Batboard

With the recent (Dec 1, 2002) funeral for the ASTRO Saber now passed, does this mean that the Motorola Maintenance Depot will refuse to accept these radios for repair in 5 years (since all Motorola parts support for ASTRO Saber will stop at that time)?

Larry

Not sure on your question, but I wanted to report to everyone that I just received 3 radios back from the depot. Astro Saber 3, uhf high split, completely refurbed on the flat rate special, actually two warrantee extended, and the third wass f/rate.

Tuned, aligned, newest firmware, replced the defective R housings on all 3, FM approved cases that is,,,Pressure tested and statement of such included for each radio. Replaced DESOFB board on one for some unknown reason. Replaced the frame on 1 due to 1 of the screws on the bottom being bad, tuned for high & low power, dev and the works. Also re-labeled all 3 radios tags, serial, flash, etc..

2 radios were under 4 years old, with our department being the original purchaser, the other had the famous chicago flashcode, the radio's flashcode remained intact with no changes. I personally spoke to a tech there twice concerning what the problems were with each, etc..

Although I have flat rated a few of our other radios before, including a few a/s 3's, none of the times have been as smooth as this one was.

Motorola gets an A++ here.

Granted we are a govt. account and went through regional rep for the initial depot questions.

Does anybody have a dealer that sent in their radio and actually got it flat rated? No local dealer around here services those high tier radios. Monty, have you had success with flat rating AS3's?

Any authorized MSS can send a radio in for flat-rate repair, regardless of whether they sell/service them or not. There is an MSS list of all radios currently supported under flat-rate, and the associated cost for the repair. As long as it's on that list, the dealer can send it in for the applicable rate. The AS III is on this list.

Todd

Oh ok, I had read here a few times that some bigger MSS's had much better luck with the radios.

I don't understand all of the references to working with a Dealer and/or an MSS in connection with the Maintenace Service Depot. I have sent my previous Systems Sabers (sold them years ago when we upgraded to ASTRO) into the Service Depot DIRECTLY (as the End User). I have gotten the Flat Rate on the Systems Saber. My only point is why work through a Third Party? I have always had excellent service, with very fast turn arounds and I have normally gotten Flat Rate (unless a truck drives over it, etc.).

Larry

True, you can send the radios direct. If you're willing to pay, Motorola will fix them. The point of going through a dealer is usually service/convenience oriented. Many times we will supply a loaner radio while the unit is away for flat-rate, if it was originally purchased from us. Also, we take care of the shipping hassles, and provide a convenient drop-off/pick-up place for the customers. Especially convenient if you're a client with a lot of radios. Also, most times when a radio is brought into us for servicing, our average turn around time for repairs is 72 hours...usually less, and for much less than a flat-rate. The flat-rate is the last, and most expensive, resort. If you want to send in every radio you have that breaks directly for flat-rate, you take the chance on paying hundreds of dollars to fix a solder connection or similar.

Todd

UPS and FedX come to my place of business on a daily basis. We keep the shipping boxes in stock. We overnight them and Mototorla will recipricate by paying for overnight return to match us, at their expense. Then, when the unit arrives at the depot the next business day, one of us gets on the phone with the repair tech (we have the sup's extension number and the numbers and names of several of the techs. They are divided up by Portables, Mobiles and Quantar). We have a nice quick discussion on the SPECIFIC symptoms/problem(s) to ensure they get all of the pertinent facts. Usually they get it out of there in 24 or 48 hours, especially since we send them overnight. No Third party (help) wanted or needed with this sort of process. Works like a champ!

Larry

I too have sent sabers directly to depot without going through a dealer. The dealer just gave me the appropriate forms that consisted of filling out the serial # and problem with the unit etc....

Also, one radio came back with the same problem. I was advised to write BOUNCE on the box and send it back. They repared it again for no additional cost. I ended up paying the flat rate of $280 or so and the turn around time was very fast.
I was very pleased with the serivice from the depot but that was three years ago so who knows now.


mancow

Hmmm, anyone have a scan of the form?

Form is easy to get...

Just call motorola and tell them you want to send a radio in for service. They are in excel format, and anyone will send you one without hesitation. Usually sent by email.

-Alex

What's your e-mail?

I just sent a radio in flat rate and I still have the form.

So it looks like I am going to flat rate my radio. How do I call the tech to better explain my problem? I like the idea of overnighting the radio.

On the form I'm sending you there is a number for the depot on there. Call up and find out who is working on it and ask to speak to them. I have to call about mine on Monday.

Very cool! I'm finally gonna get this thing fixed! Yay! Thanks JAYMZ (And Alex too of course )!

Hello all. Looking at getting my first AS, may have a programming error, bum mic or worse. Price was good, will check the Ser# for legitimacy before shipping it back ( if need be) wondering what the depot repair cost is right now on an astro saber, and if anyone has a pricing chart on flash upgrades, apco25 IMBE, smartnet digital, etc. Radio has H35 conventional op only, looking to add apco digital for future use.

Many thanks, Will

I just got a quote on my XTS 3000s. From ASTRO Ready Dec 1997 new radio to uplift to current Host/DSP is $375 plus $775 for P25 IMBE operational. Still waiting on quote for UCM.

Larry