Potential G5 buyer (!)

[bobruzzo]

I am interested in getting one of those Unication G5 pagers to listen to the local P25 simulcast system here in RI. There are 3 zones I want to be able to hear. I understand the pager only receives 1 zone at a time. I want to scan the zone I am listening to. I watched a video where the newer models of the G5 have a Radio Reference program ability where you can program the G5 from RR just like a scanner. I live sort of in the center of the state and should be able to get pretty decent reception. RI is very small and the P25 towers are all within range. Is there a decent video explaining how a scanner enthusiast would operate this radio? Most of the videos I see are for commercial users. Does the radio include a charger and programming cable? What about software? Just looking for more info so I can see if this is something I want. I like the idea of a hand held radio to monitor the local radio activity. I have 3 scanners that I listen to. But a hand held would be very cool. Thanks....

 

[kg4ojj]

The charger is a simple micro-USB cable. Software is free. Firmware updates are free. Go to the Unication G5 page for downloads and videos.

Get it from a reputable source / dealer, like Ray's Pagers or East Coast Pagers, so you have a dealer if warranty issues arise.

I have two, and our agency owns a handful. Best trunk-tracking capability, in a scanner package.

Only receives one system at a time. If you have, for example, a city/county trunked radio system AND a statewide system that are independent of each other, then you can only listen to ONE system at a time. However, you can scan up to 64 talkgroups at one time, and the scanner has the ability to add a wildcard and receive all the system's talkgroups.

The uphill battle is programming the scanner with the system(s) you desire AND setting it to do what you want. The software is manageable, but I have years of experience with it. If you understand how a Motorola radio is programmed, you'll get it. Or, a DSTAR amateur radio. The RR import feature is good, but I hand program my stuff (but that's me).

 

[RaleighGuy]

I am interested in getting one of those Unication G5 pagers to listen to the local P25 simulcast system here in RI. There are 3 zones I want to be able to hear. I understand the pager only receives 1 zone at a time. I want to scan the zone I am listening to.

It will monitor one system/site (not zone) at a time and up to 64 dedicated talkgroups or 63 dedicated talkgroups plus a wildcard per knob position.

I watched a video where the newer models of the G5 have a Radio Reference program ability where you can program the G5 from RR just like a scanner.

It isn't the newer Unication models, but the PPS (programming software) that allows you to download the system information so YOU can program the pager, it does not program it for you.

Is there a decent video explaining how a scanner enthusiast would operate this radio? Most of the videos I see are for commercial users.

I have seen videos on YouTube, however do not have links to them. Please know there is a big difference between a scanner and a Unication Pager, the biggest advantage to the pagers is the ability to deal with simulcast better than scanners.

Does the radio include a charger and programming cable? What about software? Just looking for more info so I can see if this is something I want. I like the idea of a hand held radio to monitor the local radio activity. I have 3 scanners that I listen to. But a hand held would be very cool. Thanks....

It comes with a programming/charger cable, however it is highly recommended you buy a charging base for it. The USB jack in the pager is known to be sensitive and prone to breaking if you aren't careful or use too much force. Software is a free download from the Unication website, and while not difficult it isn't really user friendly.

While the G4/G5 pagers are very good, I own two, if your interest is in having a handheld scanner to monitor local traffic you might want to look at the SDS100 and look into the pros and cons of each for yourself rather than basing it on the opinions of others, as we do not know what you are looking for.

 

[kb9klc]

What exactly are you wanting to listen to up there. When purchased new they come with a programming/charging cable. The software is readily available online.

 

[kg4ojj]

Oh, and make sure you really want a G5 model. If you don't need VHF or UHF, go with the G4, which is a bit cheaper (I think). Either way, buy one. Best investment you'll make in your scanner collection. My only regret is (I don't have two more and) they do not do NXDN conventional or trunking.

 

[kb9klc]

Oh, and make sure you really want a G5 model. If you don't need VHF or UHF, go with the G4, which is a bit cheaper (I think). Either way, buy one. Best investment you'll make in your scanner collection. My only regret is (I don't have two more and) they do not do NXDN conventional or trunking.

The Unications are addicting...Yes the OP would be a little easier to answer if we knew exactly what he was wanting to listen to. A G4 would handle the linked stuff up there.

 

[OnYourSix]

@bobruzzo send us a link to the TG's on Radio Reference that you want to listen to and we can let you know some options how to set it up.

 

[CanesFan95]

One disadvantage with the Unications is no scan delay.

 

[hill]

These are the best. I have a G4 bougbt new and a G5 purchased used at a local hamfest.

As stated above, if you are a premium subscriber of this site you can download systems and talkgroups into the PPS.

You still need to do some before loading into the pager. Mainly what talkgroups you want on each knob positions and if want any as priority.

 

[hill]

Also I recommend the sreen protectors. Got them on both and the protectors were purchased from Ray's.

I carry my G5 in my cargo pants pocket when out making deliveries at work and wouldn't do it without these protectors.

 

[peteymcsweety]

One disadvantage with the Unications is no scan delay.

Wrong there is a delay and u can set it from 1 - 9 seconds

 

[Nascar18]

Bob, I think the best model for you would be the G5-UHFD-DMR. I got mine from East Coast Pagers they stock the DMR model.
The simulcast performance is superb. Like everyone says "it's not a scanner". What you want to hear you have to program. The programming has a bit of learning and understanding and patience to it. Plenty of Youtube to watch and watch again until it clicks. Your area the UHFD model would be great for Warwick and Cranston PD.