Audio output socket on handheld
- Thread starter mr007s
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doctordialtone
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Depends on what kind of environment you keep the scanner in. To play it safe I usually keep my scanner, charger, antenna(-s), & etc in a small photography bag (initially intended for cameras & lenses), just to keep everything in one place (so I don't need to go chasing after everything when I take my scanner on vacation). Also when I charge it, I lay the scanner on it's side so nothing can be accidentally dropped into a connector.
Don't know what you could plug into a connector to keep the dust out without disabling the built-in speaker...
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yes it matters. Yes you should be concerned.
While most scanners don't have an IP rating, there's some good guidelines that can really help.
Looking at some of the Kenwood portables that have the 2 pin audio connectors, they say:
"Note: 1. To meet IP grades and MIL, the 2-pin connector cap or accessory must be installed."
Getting crud inside those jacks will screw things up. It really gets important if you are using a radio where there may be a lot of metal shavings/dust, like in a shop.
This is also a common problem with some cell phones. I know my wife's iPhone connectors get gummed up with -who knows what- sort of crap and will result in it not charging. There seems to be growing a whole industry/marketing scheme trying to get phone users to buy trickery to keep the sockets clean. (that's what she said….)
Anyway, yeah, if you are in a high dust environment, keeping it covered would be a good plan.
And cleaning them out with compressed air isn't always a good idea. Pushing that dust deeper into the radio can cause more issues.
On the other hand, you'll probably get a lot of people telling you they've never had an issue and regularly bury their scanner in a grain silo and all this is silly.
It's up to you. Each user is going to have a different experience. It's your radio, do what you want.
While most scanners don't have an IP rating, there's some good guidelines that can really help.
Looking at some of the Kenwood portables that have the 2 pin audio connectors, they say:
"Note: 1. To meet IP grades and MIL, the 2-pin connector cap or accessory must be installed."
Getting crud inside those jacks will screw things up. It really gets important if you are using a radio where there may be a lot of metal shavings/dust, like in a shop.
This is also a common problem with some cell phones. I know my wife's iPhone connectors get gummed up with -who knows what- sort of crap and will result in it not charging. There seems to be growing a whole industry/marketing scheme trying to get phone users to buy trickery to keep the sockets clean. (that's what she said….)
Anyway, yeah, if you are in a high dust environment, keeping it covered would be a good plan.
And cleaning them out with compressed air isn't always a good idea. Pushing that dust deeper into the radio can cause more issues.
Amazon.com: uxcell Rubber Cell Phone Anti Dust 3.5mm Earphone Jack Ear Cover Stopper Cap 15pcs Black : Cell Phones & Accessories
Amazon.com: uxcell Rubber Cell Phone Anti Dust 3.5mm Earphone Jack Ear Cover Stopper Cap 15pcs Black : Cell Phones & Accessories
www.amazon.com
On the other hand, you'll probably get a lot of people telling you they've never had an issue and regularly bury their scanner in a grain silo and all this is silly.
It's up to you. Each user is going to have a different experience. It's your radio, do what you want.
doctordialtone
Member
Many handheld radios come with rubber plugs or covers for the jacks. On some radios, having those plugs in place is necessary for the radio to meet the water intrusion standards that the manufacturer claims.
k6cpo
Member
Are we talking about a scanner or a handheld transceiver here? Ever single one of my amateur HTs I bought new has come with a cover over the jacks for audio and power. I have five older HTs, three of which came with covers and two didn't although one looke like it may have had a cover at one time. Neither of my two radio shack scanner have covers.
I thank each of you for posting to my question. The Uniden SR30c did not come with a dummy plug. I believe it takes a 3.5 mm jack . I found many once I learned the correct search. I like to set outside and listen while I enjoy the day. Dust, pollen etc are always blowing, figured it would be an advantage to close off that opening, Stay safe, Ray
That reminds me of a ham radio op I knew a few decades ago: he always carried a plastic bag with him that he could throw his radio into whenever he took it along and it rained. Granted it's not the most elegant solution, but it's low cost and it worked...
Thank you for the heads-up. I'll check it out.
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