Damaged speaker

[vs1988]

I posted a thread on this in the Radioshack forum, but I didn't get a response and I can't find a delete button for the thread.

I plugged my Pro 83 into the ac power while the scanner was on. There was a static pop noise, and now the speaker clips at moderate to high volume level. The transmissions are clear, but there is that annoying rattling sound.

Is there any way I can fix the speaker myself?

If not, would hooking the radio up to an external speaker be a good bet? I don't usually carry the radio around with me, so it can serve as a base radio. How would I go about hooking up an amplified speaker to the unit? There is a warning in the manual that says something about damaging the scanner if the ext. speaker is grounded.

Thanks a lot!

Vince

 

[MarkWestin]

Hello

I don't own the PRO-83, but I think I can help you at least a little. It is just as likely that you have damaged the audio amplifier as it is that you damaged the speaker. To test, try an earphone or a set of headphones (or an external speaker). If the external speaker sounds OK, then thee internal speaker is damaged. If the external speaker "clips" like the internal speaker, then the audio amp is damaged. It is possible to order most parts for a Radio Shack unit. From what I understand, the speakers in these units are glued in place and may not be the easiest to replace. If you are able to solder small wires, I would try to replace it myself. If the amplifier is bad, it is probably a 4 pin IC chip and will probably require a trip to the service center (most of these components are surface mounted these days. If you have training in surface mount soldering you can replace it, but if you don't have training, you will probably cause more damage.) Hopefully you are within your 90 day warranty period, or have purchased the extended warranty, otherwise it could be expensive.

Mark