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Difference between revisions of "Unication Voice Pager Receivers"

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Welcome to the Unication voice pager wiki page.  Please see the official [https://www.unicationusa.com/gseriesp25voicepager Unication P25 Voice Pager] page
+
[[File:GSeries Family.png|thumb|right|<div style="text-align: center;">G-Series Family<br>''Click to Enlarge''</div>]]
for models and specifications.
 
  
Unication has developed a couple models of ''receive only'' P25 capable public safety pagers. These pager/receivers are intended for ''public safety users'' and therefore have an I/Q demodulator and narrower filters for band specific needs. They work generally without any "tweaks" that may be needed for a scanner.  However, these pager/receivers are lacking several basic features found in most scanners. A beta of a scanning feature is in the testing phase.
+
The '''G-Series voice pagers''' are a line of receive-only, P25 capable voice pagers carried by fire, rescue, and EMS personnel to alert to emergencies. The pagers are manufactured by '''Unication Co., Ltd''' and sold worldwide, though the primary market has been the US. Sales, support, and repairs are handled through their online [https://store.unicationusa.com store] and [https://www.unicationusa.com/dealer-locator Authorized Dealers]. Dealers can and do sell below MSRP and compete with each other on price and quality of support, though Unication enforces a Minimum Sales Price which if violated will result in loss of the dealer's license. Since the G1's release in 2014, Unication has aggressively targeted Motorola's paging market share in the US. Motorola's Minitor VI Two-Tone Voice Pager has not been updated since [https://www.rocknetworks.com/minitor-v-reaches-end-of-support-life-through-motorola its release] in early 2014. In 2015, Unication released the single-band G2 and G4 models, and dual-band G3 and G5 models. From 1991 to 2014, Unication designed and manufactured Motorola's popular Minitor III, IV, V, and VI model voice pagers.
 +
 
 +
<!-- Links for Newcomers -->
 +
<div style="border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; border-spacing: 3px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: black; margin: 0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; float: right; clear: right; font-size: 88%; line-height: 1.5em; width: 22em;">
 +
<big><div style="text-align:center">'''Links for Newcomers'''</div></big>
 +
If you're just starting out, these links are recommended reading:
 +
*{{Forum|unication-forum.259| Unication}}
 +
*[https://www.unicationusa.com/pps-downloads Software & Firmware Updates]
 +
*[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/miy3u8ty006ilpp/AAB7LB0058NDNASf7lhjLJmna?dl=0 Message Backup Software]
 +
*[https://services.uni.com.tw/ucss/Home/Start Codeplug Sharing]
 +
*[https://www.unicationusa.com/dealer-locator Locate Dealer]
 +
*[https://www.unicationusa.com/tech-corner#comp-ksuh0ugc Warranty Lookup]
 +
*[https://www.unicationusa.com/_files/ugd/9bbbf0_a9e15193e1104b42b0f09cdb2e05e017.pdf Import from RR]
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Current Software/Firmware -->
 +
<div style="border: 1px solid #B6B6B6; border-spacing: 3px; background-color: #eeeeff; color: black; margin: 0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; float: right; clear: right; font-size: 88%; line-height: 1.5em; width: 22em;">
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{|
 +
|+ G1 Pager
 +
|-
 +
| '''Current PPS''' || [https://www.dropbox.com/sh/56pesx4dqwdkkha/AAB_MckH7Ds2rDzCMHVQMbrUa?dl=0 R030703(R02)]
 +
|-
 +
| '''PPS Updated''' || 19 Feb 2020
 +
|-
 +
| '''Current Firmware''' || [https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sy1qh211rqsuoif/AABTrIAYatU9EWeRh9qQxd04a?dl=0 RVV0114EN]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Firmware Updated''' || 22 Mar 2019
 +
|}
 +
{|
 +
|+ G2-G5 Pagers
 +
|-
 +
| '''Current PPS''' || [https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1ktl792apuerli0/AABOOWSTE2RM2HXhSPMu0jOta?dl=0 V03.16.24]
 +
|-
 +
| '''PPS Updated''' || 24 May 2021
 +
|-
 +
| '''Current Firmware''' || [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V1.31&device=g5_voice V1.31]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Firmware Updated''' || 22 Dec 2020
 +
|}
 +
</div>
  
These units are capable of both Phase 1 and Phase 2. 
 
  
These units are commercial grade receivers designed for public safety users, not scanners. They are designed to monitor a single trunked site at a time or a small set of conventional VHF / UHF frequencies.
+
== Purpose and Audience ==
 +
The primary audience of the G-Series pagers is public safety users, so the pagers have an I/Q demodulator and narrow filters for band-specific needs. The units are Software Defined Radios and can be programmed and firmware upgraded, at no cost, via free [https://www.unicationusa.com/gseriespps Pre-Programming Software ("PPS")]. Due to the sub-$1,000 price point, broad feature-set, reception, durability, and portability they have become popular with amateur radio enthusiasts. While the units require little to few adjustments common with more sensitive desktop-based scanners, they lack ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. Firmware V1.40, to add scanning of multiple trunked systems, has been in closed-beta testing since 2020/21. With the news that Unication started developing a separate scanner model, users on RadioReference within the beta testing grouping report Unication has gone increasingly quiet since early 2021, giving the appearance the scanning feature stagnated in development.
  
 +
Unication directs sales and first-line support through it's US authorized dealer network. The company provides software ("''Uni Maintain Tool''") and PC driver to its dealers for specialized updating/troubleshooting. The company's business plan relies on customers to self-update firmware, which is provided by dealers. Prior to 2022, customers could download the most recent firmware directly from Unication's website. In January 2019, the G5 received an update for Conventional DMR tier 1 and 2 only; no trunking. Per Unication rep, "No hardware change is needed. DMR is enabled by the G5 model number "67". If your model is a 64 or 66, DMR will not work no matter what firmware version you have. The current firmware V1.1 supports DMR if your G5 is a "67". We have a utility to change the model number of any G5 to a "67". Dealers will be getting the utility and instructions some time next week. After that it will be on our web site for all current G5 owners."<sup>[[https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/dmr-on-g5.382384/#post-3057827 source]]</sup> The update utility, named "''FunctionUpdater(DMR Conventional)_V00-00-01_Beta01.exe''", was only available via web for a few weeks. Since then the company charges $25 per unit to add DMR, requiring it be mailed back to their Dallas, TX facility to perform the model number change.
  
====Comparison to a Digital Scanner====
+
 
 +
== Features ==  
 +
[[File:G5_diagram.png|thumb|right|<div style="text-align: center;">Layout of G2-5 Voice Pagers<br>''Click to Enlarge''</div>]]
 +
{{#ev:youtube|yijWstvoEn8|302|right|<center>G2-G5 programming tutorial</center>}}
 +
The G-Series pagers are the industry's first P25 voice pagers supporting Analog 2-Tone Conventional, P25 Conventional, and P25 Trunking Phase I & Phase II. Each pager has an external antenna; rechargeable battery; micro-USB port for charging and programming; 8 knob positions which correspond to a Zone (64 zones maximum); can monitor a mixture of up to 256 control channels or 512 analog channels (across the pager in total), but in any single knob position a maximum of either 1 trunked system or 16 conventional channels; supports up to 999 radio ID's/aliases; can alert based on TGID, QCII (2-Tone Over P25) or Call Alert; supports the AES 256-bit, DES, and ARC4 encryption standards; offers multiple scan modes (Normal, Priority, Selective, Silent, Monitor, Free Scan); offers 32 minutes of voice storage with a button on knob for quick playback; Bluetooth 2.0 for audio and Bluetooth 4.0 for data connection to phone app for PS & DRT call Ack.
 +
 
 +
The pagers are all commercial-grade IP67 rated for driving rain/dust and water submersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Each pager features a 2-inch, 320x240 pixels, LCD color display with a four-direction joystick, four soft-keys, home key, and back key for navigating the pager's menus. The pager's display allows the user to change zones, scan modes, and variety of features on-the-go without connecting to a PC. For full programming of frequencies, alerting types, and customization a Windows PC running the PPS software is required. Codeplugs can be shared and downloaded for free on Unication's [https://services.uni.com.tw/ucss/Home/Start Codeplug Sharing webpage].
 +
 
 +
One key drawback, not immediately apparent, is the G-Series pagers are designed to monitor within a single knob position, a single trunked system or a maximum of 16 conventional VHF / UHF frequencies. Within a single knob position it cannot monitor a trunked site and conventional channels, or multiple trunked sites/systems. A knob position, scanning a single trunked system, can scan a maximum of 64 Talkgroups in that knob position. The only workaround is designating a wildcard.
 +
 
 +
; Comparison to a Digital Scanner
 
'''Similarities'''
 
'''Similarities'''
*Excellent P25 Simulcast reception
+
* Excellent P25 Simulcast reception
*Two-tone paging (conventional or [some] P25)
+
* Two-tone paging
*Color display
+
* Color display
*Compact size/weight
+
* Compact size/weight
*Battery lasts a long time
+
* Battery lasts a long time
*Harsh environment design
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* Harsh environment design
  
 
'''Differences'''
 
'''Differences'''
*No "on the fly" programming
+
* No "on the fly" programming
*Can only monitor a single control channel at a time (no multi-site or multiple system scanning)
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* Can only monitor a single control channel at a time (no multi-site or multiple system scanning)
*Cannot mix scanning of P25 control channel and conventional frequencies.
+
* Cannot mix scanning of P25 control channel and conventional frequencies.
*G4 is only 700/800
+
* G4 is only 700/800
*G5 adds a band but you have to choose which one (VHF, 380, 400, 450) conventional analog or P25 and/or P25 Phase 1&2 Trunking. DMR Conventional (Paid upgrade)
+
* G5 adds a band but you have to choose which one (VHF, 380, 400, 450) conventional analog or P25 and/or P25 Phase 1&2 Trunking. DMR Conventional is a $25 mail-in upgrade.
*Doesn't support Motorola Smartnet/SmartZone Analog, EDACS, LTR, NXDN, DMR Trunking
+
* Doesn't support Motorola Smartnet/SmartZone Analog, EDACS, LTR, NXDN, DMR Trunking
*Programming software (PPS) design isn't intuitive
+
* Programming software (PPS) design isn't intuitive
  
 +
'''Serial Number and Model Number'''
 +
The G2-G5 Series pagers have two ID's assigned: a 10-character alphanumeric serial number ("MSN") and 21-character alphanumeric Model Number. The MSN is assigned at the factory and never changes. It will appear on label at rear of pager, within the pager's menus, and within PPS software at top of any screen and on tab E. The Model number corresponds to each of the possible configurations of pagers sold; there are over 120 configurations as of June 2022. When programming a pager for the first time, the user is prompted within PPS to create a new profile. Each profile is ''specific to the Model Number''. Any profile created can be converted to another Model Number via the PPS software.
  
==After Market Gear (Antennas, Bluetooth, etc.)==
 
; Antennas
 
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|410311-g5-antenna-for-800-mhz-band.html|G5 Antenna for 800 Mhz}}
 
 
; Bluetooth and Related
 
* [https://tinyurl.com/6z6e7r6b Blackwell BlueTooth Audio Adapter]
 
* [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075L7T5R4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Bluetooth FM Transmitter]
 
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|421995-klein-blu-rsm-works-well-on-g-series.html|Klein Blu RSM Works Well on G Series}}
 
* [https://tinyurl.com/5bz9ja7h MPow M30 In Ear Bluetooth Headphones]
 
* [https://www.noxgear.com/39g Noxgear 39G Bluetooth Speaker]
 
  
 
== Comparison ==
 
== Comparison ==
  
 
{| class=wikitable sortable
 
{| class=wikitable sortable
! Features !! G2 !! G3 !! G4 !! G5
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! Features !! G1 !! G2 !! G3 !! G4 !! G5
 +
|-
 +
| Pics || [[File:Unication G1.png|thumb|50px|center]] || [[File:Unication G2.png|thumb|50px|center]] || [[File:Unication G3.png|50px|thumb|center]] || [[File:Unication G4.png|50px|thumb|center]] || [[File:Unication G5.png|50px|thumb|center]]
 +
|-
 +
| Bands || Single || Single || Dual || Single || Dual
 +
|-
 +
| Releae Date || Mar 4, 2014 || Dec. 10, 2015 || Dec. 10, 2015 || Dec. 10, 2015 || Dec. 10, 2015
 
|-
 
|-
| Bands || Single || Dual || Single || Dual
+
| Models ||• Lowband 33-39 MHz<br> • Lowband 43-49 MHz<br> • VHF 136-148 MHz<br> • VHF 148-164 MHz<br> • UHF 450-470 MHz<br> • UHF 465-485 MHz<br> • UHF 495-512 MHz || • VHF (136-174 MHz) or<br> • UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or<br> • UHF-D (450-520 MHz) || • VHF & UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or <br> • VHF & UHF-D (450-520 MHz) || 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz || • VHF (136-174 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-A (330-400 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-B (380-430 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-C (400-470 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-D (450-520 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz
 
|-
 
|-
| Models || • VHF (136-174 MHz) or<br> • UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or<br> • UHF-D (450-520 MHz) || • VHF & UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or <br> • VHF & UHF-D (450-520 MHz) || 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz || • VHF (136-174 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-A (330-400 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-B (380-430 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-C (400-470 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or<br> • UHF-D (450-520 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz
+
| MSRP || $395 || $645  || $745  || $645  || $745
 
|-
 
|-
| MSRP || $645  || $745 || $645  || $745
+
| Antenna (external) || for GSM only || • VHF: 136-174 MHz or<br> • UHF: 330-512 MHz || • V+U: 330-512 MHz<br> • U+V: 136-174 MHz || 764-870 MHz || 764-870 MHz
 
|-
 
|-
| Antenna (external) || • VHF: 136-174 MHz or<br> • UHF: 330-512 MHz || • V+U: 330-512 MHz<br> • U+V: 136-174 MHz  || 764-870 MHz || 764-870 MHz
+
| Antenna (internal) || yes || no || • V+U: 136-174 MHz<br> • U+V: 330-512 MHz || no || • VHF: 136-174 MHz<br> • UHF: 330-512 MHz
 
|-
 
|-
| Antenna (internal) || no || • V+U: 136-174 MHz<br> • U+V: 330-512 MHz || no || • VHF: 136-174 MHz<br> • UHF: 330-512 MHz
+
| P25 || no || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked
 
|-
 
|-
| P25 || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked || Conventional, Trunked
+
| DMR Upgradeable? || no || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in
 
|-
 
|-
| DMR Upgradeable? || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in || yes, $25 mail-in
+
| Channel Spacing / Band Width (unique to each freq) || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz
 
|-
 
|-
| Channel Spacing / Band Width (unique to each freq) || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz || 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz
+
| Message Types (receive) || Analog: voice, text, image via MDC only || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
 
|-
 
|-
| Message Types (receive) || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T || • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.<br> • Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
+
| Battery Size (mAh) || 680 mAh: two AAA Ni-MH || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion
 
|-
 
|-
| Battery Size (mAh) || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion || 2800 mAH Lithium Ion
+
| Battery Max Voltage || N/A || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts
 
|-
 
|-
| Battery Max Voltage || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts || 4.35 Volts
+
| Normal  Voltage Supply || 2.4 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc
 
|-
 
|-
| Normal  Voltage Supply || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc || 3.80 Vdc
+
| Weight (including antenna, battery, belt clip) || n/a || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz
 
|-
 
|-
| Weight (including antenna, battery, belt clip) || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz || 290 grams / 10.2 oz
+
| Weight, excluding battery & antenna || 220 grams / 7.76 oz || 215 grams / 7.58 oz || 224 grams / 7.9 oz || 221 grams / 7.8 oz || 223 grams / 7.87 oz
 
|-
 
|-
| Weight, excluding battery || 215 grams / 7.58 oz || 224 grams / 7.9 oz || 221 grams / 7.8 oz || 223 grams / 7.87 oz
+
| Size (height x width x thickness) || 100.5 x 65.2 x 26.45 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm
 
|-
 
|-
| Size (height x width x thickness) || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm || 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm
+
| Operating Temp Range || -10°C to 50°C<br>-14°F to 122°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F
 
|-
 
|-
| Operating Temp Range || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F || -30°C to 60°C<br>-22°F to 140°F
+
| Material || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber
 
|-
 
|-
| Material || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber || PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber
+
| Water Submersion || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins
 
|-
 
|-
| Water Submersion || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins || 3ft/30mins
+
| Alert Types || N/A || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate
 
|-
 
|-
| Alert Types || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate || Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate
+
| Customized Alerts via .wav/.mp3 files || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Customized Alerts via .wav/.mp3 files || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Bluetooth (Audio) || N/A || 2.0 || 2.0 || 2.0 || 2.0
 
|-
 
|-
| Bluetooth || 4.0 || 4.0 || 4.0 || 4.0
+
| Bluetooth (data, for app connection) || N/A || 4.0 || 4.0 || 4.0 || 4.0
 
|-
 
|-
| Minutes of Voice Storage || 100 minutes || 100 minutes || 32 minutes || 32 minutes
+
| Minutes of Voice Storage || 16 minutes || 100 minutes || 100 minutes || 32 minutes || 32 minutes
 
|-
 
|-
| Protocols (analog) || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA
+
| Protocols (analog) || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200 || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA || • CTCSS / CDCSS<br> • 2 tone / 5 tone<br> • MDC 1200<br> • Uni DVOA
 
|-
 
|-
| Protocols (digital) || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR
+
| Protocols (digital) || - || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR || • P25C<br> • DMR
 
|-
 
|-
| Protocols (trunking) || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II
+
| Protocols (trunking) || - || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II || • P25T Phase I<br> • P25T Phase II
 
|-
 
|-
| 2-Tone Function Modes || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan
+
| 2-Tone Function Modes || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan || Selective Call, Monitor, Scan
 
|-
 
|-
| Encryption key || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency
+
| Encryption key || - || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency || yes, per frequency
 
|-
 
|-
| Encryption type || AES 256 || AES 256 || AES 256 || AES 256
+
| Encryption type || not supported || AES 256 || AES 256 || AES 256 || AES 256
 
|-
 
|-
| Full Spectrum Scan || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Full Spectrum Scan || no || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Monitor & Alert on Multiple Talkgroups? || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Monitor & Alert on Multiple Talkgroups? || - || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Priority TGID Scan || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Priority TGID Scan || - || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| No. of Channels || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control
+
| No. of Channels || 64 analog || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control || 516 analog / 256 control
 
|-
 
|-
| Talkgroup Hold feature || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Talkgroup Hold feature || no || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Talkgroup Block/Lockout feature || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Talkgroup Block/Lockout feature || no || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Out of Range Alert || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Out of Range Alert || no || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Display || LCD, full color || LCD, full color || LCD, full color || LCD, full color
+
| Display || N/A || LCD, full color || LCD, full color || LCD, full color || LCD, full color
 
|-
 
|-
| Display Size (inches) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm)
+
| Display Size (inches) || N/A || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) || 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm)
 
|-
 
|-
| Display Size (pixels) || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240
+
| Display Size (pixels) || N/A || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240 || 320 x 240
 
|-
 
|-
| Display Color Space || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated)
+
| Display Color Space || N/A || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated) || 65535 (uncalibrated)
 
|-
 
|-
| Display text || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters
+
| Display text || N/A || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters || 9 lines x 22 characters
 
|-
 
|-
| Backlight || yes || yes || yes || yes
+
| Backlight || yes || yes || yes || yes || yes
 
|-
 
|-
| Warranty || 2 years || 2 years || 2 years || 2 years
+
| Warranty || 2 years || 2 years || 2 years || 2 years || 2 years
 
|-
 
|-
| Extended Warranty || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years
+
| Extended Warranty || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years || Addt'l 3 years
 
|-
 
|-
| Sensitivity || -122 dBm || -122 dBm || -122 dBm || -122 dBm
+
| Sensitivity || • Low Band model: 3.5 µV/M<br> • VHF model: 2 µV/M<br> • UHF model: 3 µV/M || -122 dBm || -122 dBm || -122 dBm || -122 dBm
 
|-
 
|-
| Radiated Sensitivity / 12dB SINAD / 5% BER || • VHF model: 7.98 µV/M<br> • UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M<br> • UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M || • VHF model: 14.2 µV/M<br> • UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M<br> • UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M || 4.02 µV/M || 6 µV/M
+
| Radiated Sensitivity / 12dB SINAD / 5% BER || • Low Band or UHF models: 9 µV/M<br> • VHF model: 8 µV/M || • VHF model: 7.98 µV/M<br> • UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M<br> • UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M || • VHF model: 14.2 µV/M<br> • UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M<br> • UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M || 4.02 µV/M || 6 µV/M
 
|-
 
|-
| Image Rejection (Analog/Digital) || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >60dB / >55dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >60dB / >55dB || >65dB / >60dB || >65dB / >60dB
+
| Image Rejection (Analog/Digital) || >70dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >60dB / >55dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >60dB / >55dB || >65dB / >60dB || >65dB / >60dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Intermodulation Rejection (Analog/Digital) || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB || >65dB / >60dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB
+
| Intermodulation Rejection (Analog/Digital) || >70dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB || >65dB / >60dB || • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB<br> • UHF models: >55dB / >50dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Frequency Stability || +/- 1 ppm || +/- 1 ppm || +1 ppm || +1 ppm
+
| Frequency Stability || • Low Band: +/- 10 ppm<br> • VHF and UHF models: +/- 3 ppm<br> || +/- 1 ppm || +/- 1 ppm || +/- 1 ppm || +/- 1 ppm
 
|-
 
|-
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity || 760 dB || 760 dB || 760 dB || 760 dB
+
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity || 70/65 dB || 760 dB || 760 dB || 760 dB || 760 dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Blocking || >80 dB || >80 dB || >80 dB || >80 dB
+
| Blocking || - || >80 dB || >80 dB || >80 dB || >80 dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Spurious || >70 dB || >70 dB || >70 dB || >70 dB
+
| Spurious || >70 dB || >70 dB || >70 dB || >70 dB || >70 dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Audio Output Linear || >300 mW || >300 mW || >300 mW || >300 mW
+
| Audio Output Linear || >300 mW || >300 mW || >300 mW || >300 mW || >300 mW
 
|-
 
|-
| Audio Distortion || <2% || <2% || <2% || <2%
+
| Audio Distortion || <3% || <2% || <2% || <2% || <2%
 
|-
 
|-
| Speech SPL @ 12in || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB
+
| Speech SPL @ 12in || 94dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Alert SPL @ 12in || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB
+
| Alert SPL @ 12in || 96dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB || 96dB +3dB/-2dB
 
|-
 
|-
| Ingress Protection Rating || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust
+
| Ingress Protection Rating || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust || IP67 Water/Dust
 
|-
 
|-
| UL || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II
+
| UL || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II || Class I, Div. II
 
|-
 
|-
| FCC || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15
+
| FCC || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15 || FCC Part 15
 
|-
 
|-
| MIL-STD || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain
+
| MIL-STD || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain || 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 173: Line 219:
 
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|413952-unication-programming.html|Unication Programming}}
 
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|413952-unication-programming.html|Unication Programming}}
  
== FAQ ==
 
Q: Is the G2-G5 a replacement for Motorola Minitor?
 
A: ''Yes - a replacement, and then some. It has a similar form factor, can do everything a Minitor IV, V, VI, etc can do without batting an eye, and then adds significant additional capabilities, frequencies, encryption, and user-customization options.''
 
  
Q: How does the range of the G2-G5 compare to a Minitor?
+
== Accessories ==
A: ''Based on voluminous user feedback on RadioReference since 2015, the overwhelming consensus seems to be "yes, the range is as good and usually better by a few miles depending on geography." ''
+
Unication sells a few accessories and a variety of third-party accessories are available from dealers or third-party websites. Official accessories include a desktop charger, amplified charger, nylon and leather cases, swivel belt clip, bluetooth headset, and screen protector. Note the Amplified Charger is the only charging product that boosts the pager's antenna strength. The amp charger has a BNC connector and boosts both internal and external antennas<sup>[https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/amp-charger-vs-g5-internal-and-external-antennas.377108 1]</sup>. The standard desktop charger does not have an external BNC connector, does not boost antenna strength, and cannot program the pager (G2-5 series). Additional accessories for the G2-5 are discussed in the thread [https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/3rd-party-accessories-recommendations-reviews-unication-g2-g3-g4-g5.442340  3rd Party Accessories Recommendations/Reviews - Unication G2/G3/G4/G5].  
  
Q: Do the G-Series pagers support P25 Phase I and Phase II?
+
; Antennas
A: ''Yes. Phase II support was added in August 2018 to all G2-G5 devices running Firmware v1.1, which also included backwards compatibility for Phase I. Firmware updates remain free and user-installed with a USB cable.''
+
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|410311-g5-antenna-for-800-mhz-band.html|G5 Antenna for 800 Mhz}}
  
Q: Can I download stored messages?
+
; Bluetooth and Related
A: ''Yes'' - via Unication's free software to any Windows PC, using a regular USB cable.
+
* {{Thread|unication-forum.259|421995-klein-blu-rsm-works-well-on-g-series.html|Klein Blu RSM Works Well on G Series}}
  
 
+
; Chargers
 
 
==Third Party Software==
 
* [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xboRzWufG-cxL2DobIr_REIPKekUY-Bu Universal Scanner Audio Player (Google Drive)]
 
** {{Thread|general-scanning-discussion.28|416924-universal-scanner-audio-player.html|Universal Scanner Audio Player}}
 
** Unication files are supported via importing
 
 
 
 
 
== Official Links ==
 
=== Learning Sessions ===
 
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/tech-corner Programming Webinar]
 
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuF2kn9MJE G4/G5 Programming Overview]
 
* [https://www.youtube.com/c/UnicationUSA/videos Unication YouTube videos]
 
* [https://www.scannerschool.com/unication-g5-pager-review/ Unication G5 Pager Review]
 
* [https://www.scannerschool.com/new-unication-g2-and-g3-pagers/ New Unication G2 / G3 Pagers]
 
 
 
=== Downloads ===
 
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/pps-downloads PPS Software & Pager Firmware Updates]
 
* [https://services.uni.com.tw/ucss/Home/Start Unication G-Series Codeplug Sharing System]
 
* [https://autoup.unicationusa.com G2-G6 Firmware Downloads]
 
 
 
=== Documentation ===
 
* [https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/9bbbf0_4294baed109f4186be08d7c35dbbc749.pdf Unication White Paper: Implementing Paging on a P25 System]
 
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/product-page/dmr-upgrade DMR Upgrade page]
 
 
 
=== Contacts ===
 
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/contact-us-support Unication Tech Support]
 
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/dealer-locator Locate an Authorized Dealer]
 
 
 
==RadioReference Forum and Information==
 
* [https://www.dropbox.com/s/mzie0qhskb9avno/User%20guide%20for%20importing%20data%20from%20Radio%20Reference%20API.pdf?dl=0 User Guide for Importing Data from RadioReference API]  *'''Note:''' PDF File on Dropbox
 
* [https://forums.radioreference.com/forums/unication-forum.259/ Unication Forum on RadioReference]
 
 
 
 
 
==Mailing Lists/Social==
 
; Facebook
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/351395488677046 Unication G4/G5 Owners]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/221562865115863 Unication G Series Voice Pager Units]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/632732070499344 Unication Buy Sell and Discussion]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/UnicationUsaInc Unication USA]
 
 
 
==Compatible Accessories==
 
The below is a condensed summary of the thread [https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/3rd-party-accessories-recommendations-reviews-unication-g2-g3-g4-g5.442340  3rd Party Accessories Recommendations/Reviews - Unication G2/G3/G4/G5].
 
 
 
=== Chargers ===
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 244: Line 243:
 
|}
 
|}
  
===  Stand/Cradle ===
+
; Stand/Cradle
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 256: Line 255:
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Replacement Parts ===
+
; Replacement Parts
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 266: Line 265:
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== 3D Models to print your own accessories ===
+
; 3D Models to print your own accessories
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 280: Line 279:
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Bluetooth earbuds/speakers ===
+
; Bluetooth earbuds/speakers
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 287: Line 286:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Kurdene || S8 || [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VX9JY7 Amazon] || [https://imgur.com/a/jz4tJV6#SLsSS3u pics] || $22.99 || In Ear/earbud || Bluetooth 5.2 || 8mm drivers || 8 Hours || Charge for 15 minutes, listen for 1 hour || IPX8 || Charging cable + Charging case + 6 silicone eartips with S/M/L sizes || 1.5hr to full charge
 
| Kurdene || S8 || [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VX9JY7 Amazon] || [https://imgur.com/a/jz4tJV6#SLsSS3u pics] || $22.99 || In Ear/earbud || Bluetooth 5.2 || 8mm drivers || 8 Hours || Charge for 15 minutes, listen for 1 hour || IPX8 || Charging cable + Charging case + 6 silicone eartips with S/M/L sizes || 1.5hr to full charge
 +
|-
 +
| Bose || QC Earbuds || [https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/earbuds/quietcomfort-earbuds.html Bose.com] || See purch link || $199 || In Ear/earbud || Bluetooth 5.1 || n/a || 6 Hours || Charge for 15 minutes, listen for 2 hours || IPX4 ||  2 Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds (fitted with size 2 eartips), Charging case, Small and Large eartips, USB-C (A to C) charging cable (12")  || 2hr (earbuds) or 2hr (case) to full charge
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Belt Clips ===
+
; Belt Clips
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 298: Line 299:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
== Software ==
 +
Unication provides its pagers' Firmware and programming software, also called ''Pre-Programming Software'' or "PPS", free of charge. Each are updated at irregular intervals. Other free software which can import Unication's files is "[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xboRzWufG-cxL2DobIr_REIPKekUY-Bu Universal Scanner Audio Player]," discussed in the thread {{Thread|general-scanning-discussion.28|416924-universal-scanner-audio-player.html|Universal Scanner Audio Player}}.
 +
 +
 +
=== Firmware Updates ===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
|-
 +
! Version !! Release Date !! Changelog
 +
|-
 +
| V1.40-T02J || 1/20/2020<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/unication-g-series-voice-pager-with-digital-trunked-scanner-feature.400320</ref> <br>and 5/8/2020<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309</ref><br>(re-opened closed beta) || Added ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. Currently in closed-group Beta testing since 2020.<br>
 +
'''Release notes'''<ul>
 +
<li>Allow the pager to have the “Hold/Unhold” function of the talk group ID in the Trunking Multi-TG Scan receiving mode. In the voice call receiving mode, users can change the talk group ID receiving setting of the current knob by operating the pager’s hard-key. Users can keep listening to the voice message of the current TGID broadcasting until the users Un-Hold the TGID or turn the knob to another knob.
 +
<li>Allow the pager to have the “temporary remove” function of the talk group ID in the Trunking Multi-TG Scan receiving mode. In the voice call receiving mode, users can change the talk group ID receiving setting of the current knob by operating the pager’s hard-key. Users can temporarily remove the TGID that us listening to from the original TGID list until the users Un-Hold the TGID or turn the knob to another knob.
 +
<li>Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the pager supports the “All band scan” and “Trunking Multi-System Scan” mode.
 +
<li>Added the new function that the users can set and display the alias of the dispatch ID or the alias of other sending devices.
 +
<li>Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the pager supports the “Talk Group ID Scan Delay Time” function.
 +
<li>Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode and the pager is under Trunking Multi-System scan mode, the pager supports the “Site Stay Delay Time” function
 +
<li>Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the users can change the original function of the “RESET” key on the side of the pager to the “TG-Hold” key function and change the original function of the “Playback” key on the top of the pager to the “TG-Block/Remove” key function.
 +
</ul>
 +
|-
 +
| V1.32 || Unreleased || Fixes rebooting/boot-looping issue when a large P25 system is programmed with both 700/800 and VHF control channels, for example TACN and MOSWIN systems.
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V1.31&device=g5_voice V1.31] || 12/22/2020 || • Fixed problems with conventional VHF QCII alerting<br> • Fixed issue causing P25C QCII Stacked Paging Decode Failure<br> • Fixed issue where TGID hold timer would only count down when the pager screen is active<br> • Fixed issue that caused pager to crash when changing knob positions in some zones<br> • Fixed issue where pager would not connect to PPS while screen off & would not charge until the screen turned on<br> • Fixed issue where pager would randomly reset when programmed with a large programming file<br> • Fixed issue in PPS that caused software to shut down when attempting to write a profile to pager<br> • Fixed issue when a P25 TG is received, and voice transmission is over, the squelch that opened speaker kept speaker
 +
on with a hissing sound<br> • Fixed issue causing pager to lock up while navigating the settings menu<br> • Fixed lost audio issues, where received message audio would not play through speaker and recorded messages
 +
would not play back<br> • Fixed issue of pager receiving messages while powered off and charging (Green LED flashes and screen lights up
 +
showing "charging full")<br> • Fixed issue where pager decoded while powered off in the Amp Charger<br> • Fixed issue where during off duty state the voice record would continue for 10 minutes<br> • Fixed issue when 2-tone is sent from P25 Conventional channel on console, after tones end during hang time a
 +
different TGID and ID is seen on the screen and the pager reset<br> • Various other under the hood fixes and improvements to optimize performance
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V1.30&device=g5_voice V1.30] || 8/14/2020 || • Added Radio Aliases/Unit IDs feature.<br> • Added Talkgroup Hold/Remove feature.<br>• Bluetooth improvements.
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V1.20&device=g5_voice V1.20] || 3/1/2019 || • Added mute of encrypted channels.<br> • Added various Bluetooth fixes.
 +
|-
 +
| V1.10-T06 || 7/10/2018 ||
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V1.10&device=g5_voice V1.10] || 7/5/2018 ||
 +
|-
 +
| V1.00 || 7/2/2018 ||
 +
|-
 +
| V1.00-T08 || 7/1/2018 || Added Phase II support.
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=firmware&version=V0.93-0.17K-R02&device=g5_voice V0.93-0.17K-R02] || 1/1/2018 ||
 +
|-
 +
| V0.93.017-R00 || 9/11/2017 || • With R11P SW- Non-alerting TGIDs will no longer vibrate when the Selector Knob setting is set to Vibrate Mode.<br> • With R11P SW-When pager is in deep discharge it will not charge unless the battery is removed and re-inserted. This has been fixed.<br> • With R11P SW-When pager is off and transitions to ultra low power mode the 3 LEDS go on and eventually go off when the pager is fully charged. This has been fixed.
 +
|-
 +
| R11P || 11/19/2016 || • Corrects the common tone A issue on the analog side<br> • Corrects the issue of when the dispatch console has an SUID=0 on the P25 side<br> • Includes a few under the hood fixes
 +
|-
 +
| R11N2 || 11/4/2016 ||
 +
|}
 +
 +
==== 1.4 Beta Firmware ====
 +
On 1/20/2020 Unication provided firmware V1.40-T02J with a trunking free scan feature to a small group of beta testers<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/unication-g-series-voice-pager-with-digital-trunked-scanner-feature.400320</ref>. Due to broad popularity, Unication invited additional users to join the closed-beta group on 5/8/2020<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309</ref>. The firmware updater will only update a pager with MSN (serial number) previously accepted into the closed-beta group. As of early 2022, a version has floated around online that allows the full firmware to be installed on any G2-G5 Series pager without being part of beta-testing group.
  
== Software Release Notes ==
+
Primarily, the "Trunking Free Scan" feature adds ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. No firmware exists to allow scanning across both conventional and trunked systems within a single knob position.
  
'''Firmware Version: V1.31'''
+
The v1.40 firmware is expected to be used in a yet-unreleased new Scanner product<ref>http://www.uni.com.tw/voice-pagers-scanner/scanner</ref>. Based on public comments from Unication representatives<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309/#post-3300681</ref>, it is likely the "Trunking Free Scan" feature will not be included in any past or future firmware for G2-G5 Series pagers.
Bug/Issue Fixes:
+
 
* Fixed problems with conventional VHF QCII alerting
+
To apply for the v1.4 beta testing group, visit the [https://services.uni.com.tw/ucss/Home/Start Trunking Free Scan Beta Test Application Page], and complete the "Trunking Free Scan Beta Test Registration." As of Aug 2020, RR users have stated<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309/page-8</ref> there has been no reply from Unication about their applications and the closed-beta group appears to have stagnated over the past 18+ months. As of Jun 2022, the beta signup page displayed a notice
* Fixed issue causing P25C QCII Stacked Paging Decode Failure
+
 
* Fixed issue where TGID hold timer would only count down when the pager screen is active
+
<blockquote>Due to popular demand, this Beta Test has already been fully booked and we will not be able to accomodate any more registration requests. Thank you for your support!</blockquote>
* Fixed issue that caused pager to crash when changing knob positions in some zones
+
 
* Fixed issue where pager would not connect to PPS while screen off & would not charge until the screen turned on
+
Unication has offered a few words of caution<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309/post-3300681</ref> before upgrading to V1.40 Free Scan Beta version.
* Fixed issue where pager would randomly reset when programmed with a large programming file
+
<ul>
* Fixed issue in PPS that caused software to shut down when attempting to write a profile to pager
+
<li>Once a G-Series pager is upgraded to V1.40 Free Scan Beta version, it '''CAN NOT''' be downgraded to V1.30, V1.20, or older firmware versions. However many users on the forums have ignored this warning and downgraded to V1.31 without issue.<ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/so-what-exactly-happened-to-the-trunking-firmware.428606/post-3534975</ref><ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309/post-3365696</ref><ref>https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/g-series-trunking-free-scan-beta-test-ii.406309/post-3380360</ref>
* Fixed issue when a P25 TG is received, and voice transmission is over, the squelch that opened speaker kept speaker
+
<li>V1.40 Free Scan Beta version includes all the improvements and updates that were later released in the official V1.30 firmware.
on with a hissing sound
+
<li>Trunking Free Scan feature only exists in the V1.40 Free Scan Beta version. The regular firmware V1.30, V1.31, V1.32, 1.40, and even 1.50 will not include the free scan feature.
* Fixed issue causing pager to lock up while navigating the settings menu
+
<li>Unication will constantly update the V1.40 Free Scan Beta version if there occur any issues in the future.
* Fixed lost audio issues, where received message audio would not play through speaker and recorded messages
+
<li>If the users do not want to have the free scan feature in their pager anymore, they have to wait until V1.50 to update their voice pager.
would not play back
+
</ul>
* Fixed issue of pager receiving messages while powered off and charging (Green LED flashes and screen lights up
+
 
showing "charging full")
+
 
* Fixed issue where pager decoded while powered off in the Amp Charger
+
=== PPS Updates ===
* Fixed issue where during off duty state the voice record would continue for 10 minutes
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* Fixed issue when 2-tone is sent from P25 Conventional channel on console, after tones end during hang time a
+
|-
different TGID and ID is seen on the screen and the pager reset
+
! Version !! Release Date !! Changelog
* Various other under the hood fixes and improvements to optimize performance
+
|-
 +
| V3.17.10 || Unreleased || Only for V1.4 firmware beta testers. Shared 11/12/2020 to beta testers by Unication in Taiwan.
 +
|-
 +
| V3.17.09 || Unreleased || Only for V1.4 firmware beta testers. Emailed 11/4/2020 to beta testers by Unication in Taiwan.
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=setup_pps&version=V00.03.16.24&device=g5_voice&serial=test V3.16.24] || 5/24/2021 || Fixed issue for some users logging into RadioReference
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=setup_pps&version=V00.03.16.22&device=g5_voice&serial=test V3.16.22] || 2/28/2021 || Fixed issue logging into RadioReference to import frequencies
 +
|-
 +
| V3.16.20 || Unknown || • Added “Factory Setting” function that allows user to reset pager to original factory settings<br> • Added new Radio Reference import process (for Radio Reference premium members)
 +
|-
 +
| [https://autoup.unicationusa.com/download.php?type=setup_pps&version=V00.03.12.06&device=g5_voice&serial=test V3.12.06] || 7/14/2018 || • Can now 64 zones, up from prior limit of 32 zones.<br> • Upgrades for adding DMR in future firmware release.
 +
|-
 +
| V3.11.09 || 7/1/2018 || Added Phase II support
 +
|-
 +
| V3.10.07 || 1/1/2018 || No notable changes.
 +
|-
 +
| V3.9.02 || 9/11/2017 || • Added new paging functionality for QCII over P25 Selecitve Call and Monitor Modes<br> • Voice Memo can be disabled in programming software.<br> • Out of Range audible alert can be disabled (still displayed on display) in programming software.<br> • Unread Message Alert has been added for Voice Messages that have been stored and not read.<br> • Ability to convert G4 files to a G5 file.<br> • Call Alert is enabled<br> • Monitor Mode was removed in favor of using a Wildcard TGID of FFFF (HEX).<br> • Many "under the hood" changes to provide better overall performance.
 +
|-
 +
| V3.5.07 || 11/24/2016 ||
 +
|-
 +
| V3.05.01 || 11/1/2016 ||
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== External Links ==
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/gseriesp25voicepager Unication USA G-Series Homepage]
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/pps-downloads PPS Software & Pager Firmware Updates]
 +
* [https://services.uni.com.tw/ucss/Home/Start Unication G-Series Codeplug Sharing System]
 +
* [https://autoup.unicationusa.com G2-G6 Firmware Downloads]
 +
 
 +
;Learning Sessions
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/tech-corner Programming Webinar]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuF2kn9MJE G4/G5 Programming Overview]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/c/UnicationUSA/videos Unication YouTube videos]
 +
* [https://www.scannerschool.com/unication-g5-pager-review/ Unication G5 Pager Review]
 +
* [https://www.scannerschool.com/new-unication-g2-and-g3-pagers/ New Unication G2 / G3 Pagers]
 +
 
 +
;Documentation
 +
* [https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/9bbbf0_4294baed109f4186be08d7c35dbbc749.pdf Unication White Paper: Implementing Paging on a P25 System]
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/product-page/dmr-upgrade DMR Upgrade page]
 +
* [https://www.dropbox.com/s/mzie0qhskb9avno/User%20guide%20for%20importing%20data%20from%20Radio%20Reference%20API.pdf?dl=0 User Guide for Importing Data from RadioReference API]
 +
 
 +
;Contacts
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/contact-us-support Unication Tech Support]
 +
* [https://www.unicationusa.com/dealer-locator Locate an Authorized Dealer]
 +
 
 +
;Online Communities
 +
RadioReference: [https://forums.radioreference.com/forums/unication-forum.259/ Unication Forum]
 +
 
 +
Facebook Groups
 +
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/351395488677046 Unication G4/G5 Owners]
 +
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/221562865115863 Unication G Series Voice Pager Units]
 +
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/632732070499344 Unication Buy Sell and Discussion]
 +
* [https://www.facebook.com/UnicationUsaInc Unication USA]
  
'''PPS Version: V03.16.20'''
 
PPS Changes/ Feature Modifications:
 
* Added “Factory Setting” function that allows user to reset pager to original factory settings
 
* Added new Radio Reference import process (for Radio Reference premium members)
 
  
  
 
---
 
---
* Return to [[APCO Project 25]]
 
 
  
[[Category:Radio Models]]
+
[[Category:Radio Models]]  [[Category:Equipment by Brand]]  [[Category:Receivers by Brand]]  [[Category:Handheld Receivers]]

Revision as of 07:07, 29 June 2022

G-Series Family
Click to Enlarge

The G-Series voice pagers are a line of receive-only, P25 capable voice pagers carried by fire, rescue, and EMS personnel to alert to emergencies. The pagers are manufactured by Unication Co., Ltd and sold worldwide, though the primary market has been the US. Sales, support, and repairs are handled through their online store and Authorized Dealers. Dealers can and do sell below MSRP and compete with each other on price and quality of support, though Unication enforces a Minimum Sales Price which if violated will result in loss of the dealer's license. Since the G1's release in 2014, Unication has aggressively targeted Motorola's paging market share in the US. Motorola's Minitor VI Two-Tone Voice Pager has not been updated since its release in early 2014. In 2015, Unication released the single-band G2 and G4 models, and dual-band G3 and G5 models. From 1991 to 2014, Unication designed and manufactured Motorola's popular Minitor III, IV, V, and VI model voice pagers.

Links for Newcomers

If you're just starting out, these links are recommended reading:

G1 Pager
Current PPS R030703(R02)
PPS Updated 19 Feb 2020
Current Firmware RVV0114EN
Firmware Updated 22 Mar 2019
G2-G5 Pagers
Current PPS V03.16.24
PPS Updated 24 May 2021
Current Firmware V1.31
Firmware Updated 22 Dec 2020


Purpose and Audience

The primary audience of the G-Series pagers is public safety users, so the pagers have an I/Q demodulator and narrow filters for band-specific needs. The units are Software Defined Radios and can be programmed and firmware upgraded, at no cost, via free Pre-Programming Software ("PPS"). Due to the sub-$1,000 price point, broad feature-set, reception, durability, and portability they have become popular with amateur radio enthusiasts. While the units require little to few adjustments common with more sensitive desktop-based scanners, they lack ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. Firmware V1.40, to add scanning of multiple trunked systems, has been in closed-beta testing since 2020/21. With the news that Unication started developing a separate scanner model, users on RadioReference within the beta testing grouping report Unication has gone increasingly quiet since early 2021, giving the appearance the scanning feature stagnated in development.

Unication directs sales and first-line support through it's US authorized dealer network. The company provides software ("Uni Maintain Tool") and PC driver to its dealers for specialized updating/troubleshooting. The company's business plan relies on customers to self-update firmware, which is provided by dealers. Prior to 2022, customers could download the most recent firmware directly from Unication's website. In January 2019, the G5 received an update for Conventional DMR tier 1 and 2 only; no trunking. Per Unication rep, "No hardware change is needed. DMR is enabled by the G5 model number "67". If your model is a 64 or 66, DMR will not work no matter what firmware version you have. The current firmware V1.1 supports DMR if your G5 is a "67". We have a utility to change the model number of any G5 to a "67". Dealers will be getting the utility and instructions some time next week. After that it will be on our web site for all current G5 owners."[source] The update utility, named "FunctionUpdater(DMR Conventional)_V00-00-01_Beta01.exe", was only available via web for a few weeks. Since then the company charges $25 per unit to add DMR, requiring it be mailed back to their Dallas, TX facility to perform the model number change.


Features

Layout of G2-5 Voice Pagers
Click to Enlarge
G2-G5 programming tutorial

The G-Series pagers are the industry's first P25 voice pagers supporting Analog 2-Tone Conventional, P25 Conventional, and P25 Trunking Phase I & Phase II. Each pager has an external antenna; rechargeable battery; micro-USB port for charging and programming; 8 knob positions which correspond to a Zone (64 zones maximum); can monitor a mixture of up to 256 control channels or 512 analog channels (across the pager in total), but in any single knob position a maximum of either 1 trunked system or 16 conventional channels; supports up to 999 radio ID's/aliases; can alert based on TGID, QCII (2-Tone Over P25) or Call Alert; supports the AES 256-bit, DES, and ARC4 encryption standards; offers multiple scan modes (Normal, Priority, Selective, Silent, Monitor, Free Scan); offers 32 minutes of voice storage with a button on knob for quick playback; Bluetooth 2.0 for audio and Bluetooth 4.0 for data connection to phone app for PS & DRT call Ack.

The pagers are all commercial-grade IP67 rated for driving rain/dust and water submersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Each pager features a 2-inch, 320x240 pixels, LCD color display with a four-direction joystick, four soft-keys, home key, and back key for navigating the pager's menus. The pager's display allows the user to change zones, scan modes, and variety of features on-the-go without connecting to a PC. For full programming of frequencies, alerting types, and customization a Windows PC running the PPS software is required. Codeplugs can be shared and downloaded for free on Unication's Codeplug Sharing webpage.

One key drawback, not immediately apparent, is the G-Series pagers are designed to monitor within a single knob position, a single trunked system or a maximum of 16 conventional VHF / UHF frequencies. Within a single knob position it cannot monitor a trunked site and conventional channels, or multiple trunked sites/systems. A knob position, scanning a single trunked system, can scan a maximum of 64 Talkgroups in that knob position. The only workaround is designating a wildcard.

Comparison to a Digital Scanner

Similarities

  • Excellent P25 Simulcast reception
  • Two-tone paging
  • Color display
  • Compact size/weight
  • Battery lasts a long time
  • Harsh environment design

Differences

  • No "on the fly" programming
  • Can only monitor a single control channel at a time (no multi-site or multiple system scanning)
  • Cannot mix scanning of P25 control channel and conventional frequencies.
  • G4 is only 700/800
  • G5 adds a band but you have to choose which one (VHF, 380, 400, 450) conventional analog or P25 and/or P25 Phase 1&2 Trunking. DMR Conventional is a $25 mail-in upgrade.
  • Doesn't support Motorola Smartnet/SmartZone Analog, EDACS, LTR, NXDN, DMR Trunking
  • Programming software (PPS) design isn't intuitive

Serial Number and Model Number The G2-G5 Series pagers have two ID's assigned: a 10-character alphanumeric serial number ("MSN") and 21-character alphanumeric Model Number. The MSN is assigned at the factory and never changes. It will appear on label at rear of pager, within the pager's menus, and within PPS software at top of any screen and on tab E. The Model number corresponds to each of the possible configurations of pagers sold; there are over 120 configurations as of June 2022. When programming a pager for the first time, the user is prompted within PPS to create a new profile. Each profile is specific to the Model Number. Any profile created can be converted to another Model Number via the PPS software.


Comparison

Features G1 G2 G3 G4 G5
Pics
Unication G1.png
Unication G2.png
Unication G3.png
Unication G4.png
Unication G5.png
Bands Single Single Dual Single Dual
Releae Date Mar 4, 2014 Dec. 10, 2015 Dec. 10, 2015 Dec. 10, 2015 Dec. 10, 2015
Models • Lowband 33-39 MHz
• Lowband 43-49 MHz
• VHF 136-148 MHz
• VHF 148-164 MHz
• UHF 450-470 MHz
• UHF 465-485 MHz
• UHF 495-512 MHz
• VHF (136-174 MHz) or
• UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or
• UHF-D (450-520 MHz)
• VHF & UHF-C (400-470 MHz) or
• VHF & UHF-D (450-520 MHz)
763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz • VHF (136-174 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or
• UHF-A (330-400 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or
• UHF-B (380-430 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or
• UHF-C (400-470 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz or
• UHF-D (450-520 MHz), 763-776 Mhz & 851-870 Mhz
MSRP $395 $645 $745 $645 $745
Antenna (external) for GSM only • VHF: 136-174 MHz or
• UHF: 330-512 MHz
• V+U: 330-512 MHz
• U+V: 136-174 MHz
764-870 MHz 764-870 MHz
Antenna (internal) yes no • V+U: 136-174 MHz
• U+V: 330-512 MHz
no • VHF: 136-174 MHz
• UHF: 330-512 MHz
P25 no Conventional, Trunked Conventional, Trunked Conventional, Trunked Conventional, Trunked
DMR Upgradeable? no yes, $25 mail-in yes, $25 mail-in yes, $25 mail-in yes, $25 mail-in
Channel Spacing / Band Width (unique to each freq) 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz 12.5kHz / 25kHz / 20kHz
Message Types (receive) Analog: voice, text, image via MDC only • Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.
• Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
• Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.
• Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
• Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.
• Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
• Analog: voice, text, image via MDC or DVOA only.
• Digital: voice, text, image via DMR, P25C, or P25T
Battery Size (mAh) 680 mAh: two AAA Ni-MH 2800 mAH Lithium Ion 2800 mAH Lithium Ion 2800 mAH Lithium Ion 2800 mAH Lithium Ion
Battery Max Voltage N/A 4.35 Volts 4.35 Volts 4.35 Volts 4.35 Volts
Normal Voltage Supply 2.4 Vdc 3.80 Vdc 3.80 Vdc 3.80 Vdc 3.80 Vdc
Weight (including antenna, battery, belt clip) n/a 290 grams / 10.2 oz 290 grams / 10.2 oz 290 grams / 10.2 oz 290 grams / 10.2 oz
Weight, excluding battery & antenna 220 grams / 7.76 oz 215 grams / 7.58 oz 224 grams / 7.9 oz 221 grams / 7.8 oz 223 grams / 7.87 oz
Size (height x width x thickness) 100.5 x 65.2 x 26.45 mm 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm 102 x 61 x 31.5 mm
Operating Temp Range -10°C to 50°C
-14°F to 122°F
-30°C to 60°C
-22°F to 140°F
-30°C to 60°C
-22°F to 140°F
-30°C to 60°C
-22°F to 140°F
-30°C to 60°C
-22°F to 140°F
Material PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber PPC14312 plastic & TDV rubber
Water Submersion 3ft/30mins 3ft/30mins 3ft/30mins 3ft/30mins 3ft/30mins
Alert Types N/A Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate Tone (standard or custom file), vibrate, silent, or tone+vibrate
Customized Alerts via .wav/.mp3 files yes yes yes yes yes
Bluetooth (Audio) N/A 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Bluetooth (data, for app connection) N/A 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
Minutes of Voice Storage 16 minutes 100 minutes 100 minutes 32 minutes 32 minutes
Protocols (analog) • CTCSS / CDCSS
• 2 tone / 5 tone
• MDC 1200
• CTCSS / CDCSS
• 2 tone / 5 tone
• MDC 1200
• Uni DVOA
• CTCSS / CDCSS
• 2 tone / 5 tone
• MDC 1200
• Uni DVOA
• CTCSS / CDCSS
• 2 tone / 5 tone
• MDC 1200
• Uni DVOA
• CTCSS / CDCSS
• 2 tone / 5 tone
• MDC 1200
• Uni DVOA
Protocols (digital) - • P25C
• DMR
• P25C
• DMR
• P25C
• DMR
• P25C
• DMR
Protocols (trunking) - • P25T Phase I
• P25T Phase II
• P25T Phase I
• P25T Phase II
• P25T Phase I
• P25T Phase II
• P25T Phase I
• P25T Phase II
2-Tone Function Modes Selective Call, Monitor, Scan Selective Call, Monitor, Scan Selective Call, Monitor, Scan Selective Call, Monitor, Scan Selective Call, Monitor, Scan
Encryption key - yes, per frequency yes, per frequency yes, per frequency yes, per frequency
Encryption type not supported AES 256 AES 256 AES 256 AES 256
Full Spectrum Scan no yes yes yes yes
Monitor & Alert on Multiple Talkgroups? - yes yes yes yes
Priority TGID Scan - yes yes yes yes
No. of Channels 64 analog 516 analog / 256 control 516 analog / 256 control 516 analog / 256 control 516 analog / 256 control
Talkgroup Hold feature no yes yes yes yes
Talkgroup Block/Lockout feature no yes yes yes yes
Out of Range Alert no yes yes yes yes
Display N/A LCD, full color LCD, full color LCD, full color LCD, full color
Display Size (inches) N/A 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm) 2.0 inches (30.6x40.8/mm)
Display Size (pixels) N/A 320 x 240 320 x 240 320 x 240 320 x 240
Display Color Space N/A 65535 (uncalibrated) 65535 (uncalibrated) 65535 (uncalibrated) 65535 (uncalibrated)
Display text N/A 9 lines x 22 characters 9 lines x 22 characters 9 lines x 22 characters 9 lines x 22 characters
Backlight yes yes yes yes yes
Warranty 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years
Extended Warranty Addt'l 3 years Addt'l 3 years Addt'l 3 years Addt'l 3 years Addt'l 3 years
Sensitivity • Low Band model: 3.5 µV/M
• VHF model: 2 µV/M
• UHF model: 3 µV/M
-122 dBm -122 dBm -122 dBm -122 dBm
Radiated Sensitivity / 12dB SINAD / 5% BER • Low Band or UHF models: 9 µV/M
• VHF model: 8 µV/M
• VHF model: 7.98 µV/M
• UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M
• UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M
• VHF model: 14.2 µV/M
• UHF-C model: 6.4 µV/M
• UHF-D model: 4.3 µV/M
4.02 µV/M 6 µV/M
Image Rejection (Analog/Digital) >70dB • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB
• UHF models: >60dB / >55dB
• VHF model: >65dB / >60dB
• UHF models: >60dB / >55dB
>65dB / >60dB >65dB / >60dB
Intermodulation Rejection (Analog/Digital) >70dB • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB
• UHF models: >55dB / >50dB
• VHF model: >65dB / >60dB
• UHF models: >55dB / >50dB
>65dB / >60dB • VHF model: >65dB / >60dB
• UHF models: >55dB / >50dB
Frequency Stability • Low Band: +/- 10 ppm
• VHF and UHF models: +/- 3 ppm
+/- 1 ppm +/- 1 ppm +/- 1 ppm +/- 1 ppm
Adjacent Channel Selectivity 70/65 dB 760 dB 760 dB 760 dB 760 dB
Blocking - >80 dB >80 dB >80 dB >80 dB
Spurious >70 dB >70 dB >70 dB >70 dB >70 dB
Audio Output Linear >300 mW >300 mW >300 mW >300 mW >300 mW
Audio Distortion <3% <2% <2% <2% <2%
Speech SPL @ 12in 94dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB
Alert SPL @ 12in 96dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB 96dB +3dB/-2dB
Ingress Protection Rating IP67 Water/Dust IP67 Water/Dust IP67 Water/Dust IP67 Water/Dust IP67 Water/Dust
UL Class I, Div. II Class I, Div. II Class I, Div. II Class I, Div. II Class I, Div. II
FCC FCC Part 15 FCC Part 15 FCC Part 15 FCC Part 15 FCC Part 15
MIL-STD 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain 810E, Proc1 for Driving Rain

Issues


Accessories

Unication sells a few accessories and a variety of third-party accessories are available from dealers or third-party websites. Official accessories include a desktop charger, amplified charger, nylon and leather cases, swivel belt clip, bluetooth headset, and screen protector. Note the Amplified Charger is the only charging product that boosts the pager's antenna strength. The amp charger has a BNC connector and boosts both internal and external antennas1. The standard desktop charger does not have an external BNC connector, does not boost antenna strength, and cannot program the pager (G2-5 series). Additional accessories for the G2-5 are discussed in the thread 3rd Party Accessories Recommendations/Reviews - Unication G2/G3/G4/G5.

Antennas
Bluetooth and Related
Chargers
Charger brand + model​ Purchase link​ Pics​ Price Charges? Charge Error? Programs/Data Transfer? Sticks out from pager's body? Notes​
NetDot magnetic micro-USB amazon pics $18.90 yes no yes 2mm 3 cables @ 6.6ft/ea + 2 tips per cable (USB Micro-B + USB-C).
Kuulaa magnetic micro-USB amazon pics $15.99 yes no yes 2mm 2 cables @ 3.3ft/ea + 3 tips per cable (USB Micro-B, USB-C, Apple Lightning).
Cafele magnetic micro-USB amazon pics $13.59 yes no no 5mm 2 cables @ 4ft/ea + 1 tip per cable (USB Micro-B).
Terasako magnetic micro-USB amazon pics $15.99 yes yes no 5mm 4 cables (1ft + 3ft + 6ft + 6ft) + 3 tips per cable (USB Micro-B, USB-C, Apple Lightning).
Stand/Cradle
Brand/model​ Purchase link​ Pics​ Price​ Angled or Straight Material​ Charges?​ Programs?​ Amplified Antenna Notes​
bartsscannerparts eBay pics $17.99/ea Angled​ Plastic. 3D Printed. Accommodates charge cable​ Accommodates program cable​ no​ 4 rubber feet on bottom. Belt clip snaps into base.
bioluminous eBay see purch link $29.99 Angled​ Plastic. 3D Printed. Accommodates charge cable Accommodates program cable no​ Belt clip fits in base, but does not attach.
bartsscannerparts eBay see purch link $23.99 Angled​ Plastic. 3D Printed. Accommodates charge cable Accommodates program cable no​ Only for car's cup holder
Replacement Parts
Accessory Type​ Brand/model​ Purchase link​ Pics​ Price​ Notes​
Amplified Charger Terminal Connector Block 277-1163-ND eBay see purch link $7.99 identical to OEM part
Amplified Charger DIN Connector CP-1050-ND eBay see purch link $7.95 identical to OEM part
3D Models to print your own accessories
Accessory Type​ Price​ Download link​
Desktop cradle/stand/holder Free thingiverse
Desktop or Car cradle/stand/holder (2 versions in the file) Free thingiverse
Car cradle/stand/holder w/ RAM mount Free thingiverse
Desktop cradle/stand/holder Free thingiverse
Bluetooth earbuds/speakers
Brand Model No. Purchase link Pics Price Ear Placement Bluetooth Sound Playtime per charge Fast Charging Waterproof rating Included accessories Notes
Kurdene S8 Amazon pics $22.99 In Ear/earbud Bluetooth 5.2 8mm drivers 8 Hours Charge for 15 minutes, listen for 1 hour IPX8 Charging cable + Charging case + 6 silicone eartips with S/M/L sizes 1.5hr to full charge
Bose QC Earbuds Bose.com See purch link $199 In Ear/earbud Bluetooth 5.1 n/a 6 Hours Charge for 15 minutes, listen for 2 hours IPX4 2 Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds (fitted with size 2 eartips), Charging case, Small and Large eartips, USB-C (A to C) charging cable (12") 2hr (earbuds) or 2hr (case) to full charge
Belt Clips
Name Model No. Purchase link Pics Price Material Notes
Swivel Belt Clip LG-G4-PW link pics $15.30 Metal

Software

Unication provides its pagers' Firmware and programming software, also called Pre-Programming Software or "PPS", free of charge. Each are updated at irregular intervals. Other free software which can import Unication's files is "Universal Scanner Audio Player," discussed in the thread Universal Scanner Audio Player Thread.


Firmware Updates

Version Release Date Changelog
V1.40-T02J 1/20/2020[1]
and 5/8/2020[2]
(re-opened closed beta)
Added ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. Currently in closed-group Beta testing since 2020.
Release notes
  • Allow the pager to have the “Hold/Unhold” function of the talk group ID in the Trunking Multi-TG Scan receiving mode. In the voice call receiving mode, users can change the talk group ID receiving setting of the current knob by operating the pager’s hard-key. Users can keep listening to the voice message of the current TGID broadcasting until the users Un-Hold the TGID or turn the knob to another knob.
  • Allow the pager to have the “temporary remove” function of the talk group ID in the Trunking Multi-TG Scan receiving mode. In the voice call receiving mode, users can change the talk group ID receiving setting of the current knob by operating the pager’s hard-key. Users can temporarily remove the TGID that us listening to from the original TGID list until the users Un-Hold the TGID or turn the knob to another knob.
  • Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the pager supports the “All band scan” and “Trunking Multi-System Scan” mode.
  • Added the new function that the users can set and display the alias of the dispatch ID or the alias of other sending devices.
  • Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the pager supports the “Talk Group ID Scan Delay Time” function.
  • Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode and the pager is under Trunking Multi-System scan mode, the pager supports the “Site Stay Delay Time” function
  • Added the Trunking Free Scan mode to the pager’s receiving mode. When the knob is set to Trunking Free Scan mode, the users can change the original function of the “RESET” key on the side of the pager to the “TG-Hold” key function and change the original function of the “Playback” key on the top of the pager to the “TG-Block/Remove” key function.
V1.32 Unreleased Fixes rebooting/boot-looping issue when a large P25 system is programmed with both 700/800 and VHF control channels, for example TACN and MOSWIN systems.
V1.31 12/22/2020 • Fixed problems with conventional VHF QCII alerting
• Fixed issue causing P25C QCII Stacked Paging Decode Failure
• Fixed issue where TGID hold timer would only count down when the pager screen is active
• Fixed issue that caused pager to crash when changing knob positions in some zones
• Fixed issue where pager would not connect to PPS while screen off & would not charge until the screen turned on
• Fixed issue where pager would randomly reset when programmed with a large programming file
• Fixed issue in PPS that caused software to shut down when attempting to write a profile to pager
• Fixed issue when a P25 TG is received, and voice transmission is over, the squelch that opened speaker kept speaker

on with a hissing sound
• Fixed issue causing pager to lock up while navigating the settings menu
• Fixed lost audio issues, where received message audio would not play through speaker and recorded messages would not play back
• Fixed issue of pager receiving messages while powered off and charging (Green LED flashes and screen lights up showing "charging full")
• Fixed issue where pager decoded while powered off in the Amp Charger
• Fixed issue where during off duty state the voice record would continue for 10 minutes
• Fixed issue when 2-tone is sent from P25 Conventional channel on console, after tones end during hang time a different TGID and ID is seen on the screen and the pager reset
• Various other under the hood fixes and improvements to optimize performance

V1.30 8/14/2020 • Added Radio Aliases/Unit IDs feature.
• Added Talkgroup Hold/Remove feature.
• Bluetooth improvements.
V1.20 3/1/2019 • Added mute of encrypted channels.
• Added various Bluetooth fixes.
V1.10-T06 7/10/2018
V1.10 7/5/2018
V1.00 7/2/2018
V1.00-T08 7/1/2018 Added Phase II support.
V0.93-0.17K-R02 1/1/2018
V0.93.017-R00 9/11/2017 • With R11P SW- Non-alerting TGIDs will no longer vibrate when the Selector Knob setting is set to Vibrate Mode.
• With R11P SW-When pager is in deep discharge it will not charge unless the battery is removed and re-inserted. This has been fixed.
• With R11P SW-When pager is off and transitions to ultra low power mode the 3 LEDS go on and eventually go off when the pager is fully charged. This has been fixed.
R11P 11/19/2016 • Corrects the common tone A issue on the analog side
• Corrects the issue of when the dispatch console has an SUID=0 on the P25 side
• Includes a few under the hood fixes
R11N2 11/4/2016

1.4 Beta Firmware

On 1/20/2020 Unication provided firmware V1.40-T02J with a trunking free scan feature to a small group of beta testers[3]. Due to broad popularity, Unication invited additional users to join the closed-beta group on 5/8/2020[4]. The firmware updater will only update a pager with MSN (serial number) previously accepted into the closed-beta group. As of early 2022, a version has floated around online that allows the full firmware to be installed on any G2-G5 Series pager without being part of beta-testing group.

Primarily, the "Trunking Free Scan" feature adds ability to scan multiple trunked systems within a single knob position. No firmware exists to allow scanning across both conventional and trunked systems within a single knob position.

The v1.40 firmware is expected to be used in a yet-unreleased new Scanner product[5]. Based on public comments from Unication representatives[6], it is likely the "Trunking Free Scan" feature will not be included in any past or future firmware for G2-G5 Series pagers.

To apply for the v1.4 beta testing group, visit the Trunking Free Scan Beta Test Application Page, and complete the "Trunking Free Scan Beta Test Registration." As of Aug 2020, RR users have stated[7] there has been no reply from Unication about their applications and the closed-beta group appears to have stagnated over the past 18+ months. As of Jun 2022, the beta signup page displayed a notice

Due to popular demand, this Beta Test has already been fully booked and we will not be able to accomodate any more registration requests. Thank you for your support!

Unication has offered a few words of caution[8] before upgrading to V1.40 Free Scan Beta version.

  • Once a G-Series pager is upgraded to V1.40 Free Scan Beta version, it CAN NOT be downgraded to V1.30, V1.20, or older firmware versions. However many users on the forums have ignored this warning and downgraded to V1.31 without issue.[9][10][11]
  • V1.40 Free Scan Beta version includes all the improvements and updates that were later released in the official V1.30 firmware.
  • Trunking Free Scan feature only exists in the V1.40 Free Scan Beta version. The regular firmware V1.30, V1.31, V1.32, 1.40, and even 1.50 will not include the free scan feature.
  • Unication will constantly update the V1.40 Free Scan Beta version if there occur any issues in the future.
  • If the users do not want to have the free scan feature in their pager anymore, they have to wait until V1.50 to update their voice pager.


PPS Updates

Version Release Date Changelog
V3.17.10 Unreleased Only for V1.4 firmware beta testers. Shared 11/12/2020 to beta testers by Unication in Taiwan.
V3.17.09 Unreleased Only for V1.4 firmware beta testers. Emailed 11/4/2020 to beta testers by Unication in Taiwan.
V3.16.24 5/24/2021 Fixed issue for some users logging into RadioReference
V3.16.22 2/28/2021 Fixed issue logging into RadioReference to import frequencies
V3.16.20 Unknown • Added “Factory Setting” function that allows user to reset pager to original factory settings
• Added new Radio Reference import process (for Radio Reference premium members)
V3.12.06 7/14/2018 • Can now 64 zones, up from prior limit of 32 zones.
• Upgrades for adding DMR in future firmware release.
V3.11.09 7/1/2018 Added Phase II support
V3.10.07 1/1/2018 No notable changes.
V3.9.02 9/11/2017 • Added new paging functionality for QCII over P25 Selecitve Call and Monitor Modes
• Voice Memo can be disabled in programming software.
• Out of Range audible alert can be disabled (still displayed on display) in programming software.
• Unread Message Alert has been added for Voice Messages that have been stored and not read.
• Ability to convert G4 files to a G5 file.
• Call Alert is enabled
• Monitor Mode was removed in favor of using a Wildcard TGID of FFFF (HEX).
• Many "under the hood" changes to provide better overall performance.
V3.5.07 11/24/2016
V3.05.01 11/1/2016

External Links

Learning Sessions
Documentation
Contacts
Online Communities

RadioReference: Unication Forum

Facebook Groups


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