Posted: 8/30/2007 1:42:50 PM EDT
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Which models should I look for, and what accessories do I need? Thanks! |
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www.batlabs.com/saber.html This has what the different model numbers mean, so if you find one, you can tell its capabilities from the model number. I only have knockoff handmics, from kawamall.com/. You will also need a charger. I use the deskcharge/analyzer. |
Let's talk about that once I figure out what exactly I need. Here's my WANT list: Commonly available and relatively inexpensive when purchased used Water resistant Secure (not Secure-capable, I want the module already installed) batteries readily available reasonably rugged programmable with a laptop any thoughts? |
Well the analog sabers are cheaper than ever. The last few I bought were $25 each That's just the radio, no antenna, battery, or charger. Those usually need to be replaced anyway.
The regular sabers are rather water resistant, but they also made "submersible" versions as well.
Well lots of sellers can install various modules.
They'll be selling saber batteries for a long time. There are still agencies using sabers, as well as Astro Sabers (which use the same battery)
I've dropped mine several times, and since it was a .mil radio, it was probably dropped more than one in the 10-15 years they owned it  You can always get a Saber R. That requires a special battery, but you can use it as a hammer 
The software is no longer sold, but there are lots of people who have it  The biggest hurdle is an old laptop to run the RSS on, and getting/building a RIB and cables to program the radios with. You'll also need a keyloader for the encryption keys.The astro sabers (that are dropping in price every day) are easier to program, as they dont require a 15-20 year old computer. They also give you the full bandsplit in the VHF version (136-174) and widebanded in the UHF versions (403-470 & 450-512). I was carrying an Astro Saber III UHF today at the hamfest, along with a few other Astro users (missed ya' Tim )
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