What are the MX 1000/2000/3000?
The MX 1000/2000/3000 are the export version of the Saber I/II/III respectively.
The accessories, programming cable, and accessory connector pinout of the MX versions are identicle to those of the Saber.
The only difference that we know of is the RSS. The MX 1000/2000/3000 can only be programmed with the RSS designed for them, it is not cross compatible with the RSS for the Saber.
Notes on programming Sabers out of band.
Motorola RSS writes a dictionary file RPFDATA.DCT that contains the model and option numbers, and an eight character filename for the actual programming file. I haven't figured out the whole format of this file, but programming out of band frequencies is easy. This has been tried with UHF and VHF Sabers, don't know how far it will go but the format seems the same for both bands.
1. Program all the channel data, alphanumerics, scan, etc. using a place-holder frequency near the band edge you want to go beyond.
2. Store this as a personality file, note in RPFDATA.DCT which file it is.
3. Open the file in an editor (doesn't need to be hex, it's all ASCII upper-case letters and numbers, but you do need to be able to display a full 80 character line) and look for the lines that begin with S2. A typical line would be
S20101081B3200081B32000000...
if you separate it out into the components I've identified so far
S2 01 01 081B3200 081B3200
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
(a) means it's a channel entry
(b) means channel {01..0C} up to 12 channels
(c) means zone {01..0A} up to 10 zones
(d) is receive frequency, in Hz, converted to ASCII representation of hex (081B3200 = 136000000 Hz)
(e) is transmit frequency
4. So you can enter the new transmit and receive frequencies yourself, by converting the frequency in Hz to ASCII hex (146.94 MHz = 08C22060). Plug them in instead of the place-holder frequency you entered in the RSS.
5. Save the file and read it into the RSS. Program the radio *without looking at the file in the RSS* (although you can print it without the RSS complaining, don't try to look at it in the channel data window or it will be reset to discard the out-of- band frequencies).
6. If you don't want to calculate the frequencies in hex, just set up a different RPF using the band split your frequencies are in, read off the numbers from that file, and plug them into the file for your radio.
Note that these radios don't really like to go all that far out of their rated bandsplit. +/- 5MHz is typical.
Henry Crun 97
Regarding the System Saber's firmware options, here's an easy way to get the specs of various version of CON (Internal Code Plug).
From main RSS menu (Version 03.00.2) go F4 and F2 to select model #. Select a model like H44TUK5170CN and select a CON (2-6), create a default Public Code Plug with F2 - Go back and review the options. For example, a CON-4 has only MDC Signaling, CON-5 & 6 has MDC, QCII, Single Tone ....
Saber Upgrading:
CORE version is mask programmed in the CPU so while Saber upgrades are possible (they can be done in order to have QC II in older Saber2s), they are neither cheap nor easy as the new processor is around 100 bucks dealer cost and requires a degree of skill in SMT board repair to swap out.
On the other hand there are a number of other features which can be enabled via RSS without any hacking at all and some Saber bandsplits are quite wide indeed! (when I get info on what, I'll let you know)
OK, this next one isn't for the faint of heart...
This modification could do permanant damage to the code plug, so use it at your own risk!
Thats it!
This modification could do permanant damage to the code plug, so use it at your own risk!
General Information
It is possible to go into the Converta-Com and cut the lines that go to the proper pins on the radio, insert a switch with the necessary number of poles, and add a connector for the RIB.
The Converta-Com does act a bit flakey with the data lines interrupted. The lights flash on it, but that's all. It is also necessary when the switch is flipped back to normal mode that the radio has to be removed and re-inserted for the converta-com to reset and communicate with the radio.
Saber Programming Cables:
ASTRO SABER/SYSTEM SABER/SABER Si
Saber Motor Vehicle Adapter (MVA), aka Saber Vehicular Adapter (SVA)
SVA Connector Pinouts
Interface Connector
Pin������� Description 1����������� Self-test (gnd on power-up) 2,3������� V- 5����������� High on squelch open 11,24��� V+ 20������� �� Audio+ 21������� �� Audio-
Power
Red + Power Black - Power Yellow Ignition Sense (+12VDC, unit will not TX if not connected) Green Headlight/Horn Relay Flash (closes to ground when squelch opens)
LED Function
Red LED Charging Green LED Charging Complete
Microphone Connector Pinout
Here is the pin out for the SVA Mic input. Pin 1 is to the right as you look into the connector of the SVA. Color codes relate to microphone wire color.
Pin Color Description 1 Red +5V 2 Purple Clock 3 Wht Data 4 Blk Gnd 5 Org Mic 6 Grn PTT 7 Yel LED (Front panel lighting) 8 Blu Keypad
Other SVA Information
Manuals
Microphones
Saber Accessory Connector Pinout
The pinout can be found here.
