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Buying used Unication

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Scannerfanman

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Hello everyone, I have been trolling for a while and love all the info on this site. My town has recently gone to phase 2 and I have been looking at buying a Uniden 200 but have seen what everyone here has said about the G5. So my question is if I look on Ebay for a used one is there anything I need to be concerned about? Anything to look out for? Thanks so much! Radio out!
 

bob550

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I wouldn't suspect buying a used G5 would be much different than buying a used scanner, or any other consumer electronics, on ebay. I suppose whether the G5 was used as a pager by fire or law enforcement personnel in the field, or as a scanner that never left the owner's house may be important to know. You should also be aware that the Unications are professional caliber radios and as such, are built to handle tough use. As with anything on ebay, just make sure the photos are clear and accurately represent the condition of the item for sale. But aside from that, welcome to RadioReference!
 

Scannerfanman

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Thanks for the kind words, I have loved radios since I was a kid. This place is kinda like a kid in a candy store! Lol
Is there a way to find out how the G5 was used or where it came from?
 

krokus

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Since the G4 & G5 are not that old, there might not be many to pick from. Then follow the usual advice on buying used electronics.

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Scannerfanman

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Well I mean how can I tell if it was used for a fire pager or just as a scanner? Is there a way to find out where it came from?
 

Scannerfanman

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Well I have looked at Unications page and they have a serial number look up. Maybe that would tell me? What does the serial number look up do or tell?
 

JD21960

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I have been listening to scanners since 1974. Phase II is more and more prevalent. Nothing more frustrating than having a Phase 1 only scanner and having your Fire Dept broadcasting on Phase II. I got a Unication G5 pager, light years ahead of the usual toys out there especially for phase II. The following video some guy in MI posted ..has been my experience TOO with "scanners" trying to get P25 Digital Simulcast systems. There are plenty of people in here that will help you program it as well as videos on YouTube by Unication too.

I got a G5- Vhf* and love it. My video below. Check YouTube for other vids. :0))

 

bob550

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Checking the sold items listings on ebay for used G4's and G5's show units sold within the past few months. So it should be only a matter of time before one shows up for sale. Most dealers don't allow returns on these units. So someone with buyers remorse, or who finds their G-series pager to be incompatible with their local system, would probably offer it for sale on the used market. That might improve your chances.
 

krokus

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So they can tell me who originally bought it so I can know if it was a fire pager or a scanner?
They could tell you who they sold it to, if policy allows. If they sold it to a dealer, that will not help you, unless that dealer is able & willing to divulge any details.

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bob550

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So they can tell me who originally bought it so I can know if it was a fire pager or a scanner?
If the radio was originally sold to a municipality, that would tell you it was most likely used in a public safety capacity. Although if it was sold to an individual, it still could have been used as a fire pager. If the pager is for sale by an individual, it probably wouldn't have been originally purchased by a government entity. As @radio3353 stated, just ask the seller. Keep in mind when using ebay, if the listed item condition has been misrepresented by the seller, you have options including returning the item and requesting a refund.
 

Scannerfanman

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Thanks everybody for all your help! You guys are a wealth of knowledge, hoping I can find a good deal on one. Wish me luck.
 

sparklehorse

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Ask the seller if it’s working, and if they can post a photo of it receiving a Talkgroup or better yet a brief movie of it receiving calls. It may be possible then to verify the photo is the real deal by checking the displayed Talkgroup and site info against known systems in the sellers location (info that can be found here in the RR database). If the unit is working I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it. As mentioned these things are built pretty tough. You might have to replace the battery sooner rather than later but that’s no biggie.
.
 

Scannerfanman

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Ok everyone I have found a private seller and he is asking $480 for it. I followed your advice and asked for pictures which he did send them. It seems to be in working order. But it seems kinda low on price, which worries me. He claims he bought it 3 years ago from a communication company. Should I ask for the serial number and run a check on the number to see if he is telling the truth or would that be rude? I want to make sure it's not stolen or something. Thanks everyone....
 

bob550

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First of all, "rude" shouldn't matter for anything priced at $480. Secondly, I don't think that's a low price for a three year old G5. But if the seller or the circumstances causes you any concern, go elsewhere. As I said earlier, ebay offers buyer protections that Craigslist or private sales can't. One will come along eventually.
 

TailGator911

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A quick horror story about giving serial numbers out to prospective buyers. In 2010 a friend of mine put a 5-y/o used Fender Thinline Telecaster for sale on eBay. Guy asked him for the serial number, which he provided without question. A few days later the police were at his door and he was arrested for possession of stolen property and the guitar confiscated. The buyer (dumb kid) had manufactured a receipt for the guitar and reported it stolen. It was a nightmare, and he had to go to court to prove his innocence. Long story short - some idiot kid thought he'd be slick and get a free guitar and did not think his plan through. My friend was able to provide original documentation on the guitar and the charges were dropped, the kid was arrested and charged with filing a false police report and theft by deception. Might not sound like much of a big deal, but it was to him because he had to go to jail and the whole ordeal cost him money he didn't have. All because he gave out his serial number. Something to think about. If you're going to put the serial number out there, include a photocopy of the original receipt so dumb criminals out to score get discouraged. Just a thought...

JD
kf4anc
 
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