BCD436HP Mobile Setup

[KG5HHS]

Hello Everyone,
I am using a BCD436HP in a mobile environment as I switch between 3 vehicles (This was much more cost effective than purchasing 3 BCD536HP's). I understand this scanner was not designed for mobile setup so if what I am asking can not be done, I understand.
My first question, is there a way to set the unit to come on via "ignition sense"? I have a micro usb (I think that is what you call that cable) that is plugged into a power source that only comes on when the vehicle is on, and shuts off with the vehicle. Is there anyway to program this scanner so that it turns on/off with this instead of having to turn it on and off manually.
My second question, is there a amplified speaker for this unit? I tried plugging this radio into a BC15 speaker I have for a base unit and it does not really get any louder. As stated previously, this scanner is in a mobile environment and it can get noisy at times with the road noise, working noise, and noise of other radios. A louder speaker would be awesome.
If anyone has information regarding these questions it would be greatly appreciated, Thank you.

 

[Firefox10]

Hi, Any ideas would be great I'm interested also.

 

[nessnet]

The 1st answer is no.
It is a portable (handheld) and was designed to be that.
The power input was designed to: 1: charge the batteries and 2: provide power to the unit. Nothing more.

Lots of speakers out there. I'll let others recommend some. Personally, I have an aux input in the car and I just listen via the stereo.

 

[n1chu]

The BCD436HP is a portable radio that can be powered by the vehicle but does not have ignition switch auto on/off capabilities. There is an amplified speaker Uniden makes that is plug and play. But in your setting you would either buy multiple speakers (one for each vehicle) and hard wire to 12 volt or, but one and move it with the 436 from vehicle to vehicle. I believe the speaker comes with a cigarette plug so you can power it from a 12 volt DC outlet (cigarette lighter plug). However, it also does not have ignition switch capabilities. Instead, check to see if your vehicle comes with a cigarette plug that is only powered when the ignition switch is on... (some vehicles come with more than one outlet, some powered all the time and at least one that is not). Leave the speaker turned on and it will power up or down with the ignition switch.

 

[n1chu]

If the Uniden amplified speaker does not come with a cigarette plug, it’s an easy addition to wire one on.

 

[highwayman1224]

Hello Everyone,
I am using a BCD436HP in a mobile environment as I switch between 3 vehicles (This was much more cost effective than purchasing 3 BCD536HP's). I understand this scanner was not designed for mobile setup so if what I am asking can not be done, I understand.
My first question, is there a way to set the unit to come on via "ignition sense"? I have a micro usb (I think that is what you call that cable) that is plugged into a power source that only comes on when the vehicle is on, and shuts off with the vehicle. Is there anyway to program this scanner so that it turns on/off with this instead of having to turn it on and off manually.
My second question, is there a amplified speaker for this unit? I tried plugging this radio into a BC15 speaker I have for a base unit and it does not really get any louder. As stated previously, this scanner is in a mobile environment and it can get noisy at times with the road noise, working noise, and noise of other radios. A louder speaker would be awesome.
If anyone has information regarding these questions it would be greatly appreciated, Thank you.

I use an Anker Bluetooth speaker with mine plugged in with an auxiliary cord and it's fantastic! Plus the speaker lasts at least 2 day's on a charge. One of the best $35 I've spent in a long time.

 

[ofd8001]

I recommend a BC23A which is an amplified speaker. I have used several over the years and am quite pleased. I looked on Scanner Master and did not see them listed, though you might try reaching out to them.

You may also consider a mag mount antenna such as SpectrumForce Wideband Antenna with Mag Mount and BNC | Scanner Master

I have used this for temporary use as well with good results.

 

[hiegtx]

I recommend a BC23A which is an amplified speaker. I have used several over the years and am quite pleased. I looked on Scanner Master and did not see them listed, though you might try reaching out to them.

The BC23 speaker is at ScannerMaster. It's buried well past a number of other items.

Uniden 4'' Amplified External Speaker (BC23A) | Scanner Master

Uniden 4' Amplified External Speaker (BC23A)

www.scannermaster.com

It's also available at Amazon, BearcatWarehouse, and HRO. Probably others as well.

You may also consider a mag mount antenna such as SpectrumForce Wideband Antenna with Mag Mount and BNC | Scanner Master

I have used this for temporary use as well with good results.

I've used this same antenna as well, especially when I run down to a rural area about 100 miles west to visit friends.

 

[n1chu]

I bought my Uniden BC23A from Walmart on-line. At the time, about 2-3 years ago I paid around $30. But now I see the price has jumped to $45-55. I’ve had excellent results with this amplified speaker and have used them on a Harley Davidson Electra Glide (a full sized bagger) which I ran at full volume. I didn’t have any trouble hearing it but neither did others around me! In any event, there is plenty of volume for my stock pickup truck. I have one in a backpack with a sealed lithium-ion motorcycle battery to use at air shows with my SDS200, a crowd drawer for sure... everyone listening to the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, not to mention the discrete frequencies also used.

 

[KG5HHS]

Thank you everyone for all the input! The BC23 is exactly what I was looking for! I have a Havis charge guard so wiring it so something that will turn on/off wont be a problem at all. Thank you again everyone.

 

[n1chu]

Havis Charge Guard. I owned two of them. Each one lasted about a year. The first was covered by the 12 month warranty. I sent it back per their direction when it died and they sent me a new one. That new one lasted just over a year and it too was to be replaced but without a warranty which I objected to so I did not accept their terms-told them to park it where the sun didn’t shine. I tried the other brand that did the same as the Havis and that too failed after about a year. Now before you tell me there was something about my particular setup that caused the failures, Havis thought the same thing and asked me to cooperate with their technicians when they inspected my installation. After exchanging pics and electrical diagrams they found nothing wrong. My degree in electronics didn’t hurt my credibility either. I’d advise against this device. There are also police departments who were using their vehicle shut down/turn on devices to save on fuel and wear and tear on the vehicles who had them disconnected because they too died. Until Havis gets the bugs out save your money.