BCD436HP/BCD536HP: 436 AGC Problem?

[hth999]

Hello to all:

I've had my 436 for a few months now. This morning, I decided to change the AGC to ON for all my lists. What I found out is it appears the volume has smoothed out, but the amount of volume has lowered. Typically, I would set my volume at about 8-9. But with the AGC set to ON, I had to change the volume to 10-11. It just did not seem to help, so I went back and changed the setting to OFF on all Lists.
I just seem to like the 436 without the AGC volume enabled. It may have to do with the small speaker, I don't know. Seems like I can understand what is being said, and it's a bit clearer.

BTW, I also have a 536, with AGC setting to ON. This does seem to help. I use a MFJ Cleartone external speaker. It's a small investment of 12.95, but the improvement of audio clarity is much improved. I find the internal speaker has poor muddy or bassy audio.
I listen to P25 phase 1 and 2.

Any comments on what others are using to improve audio? AGC on or off? I have not tried the volume control adjustment yet.

 

[kb8rvp]

BCD436HP: 436 AGC Problem?

Hello to all:

I've had my 436 for a few months now. This morning, I decided to change the AGC to ON for all my lists. What I found out is it appears the volume has smoothed out, but the amount of volume has lowered. Typically, I would set my volume at about 8-9. But with the AGC set to ON, I had to change the volume to 10-11. It just did not seem to help, so I went back and changed the setting to OFF on all Lists.
I just seem to like the 436 without the AGC volume enabled. It may have to do with the small speaker, I don't know. Seems like I can understand what is being said, and it's a bit clearer.

BTW, I also have a 536, with AGC setting to ON. This does seem to help. I use a MFJ Cleartone external speaker. It's a small investment of 12.95, but the improvement of audio clarity is much improved. I find the internal speaker has poor muddy or bassy audio.
I listen to P25 phase 1 and 2.

Any comments on what others are using to improve audio? AGC on or off? I have not tried the volume control adjustment yet.

I do the same thing I have the 436 and 536. One had the AGC on and the other off. I also use the volume offset on a per TG basis to even out a talk group that is low or high.

Mike

 

[MStep]

I do the same thing I have the 436 and 536. One had the AGC on and the other off. I also use the volume offset on a per TG basis to even out a talk group that is low or high.

Mike

From my experience with scanners, this AGC (Automatic Gain Control) function has never worked "right", insofar as the volume coming through from some transmissions is either going to be too low or too loud, even with AGC turned on.

That's the non-technical explanation--- I'm sure that a few more technically-savvy folks will fill in the details. The bottom line is that you may have to just experiment a bit to see what works for you.

 

[hth999]

Thanks for your response. I am glad I'm not the only one with this " problem " I'll need to experiment a little more, maybe with the volume offset. It's still an excellent scanner, and with the MFJ Clear Tone speaker, the audio is improved.

Hal