Unication G5 on big island?

[jeremym70]

Just checking in to see if anyone has used a Unication G5 on the big island? Either on the Hawaii County VHF system or the HIWIN systems? Just wondering if it's worth it to spend the time building a codeplug before I come over or just use my SDS? I have never used mine on a VHF system, so not sure how well it would work with the stock antenna. Also is there much activity on the HIWIN system on the big island? Hopefully can get everything set up ahead of time, so I can enjoy the sites while keeping an ear tuned.
Thanks!

 

[scan18]

I have a G5 with firmware version 1.35, but I mostly use it in one location monitoring the Honokaa site and it works well. I don’t usually use it while driving.
Also, I’m pretty sure the VHF antenna is internal, so putting a different one on the unit won’t matter. That antenna is for the secondary band (UHF or 700/800).

As for HIWIN, I can only receive a couple of sites from Maui at my location. Not really a lot to hear. I have never tried to monitor any of the sites near Hilo.

 

[hill]

I’m pretty sure the VHF antenna is internal

Scan18 is correct the second band uses the internal antenna.

I have used my G5 on the Virginia STARS system which is a VHF P25 system a lot before it went encrypted.

The G5 worked well on VHF trunking.

 

[jeremym70]

I have a G5 with firmware version 1.35, but I mostly use it in one location monitoring the Honokaa site and it works well. I don’t usually use it while driving.
Also, I’m pretty sure the VHF antenna is internal, so putting a different one on the unit won’t matter. That antenna is for the secondary band (UHF or 700/800).

As for HIWIN, I can only receive a couple of sites from Maui at my location. Not really a lot to hear. I have never tried to monitor any of the sites near Hilo.

Thanks, I will be based in the Waikoloa area, but plan on traveling around the island a bit. It will be interesting to see what's new since the last time I was there almost 10 years ago.

 

[K9KLC]

Scan18 is correct the second band uses the internal antenna.

I have used my G5 on the Virginia STARS system which is a VHF P25 system a lot before it went encrypted.

The G5 worked well on VHF trunking.

We have the MOSWIN system in MO that's a mix of 700/800 and VHF. Honestly even on the internal antenna it did pretty well. I was honestly surprised. It also keeps up with a couple of my radios in the house on the weather band on shorter rubber ducks even with the internal antenna. When I put it on the amplified charging dock and bring the telescopic antenna all the way up, it's as good as anything else i own or better