BC246T and amplified PC speakers?

[KC0UHS]

Hi all, just wondering if it is safe to use my amplified PC speakers with my BC246T via the headphone jack. When i'm just around the house sometimes I'm looking for a little more volume if you know what I mean. The PC speakers are Logitech X-230's, that's about all I know about them. I'm sure I might have to purchase an adapter for the plug. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Roger KC0UHS

 

[scanbc780]

You should be fine. You should be able to plug most of any amplified speakers into a scanners headphone jack. When you plug them in keep your volume on the scanner low and adjust the volume to where you can just adjust using the volume contol on the extention speakers.

I dont remember if the 246 has a stereo or mono jack on it so you may or may not need an adaptor. You will figure it out I am sure.


Brian

 

[IdleMonitor]

I have mine plugged into my computer's surround sound system that's a $70 130 watt system from Walmart and it sounds great.

So yes, it can be done.

 

[KC0UHS]

thanks for the input guys. just wanted to make sure there were no potential problems that might cause any sort of damage to my 246 by doing this. thanks again.

 

[KC0UHS]

I dont remember if the 246 has a stereo or mono jack on it so you may or may not need an adaptor. You will figure it out I am sure.

Brian

It has a stereo plug, found out just like you said. Much better with the external speaker for monitoring in the house. Seem to have a bit of hum during reception though.

 

[slicerwizard]

It has a stereo plug, found out just like you said. Much better with the external speaker for monitoring in the house. Seem to have a bit of hum during reception though.

Try running on batteries (if you aren't already)

The only issue with running external speakers has to do with grounding - e.g. if you were running the 246 in a car from the lighter plug and also using a powered speaker system (or the vehicle's stereo system) that was also running off the vehicle's 12V system; you would be grounding the sleeve connection and that's a no-no with the 246. For those setups, a 1:1 audio transformer eliminates the grounding problem.

 

[Gilligan]

The only issue with running external speakers has to do with grounding - e.g. if you were running the 246 in a car from the lighter plug and also using a powered speaker system (or the vehicle's stereo system) that was also running off the vehicle's 12V system; you would be grounding the sleeve connection and that's a no-no with the 246.

So what happens if you do that?

 

[slicerwizard]

Hm, now that's I've looked at the schematic - you'd be grounding one of the audio amp's outputs through an 18 ohm protection resistor that Uniden thoughtfully provided, so nothing should pop. Of course, on my 246, I've bypassed that resistor so that I can get decent audio from an unamplified external speaker, so I'm the one who has to be careful.

 

[KC0UHS]

great answers. glad i asked the question in the first place. i guess that's the other area that is lacking is when i'm using earphones, the output is not loud at all. how does one go about bypassing the resistor, and is it really safe to do?

 

[slicerwizard]

A stock 246 should have enough drive for headphones or an earphone. Are you using a stereo plug? The 18 ohm resistor is located right beside the volume/squelch control and is marked "180". Get someone who knows how to solder to bridge it. Max audio levels will be available from the headphone jack's tip and ring.