Unication Micro-USB Magnetic Adapter Option

[D31245]

Wanted to share this 5-Pin Magnetic Micro-USB adapter option in case anyone is leery of damaging their Micro-USB connector because of high usage and looking for an alternative.

Here is the kit I ordered through Amazon (not sure the red cable option is still available). I like that it offers other options to use on other devices as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSM9YP5?ie=UTF8&th=1

So far, it is working well. I tested programming, charging, and receiving on my G5 and so far so good.

The only negative is the Mag adapter housing causes interference when trying to seat the radio in the G Series Charger base so it would need to come out if you want to use the base. I will probably charge it through the cable for now unless I need a quicker charge but I'll see how that goes over time.

I added the boot clamp and screws back so I don't loose them, and I think it looks aesthetically better - plus it protects the open holes against possible damage.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Thank you, @D31245, this type of adapter has been mentioned several times in the forums, but I don't remember any detailed photos and explanation like you provided.

 

[pmtchr]

Interesting adapter, looks like it will do well to protect damage to the USB port. I don't use a drop in charger, all USB plug in. I'm curious though - I use mine specifically for travel, it lives in a Mighty Pouch with my go bag and has a dash mount in each of my vehicles. What are your thoughts on the USB insertable piece actually becoming more problematic with use such as this?

 

[D31245]

What are your thoughts on the USB insertable piece actually becoming more problematic with use such as this?

Still too early for me to tell but I baby my radios and so far, I have just used it around the house.

When I hold the radio in my hand, I don’t notice the adapter or any performance degradation even when making contact with it.

I was thinking of an aftermarket case and would that present a problem in terms of fit?

But the weirdest thought I had, was, of it attracting micro-iron filaments like you see with magnetic demonstrations. The magnet is fairly strong. But this would apply to any device using these magnetic adapters.

Worth a try I’d say - especially if you are going through numerous USB plug-unplug cycles.

It’s actually given me a little peace of mind and makes the connection less worrisome.

 

[pmtchr]

Still too early for me to tell but I baby my radios and so far, I have just used it around the house.

Thanks. I take care of my gear, but don't baby it. The Mighty Pouch case is neoprene, so it's good with some stretch. Good point with the magnet attracting things I may not want. As I really only have to plug in to charge every few days, and usually in controlled environment, I think I'll keep an eye on it and remember your solution. Thanks!

 

[Spitfire8520]

Interesting adapter, looks like it will do well to protect damage to the USB port. I don't use a drop in charger, all USB plug in. I'm curious though - I use mine specifically for travel, it lives in a Mighty Pouch with my go bag and has a dash mount in each of my vehicles. What are your thoughts on the USB insertable piece actually becoming more problematic with use such as this?

I feel that it might cause the very thing it is trying to prevent. I have not experienced a USB port failure myself, but a friend of mine dislodged their USB port from the internal PCB due to stress applied to the USB port. Having an obvious protruding nail-like adapter that applies direct force onto the USB port would lead to that failure if one were to bump, drop, or apply pressure like a hard object squeezing against it in a bag.

 

[K9KLC]

I feel that it might cause the very thing it is trying to prevent. I have not experienced a USB port failure myself, but a friend of mine dislodged their USB port from the internal PCB due to stress applied to the USB port. Having an obvious protruding nail-like adapter that applies direct force onto the USB port would lead to that failure if one were to bump, drop, or apply pressure like a hard object squeezing against it in a bag.

I was wondering if I was the only one thinking this. I don't do a lot of programming on my Unications and only use the USB for programming. They were older, bought well used, (not beat up just used) and two came with the amplified chargers the original purchaser had used with them. The third one the original purchaser had only used the charging base but kept it for his other one and I bought one almost immediately after getting that pager.

While I appreciate the OP sharing the information, that solution just isn't for me. On the EXTREMELY RARE occasion I might need to charge while out and about, I'm stupid careful with it. I think this has happened only twice in well over a year now. I do programming maybe 3-4 times a year so AFAIK, the USB ports have had little use.

 

[sefrischling]

Having sent in both my G3 and G5 to have the USB ports replaced, as they ceased working, I would have concerns about this set up. Especially if your unit is worn like a pager day in and day out.

 

[D31245]

Having sent in both my G3 and G5 to have the USB ports replaced, as they ceased working, I would have concerns about this set up. Especially if your unit is worn like a pager day in and day out.

Sorry to hear you had to send your units back for repair. Was it from plugging and unplugging the units in for programming? That’s what I am trying to avoid by using this option. As my programming cycles reduce over time, I may remove it and use the cradle for charging.

So far it’s working well for me. I am easy on my unit and don’t wear it like a pager.

I went for a drive today towards a P25T system I have programmed in - as I am just at the outskirts of coverage - and as I approached the city, the G5 lit up like a Christmas tree with lots of Police/Fire/EMS activity. It was interesting to watch the signal indicator strength numbers decrease as I approached closer to the programmed system.

I’m really happy with the G5. It’s displacing some of my other radios for the moment.

 

[picscan]

Thanks, mine came today, I have been through the port replacement thing twice from plugging and unplugging. I have two G5s and only one cradle, this just saved me $100 plus shipping from buying another cradle and no room to put it on my end table next to my chair. The light at the magnet end of the cord is nice so you can tell there is power there. The cord at the radio swivels instead of putting any twisting force on the cord or port.

 

[D31245]

Thanks, mine came today, I have been through the port replacement thing twice from plugging and unplugging. I have two G5s and only one cradle, this just saved me $100 plus shipping from buying another cradle and no room to put it on my end table next to my chair. The light at the magnet end of the cord is nice so you can tell there is power there. The cord at the radio swivels instead of putting any twisting force on the cord

Good to hear. Hope you have good luck with it.

Mine has been attached since I received it and probably won’t be coming out anytime soon. I am still trying different programming scenarios and this adapter is making it very easy and convenient to connect with the PPS and to charge the radio.

The adapter is basically invisible in my hand when holding the radio and I haven’t experienced any issues with it interfering in any way.