SDS100/SDS200: Auto Volume Level Control for External Speaker?

[WeldGuy]

The MARCS system I monitor has people using it with mic habits ranging from microphones 1/4" from their mouths to whispering into the mic still on the shoulder. Obviously, the SDS100 volume set to hear most traffic produces an EXTREME range of speaker output.
Has anyone tried using some type of in-line auto volume level control (AVL) with an external speaker?

 

[n1chu]

Have you tried using the volume level options that come with the SDS100?

 

[gary123]

Poor radio operation is a common problem throughout the industry. Even with auto volume there is no way to fix someone speaking low to a mic still in the mic holder on the dash.

Having said that I would love to see a more aggressive AGC type volume option on a scanner.

 

[ofd8001]

I think if this "option/technology" was available, "regular" system radios would have it. As a first responder for going on 48 years, varying incoming volumes have been a challenge for all those years. Training, pleading, cajoling, fussing has been ineffective at resolving the issue.

I think a bullet needs to be bitten.

 

[WeldGuy]

Have you tried using the volume level options that come with the SDS100?

I believe that option is for leveling the volume as the unit is scanning through services, frequencies, etc. These people are all on the same talk group. It would be like pushing {hold}.

 

[n1chu]

I have “balanced” my volume settings by individual Channel “Volume Offset”. I screw down to “Select Channel”, choose the offending channel and set the Volume Offset. It has minus and plus settings where you can adjust. Of course that doesn’t help when they change dispatchers and one is soft spoken and the other is loud.

 

[buddrousa]

But that does not work when both type users are on the same TG or Frequency.

 

[Ubbe]

If using external speaker you could try using a light bulb in series with the speaker. When the bulb lights up from the audio power it will increase its resistance and lower the power to the speaker, working as a audio leveler. There's another thread about that where links and what voltage and watt to use for the bulb are discussed. The bulb, old style filament, should glow when in use so perhaps 6 volt 2 watt.

/Ubbe

 

[WeldGuy]

BRILLIANT!!! 💡
I'll check that out.

 

[Omega-TI]

BRILLIANT!!! 💡
I'll check that out.

Please let us know how this works out for you. I find this thread very interesting. If it works out for you, give us a link to the light bulb you purchased. -- Thanks.

 

[toad99]

I have a 996P2 that I run the record output through an old dbx 119 audio compresssor/expander. I compress the scanner audio about 4:1 and that works pretty well. Then on to an amplified speaker. I don't know of an all-in-one solution like this, but it is definitely needed.

 

[phask]

This might work, but the $140.00 price is a little too high for me.

Radio Design Labs ST-GCA3 Gain Control Amplifier - Line Level

The ST-GCA3 constantly adjusts for changes in input levels, bringing up low levels, and reducing gain for high levels. The audio level is constantly adjusted to maintain the correct output. The AGC adjustment rate is switch-selectable. Making audio levels uniform and consistent improves the...

www.pacrad.com

 

[JoeBearcat]

I think if this "option/technology" was available, "regular" system radios would have it.

They do, but there is often only so much adjustment that is possible.