UHF Motorola Sabers I, II and III
Mid band and VHF high band models look the same except for the antenna length
UHF Motorola Sabers I, II and III
Mid band and VHF high band models look the same except for the antenna length
Introduction:
The original Saber is a long, thin radio originally developed for the military around 1989. It probably has the best selectivity that has ever been seen on a portable. These handhelds are tough, popular radios used by the military / industrial / public service / commercial environment. The basic Saber and the more advanced Systems Saber were officially labeled obsolete and Motorola depot repair for them ended Dec 31st 2005. They are being replaced by the MTS and XTS series. As a result we are seeing a LOT of surplused Sabers and they are relatively inexpensive on the used market plus they are available from several sources. With that in mind, it's time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various Saber models, some of which sold for US$3,000 new (or US$4,000 for a trunked, encrypted Astro Saber).
There are several series of handheld radios in Motorola's Saber line. These include the Saber I / IE / II / III, Astro Saber, Saber SI, Systems Saber (trunked) and SSE5000. The MX 1000, MX2000 and MX3000 are the export version of the Saber I / II / III, with the only major difference being the model tags on the case, and the firmware (this means that the Saber accessories will work). One change in the firmware is that they do not support the non-exportable encryption modules and they can only be programmed with the RSS designed for them.
The basic differences:
The Saber I = The most basic of Sabers. This radio has 12 channels and it is
available as either a Secure Capable or Non-Secure radio.
The Saber IE = This radio is capable of 24 channels by having two zones of 12
channels each. What is normally the Secure/Clear switch on top now selects between
the two zones. The top escutcheon on one radio that I own has a single dot for zone
1 and two dots for zone 2. I have seen others that have an A or B on the top escutcheon.
You could also use the zone selector switch as a way to select Talk-Around or Direct for
each repeater, simplex on the output frequency, by programming zone one with twelve
repeaters and zone two with the matching talk-around frequency. This way if you're
on any channel, a flip of the switch gives you talk-around. In a Saber 1E secure radio
you then have the option of slaving the secure transmit to specific modes so that you
can still use the top switch to select zones, or assign the switch to secure/clear use
and losing the second zone.
The IE also has the different front shield assembly. It includes a small memory board
and connecting cable, like a display board for a Saber II or III. The part number for
the front assembly should be NTN5686A. The radio's on-board memory is insufficient to
accommodate 24 channels and needs the extra board.
The Saber II = This model is capable of either four zones of twelve channels, or
ten zones of twelve channels. The difference is in the front shield assembly. The 2k
48-channel radio, when disassembled, will have four surface-mount ICs on the back of the
front display board. The 8k 120-channel radio front display board has five surface-mount
ICs. However, there is an exception to this rule. If an 8k radio is programmed as a 2k
radio by selecting option H670 Omit memory - 2k memory option under Radio Feature Options
in the RSS, it will be the same as a 2k radio. It can be restored to an 8k radio with
some trickery, but that's another article!
The Saber III = This is basically a Saber II with the full keypad. It offers
multiple
channels and zones, analog only, no trunking. The full keypad allows you to use some
other options such as user programmable scan and DTMF. Otherwise it's the same radio as
a II.
The Systems Saber = The difference between the Systems Saber and the regular Saber is
that the Systems Saber is capable of analog trunking operation and it has increased channel
capacity, up to 255 channels. Yes, there are other feature changes, such as the buttons
are reprogrammable (the ones on the regular Saber are not), but I will not get into the
nitty gritty of the exact differences in this article. Please note, you must use the
Systems Saber RSS to program this radio. If you use any other software, it will not work,
and you may damage the radio.
The Astro Saber = This is a totally different radio. In my opinion the only thing they share is that they are similar in size and shape and uses the same battery and battery charger. It will do both wideband and narrowband analog on a per-channel basis plus added digital capability. Not all the Astro Sabers are digital, however. Another article will have to be dedicated to describing it.
The Saber series is very ham-friendly. The Saber II and III have handy features such as MPL (Multiple PL select), nuisance delete - the temporary deletion of a busy channel from the scan list (a feature I think all radios should have since it is so handy), and many more!
Sabers that do features like scan do so via cumbersome menus, while Systems Sabers do it via direct button presses. Astro Sabers, unlike Systems Sabers, will remember scan state through a channel change. Systems Sabers only allow one MDC ID per radio, while Astro Sabers allow you to enable multiple MDC "systems" and select which system goes with which channel. Nice if you have call signs on both the Police and the Fire channels, but different MDC IDs.
The SSE5000 is a model of Saber manufactured by Motorola's Special Products Division for the NYPD; I have no clue of its options.
There is also a version of the Saber which carries an R suffix (i.e. Saber 1R, Saber 2R). These are ruggedized versions of the Saber built for the Military: the Marine Corps, Navy Seals, Green Berets, and other special units. The cases are completely different and incompatible with standard Saber case parts and batteries.
In this write-up we will be discussing the more common Saber I / IE / II / III series of radios.
First a general explanation of Secure vs. Non-Secure:
"Secure" is a generic name for voice encryption. There are several methods some of which are exportable. You will find terms like Digitally Encryption System (DES), DES/XL, Digital Voice Privacy (DVP) and DVP/XL.
Encryption also requires the loading of a hexadecimal encryption key (16 to 24 characters depending on the encryption method - DES, DVI, DVP, etc.) into the radio with a Key Variable Loader (KVL). Each radio needs to have the same key if they are going to communicate with each other. A KVL resembles a handheld radio but with a numeric display and membrane keypad. There are also Secure modules that offer Over-The-Air Rekeying (OTAR). This option allows the encryption key to be updated over the air.
Note that a Secure Saber radio is longer in length; these are known as Secure-Capable radios and is easily distinguished by a flat area of the case, about 5/8" in length, between the speaker grill and the battery. A Non-Secure Saber has the shorter case that ends at the bottom of the speaker grill. The interior components are interchangeable except for the metal frame, which of course matches the case length, and the main board that the modules plug into, which is also the same length and has the location at the bottom end for the Secure module to be installed. The use of encryption on a Secure-equipped Saber is not mandatory and is selectable by a switch on the top of the radio. The switch is labeled O for Clear Operation and Ø for Secure Operation. Encryption can also be user enabled, fully disabled, or required on a per channel basis in the software. You can also have a Secure capable radio without a Secure module installed - in this case there is a "Bypass" or dummy module installed containing nothing but a wire jumper.... or that may be missing and there may only be a wire jumper soldered across the back of the empty socket.
What model of Motorola Saber should I buy?
The basic differences between a Saber I, IE, II and III are:
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Notes:
1: Two different models of radio - one with 2k of memory, the other with 8k.
2: The 3 keys of the Saber II plus a 12-button pad that is
also used for DTMF. There is no 16 button DTMF option.
This question has a very roundabout answer; the "Model" number scheme varies across the Saber line of radios and is not a reliable source of information about a given radio. To determine the frequency band / options of a given radio you need to decode the "Factory ID" number on the label on the back of the Saber. Some Sabers have model numbers and Factory IDs that are the same. If you have a recased Saber then there may be no label, or it may be absolutely irrelevant, as it could be for a completely different radio.
The Factory ID of a VHF Saber is formatted as the letter H (For Handheld), then two numbers (usually 33 or 43 in high band, or 34 or 44 on UHF), then three letters, then some additional letters or numbers, then finally a two letter combination of either AN, BN or CN. The Factory ID can be decoded using the following table.
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Notes:
[1]: Transmit Power: a 3 is the low power version of that band and split,
while a 4 is the high power version of that band and split. There were no H32 series
Sabers made. Two power levels are shown because each band has its own low and high
power values (two different power amplifier modules). Also the high power radios
have adjustable low and high power levels via the RSS and can be assigned to each
channel. So a high power radio can still have a low power setting.
[2]: Environmental / Security: SA and YB are the short-case radios.
QX and YX are the long-case radios.
[3]: Model Revision: A Saber I is not capable of scan even if it is a C revision.
The above sample model number H43SAJ7139CN decodes to a 6 Watt VHF Saber with no encryption capability, a 3 key keypad and display (i.e. a Saber II), with a US binary core, wide band channeling, 12 channels and is Scan Capable.
You can not tell a Saber's band split by the Factory ID, only the band (Midband, VHF
or UHF). To determine the actual frequency range (band split) within the band you must
do one of these:
1) Read the radio with the Motorola RSS (Radio Service Software), or
2) Disassemble the radio and read the part numbers off the actual modules.
Band Changing: modules from a VHF radio are a different design than the modules from a UHF, so you can not change the band of a radio with a module swap, but you can change the band split (i.e. the range within the band) by swapping modules from a radio in another split. More on this later!
Common Frequency Band splits Include:
MIDBAND: Two ranges in midband:
66-84 MHz
74-88 MHz
These radios are fairly rare and fairly useless to USA amateurs - but some countries have a 4 meter amateur band. In the USA the 66-72 MHz range is television channel 4, the 72-76 MHz frequencies are used as "Operational Fixed / Repeater" frequencies (essentially commercial point-to-point links), 76-82 MHz is television channel 5, 82-88 MHz is television channel 6, and 88-108 MHz is commercial FM broadcast.
Note from WA6ILQ:
There is a consistent story that someone has modified a Saber
to the 6 meter amateur band, specifically the
national calling
frequency of 52.525 MHz, and someone else has moved one
to 220 MHz but every time I try to
follow up on the story
or track it down it's "I heard that someone...".
If anybody actually has moved a Saber
to 52 MHz
or to 220 MHz then Repeater-builder.com would be happy
to host a conversion article.
Note from KBØNLY:
As would I!
VHF ranges:
136-150.8 MHz - Government/military surplus. Programs up on amateur, MARS or CAP channels with no problems.
146-162 MHz - This will cover the entire 144-148 MHz amateur band with modifications to the RSS.
146-174 MHz - Wideband split.
148-174 MHz - This is a wideband split only found in low power H33 series Sabers.
157-174 MHz - This is the most useless VHF split to an amateur, but they make good trading radios or parts radios. Also, these can be changed to a more desirable band split by swapping the modules. For example if you had a Saber III on this split and a Saber I on 136-150 Mhz you could swap the modules around and end up with a 136-150 Mhz Saber III.
UHF ranges:
403-433 MHz - Government surplus and usually referred to as Government Split. These are useless for USA ham use as they will not cover the 440-450 MHz (repeater) segment of the amateur band. The highest I got one to program and operate was 436 MHz. Beyond that the VCO would unlock and there is no easy way to fix it.
440-470 MHz - The absolute perfect USA amateur split radio!
458-490 MHz - This split will not extend down to the ham band, making it a trading radio or a parts radio.
482-512 MHz - Again, not useful to an amateur... Another trading radio or a parts radio.
Using a frequency counter could give you a possible idea of what frequency range it is, but it's still only a starting point. For example, if the radio was programmed anywhere between 144-150 MHz it could be a 136-150, a 146-162 or a 146-174 split radio, since all three splits cover that range. However, if you find only frequencies in the 150-160 range then chances are it would have to be a mid or high split.
Ebay descriptions can be deceiving... I have seen low split radios with something in the 154 range programmed in... Yes it worked, but the radio was a low split and receive sensitivity was very poor. Also, some ebay sellers have realized that the low split is less valuable than anything else, and desirable only to hams and CAP and have started slamming them with mid or high split codeplugs. The radio will take it because it doesn't know any better until the VCO unlocks, so they will put a mid or high split codeplug in the radio and then program it with a few channels that relate to its original band split so the VCO stays locked. That gives you the appearance of a mid or high split radio, and it works, until you reprogram it and the VCO unlocks.
Saber Modules:
Think of the Saber radio as a computer: it's a main board with everything plugged into that. The Saber has five basic modules and a 16.8 MHz Reference Oscillator plugged into the main board. A Secure-Capable radio will either have a Bypass module or a DES or DVP Secure module installed as well. The Bypass module routes transmit audio in place of the Secure module. If you end up with a secure-capable radio that transmits but has no transmit audio, check to see if there is a bypass or secure module installed. If not, a simple wire jumper can be installed to simulate a bypass module.
Here is a look at the internal modules that make up the Saber (click on the image for a larger photo).
You can see that the bottom module is the secure module on a securenet capable radio. If your radio is missing the secure module or bypass module you will not have transmit audio being passed. To remedy this since the bypass module is no longer available from Motorola, and very few of them show up on the used market, you can install a single wire jumper instead. To do so you need to remove the radios internals and then remove the back metal shield over the mainboard. When you solder in the jumper make sure not to create any solder bridges and don't use much heat! Tin the wire end first and then tin the hollow pin socket and quickly tack them together. Of course you can also desolder and remove the pin socket in both locations and solder the wire ends into the holes if you never plan on having a need for the securenet feature (click on the image for a larger photo).
I have accumulated some of the part numbers and descriptions of the various modules. This is not a complete or all-inclusive list. If you have any changes or additions please let me know; some of the manuals are out of print and no longer available. I will provide the module numbers and splits as printed in the manuals that I own. The "x" on the end of each part number stands for the revision letter of the part: A, B, C, D, etc. Synthesizer: The radio's VCO comes in various splits. The VHF radios use two different splits to cover the entire range, whereas the UHF has four! I have not been able to locate the part number of the mid-band synthesizer.
Synthesizer: The radio's VCO comes in various splits. The VHF radios use two different splits to cover the entire range, whereas the UHF has four! I have not been able to locate the part number of the mid-band synthesizer.
Unknown = 66-88 MHz
NLD8201x = 136-150.8 MHz
NLD8210x = 146-178 MHz Used in 146-162, 148-174, and 157-174 splits.
NLE9461x = 403-433 MHz Government split
NLE9462x = 440-470 MHz
NLE9463x = 460-490 MHz
NLE9464x = 482-512 MHz
Receiver and 5-Pole Front End Filter: These two components make up one module: the 5-pole filter is the bottom half of this module and the receiver is the top half. On the VHF radio, the same receiver is used for the entire range; the 5-Pole filter determines the sub-split in use.
Receivers:
Unknown = 66-88 MHz
NLD8180x = 136-174 MHz. Used for all of the VHF sub-splits.
NLE9431x = 403-433 MHz. Govt. split
NLE9432x = 440-470 MHz.
NLE????x = 460-490 MHz.
NLE????x = 482-512 MHz.
5-Pole Filters:
Unknown = 66-88 MHz
NFD6091x = 136-150.8 MHz.
NFD6092x = 146-162 MHz.
NFE????x = 403-433 MHz.
NFE????x = 440-470 MHz.
NFE????x = 460-490 MHz.
NFE????x = 482-512 MHz.
2-Pole Filters : A separate module present in VHF radios between the receiver and FDS. The UHF does not have this separate filter module.
NLD6111x = 136-150.8 MHz.
NLD6112x = 146-162 MHz.
NLD????x = 146-174 MHz.
Filter, Detector, Switch (FDS) : Responsible for steering RF between the receiver and transmitter and also selecting the internal and external antenna connections. (A fancy name for a T/R relay!)
Unknown = 66-88 MHz
NFD6131x = 136-150.8 MHz
NFD6132x = 146-178 MHz. Used in 146-162, 146-174, and 148-174 split radios.
NFE6061x = 403-512 MHz. I believe this module covers the entire UHF band split but
I can not find any exact information. I do know that all of my different splits of UHF
Sabers all came with this same FDS.
Power Amplifier : The PA modules are where you can move around a bit. You can put a wide split PA in a narrow split radio since it still covers the range needed. Also, you can put a low split PA in a mid split radio to give better performance at the bottom end of the ham band, provided you will not need full transmit power above 150 MHz, this allows you to have a greater receive bandwidth while maximizing transmit performance on the ham band.
Unknown = 66-88 MHz
NLD8121x = 136-150.8 MHz High Power 6W
NLD8773x = 146-174 MHz High Power 6W
NLD8122x = 146-162 MHz High Power 6W
NLD8133x = 146-178 MHz Low Power 2.5W
NLD8123x = 157-174 MHz High Power 6W
NLE9471x = 403-433 MHz High Power 5W
NLE9472x = 440-470 MHz High Power 5W
NLE9473x = 460-490 MHz High Power 5W
NLE9474x = 482-512 MHz High Power 5W
Reference Oscillator : This is the same component for the entire series. VHF and UHF all use the same crystal. Also, the HT600 used the same crystal in case you get a Saber that has had this removed to disable the radio before sale; not too uncommon a practice.
NXN6268x, 16.8 MHz. Standard for the series.
Secure Modules :
NTN4711 Non-Smartnet DVP
NTN4712 Non-Smartnet DES (replaced with NTN1072)
NTN4713 Non-Smartnet DVP-XL (replaced with NTN1074)
NTN4714 Non-Smartnet DES-XL (replaced with NTN1071)
NTN4720 Secure BYPASS module - can be either silver dummy or plastic
NTN5832 Smartnet DVP
NTN5833 Smartnet DES (replaced with NTN1072)
NTN5834 Smartnet DVP-XL (replaced with NTN1073 *cancelled)
NTN5835 Smartnet DES-XL (replaced with NTN1071)
NTN5755 Multikey DVP (DVP = Digital Voice Privacy or Digital Voice Protection)
NTN5756 Multikey DVP-XL
NTN5757 Multikey DES (DES = Data Encryption Standard)
NTN5758 Multikey DES-XL
NTN5759 Multikey DVI-XL (DVI = Digital Voice International)
NTN5760 OTAR DVP (OTAR = Over The Air Rekeying)
NTN5761 OTAR DVP-XL
NTN5762 OTAR DES
NTN5763 OTAR DES-XL
NTN7288 Multikey DVP (replaced with NTN5755)
NTN7289 Multikey DVP-XL (replaced with NTN5756)
NTN7290 Multikey DES (replaced with NTN5757)
NTN7991 Multikey DES-XL (replaced with NTN5758)
NTN7992 Multikey DVP-XL (replaced with NTN5759)
NTN7298 FASCINATOR (Controlled Cryptographic Item - CCI)
About Motorola's Programming
Software / Hardware:
The RSS and RIB
Motorola's Radio Service Software, which is needed for programming and alignment of the Saber line of handhelds can be licensed and obtained on disk by calling Motorola Parts at 800-422-4210. To purchase the software license you must agree to and sign a license form attesting that you will not resell the software, distribute the software or otherwise allow it to be used by unlicensed users.
The Part Number for Saber RSS is RVN4002K. Version 07.01.00 is the newest as of the writing of this document, with a release date of 12/13/1995. The Part Number for the Saber RSS manual is 6881062C95. The Systems Saber RSS is RVN4051F version R04.00.00, and the Systems Saber RSS Manual is part number 6881060C25. The Part Number for the license form you will be required to sign is RPX4719G. Anyone programming Sabers should have a copy of the appropriate programming manual, as many options for the Saber are undocumented in the software screens or the help files and have rather cryptic abbreviations and descriptions.
Note that Astro Saber and System Saber III RSS packages are *NOT* compatible. System Sabers have 8K of available memory that you assign as needed. Once you use all 8K, you are out of room for anything else. ALL of the programmed information goes there: Channel frequencies, scan, number of different PL codes, MDC, single tone and other signaling all go in that 8K. Yes, that's what was available in a single EEPROM chip at the time it was designed, but 8K is really NOT enough for what this radio can/should do, and nobody has come up with a mod to replace the memory chip with a larger one, or to piggyback a second one onto the board.
The hardware required to program a Motorola Saber is:
A low end computer running MS-DOS (486 DX50 - i.e. maximum clock speed of 50MHz, with all cache memory disabled), and using a faster computer WILL turn good radios into bricks). We are NOT kidding here. This is one case where slower is better. The required characteristics of the programming computer are described in depth on the RSS page.
A Programming Radio Interface Box (the "RIB", Part Number RLN4008B, C, D, E, or equivalent replacement).
A Saber programming cable to go from the RIB to the radio (Part Number RTK4203C or equivalent replacement).
There are many people manufacturing RIBs and programming cables that work just as well as Motorola's branded equipment. Be sure that the RIB you purchase is guaranteed to be 100% compatible with Motorola's RLN4008.
The sections of the radio programmed by the RSS are the Internal and External COPE and the CORE Options.
COPE = "Control of Peripheral Electronics" - This is the subsystem
which is the front shield assembly on Saber IIs and IIIs. It consists
of extended memory, display electronics, keypad functionality, and the
DTMF generator. A Saber I does not have a COPE processor because it
does not have the front display board.
CORE = "Control of Radio Electronics" - controls the actual radio transceiver itself. The CORE number is the main board processor / firmware version.
Changing the Band Limits on RSS:
The RSS can easily be hex-edited to allow out-of-band programming, rather than editing each channel individually. For example, on the 146-162 MHz and 148-174 MHz splits I moved the bottom end to 144 MHz. However, if you read a radio that is programmed as a 146-162 MHz radio it will default to such in the RSS. You have to create a new codeplug from scratch by selecting the newly available 144-162 MHz or 144-174 MHz splits, then filling it with the frequency, tone, etc, information. Once the radio has been loaded with the new codeplug (i.e. programmed with the new split) it will continue to be read as such, so you only have to do this once.
For detailed instructions on this process click here.
Upgrading Sabers to Support Additional Features:
The CORE firmware is run by the radios 68HC11 microprocessor. Options that are determined by the CORE version (such as QuickCall-II decode, MDC600 or MDC1200 Signaling, StatAlert and a plethora of other options that most Amateurs have no interest in, as well as the radio’s scan capability) can not typically be upgraded without replacement of the CPU board. This is not usually cost effective as the CPU boards are around $100 US. The common core versions for Sabers are 5D, 6D and 8D. A 5D is a more basic CORE, a 6D is capable of QC-II Decoding and Repeater Access Tone Encoding and an 8D CORE is capable of the previous options and StatAlert. There may be additional options but these are the differences I'm aware of.
A Saber II can be upgraded to a Saber III by replacing the front panel with one that has a keypad, the DTMF Encoder and 8k of memory. The process is rather intensive and is not for the faint of heart as it requires deliberate corruption of the internal codeplug (flash memory contents) in order to convince the radio to accept programming with a Factory ID that differs from what it believes it should be. A separate tutorial will be written on this topic detailing this process in the near future.
Adding Channels to a Saber:
Method 1 (Expansion from 12 channels to 15 channels):
This is accomplished by removing the knob cover from the channel selector switch, removing the tabbed cover from the switch post, removing the metal stop tab ring from the switch by turning the radio over and tapping it on the desk and replacing the tabbed cover to the switch post and snapping the knob cover back into place. You must then add the additional channels to the codeplug file in your RSS Archive directory.
This method will allow 15 channels in a single zone but be warned, do not fill all of the zones with 15 channels. You will end up with weird things happening such as duplicate channels across zones that don't appear to be duplicates in the RSS or personality file.
Method 2 (Conversion from a Saber I to a Saber IE):
A Saber IE is the same as a Secure Saber I except the clear / coded switch is used to switch between two zones of 12 channels. It also has an additional memory board in the front shield assembly. The part number for the board and connecting cable kit is NTN5686A. You would then create a Saber IE codeplug and flash it to the radio.
Manuals:
Useful manual part numbers:
68-81044C05 Saber Theory / Maintenance Manual
68-81065C60 Saber I Instruction Manual
68-81065C65 Saber II and III Instruction Manual
68-81060C10 System Saber, Saber ATS Instruction Manual
68-81067C10 System Saber, VHF Service Manual
68-81066C95 System Saber, UHF Service Manual
68-81076C05 Astro Digital Saber Basic Service Manual
68-81076C10 Astro Digital Saber Detailed Service Manual
68-81072C75 Astro Digital Saber I VHF, UHF, 800 Operators/User Manual
68-81072C80 Astro Digital Saber II, III VHF, UHF, 800 Operators/User Manual
68-81098E85 Astro Digital Saber I VHF, UHF, 800 Service Software Manual
Accessories / Antennas:
Heliflex antennas:
85-05816K22 136-150MHz
85-05816K21 146-162MHz (will work OK down to 144MHz)
85-05816K23 157-174MHz
85-05816K24 403-433MHz
85-05816K25 440-470MHz
85-05816K26 460-512MHz
Older antennas:
VHF 136-151MHz Yellow paint dot
VHF 151-162MHz Black paint dot
VHF 162-174MHz Blue paint dot
UHF 403-435MHz Red paint dot
UHF 435-470MHz Green paint dot
UHF 470-512MHz Black paint dot
Summary:
The Sabers best suited to amateur radio use are the 136-150 and 146-162/174 MHz band splits for 2m operation and the 440-470 MHz band split for 70cm operation. As mentioned above, the 403-433 MHz radio will only "reach" to about 436 MHz and hence is just not capable of operation in the repeater segment of the USA 70cm amateur band.
What I look for when purchasing Sabers is ideally a Saber III or a 120 Channel Saber II, Secure Capable (not Secure Equipped necessarily). If you need DTMF for repeater functions, auto patch or the like then you most certainly want a Saber III or plan on upgrading the front panel to a III. Note that all DTMF Sabers are 12-button DTMF - Motorola never made a 16-button DTMF Saber (that I know of).
Some of the presented info is due to the help by Ric Letson NB2E, Thank You!
This site was last updated 01/25/10