thinner, weight is close to equal when both models are comparably equipped with high capacity packs.
I've had several Jedi models, and even the old Saber easily holds its own against them in sensisitivity and channel rejection.
Sabers are far easier to align and get back into service than any Jedi.
As a long time Saber owner, I am partial to that model, but both are very good...make your choice depending on availability, ease of use, actual service life and suitability for the work environment you will be using the radio in, especially incendiary work, then FM approval is another hurdle to deal with.
Price is also a definite concern, how much are you willing to spend, and what features do you need?
With the Circle-M move to the Waris models, currency is obviously of little concern to you.
If you need advanced signalling capabilities, then the Saber is probably unsuitable for your needs, then I would suggest the newer models to gain the options you require, this is the biggest drawback to the Saber line, of course, due to its age and the fact it has been out of production as well.
Do your research and look for the radio that best suits your application and requirements, then choose those models and compare even closer to see which of those are best for your needs.
Keep doing this until you get to the final choice/s.
You can't over shop when it's your money you are spending....
Compare....compare.....compare.
There are other factors to consider as well, but I think you get the point I am attempting to make.
Good luck in your search!
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:13 am
by N4KVE
I agree with everything AEC said. I would like to add that in my experience the JEDI has much louder rx volume than the SABER. Your results may vary. GARY N4KVE
Re: Sabers vs Jedi
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:41 am
by motorola_otaku
videonerd wrote:My work is on the UHF band, with a repeater and my portable is crap, so I'm moving to another radio.
ANY portable will work like "crap" if it's either operating on a poorly designed and/or under-maintained system, or if the radio itself hasn't been cared for. Yes, Sabers are oooooold, but they'll still hold a candle to any current-production radio
if properly maintained.
[/rant off]
Anywho, my preferences go towards the Jedi line for versatility, channel capacity, and signalling features, and towards the Saber line for overall ruggedness. The compromise, of course, would be the Astro Saber which, if you don't necessarily need APCO-25, are becoming quite affordable. Since they're built on a completely different architecture than the conventional and System Saber lines, they don't suffer most, if not all of the problems now plaguing that line.. like dead TX modules. So yes, my vote for UHF conventional would be an Astro Saber.
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:51 pm
by MTS2000des
the biggest factor is radio tuning, and Sabers in particular can really shine if they've been given a proper alignment. Problem is alot of less than capable folks end up hosing a Saber with bad programming setups (too fast a PC, trying to run under Windows, poorly built cables/alligator clips, bootlegged s/w ,etc) and it can take HOURS for an experienced tech with the proper test gear and tools to get it up to par.
Same can be true for Jedi's or any software tuned radio. always buy your radios from TRUSTED sources when buying them used. Ebay can be a great place but you have to know what your getting and who you're getting it from. There are alot of junk, parts built, untuned rigged radios floating around on there.
So while system performance is certainly key as another poster pointed out, a big part of your system performance is also the quality of the subscriber unit (read: your radio) and it's tuning, alignment and PM.
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:32 pm
by Rayjk110
Only gripe I have on Jedi's is that the volume knob can get really loose, to the point that a gnat could fart in it's direction and move it. So if you get the chance to personally try one, make sure the knobs are all tight and don't wiggle. That just really annoyes me.
Sabers are nice, especially with the smaller battery. That makes it about an inch bigger than a Jedi. Both are great, but as stated before, it's easier to find accessories/external parts for the Jedi.
That, and most service shops/your local MSS will service a Jedi before a Saber, usually because the Jedi is more current/popular radio than a Saber, in the commercial industry, at least.