Saber SVA (Converta-com) Questions

N4UMJ · Post by **N4UMJ** » Sun Dec 09, 2001 9:35 pm

Purchased a couple of SVA's on e-bay and waiting for them to arrive. Never having used one before I have a basic question regarding the use of it with the Saber and battery pack.

I know the lengths vary for different battery packs and was wondering how this affected using the SVA. Seems like you would have to use a standard size battery to ensure the distance would remain the same between the lower battery contacts and the upper Mic/Spkr contacts. Or....does the SVA have two sets of contacts built in to accomodate both battery lengths?

Also, the SVA's I purchased do not have the harnesses with them. One of the connectors looks like an easy to obtain DB computer connector but the other 4 pin power I am unsure of? Any ideas on a source for this power connector?(MOTOROLA maybe)

And concerning the use of Mics. I was considering using one of the SVA's as a fixed station set up with a Power supply,speaker and Mic. Can the standard HMN3000 series Base Mic be used on the SVA instead of a palm Mic?

Thanks for any answers,
Eddie N4UMJ
Matthews, NC

Tom in D.C. · Post by **Tom in D.C.** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 6:21 am

There are at least two battery contact setups inside a Saber SVA, but the really short battery does not make contact. The 4595 and 4593 batteries work fine.

The power connector is the same one as is used inside computers for power connections to disk and CD drives; a dime a dozen at computer shows and almost as cheap at stores.

The mic connector is an RJ45 but I've never used anything in an SVA except a PTT mic or a 6150 display/control mic.

Tom, W2NJS
...in D.C.

N4UMJ · Post by **N4UMJ** » Tue Dec 11, 2001 10:11 am

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the input on the power connector. Sounds like I just need to make a trip to Comp-USA.

One of the SVA's arrived yesterday and I did notice that there are three sets of battery contacts. I tried to open up the casing on the SVA but it was being reluctant. I assume this is a snap together deal as no screws were visible?

I think what I haved planned will work. The knobs don't stick out as far as I would like them to though. Regarding the HMN3000 mic ....I have one ordered and hopefully this will work too.

I am not too sure of the order of the wiring on the power plug.

I have found the ground but need help locating the other three.(backlighting headlight sense,Ignition stop charging, and +12 Vdc Power) If anyone knows drop me a message. The Batlabs only gives the colors so not having the original cable does me no good.

Thanks again for any help,
Eddie
N4UMJ
Matthews NC

Tom in D.C. · Post by **Tom in D.C.** » Tue Dec 11, 2001 10:57 am

Eddie: Do NOT, I repeat NOT, take the SVA apart, because getting it back together is not an easy job. Yes, I think that there are three sets of battery contacts inside, so perhaps my memory was bad, but I still think that I have one really short battery which does not work in the charger; it could be the contacts in the SVA - - who knows?

On the power connector, here's how it goes:
Reading from the LEFT, looking at the BACK of the SVA, it's BLACK/GREEN/YELLOW/RED. The yellow has to be tied to the red, or switched from the same source, for the unit to work. The green you can just cut off, tape up, use, or ignore. I took this setup from one of my SVA's which uses an original Motorola harness, and it agrees with the data sheet 68P81068C75-A which covers the SVA's installation instructions.

Tom, W2NJS
...in D.C.

N4UMJ · Post by **N4UMJ** » Tue Dec 11, 2001 11:53 am

Thanks Tom for the info. on the Power Plug Wiring. That should get me headed in the right direction with hooking this one up.

I have another SVA which is yet to arrive but it has a problem with the Motorola RF connector on the rear. I have no resort but to dissassemble this one to repair.

Regarding your comment on disassembly, is the SVA casing a one time assembly type affair? If not what are the tricks to open it up with minimal damage? Seems to snap together but I don't know which end to start from as it most likely hinges? Maybe you are talking about the lever and assy. that clamps in the unit. I could see how that could be a can of worms!

I guess they did not want any screws holding this SVA together as this would defeat the security of it. Love those Motorola Engineers!

If you get a chance drop the pinouts for the speaker my way if you have them still handy. I have no idea what they are either.....

Eddie