Saber Charger Options

[farscott]

I recently purchased a System Saber III that did not come with a charger, and I would like to know what charger options are available. I am only interested in single-unit chargers, not rack chargers.

From searches on the board, I understand that some Saber chargers are also able to charge JEDI batteries. Since I own more than a few JEDI radios, the ability to have one charger work with both radio families would be nice. I did notice that the Saber battery is wider than the JEDI battery, so it would appear that there is no way to charge a Saber in a JEDI charger.

So what is available and what are the going rates for each charger?

[Rick Rock]

There are some chargers which have interchangable pockets on them for various different radios. The downfall is the contacts wear out if you swap too much. A standard saber rapid charger works flawlessly over and over, and if you find a good deal on 1 w/o a power cord, all you have to get is a standard computer cord (preferrably a 90degree end on it!)

[farscott]

Thanks for the info on the standard Saber rapid charger.

[Heterodyne]

I use my Saber rapid charger to charge my Jedi batteries. It works especially well, and takes up less space on the ole desk.

I use a spent 12 gauge shotgun shell to hold the battery against the contacts. Low-tech and crude, but it works especially well.

Just line up the contacts until the CHARGING light lights up, and shove the shell in.

[farscott]

Interesting idea. 12-gauge shell, huh? I guess I need to pull out an empty hull. Have lots of 28-gauge, but few 12-gauge shells.

[Heterodyne]

Actually, I just remembered the shell that I use is 20 gauge shell - not a 12 gauge... A 28 gauge might work... it might be a tad small, though - you need that tapered resistance....

[farscott]

20-gauge is a bit easier for me to come by, so that is good news.