Operator G1... Anyone have one?

[Lobo]

Hi, Im new to this forum, new to gmrs as well...  

 

I was watching a video on this:  

 

Thought it was super cool so I got one and love it. Great piece of kit.

 

I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience and/or interest in this little station...

 

Maybe there are a thousand posts on this already. If so please direct me to the existing posts.

 

Thanks!

 

I am not affiliated in any way with the company I purchased it from , just saying.

[WQYC236]

Welcome!

[Lobo]

Thanks!  it looks like the link didnt show up...

 

[commsprepper]

Yes - I have one.  I have the first one made.  What's your question(s)?

[kpeck1959]

Hey Commsprepper,

I recently received my GMRS license and am interested in the G1 but wouldn't consider using the MXT100 due to the 5 watt output.  So I would at a minimum want the 15 watt MXT115.  

[kpeck1959]

Edited on 2/14/18.  To update my above post, I recently ordered the new Hardened Power Systems, Operator 115.  I also ordered a Midland MXT 115 from Amazon.  When I finally receive them, I will post a review.

[jeremyb66]

Edited on 2/14/18.  To update my above post, I recently ordered the new Hardened Power Systems, Operator 115.  I also ordered a Midland MXT 115 from Amazon.  When I finally receive them, I will post a review.

I have ordered an operator G1 and I hope to have it in soon. anything I need to know?

[WRKU973]

How'd it work out?  

[OldRadioGuy]

That's a cool looking unit. 

 

Some of the Hams use batts etc. from bioennopower.com to make their own power sources.

I hear this is good quality stuff.

 

One of the Hams has a family business that builds these into systems and sells them.

They are called   https://shack-in-a-box.com 

When I say "family business" I mean the kids actually are involved.

All of the kids are extra class hams.

 

Powerwerx also has some components but some of the hams say their chargers are noisy.

They generate more RF interference than the bioenno chargers.

 

Vince

[n4gix]

One of the Hams has a family business that builds these into systems and sells them.

They are called   https://shack-in-a-box.com 

When I say "family business" I mean the kids actually are involved.

All of the kids are extra class hams.

Those are very nice units, but rather expensive even considering the labor involved. I already own the equipment, but will contact they and see what they'd charge for everything except the IC-7300, IT-100, and 2m/70cm radio.

[guinness2007]

I understand this is an old thread, but I would like to inform prospective customers for Hardened Power Systems of my experiences with their products. I have purchased a scout g1, a juicebox g3, and a batt pac solar. There have been nothing but problems with every item I have ordered from them. My power pole to t adapter arrived wired backwards which shorted out my radio and the scout. It took 3 scouts get it right and now the cheap chinese fukuai battery they installed, at and extra cost to me wont hold a charge. The juicebox also came with the fukuai batteries and now wont hold a charge. The battpac came with the voltage meter not working,on the replacement battpac the center cover has fallen off. The company doesnt respond to emails or phone calls. They finally responded to an email after I put a bbb complaint in stating the unit had to be sent back for warranty work. I have chosen to replace the batteries at my expense rather than risking not getting my units back from warranty work. Unfortunately if you look on the bbb every complaint is about sending units in for warranty work and not receiving them back and no communication. Obviously, make your own decision on how to spend your money but I wanted to give an insight into my experiences. I have pictures and videos of all the defects to corroborate my experiences. thank you

[deacon52]

I have a couple of Hardened Power Systems' base station packages, including an Operator 115 that needed some plastic surgery to fit properly in the ammo can.  Bought it for $220 two years ago directly from HPS. Bought a larger can kit last year. Told myself "yeah, they're expensive, but it's a great idea -- radio in an ammo can. Just deal with the poor quality and lavish pricetag."

This week I learned that they've dropped most of their previous product lineup and are now offering a couple of new packages specifically for Midland USA GMRS radios at ripoff prices.  The MXPW 115  is, according to the  HPS website, made for the Midland MXT115.   The HPS website also says it's made for the MXT 500, but that seems to be an error. The MXT500 is too deep to fit in the .30-cal ammo can. The MXPW 115's price on the HPS website is $574.99.  Midland USA offers it for $424.99. In either case, that doesn't include the radio. Just the can, plastic frame, faceplate, battery and connectors.  It  looks just like the Operator that I bought in 2020. Might have a better battery, but not one worth $200 or $350 more.

The second new product is the MXPW500, which costs $749.99 on the HPS website, or $599.99 from Midland USA. It's basically an updated version of the Recon 1, which  used to cost about $400 and is apparently no longer offered.  The photo of the MXPW500 on the HPS website shows the faceplate labelled "Recon 5".  Again, the radio is not included in the pricetag.  The photos of the MXPW 115 and 500 on the Midland website seem to show some data labels on the inside of the can lids. The HPS website doesn't show these labels. The photo gallery on the company's homepage includes pictures of the Operator and Recon 1, but if you click on them for details you get nothing.

Hardened Power has gotten even sloppier with its website and customer service than before, and has now priced its products to discourage retail orders. Happy to oblige. I got mine and I'm done.

If there's anyone out there who's willing to do some set-up work with a 3-D printer and attention to detail, there's an untapped market for an affordable kit  that will turn the new generation of GMRS mobile radios into a handy portable base station. Price the can kit for less than the actual radio that fits it and you will have a winning best-seller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SteveShannon]