lite_c
Member
Hello all,
(If you want to get to the main parts of this discussion, read the bold and italic text.)
After doing some surface research, compatibility seeking, and hearing many good things about the abilities of the Unication G5, I have decided it should be wise to consider getting one.
By the end of 2017, all South Carolina Palmetto 800 elements will be switched to P25 (phase I, as far as I know) digital from the traditional analog. This includes most of local law enforcement, EMS, and rescue in the area as well as critical statewide talk groups. In addition, the majority of main sites are simulcast with configurations involving more than three sites. This, with the anticipation of P25 digital, has made some weary of the LSMpocalypse.
Judging from what I have seen and heard of this unit, especially in areas that I am familiar with and have scanned before with Uniden's P2/HP series (STARS in VA, VIPER in NC, UASI in NC), it seems like the coverage, reliability, and flexibility is unmatched. And with SC to be one of the last in the Southeast to transition to P25, there is no more excuse to address the stinky elephant in the room that is LSM distortion and P25 optimization.
Before I drop $$ on this unit and dedicate almost the same amount on this one unit as I have on both of my two current units combined (Uniden BCD996P2 and BCD436HP), I need to clear up a few things and ensure my expectations aren't far off. I have read lots of literature on the unit, but not especially any in the past month. So, if I ask things that you have heard before a few times, please forgive me. Considering the steep price for the unit, it would make sense to be very diligent.
First, and most importantly.
I understand that this unit relies on pre-programming and such, and is free to program and relatively simple and accessible thanks to RadioReference (as usual). However, it is the capacity of the G5 that is at odds with my expectations.
How do the sites and systems work? I intend to program about 80 +/- channels (limited to 128). However, I will program at least 4 different systems (3 P25, 1 conventional VHF). Is there a certain limit to sites and their frequencies?
Secondly, the interface of it all.
The one area in all of this that is lacking is explanation/presentation of the interface of the G5. I expect that as it is more or less a new topic and is to be explored. The main question I suppose, is there a monitor mode or way to hold on a talkgroup/channel? Also, does the G5 only scan one system at a time, and it must be manually switched?
Lastly.
I am familiar with pagers and system-based two-way radios, as I am in a public safety occupation. The G5 is very impressive as a 'pager' (I don't consider it in this realm, considering the newest $500 Minitor's don't even come close to the utility of the G5s), but everyone here that I have seen really considers its viability as a receiving device, or, scanner. That being said, is this exceptionally worth it? Does Unication listen to "scanner hobbyist's" feedback? How viable is the G5 in its scope?
Thanks for your time, and making this far. Considering the huge scope of P25 digital now, I have to consider the G5, despite mixed emotions and relatively new presence.
(If you want to get to the main parts of this discussion, read the bold and italic text.)
After doing some surface research, compatibility seeking, and hearing many good things about the abilities of the Unication G5, I have decided it should be wise to consider getting one.
By the end of 2017, all South Carolina Palmetto 800 elements will be switched to P25 (phase I, as far as I know) digital from the traditional analog. This includes most of local law enforcement, EMS, and rescue in the area as well as critical statewide talk groups. In addition, the majority of main sites are simulcast with configurations involving more than three sites. This, with the anticipation of P25 digital, has made some weary of the LSMpocalypse.
Judging from what I have seen and heard of this unit, especially in areas that I am familiar with and have scanned before with Uniden's P2/HP series (STARS in VA, VIPER in NC, UASI in NC), it seems like the coverage, reliability, and flexibility is unmatched. And with SC to be one of the last in the Southeast to transition to P25, there is no more excuse to address the stinky elephant in the room that is LSM distortion and P25 optimization.
Before I drop $$ on this unit and dedicate almost the same amount on this one unit as I have on both of my two current units combined (Uniden BCD996P2 and BCD436HP), I need to clear up a few things and ensure my expectations aren't far off. I have read lots of literature on the unit, but not especially any in the past month. So, if I ask things that you have heard before a few times, please forgive me. Considering the steep price for the unit, it would make sense to be very diligent.
First, and most importantly.
I understand that this unit relies on pre-programming and such, and is free to program and relatively simple and accessible thanks to RadioReference (as usual). However, it is the capacity of the G5 that is at odds with my expectations.
How do the sites and systems work? I intend to program about 80 +/- channels (limited to 128). However, I will program at least 4 different systems (3 P25, 1 conventional VHF). Is there a certain limit to sites and their frequencies?
Secondly, the interface of it all.
The one area in all of this that is lacking is explanation/presentation of the interface of the G5. I expect that as it is more or less a new topic and is to be explored. The main question I suppose, is there a monitor mode or way to hold on a talkgroup/channel? Also, does the G5 only scan one system at a time, and it must be manually switched?
Lastly.
I am familiar with pagers and system-based two-way radios, as I am in a public safety occupation. The G5 is very impressive as a 'pager' (I don't consider it in this realm, considering the newest $500 Minitor's don't even come close to the utility of the G5s), but everyone here that I have seen really considers its viability as a receiving device, or, scanner. That being said, is this exceptionally worth it? Does Unication listen to "scanner hobbyist's" feedback? How viable is the G5 in its scope?
Thanks for your time, and making this far. Considering the huge scope of P25 digital now, I have to consider the G5, despite mixed emotions and relatively new presence.