I came across a Saber 3, VHF, H43SAK7139CN, and would like to be able to use this for local 2m. I understand this requires cabling and a RIB along with RSS, no not asking for this I know better. What I'm curious to know is can these be programmed via the keypad and if so how? I've heard both yes and no, hence the ask. Additionally I would be curious if there is someone in my area, near Austin, that would be willing to program it for a few bucks? Ultimately I would like to learn how to do this on my own but I don't have the hardware at this time.
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Saber programming
- Thread starter KD5WEK
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RFI-EMI-GUY
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You can only program using DOS RSS , a slow 486 class or lower CPU, a serial port and RIB Box. There has never been front panel programming on a Saber, a Systems Saber or Astro Saber. What you might be able to do is program multi-PL which might give you flexibility of 16 different PL or DPL codes.
ElroyJetson
Getting tired of all the stupidity.
Front panel programming was never ever an option for any Saber ever. The most you can do in the way of front panel programming is assign scan lists, and pick from MPL lists.
To program it you need a pre-windows PC, ideally a 386 but a slower 486 will usually work, and running in true DOS mode, with the appropriate Saber RSS, Radio Interface Box, and programming cable. Have no expectations of using USB in any way with a Saber.
To program it you need a pre-windows PC, ideally a 386 but a slower 486 will usually work, and running in true DOS mode, with the appropriate Saber RSS, Radio Interface Box, and programming cable. Have no expectations of using USB in any way with a Saber.
I have the software and cable, and the DOS computer I'm using will read the codeplug but will not save or view it. The CPU clock speed is just too fast for it. However, I do keep searching for an old computer.
I ran across an advertisement for DOS operating computers that are new laptops but they're from China and I thought about it and I just can't trust it. I don't know if they're a scam or just more Cheap Chinese junk.
I ran across an advertisement for DOS operating computers that are new laptops but they're from China and I thought about it and I just can't trust it. I don't know if they're a scam or just more Cheap Chinese junk.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Important step many new folks miss: when writing to an analog Saber and Saber RSS prompts you to "use the field programmer tuning values" or "tuning values stored in the radio"- ALWAYS USE VALUES STORED IN THE RADIO, unless you have proper tuning/alignment hardware and tools on hand!
DVINTHEHOUSEMAN
Up North
There's no true FPP for any Saber series radio. PL select on the standard Saber and Scan list/phone/call list programming on the Systems Saber.
On top of a RIB and RSS, you will need an old computer capable of running real DOS (NOT a DOS prompt under Windows) and if it is newer than a 386 class, you will also need to be able to disable CPU cache from the BIOS. I use a laptop with a Pentium MMX 300 MHz in it without issue and I've seen a Pentium III machine program a Saber just fine.
Of course YMMV, there are ways to fix your Saber if it does get bricked, but I haven't had any problems with mine.
On top of a RIB and RSS, you will need an old computer capable of running real DOS (NOT a DOS prompt under Windows) and if it is newer than a 386 class, you will also need to be able to disable CPU cache from the BIOS. I use a laptop with a Pentium MMX 300 MHz in it without issue and I've seen a Pentium III machine program a Saber just fine.
Of course YMMV, there are ways to fix your Saber if it does get bricked, but I haven't had any problems with mine.
DVINTHEHOUSEMAN
Up North
As long as you can disable CPU caching, it should work fine. Remember to always read a radio before you write it and to make backups of your codeplug before you exit the program.
RFI-EMI-GUY
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Has anyone had a problem with Systems Saber when attaching the RIB cable it wants to transmit and goes crazy when trying to read? I have a couple here like that. Not sure why that behavior.
DVINTHEHOUSEMAN
Up North
Anything that says cache should be disabled just in case. If there's nothing like that I would be very careful with it. I'm not familiar with Winbooks so I can't be of much help with how to disable it if it has it.
I personally haven't experienced that with my Systems Saber, I know mine goes limp if you don't have power attached to the RIB. Haven't had it try to TX at all, when I read or write mine it restarts and shows "04 01 04" (the firmware revision) and then "CHAN x >" (x representing what the channel selector switch is set to). Are you able to successfully read them at all?
RFI-EMI-GUY
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The ones I am having problems with are not display radios , they are 16 channel, so I don't see an error code. But there does seem to be interaction when changing the channel selector. Cannot read them. I have not investigated further, I set them aside until I can get some time. I will also check the RIB power as the power cube is rather old.
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