Batboard

Hello. While I've opened up many Jedi's in my day, I've never opened a Saber. I just received a fresh case for my AS1. Seems to be easy enough. Is there a special screw driver needed? Thanks. GARY N4KVE

You'll need a spanner bit for the bottom housing nuts. I don't remember what size. I just went down and bought a cheap stubby flat blade and used the dremel to notch out the end of it. Works much better than the hex-driver spanner bits I've seen elsewhere.

Once you've got them loose (but not to the point where they pop out of their retainers), use the anntenna as a handle (yes, Moto actually recommends this), and gently but firmly pull the radio guts upward out of the housing.

...and DO NOT push any of the side buttons as you
pull the chassis out of the case!!!

Thanks, I figured as much, & had read elsewhere about not pushing the buttons. GARY N4KVE

The guys in the shop had a tool that worked real good. Looks a lot better now. Thanks. GARY N4KVE

For what it's worth, you don't need a spanner bit, although it's certainly a good idea to get one. I've had luck using small screwdrivers, the tip of a (preferably blunt) knife, etc. to open it. As long as you're not careless, it works just as well.

It wasn't immediately obvious my first time, but the accessory port cover (if any radios even have them anymore) will keep the case from being removed, so take that off first.

You're probably aware by this point, but just for the record, you don't need (or want) to remove any of the Phillips head screws holding the battery plate on. It stays on the case as you remove the chassis. You just loosen the two spanner nuts until they turn freely. And, while it sounds awful, they recommend you pull by the antenna.

Unless, of course, you want to remove the battery plate... In which case it's exactly as it would appear, but one important note: be careful! You'll have lots of small parts fall out, including the little screws holding the contacts in place and the spring latch on the radio, which has a little curved metal piece underneath. I only mention it because it's a major pain to find if it falls on the floor!

The replacement case had the battery slide already attached. It was used from fleabay & was real clean with tags & all. $17 incl shipping. It seems real easy to put in a screen & all, but I'm leaving it as is. Thanks again. GARY N4KVE