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G2 Vs G5 for VHF P25 Trunking

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BlackSheepDue

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I'm sure this conversation has probably been had before but I recently purchased a vhf/800 G5 to primarily use on Maine's MSCOMMNET Harris P25 system. I didn't realize that the vhf antenna was internal and I'm experiencing reception issues. Having the 7/800 is nice but I have several apx's/xts's on my local 800 system so I don't really plan on using the G5 for that. I guess my question is should I be looking to return my G5 and get a G2 instead so I can utilize the external stock vhf antenna or an aftermarket one?
 

ME343

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I'm sure this conversation has probably been had before but I recently purchased a vhf/800 G5 to primarily use on Maine's MSCOMMNET Harris P25 system. I didn't realize that the vhf antenna was internal and I'm experiencing reception issues. Having the 7/800 is nice but I have several apx's/xts's on my local 800 system so I don't really plan on using the G5 for that. I guess my question is should I be looking to return my G5 and get a G2 instead so I can utilize the external stock vhf antenna or an aftermarket one?
I personally use a G2 for MSCommNet and general scanning in the Augusta area and it does a great job using just stock antenna
 

BlackSheepDue

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I personally use a G2 for MSCommNet and general scanning in the Augusta area and it does a great job using just stock antenna
How close are you generally to your local towers? I think part of my issue is my closest tower is Ossipee Mountain which is 25+ miles from where I am in Cape Elizabeth.
 

ME343

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How close are you generally to your local towers? I think part of my issue is my closest tower is Ossipee Mountain which is 25+ miles from where I am in Cape Elizabeth.
Closet to me is about 5 miles but I have everytower for zone 1&2 in it. I haven't tried the other zones to see what kinda signal id get. But i can try some about 25 miles away and see what i get for results
 

APX8000

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I can receive systems roughly 25 miles out with the stock antenna on 7/800. For VHF, I'd say you would be good.
 

bob550

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Echoing the recommendation of @APX8000, get the G2 in VHF. With the external antenna as the primary, you're free to try any VHF antenna including mast-mounted outdoor models, using a proper SMA to BNC adapter.
 

BlackSheepDue

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So I ended up ordering the G2. After a couple hours of comparing them side by side in two different locations in my house they're surprisingly comparable. There were actually a few times where the G5 picked up traffic that the G2 missed. I have not tried any aftermarket antennas on the G2 but according to the dealer I purchased both from they don't recommend using anything but the OEM antennas as it can damage the connection or something along those lines. I thought even with the OEM antenna there would be a noticeable difference but there doesn't seem to be so now I'm thinking about maybe keeping the G5 and returning the G2...
 

bob550

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After a couple hours of comparing them side by side in two different locations in my house they're surprisingly comparable.
That's an interesting observation. You could check the RSSI levels in the Diagnostic menu on both units for a more accurate comparison. But in the end, it's whether you're receiving what you want to hear that matters most.
 
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