VHF Saber Module Parts Identification ?

[N4UMJ]

I have some Saber module P/N's that maybe someone knowlegible of here in the forum can help me identify. When I go to the Motorola Parts DataBase it gives me a brief description but is abbreviated.

The modules in question are:

NLD8121a
NLD8122a
NLD8123a

I realize these are (PA)Hi-power modules but I would like to know if they cover different bandsplits? LO-MID-HI

I was told the NLE (UHF) last digit of the P/N determine the bandsplit. Maybe this is the same case with the above.

And.....

Here are two more modules in the VHF Saber I am working with that I need help with identifying.

They are:

NFD6132A & NFD6112A

Motorola calls these a HYBRID FDS MID/HT SPT
and a TWO POLE MID/HI SPT, respectively.

Are these two modules different between the LO/MID/HI Split Sabers?

With the above info. I should be able to complete my Saber I to Saber III VHF Ham conversion.

Thanks for the help with my questions,

Eddie
N4UMJ

[Elroy Jetson]

What split are you trying to get the radio to operate in, first?

As a general rule, of the modules you mentioned, the ones that have a last numeric of 2 are the ones you want. If the number ends in 1, it's low split, 2 is mid split, and 3 is high split. 2 is probably what you want. If you're going for the 136 to 150.8 split, you want the modules that end in 1, and you will have to have an NLD8201 VCO module. For any other bandsplit, the VCO module needs to be an NLD8210.

I recommend using the low power (H33) programming trick. If you have a high power transmitter module, it's still a high power radio, but you get the 145 to 175 bandsplit.
You get the last lowest meg of the ham band (if you actually need it) by performing the simple hacks that are listed here at batlabs. Or you try to find the special wideband RSS, either version.

Elroy

[N4UMJ]

Hello Elroy,

I am trying to get the radio hardware configured for the 144-148 split which should fall under the LO split. I acquired a VHF Saber that supposedly was for 136 MHz but upon further inspection of the radio I found it had the Mid Split Modules and was programmed in the 155 MHz range.

I realize a VCO change from the NLD8210A to the proper NLD8201A will set me up for the low split. However, I want the radio to have good performance in the 144-148 range and am wondering what other modules I need to concerned with changing. That is why I mentioned the other two modules (NFD6132A HYBRID FDS MID/HT SPT and NFD6112A TWO POLE MID/HI SPT)whatever they are?(maybe receive preselector/filter?)

I have'nt yet got all the parts together to be concerned with the programming but when I do it should be no problem.

Thanks,
Eddie
N4UMJ

[Elroy Jetson]

I really think you'd be better off in the long run to keep the radio in the mid split and hack the few channels you need between 144 and 145 MHz, which, realistically speaking, might be none or just a couple. The reason is that with the mid split, you can also monitor any other VHF activity in your area, and not much of that is likely to be below 144 MHz. And it's worth it just to have the local NOAA weather channel in the radio in case the weather starts getting ugly.

But if you want to pursue the low split, use your modules that have part numbers ending in 1. If there's one left that's not in the right range, it'll probably work pretty good anyway. Give it a shot.

Elroy

[N4UMJ]

I initially tried programing the Mid-split VHF Saber with several Ham Freqs in the 144.650 to 148 LO Split range and found the radio would just bleep when keyed. In other words it appeared the VCO was out of lock. I did not have the correct NLD8201A VCO to try but I suspect when I get that one installed it should fire up on the added lo-band portion with no problem.

I know those nasty strong pager signals can play havoc with the receiver up around 152 so that was my main concern with having a sharp cutoff above that.

I will probably get this one finally up and running this weekend!!

Thanks for the generous tips and pointers on the Saber MR. JETSON!

Eddie
N4UMJ