KC8FAS
Member
I see alot of people are using these for scanners. I know they are digital pagers and this might be a dumb question. But do they scan like a scanner and how hard are they to program.
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Question on Unication G4 or G5
- Thread starter KC8FAS
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Thread moved to the Unication forum.
They scan a single system at a time. So you can have many talk groups in a scan list, but not more than 1 system at a time. Each "scan list" is represented by a knob position and/or a menu selection.
For the average user, they are a little more difficult to program than a scanner...well...maybe I should say different. But generally speaking, all of the info you would need is in the Radio Reference database here.
For the average user, they are a little more difficult to program than a scanner...well...maybe I should say different. But generally speaking, all of the info you would need is in the Radio Reference database here.
KC8FAS
Member
what would be recommended the G4 or 5 for michigan p25.
? on Unication G4/G5
Here's an idea how good they work on MI system compared to the Whistler and others
https://youtu.be/vZP8bjTySmI
Here's an idea how good they work on MI system compared to the Whistler and others
https://youtu.be/vZP8bjTySmI
troymail
Silent Key
Generally, for a variety of reasons, I'd ONLY recommend a Unication over a scanner under these conditions:
1. your primary need is to monitor a P25 Phase 1 (and not Phase 2) system that is impacted heavily by simulcast distortion.
2. you don't need a P25 Phase 2 radio anytime soon (if ever).
Beyond that, you should probably stick to a scanner.
Unication pagers are pretty expensive for their limited purpose.
I have a G4 and purchased it to monitor several simulcast systems - and ultimately based on the promise of a Phase 2 capability - the latter of which seems to be a fading reality.
1. your primary need is to monitor a P25 Phase 1 (and not Phase 2) system that is impacted heavily by simulcast distortion.
2. you don't need a P25 Phase 2 radio anytime soon (if ever).
Beyond that, you should probably stick to a scanner.
Unication pagers are pretty expensive for their limited purpose.
I have a G4 and purchased it to monitor several simulcast systems - and ultimately based on the promise of a Phase 2 capability - the latter of which seems to be a fading reality.
Project25_MASTR
Millennial Graying OBT Guy
They work better as scanners than they do pagers…missing some key features to work with larger systems that keep them from being practical trunking pagers.
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troymail
Silent Key
I can't speak for use as a pager but as a scanner, you need to plan your programming VERY carefully as it cannot be changed on the fly and you can't lockout or force skipping of talkgroups (unless you've programmed to allow it).
Having used the G4 on numerous trips and (over)loading it with programming (many P25 systems over several states and 1,000+ talkgroups defined), I've also found that the radio can be easily overwhelmed to the point that the displayed information falls waaaaaay behind live voice being heard. And when this happens, you pretty much lose all control of the radio.....
At home here (now) in southern North Carolina, the G4 is doing nearly as poorly a job on the local NC VIPER sites while inside my house as any of my other radios (but they are all a bit better outside the house).
I've been experimenting with G4 programming trying to get better control and reception from it (selective talkgroup grouping/programming in each of the 8 knob positions and zones to control which VIPER site to track/monitor vs. letting the radio always decide for me).
If MPSCS is your primary interest, get the G4.
The G5 would be more complicated to program, and it does not scan the different frequency bands at the same time. If you really want to hear VHF/UHF too, then carry a second radio/scanner.
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CanesFan95
Active Member
There's also no scan delay and no hold / resume scan button. The pager only knows about a voice call from the initial call grant and not if a transmission is already in-progress.
G4
I use a Kenwood TK-5220 for my conventional and P25 VHF needs. I use the G4 for the 700/800 P25 Phase I systems I need. A lot of folks are all bent out of shape that the G4 upgrade for Phase II keeps getting pushed back. Personally, I am willing to wait, as the G4 is a professional product, not a consumer-grade scanner. And the G4 is the ONLY thing that actually works where I am located.
73
Mike
I use a Kenwood TK-5220 for my conventional and P25 VHF needs. I use the G4 for the 700/800 P25 Phase I systems I need. A lot of folks are all bent out of shape that the G4 upgrade for Phase II keeps getting pushed back. Personally, I am willing to wait, as the G4 is a professional product, not a consumer-grade scanner. And the G4 is the ONLY thing that actually works where I am located.
73
Mike
KC8FAS
Member
Im not worried about the phase ll upgrade. Our county just switched all ems and fire to the digital pager. So I bet they know about the phase ll issue.
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