Motorola Saber III

[n1pj]

Hi group,
I was wondering how I would change the zones in my motorola saber III. the number is #H43TUK5170CN. Does this radio have the ability to be programed for the ham bands. What tool would I use to take apart the saber. It is not a screw holding it together on the bottom it is like a slot with a bolt or something in the middle. thanks

PJ

[Redtop47]

It sounds like you have a System Saber 3 VHF 256 channels. To Program that radio you will need Software and Iterface rib box. I'm not sure which band split you have in that radio, but I'm sure you can get some Ham bands. The tool to open the radio is called a Spanner Tool. I wouldn't worry about taking the radio apart unless you were to change modules. You don't need to open the radio to program it. The cable connects to the back of the radio. Check around and maybe someone can program it for you.

[RKG]

Just in case the first question was how to change the current zone while operating the radio (as opposed to how to change the programming of a zone, as to which the response given was correct):

Press "Mode" key once; this puts you in zone change mode.

Either:

Continue pressing the "Mode" key to step upward through the zones, until you get to the one you want, or

Use the numeric keys to select the desired zone (you can use a single digit if 9 or fewer zones are programmed, otherwise, use two digits).

Press "Home" key to select the zone.

The sequence <Mode> <1MUTE> <Home> will always take you back to the first zone.

[Monty]

HI;

To gain access inside a saber, you should use
the right tool

You can buy this from Motorola, OR just take a
good screwdriver. and make a appropriate slot
in it.

[RKG]

Monty: Isn't there a pretty rigid spec for torquing those spanner nuts when reassembling? I can't find the right book (though I'm SURE it is down there SOMEPLACE), but I seem to remember that the torque value is quite low and the book place great importance on not exceeding it.

[giantcake]

Hi,

I found the bit at True-Value Hardware when I was passing thru Mesa, AZ last year. Check the tool section or ask the clerk for the "security hex bits". The little kit I picked up has a number of different bits including the spanner bit to remove the slotted nuts at the bottom of the Saber case.

The procedure is the loosen the nuts (they have a retention collar so they stay hooked to the battery plate), hold the saber case in one hand, grab the antenna in the other, and pull slowly and smoothly straight out.

Be careful when you slide it back into the case that the flex circuit at the top by the controls doesn't get caught on something and that the rubber o-ring around the control plate is clean and ok.

The knobs on the top of the radio just pull off and press back on.

Good Luck!