Beartracker 885 - have to plug in Mic or bad audio?

[rvacs]

So got a used Beartracker 885 - updated the sd card.
Got it wired in via cigarette plug for now.
Hooked up GPS antenna and a BNC telescopic.

Heard transmissions on scanner but were very faint and garbled like speaker was blown.
Couldn't figure it out - then plugged in the Mic and all started working well. (WEIRD)
It takes the Microphone to make this system work even if you don't want to use the CB at all?

Can you turn off the CB - I doubt it.
Can I leave the Mic out?

@Mike445 - I did modify the database file to take out some encrypted channels it keeps locking on. That way I don't have to AVOID everytime.

 

[AB5ID]

Most CB radios get the speaker ground return connected through the microphone PTT switch, no microphone no sound. I don't specifically about the 885

 

[jonwienke]

Speaker audio is mechanically switched through the PTT button in the mic in most CBs. If you unplug the mic, you generally won't get any audio. In some radios, you won't even get any RX.