I’m upgrading to the G5 receiver transmitter- I have them both and I’m just waiting for this sensor to run out. I was told it was more accurate for glucose readings which is the main reason I changed from G4. Is this true?
I’m also wondering if I will be able to use it with an apple watch with only the blue tooth and no data package. Someone at dexcom told me I could do this. I need to download the app and then it should work without a data package.- has anyone done this? I think using the watch will make things a lot easier when I’m struggling to find my receiver quickly.
Last I’m wondering if Bluetooth connecting the receiver / transmitter is as reliable as radio?
Actually, I don’t think you actually need to wait for the sensor to run out. You can just stop the sensor on the G4, swap out the transmitter and then go through the bootup procedure in the same way you would with a new sensor.
I’ve not had any problem with the bluetooth on the G5, it seems to work over a distance of like 30 feet and I’ve not really had dropout problems due to the bluetooth (except for when it is blocked). But I really can’t compare with the G4 radio. One thing I would note is that the G4 radio is around 2.4 GHz which is the same frequency as microwave ovens and wifi 802.11 b/n/g frequencies. These can cause interference.
Brian, I find the G5 has less coverage area the longer I use the transmitter. I have found accuracy to be about the same. Both are crazy accurate. The biggest adjustment for me was the 9- day transmitter limit on G5. I think the G4 has much more range. But both are incredible instruments.
Thanks Everyone! I don’t like the iPhone, I tried share when they sent me the share receiver and it was so slow, not reliable and kept running my phone battery down. The watch might be a good solution for me but you still have to carry the receiver with you anyway whatever you use.
That is great I don’t need wifi for it though… I’m still not sure if I should pay for the watch because I hate wearing watches but it would be easier to see quickly if I adjust to that and it works properly. I’m very used to the receiver now.
@Rphil2 you mean the 9 day sensor life? Have they stopped you from restarting them with g5? I always get 2 weeks or so out of mine although I’ve had a lot of wonky sensors now and issues. They replaced them for me though when I called. I wonder now if I should just’ve got the g4 again. Also I noticed someone said the G5 transmitter battery only lasts 3 months- is this true? G4 lasts 6-9 months.
@rgcainmd that is great… I hope it is a bit better for me if I keep it… I always have tons of very off numbers… then it often can right itself again.
@Brian_BSC I don’t think I can do that because one of my g4 transmitter went missing and I had a free g5 they sent me but I wasn’t able to use it with the g4 receiver without the access code, I called up and they had to send it via Fedex. I found my g4 transmitter and never used it. The G5 transmitter can be used with the G4 receiver. I will see how I like blue tooth via radio. I’m wondering if I should just send it back though if the sensors fail after 7 days. I don’t want to jab myself with that huge needle every week etc.
You cannot have the setup G5-receiver-watch, you need to use the iphone instead of the receiver.
A lot has changed since G4 - there is no lag between the phone and the watch since they communicate directly, and bluetooth from G5 is not eating the phone battery. Apple watch 2 holds 2 days when used with G5 always on, iphone 7 could easily do the same. I am a heavy youtube user though so mine lasts for a good day.
Mee, No what i mean is that G5 transmitter has a life expectancy of about 90 days. After which one has to use the second transmitter they send. For a year you use 4 transmitters when using the G5. The trnamitter is the device one puts into the sensor. The transmitter is what communicates wiht the receiver (Ipone or standard reciever).
[quote=“Brian_BSC, post:3, topic:58110, full:true”]
Actually, I don’t think you actually need to wait for the sensor to run out. You can just stop the sensor on the G4, swap out the transmitter and then go through the bootup procedure in the same way you would with a new sensor.
[/quote]Turns out the G4 and G5 sensors are identical, but for different printing on the box.
Literally.
Actually, bluetooth is also 2.4Ghz. You’ll notice this if you are listening to anything on BT headphones while you microwave something. The BT connection will get all kinds of interference.
The only real difference with the G5 over the G4 is the additional receiver options that BT enables. If you’re not going to use the G5 with an iPhone or Android phone, or an Android Wear watch.
If you plan to use it the same way as the G4 – with the Dexcom receiver – don’t bother if it will cost you anything OOP.
On the other hand, if you do want to ditch the receiver and use a smartphone to capture and display the data, go for it!
On Android you’ll have to accept a community-developed, unsupported app, but it has some advantages over the official Dexcom app.
The iPhone and Apple Watch, of course, have a supported solution from Dexcom.
As for the data plan question, I assume you mean on the iPhone (same issue applies to an Android phone)? No, you do not need a data plan from your cell provider, however the cloud-based features will not be usable.
Thanks Phil, yes I know the transmitter does that and yes figured out what you meant. 4 transmitters per year😳 Ugh. Couldn’t they have made a better battery🐰
Oh well. I do like the white background. So far it’s pretty much like my G4. No more or less accurate. Maybe a little less with tons of really off numbers often throughout the day. Oh well c’est la vie.
Still no watch- I’m still thinking on that. I think it would be good eventually if I don’t have to pay for a data package which I refuse to do.
Thanks to all who replied and helped me out here. It seems it has been over a month since I was here – hard to believe.
