Laptop For Programming a Saber

[billy7834]

Looking for an old laptop for programming a Saber. Is a 386 33 mhz good? What is the upper limit?

[wavetar]

All the info you need to make your decision is right on Batlabs:

http://www.batlabs.com/newbie.html

Alternately, you can use the 'search' feature here on the board & find about 800 posts from Monty about a 'stable programming platform'.

Motorola has released a 486/Pentium Compatibility Matrix. If you're using the latest RSS version as shown in this table, you will have a much higher success rate using faster computers. It is recommended you try reading the radio 5 or 6 times the first time you're trying a new platform out on a specific model radio, before you actually write to it.

Page 6 of 8 SBSY9505-G
RSS 486 Compatibility Matrix
The following is a list of RSS packages of interest. Those marked "Yes" are currently 486 compatible . Those
marked “no” with a date in the “Next Release” column can be expected to be released with 486
compatibility by that date. An entry of “No” without a date in the “Next Release” column indicates no current
plans to make this package compatible. When a package has been marked “Improved Beta Available”, that
beta version can be obtained through Product Services.
Page 7 of 8 SBSY9505-G


32 x 8 Codeplug RVN-4057C Aug-91 No
Advance Securenet CIU RVN-4085C Jan-94 Yes
ASTRO
Saber/Spectra/XTS3000
RVN-4100N Apr-99 4Q99 Yes
ASTRO TAC 3000 RVN-4154H Jul-02 Yes
BSC11 RVN-4083A Jul-90 No
C-200 RVN-4171B Dec-00 Yes
Centracom II Plus RVN-4029K Nov-96 Yes
CommandSTAR CSDM TDN-9942A Jan-96 Yes
CommandSTAR CSDM
w/Status
TDN-9943A Jan-96 Yes
CommandSTAR Lite CSDM DDN-6136A Jul-00 Yes
Comtegra RVN-4149D Jan-99 Yes
Comtegra Plus RVN-4112E Jan-99 Yes
Desk Trac Conventional RVN-4079G May-95 Yes, as of R03.04.00 (released
5/95)
DeskTrac Trunked RVN-4093F May-95 Yes, as of R03.04.00 (released
5/95)
DGT9000 Deskset RVN-4091C Jun-96 Yes, as of R01.00.11 (released
6/96)
GM300/GR300/500/400/M10/
120/130
HVN-8177F Dec-94 Yes
GP300/GP350 HVN-9128D Feb-97 Yes
GTX RVN-4150E Mar-99 Yes
HT10 RVN-4047A Nov-88 Yes
HT1000 & VISAR
Conventional
RVN-4098H May-98 Yes
HT50 RVN-4021C Oct-89 No – use HVN9262
HT600 RVN-4005G Mar-94 Yes
LCS/LTS2000 RVN-4156K May-99 Yes
M100/M200 HVN-9173J Yes
M400 HVN-9774E Yes
Maratrac RVN-4023G Jul-98 Yes
Maxtrac Conventional RVN-4019K Jan-98 Yes
Maxtrac Trunked, Duplex RVN-4043P Mar-97 Yes
MaxTrac•LS RVN-4139C Jan-98 Yes
MCS2000 RVN-4113G Feb-99 3Q99 Yes
MCX 1000 RVN-4011B Oct-90 No
MCX 1000 Marine RVN-4063A Jun-89 No
Mostar Conventional RVN-4037A No (no longer available)
Mostar/Traxar Trunked RVN-4059C Aug-91 No
MRTI2000 RVN4140C Feb-99 Yes
MSF5000 Digital RVN-4077G Feb-95 Yes
MSF5000/PURC/Analog RVN-4025A Feb-88 Yes
MT1000 RVN-4017J Aug-94 Yes
MTSX RVN-4097N Feb-99 3Q99 Yes
MTX800 & 800S RVN-4013K Jan-98 Yes
MTX810 RVN-4065H Jan-98 Yes
MTX820/820S/888/888S RVN-4081F Jan-98 Yes
MTX900 RVN-4033J Jan-98 Yes
MTX900S RVN-4055H Jan-98 Yes
MTX•LS RVN-4138B Jun-96 Yes
MX 800 RVN-4073B Oct-90 No
P100/HT50 HVN-9175D Yes
P110 HVN-9852J Apr-96 Yes
P200 HVN-9262D Use RVN4005 (U/V), RVN4017
(LB)
P50+ HVN-9395D Yes
P500 HVN-9941B Jan-98 Yes
PP1000/500 RVN-4061C Aug-91 No
Quantar/Quantro RVN-5002AF Sep 02 Oct
03
Yes
Saber RVN-4002K Nov-93 Yes
Saber SI RVN-4111A Yes
SM50/SM120 HVN-9007C Apr-96 Yes
Smart Status RVN-4039B Aug-91 No
SP50 HVN-9012C Apr-96 Yes
Spectra & Spectra-E RVN-4001N Jul-93 Yes
Spectra Railroad RVN-4099B Jul-95 Yes
Station Access Module RVN-4110A Mar-93 Yes
STX RVN-4049E Jan-93 No (Incorrectly reported before)
STX Transit RVN-4089A Jan-91 No
Syntor-X 9000 RVN-4007E Aug-94 Yes
Syntor-X 9000 Dual RVN-4102A May-92 No Y
Syntor-X Trunked RVN-4069A Nov-90 No
System 9000E RVN-4009F May-92 No Y
Systems Saber RVN-4051F Dec-93 3Q99 Yes
T5600/T5620 Console RVN-4075D Dec-92 No
VISAR Privacy Plus RVN-4123G Jan-97 Yes
Last Update 6/03
Compatibility notes:
- Compatibility with fast computers is much more a function of clock speed than CPU type (486 vs Pentium).
- In many older RSS versions ('93 and earlier), additional compatibility problems were often caused if RAM caching was
turned on. This is not a problem with newer versions.
- Some RSS products have had problems communicating with the radio in computers which use the 16550 UART or
integrated versions of it. Motorola can provide a utility (COMMCHEK.EXE) to determine UART type and correct the
UART setup if necessary. These functions are being integrated into the RSS programs as they are updated, so longterm,
COMMCHEK.EXE will no longer be needed.

[billy7834]

I've read all of the above as well as the info on the batlabs site and discussion board. I still need clarification. There seems to be conflicting info. Some say that a slow Pentium would be OK. Some say no higher than a 486. Others....386. I have a Pentium 266mhz and would like to know if that would be OK. Once again, we are talking about Saber (1,2,3) programming. Any additional input appreciated. Thanks.

[Tom in D.C.]

I currently use a Pentium running at only 60 mHz which works fine in DOS-only mode. It must be one of the first Pentiums made and it's just a shade faster than the end-of-run 486s. From all that I've read hereabouts that's about the limit for safe operation.

The RSS will even work with an old XT or 286 machine. It's slow but it works fine.

[sglass]

I use a 486 at home, some stuff doesn't run on it though. Before I have a 386sx25 desktop-that ran everything just fine.

[Big Blue TO/\/\]

I have had no problems at all with an old Canon (yep, they had 1) 386 machine. I still have a NEC 486, but don't think I've ever used it to program the Saber.
If nothing else, try to READ. If you are successful, then you should be able to write. BE SURE to READ and SAVE before write. Sabers are very easy to convert...into paperweights and door-stops.

[wavetar]

I run the latest RSS version of Saber on my Dell C540 Latitude 1.7GHz machine with no problems at all. Reads/writes fine. Also programmed many on my old P-120 Compaq laptop, no problems. Just use the latest RSS versions.

Todd

[sglass]

version 7 works on my 486, so does some oddball hack I have

[billy7834]

I run the latest RSS version of Saber on my Dell C540 Latitude 1.7GHz machine with no problems at all. Reads/writes fine. Also programmed many on my old P-120 Compaq laptop, no problems. Just use the latest RSS versions.

Todd

So guys...Back to the original question....Even this thread says everything from a 386 to a 1.7 Gig. ????

[wavetar]

You're going to find many different opinions on the subject. If you did like I said, and searched for one of Monty's 800 or so 'stable programming platform' posts, you'd have a very clear understanding of what that constitutes. Recent Motorola RSS users guides state the following:

80386 CPU or higher

DOS 5.0 or later

4 MB of RAM or greater

This comes from a recent MCS2000 RSS user's guide. Some people take this to mean you can only use a 368 computer, running pure DOS. Others, such as myself who can't stand having a computer take 4 minutes to verify an MCS2000 archive, go with the "or higher/later/greater".

The 486/Pentium compatibility matrix was created for a reason. To let people know what RSS versions can be expected to work on a faster computer. As you can see from the list, there are actually very few which require a slow 386 computer. STX, MCX1000, and certain Syntor RSS among them.

You cannot go wrong with the recommended 386/486-25MHz that many people adhere to. BUT, if you program 1000+ radios a year like myself, you can save many man-hours using something more modern.

As far as 'pure DOS', the manual states 5.0 or later. The native DOS which comes with Win95/98 is version 7.xx. You just have to learn how to configure it properly, so Windows doesn't interfere. I still have yet to corrupt a codeplug, and will send my first one to Monty.

Todd

[billy7834]

Thanks Todd....Appreciate it. I have access to P1 266 mhz laptop. Thats about the slowest I can find without making an Ebay purchase where you don't really know what you are getting. Since I am just going to program my 2 personal Sabers I dont want to invest in a lot of equipment. The P1 266 mhz laptop has the Saber software already installed in Windows 98se. I assume I would have to boot into DOS...Could I use the DOS window? I could really use a step by step as far as the computer setup. I am familiar with the software once I get going but only have used it on a machine (old) where it was already installed. Any help with the setup would be greatly appreciated. I understand of course that I would be proceeding at my own risk. Thanks.

[wavetar]

DO NOT use a DOS Window!! That is not the proper way to use DOS 7.xx.

Go to your C:\Windows directory. Find the MS-DOS Mode for Games with EMS and XMS support icon. Drag & drop it out onto your Desktop for easy access. Double clicking this icon will re-boot your computer into the best DOS mode available for a Windows O/S. This is a great DOS mode, and will remain even if you re-boot your computer. To get back to Windows, you will need to type 'exit' at the DOS prompt and the computer will then re-boot into Windows. Please, try reading your radio 5-6 times first. If it all goes ok, then you can try a write cycle. Actual computer hardware can be more of an issue than Windows/Processor speed, so you want to be sure it reads smoothly before proceeding.

Todd

[billy7834]

Hi Todd....Just want to be clear....Are you saying that it will probably be alright to use a Pentium 1 266 mhz laptop to program a Saber? Once again, I know that I proceed at my own risk, but just want to know if that is your opinion. Thanks again.

[wavetar]

Wow, I thought my posts were pretty clear on the subject. Will your particular P-266 work fine? I don't know. Do many, many other, even much faster computers work fine? Yes. Thus my statement to try reading the radio 5 or 6 times with your computer first, before trying to write to the radio. Make sure you're using the latest version of Saber RSS available, as per the 486/Pentium compatibility matrix. Make sure you use the MS-DOS method I described in my last post if you're using a Windows 9x computer. That's about all I can say.

Todd