Any suggestions on how to make my feed clearer?

[slivingston49]

I am currently hosting the PGFD feed for Prince Georges County Fire Department, using a PSR-800. I have been able to get it up and running however many people are complaining regarding the sound quality (garbled). I just purchased a signal amplifier but am awaiting its arrival. Any suggestions on how I can increase the quality in the meantime? The feed can be found here:

Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad - Prince George's County, Maryland - Station 49

 

[jim202]

I am currently hosting the PGFD feed for Prince Georges County Fire Department, using a PSR-800. I have been able to get it up and running however many people are complaining regarding the sound quality (garbled). I just purchased a signal amplifier but am awaiting its arrival. Any suggestions on how I can increase the quality in the meantime? The feed can be found here:

Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad - Prince George's County, Maryland - Station 49

The short time I listened to the feed, I didn't hear anything. My question is can you describe how it is distorted. There is a possibility that you are driving the computer too hard with the audio level coming from the scanner.

is the audio level you picking up from the scanner controlled by the volume control on the scanner? If so, then turn it down some and see if it clears up the audio.

Another problem might be that you have a DC bias voltage on the feed your going to the computer with. If this is the case, that also can cause a problem in the computer audio. You can try adding a series capacitor on the hot wire going to the computer. Something in the order of 1.0 uf. should work well for you.

Need to provide just a shade more detail on your problem to get the needed answer.

I did hear a slight hum on the feed.

 

[gmclam]

I suggest listening to your own feed. Not from the scanner, but via the same or similar means as everyone else does. When I was streaming I sent out 2 streams, one to RR and one locally so I didn't experience the long delay when listening to my stream.

Next I used "Digital Level Meter" to see the audio level of what I was sending out. Remember you control what goes out with 'recording level' not 'playback level'. I was forced to use the headphone jack as a signal source from the scanner, which means the level is affected by the volume control. It can be tricky getting a good balance between the scanner volume and recording level on your PC. I didn't like having the scanner past 50% nor too low (nor either level at max).

Lastly I used an isolation transformer. Radio Shack had one that cost ~$16. I made my own rather than pay that price; although if you only need one, the RS model is worth it. I found each radio model and sound card combination has its own issues.

 

[blee1099]

How is the scanner connected to the computer? Try connecting the headphone jack to the line in on the computer. The audible hum could also be a ground loop issue. I've had similar humming on a stage snake cable and it turned out to be a ground loop