HT1250 Durability vs. Saber

JOHN R · Post by **JOHN R** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 10:02 pm

I have read many bad comments on the HT1250, I was curious as to what durability problems in particular have been noted, I have owned one for about six months or so and must admit that I do baby it, Our unit operates 10 or so of them and I have to say in my experience they take alot of abuse and come back for more, Are most of the problems encountered software based?- John

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JOHN R on 2002-04-01 20:11 ]</font>

Post by **HumHead** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 10:13 pm

I've been managing a couple of fleets totaling 60+ HT1250s for about 3 years under mixed Public Safety and light industrial use .

I've gone through quite a few firmware bugs, especially with the early versions.

In terms of hardware, I've lost one display ( from a user who flipped a large ATA road case onto it), and a couple of boken belt clips. Also, the "captive" screws on the dust covers and speaker mics aren't particularly captive, and tend to disapear. We also went through a rash of short lived batteries, but those were handled under warranty.

All in all, they have been fairly durable for my organizations. The RF performance isn't exactly stellar, but for short range and repeater work, they seem to be a good value for the money.

JOHN R · Post by **JOHN R** » Sun Mar 31, 2002 11:11 pm

Thanks, that clears up some questions I had- John

April · Post by **April** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 3:21 pm

The plastic case and battery housing are very very thin and break much easer.
I would like to say to keep them in a good leather or balistic nylon case, with a real belt loop, not a belt clip. Too many radios hit the ground due to belt clips.

JOHN R · Post by **JOHN R** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 4:47 pm

Thanks April, out of curiosity, Is the housing on the Saber radio really that much thicker/ durable than that of the ht1250? I`m always hearing about their very rugged durability.

Post by **HumHead** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 5:42 pm

I wish I could buy a truck made out of whatever they made the Saber and HT600 cases out of

They are pretty much indestructible.

I haven't lost a Professional Series case yet, but, as April pointed out, they are definitely of a lighter construction.

(I MANAGE 60+ HT1250s. I CARRY an Astro Saber

)

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: HumHead on 2002-04-01 20:46 ]</font>

JOHN R · Post by **JOHN R** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 7:39 pm

Thanks again for your expertice- dont mean to be a pain about these questions its just that I am considering buying a saber which I had wanted ever since I saw one 8 years ago, I have had several Mot radios but not the Saber, I didnt know the sabers were (housings) were made of a different material than the others Thanks again all - John

MT2000 man · Post by **MT2000 man** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 7:52 pm

Hi,

I think you will be happy with your saber purchase. I personally own 2 sabers (a VHF saber II, and a systems saber III UHF) and let me tell you, you simply cannot beat the saber. For example, if you hold a saber in your hand as squeeze it, it would not even budge. Do this to a Jedi series portable, and you'd probably snap the radio in half

Again, just speaking from my personal experience with the saber, and I would highly recommend you get one. (they are going off fairly cheap on E-bay, but be careful what you bid on )

Astro_Saber · Post by **Astro_Saber** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 8:06 pm

sabers are rocks while the 1250s are scissors

JOHN R · Post by **JOHN R** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 9:03 pm

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your comments, What I`m hearing from you is what I have thought all along- Sabers are tough, solid radios- Always wanted one now its about time to get one! thanks _ John

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Mon Apr 01, 2002 9:41 pm

Hi:

Its not my intention to down grade any radio,
but the Saber Series is a far more durable
radio than most. The problem is finding
a Saber that does not have been used or abused over its life time.

The later version HT1250's ect are not all that bad, but you make sacrafices in Quality
for Whisles and bells.....Personally, I have
used a Saber lll for years for my Commerical
applications, and a CP50 for testing in the
field since one can examine all the freqs
and PL tones over the whole UHF Band...So all
in all, radios are generally selected on a
persons desire and needs.

I do know alot of Commerical Personeel are not all that happy with the XTS series and
even STX's are becoming popular again.

Fire Department Personnel have a tough time
handling a small radio when holding a 4" fire
hose with gloves on. They tend to like a larger radio.

Monty