BC396XT Audio Volume

[Metrofire31]

For several years I have used a mobile setup with a BC396T in my glove compartment and a RH-96 remote head on my console area. This weekend, I finally made the switch and substituted a 396XT for the 396T, primarily because the XT provides UIDs on trunked systems. However, I also discovered that when I plugged the identical speaker I had been using (Midland) for years into the XT, the max volume I could get was significantly diminished from the 396T.

Anyone ever have this happen? Anyone have any idea why this is and what I can do to correct it?

Mike
"Metrofire31"
Atlanta WQIT636
North Ga GMRS Network

 

[Markscan]

The xt has a stereo jack. I found out the same way. I use a short cable from an ipod, and a radio shack amplified speaker. Works great.

 

[Metrofire31]

396xt

Markscan:

When you say "short cable", could you be more specific? Also, to avoid having to pull all the existing speaker wiring out of my car, can you think of any way to use my existing speaker?

 

[CoolCat]

Just use a simple 1/8" plug adapter. You can get them at Radio Shack and other stores.

1/8" Stereo Plug to 1/8" Mono Plug Adapter - Model: 274-0374 | Catalog #: 274-374

 

[Metrofire31]

396xt

CoolCat:

Thanks a bunch!! As long as I've been scanning, I didn't realize the audio output on the 396XT was stereo. I really appreciate the suggestion on the stereo-mono adapter.

Mike
"Metrofire31"
WQIT636
North Ga GMRS Network
Atlanta

 

[trkntrlrman]

Scanner volume

When I replaced the Stock radio in my truck I put in an ALPINE With Blue tooth, USB, and external speaker adapters. works great, IPod cable to the aux input, and wala, instant full vlume from the sterio system...When my phone rings all shuts off and I just have to talk via the installed mic. No more ear pieces, no more pulling over. I really love it...It would be nice if Uniden could use the GPS in my Ipod ...
H,mmm Something to think about boys...

 

[RichardKramer]

Scanner volume

I have the same problem with low audio on the XT - and I use lapel speakers and mobile speakers, so I needed a way to use different speakers without the need for an amplifier connected in the mess. There is a limiting resistor in the earphone circuitry, which would be an easy fix if the components weren't so tight inside the scanner to solder a short wire from the ground on the speaker jack to the ground on the antenna jack. I made a jumper wire for outside the scanner. I took about a 6" pc. of speaker wire, bought (2 in a pack at Radio Shack) 1/8" plugs and inline jacks (catalog #'s 274-0286 and #274-0333) and a pr. of alligator clips # 270-344B. Solder about an 8" pc. of single speaker wire into the ground side of the 1/8" plug with the regular 6" pc. of speaker wire and solder the one alligator clip to the other end of the 8" pc. which you will clip on the bnc adaptor on the scanner antenna jack ( this will ground and eliminate the limiting resistor). Solder the other end of the regular speaker wire to the inline jack keeping the ground to ground and center conductor to the center of the inline jack; now you can plug any 1/8" speaker into the inline jack and get full volume. I did have one mobile speaker that the speaker wouldn't work with the jumper, but I've used several other speakers and lapel speakers which work great. There is a slight popping noise in the speaker when the priority is on other channels while scanning, but I've been using this for a month with no other problems. The only other alternative than the great ideas the other members have mentioned is Scanner Master sells a lapel speaker with an antenna jack on the speaker that grounds the speaker jack when you connect the antenna cable to the antenna jack on the scanner. Hope this helps.
Maybe UPMAN will notice alot of us use extension speakers and they will put in a separate speaker jack on their next model scanner.

 

[Metrofire31]

396XT Audio

Sure seems to be a systemic problem with the XT. Hopefully, Uniden is monitoring this thread and can see that we're all struggling with what I call a "work-around".

Thanks for the quick and helpful responses guys!

Mike
"Metrofire31"
WQIT636
North Ga GMRS Network
Atlanta

 

[IAmSixNine]

From what i hear its not a problem. Its designed so someone wont put in a pair of earbuds and crang up the volume and go deaf, then sue uniden for not complying with the proper safety standards for audio components.
Similar reason many newer cell phones have an "audio booster" built in. Its a way to increase the audio output with a warning saying hey were not liable for your deafness.
Uniden will recomend an amplified audio source for any external loud speakers. They designed the XT for headset only.

 

[Metrofire31]

396XT Audio

Bigwrigg:

I certainly understand all that and am not questioning Uniden's design intent. I'm merely asking how can I get-around that since I'm using my 396XT as a hidden scanner behind an RH-96 remote head? I did go and buy the 1/8" stereo-to-mono adapter recommended in an earlier post but when I attached it to the plug on my speaker, I can't detect much difference. Am I connecting it incorrectly?

Mike
Metrofire31
WQIT636
Atlanta

 

[milcom_chaser]

I use an old pair of amplified computer speakers. I run 12vdc into the power jack. Radio shack sells elbow style connector with a pig tail on it. You can pick different size elbow's to mate with the female power jack on whatever device you wish to power. The 396XT sounds great with volume set a 40 % going into the computer speakers even with highway speed road noise. I run mine on batteries so have not wanted to pull the floating ground of the audio output to true ground of the radio, as I would imagine the current consumption would give me far less time on a set of batteries...

 

[IAmSixNine]

Metrofire31, it all depends on the speaker. Some are lower wattage and will sound somewhat louder with different devices. But overall you will need to find a way to put a small amp in the middle to boost power. I have not looked for such a device but i am sure they are out there.
Also keep in mind you have the speaker and wiring in place. So maybe find a lower end device with amplification built in, then bypass the speaker of that device with yours. Thats if you cant find an amp by its self.

 

[Markscan]

I tried that adaptor and it didn't always make good contact. I had to play with it to make sure it was on. The radio shack amplified speaker has a female jack on the back. I purchased a 2 foot cable with 2 male to male stereo plugs, and it works great.

 

[Dewey]

I have the same problem with low audio on the XT - and I use lapel speakers and mobile speakers, so I needed a way to use different speakers without the need for an amplifier connected in the mess. There is a limiting resistor in the earphone circuitry, which would be an easy fix if the components weren't so tight inside the scanner to solder a short wire from the ground on the speaker jack to the ground on the antenna jack. I made a jumper wire for outside the scanner. I took about a 6" pc. of speaker wire, bought (2 in a pack at Radio Shack) 1/8" plugs and inline jacks (catalog #'s 274-0286 and #274-0333) and a pr. of alligator clips # 270-344B. Solder about an 8" pc. of single speaker wire into the ground side of the 1/8" plug with the regular 6" pc. of speaker wire and solder the one alligator clip to the other end of the 8" pc. which you will clip on the bnc adaptor on the scanner antenna jack ( this will ground and eliminate the limiting resistor). Solder the other end of the regular speaker wire to the inline jack keeping the ground to ground and center conductor to the center of the inline jack; now you can plug any 1/8" speaker into the inline jack and get full volume. I did have one mobile speaker that the speaker wouldn't work with the jumper, but I've used several other speakers and lapel speakers which work great. There is a slight popping noise in the speaker when the priority is on other channels while scanning, but I've been using this for a month with no other problems. The only other alternative than the great ideas the other members have mentioned is Scanner Master sells a lapel speaker with an antenna jack on the speaker that grounds the speaker jack when you connect the antenna cable to the antenna jack on the scanner. Hope this helps.
Maybe UPMAN will notice alot of us use extension speakers and they will put in a separate speaker jack on their next model scanner.

http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/205065-396-amplified-external-audio.html

Dewey