Motorola Saber for HAM use

[93BLAZER]

Hello,

Just came across a few Motorola SABER radios for free. They are VHF radios.

I remember these were top of the line in the early-mid 1990's and used by the government and public service.

Do they have any use for HAM use on the trail?

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Depends - what version of VHF are they?

Also, they require expensive and hard to get (legally) software to program - and a 'RIB', radio interface box to connect the radio to the computer.

Parts and accessories are also not cheap.

Check www.batlabs.com

 

[93BLAZER]

Thanks for the reply.
Found a business in Phoenix that will program them for a nominal fee.

I just need a vehicle antenna and 12 watt speaker to make it 100% operational.

I was just wondering if others on this forum have heard of the feasibility of using a radio like this.

My use would be limited to vehicle to vehicle use and use way south of the border.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Those are tough portable radios and there is nothing illegal about adapting them for amateur use. Sure they're bigger and heavier than the current HT offerings, but the charge lasts a lot longer and they are tougher. Performance-wise, they don't give up much compared to a mobile or base, they are very good radios.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Thanks for the reply.
Found a business in Phoenix that will program them for a nominal fee.

I just need a vehicle antenna and 12 watt speaker to make it 100% operational.

I was just wondering if others on this forum have heard of the feasibility of using a radio like this.

My use would be limited to vehicle to vehicle use and use way south of the border.

You can. I have a couple of Motos, including a saber that I mostly use for SAR. Strong, well made radios, and if you can handle not having them programable, they're fine. Especially at that price