Astro saber programming

[FoxMcCloud]

I got my hands on an Astro Saber. I have CPS 5.03.00 astro and XTS 3000, but not a programming cable. I do have a computer with a R232 port if this is required (I use a USB to R232 for my XTS3000) So I think all else I need is a programming cable, correct me if I need anything else. But would this programming cable work? (Motorola NKN6505A Astro-Saber Radio Data Cable RS-232 to Computer Serial Port | eBay)

 

[n3obl]

No that cable wont work. You need a rib box and a rib cable for the astro saber.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Be careful, the SABER programming cable and ASTRO SABER programming cables are different. There is a different pinout for the data at the RIB end, and while SABER uses an electronic antenna switch (for antenna external RF), with a Zener diode to select the port, the ASTRO SABER cable has a plunger to push a mechanical switch inside the radio housing.

You can find after market programming cables for both that dont have the antenna RF servicing pigtail, but they still will be wired slightly different. You might have to shuffle two wires if you buy the wrong one. Or make a male to female DB connector that switches the wires.

 

[FoxMcCloud]

Thanks for your answers, are there some options on eBay that you could link me on? And yep, thanks for looking out on that, I have the Astro Saber and not the older analog saber

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

This is an aftermarket cable. You still need a RIB. I assume the seller knows what he is selling and it actually works.

Radio Programming Cable for Motorola Astro Saber | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Radio Programming Cable for Motorola Astro Saber at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[FoxMcCloud]

Would any plain old RIB box work like this one?

(Programming Interface Box RIB for Motorola radio RLN4008 xts3000 xts3500 HT1000 707242639257 | eBay)

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

It will probably work. Whatever you do, read the radio and archive a couple copies of the original codeplug. That way if there is a problem rewriting it you can try another configuration. The new WIN10 OS may be a bugaboo. WINXP was probably last support for CPS. I am running WINXP and same CPS here. But will have to change OS soon, and I think that may be the end of it. Meaning another CPU sitting on a shelf in case I ever need it. I still have a DOS IBM pizza box for all things before.

 

[n3obl]

you can run it with windows 7 but must be 32 bit.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

you can run it with windows 7 but must be 32 bit.

I wonder if it will run on 32 bit WIN10. I do have a notebook with that OS and it would be a good place to install that CPS.

 

[bumby]

I recently programmed an Astro Saber with WIN7 32 bit, and a 3rd party programming cable off ebay, and it was a great success. I realize 3rd party programming cables are not recommended, it was a ham radio project, and I wanted to keep cost at a minimum.

 

[cmdrwill]

Whatever you do, read the radio and archive a couple copies of the original codeplug.

The FIRST Golden Rule for programming.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

The FIRST Golden Rule for programming.

Easily forgotten, all I need to do is add one channel!

 

[FoxMcCloud]

I recently programmed an Astro Saber with WIN7 32 bit, and a 3rd party programming cable off ebay, and it was a great success. I realize 3rd party programming cables are not recommended, it was a ham radio project, and I wanted to keep cost at a minimum.

Did you use the RIB box or did you just use the R232 cable?

 

[bumby]

It was a rib-less, USB interface cable....or I should say the USB cable has a rib built into it.

 

[FoxMcCloud]

It was a rib-less, USB interface cable....or I should say the USB cable has a rib built into it.

So a USB Serial cable to astro saber programming cable? Who made yours and where did you buy it from?

 

[jaspence]

I use a Kawamall cable that requires a true serial port (no usb to serial) but not a rib box. I just finished reprogramming my XTS 3000 VHF radio using it. Works best with Windows XP, but no 64 bit software of any Windows version.

 

[bumby]

I bought mine off ebay from seller bluemax49ers, however, I checked and he does not seem to have one for sale at the moment. I would message him and see if he has a cable, its not showing up on his ebay site right now.

 

[N4KVE]

Yesterday I spent a half hour looking for an Astro Saber ribless serial port programming cable. They don’t seem to exist. But yet I have one that works perfectly for my MTS2000/XTS3000.

 

[jaspence]

Very possible the supply ran out and not worth the cost to produce a small quantity since the XTS3000 has been retired for several years. I could not find one the last time I looked either. I also have a couple EFJ5100 radios, but they all have FPP which works good for ham use.

 

[FoxMcCloud]

Yea I have a XTS3000 and just programmed it with a R232 cable. So since the XTS and the Astro Saber are electronically identical, they should both not need a RIB box right?