External Speaker Amplifier

[Tim-in-TX]

Looking for recommendations for a decent, and reasonably priced, amplifier for a Bearcat BCD23A external self-amplified speaker.

So here's the deal, I already have a BCD23A connected to my SDS100, but I have found that there are some departments in my area (Houston) that I have difficulty hearing, even with the volume on 15 and truck windows rolled up. And, if I should want to drive with my window down...well, even the BCD23A just isn't enough sometimes. Also note that my speaker is only about a foot away from my head (mounted high and to the left, just over my shoulder), so moving it even closer isn't an option. Another exacerbating issue is that there are dispatchers and officers that just talk real low. Either way, I have a hard time hearing them and I want more volume output.

A large part of the problem is that I have the speaker plugged into a portable so the audio output suffers because of the "hearing protection" from the output jack, but I know that there is nothing I can do about that since, on the newer scanners, you cannot do the "paperclip jumper hack" that was useful on my Pro96.

I do remember a post a few years ago where someone had found a good, cheap amplifier, but I cannot find that post now. I had found one on Amazon that seemed to fit my needs, but it is no longer available

And, no, I am not looking for a Bluetooth option. I want to be able to listed to my radio at the same time. Nor am I looking for computer speakers. I want to use what I already have, just boost the audio output

Any help would be appreciated.

AND, YES, I USED THE SEARCH!

 

[krokus]

Did you check this thread?

External speakers

Does anyone have any good recommendations for external speakers for the TRX-2 and WS-1095. I'm using both in a mobile install and the factory speakers work decent but I need something with more volume. I've tried several options and it seams both the headphone jack on the front and the external...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[pro92b]

This looks similar to the amplifier you referenced. "Lepai LP-2020TI Digital Hi-Fi Audio Mini Class D Stereo Amplifier with Power Supply" from www.parts-express.com!

 

[jonwienke]

If you aren't getting enough volume from your existing speaker, putting a power amp in series won't help. All that will do is overdrive the speaker amplifier's input, and possibly damage it. You need a more powerful UN-amplified speaker to go with the beefier amp, or you'll just fry the speaker/amp. So you're not going to be able to use your existing speaker if it isn't getting loud enough already.

Also, when amplifying the output of Uniden scanners, remember the ground loop issue, you can't ground either of the audio signal lines coming from the scanner, or you'll have noise problems and possibly damage the amplifier. So unless you use an isolation transformer, you can't use any amplifier with unbalanced inputs (one side is grounded).

A preamp with an AGC function might help by selectively boosting the low-level transmissions, but you'll still need to deal with the isolation issue, and it's probably not going to be super cheap unless you build it yourself.

 

[Tim-in-TX]

Did you check this thread?

External speakers

Does anyone have any good recommendations for external speakers for the TRX-2 and WS-1095. I'm using both in a mobile install and the factory speakers work decent but I need something with more volume. I've tried several options and it seams both the headphone jack on the front and the external...

forums.radioreference.com

Thanks, I looked through that thread but did not see anyhing about an audio amplifier.

 

[Tim-in-TX]

This looks similar to the amplifier you referenced. "Lepai LP-2020TI Digital Hi-Fi Audio Mini Class D Stereo Amplifier with Power Supply" from www.parts-express.com!

I see a 3.5mm input jack, but no 3.5mm output on that one.

 

[Tim-in-TX]

If you aren't getting enough volume from your existing speaker, putting a power amp in series won't help. All that will do is overdrive the speaker amplifier's input, and possibly damage it. You need a more powerful UN-amplified speaker to go with the beefier amp, or you'll just fry the speaker/amp. So you're not going to be able to use your existing speaker if it isn't getting loud enough already.

Also, when amplifying the output of Uniden scanners, remember the ground loop issue, you can't ground either of the audio signal lines coming from the scanner, or you'll have noise problems and possibly damage the amplifier. So unless you use an isolation transformer, you can't use any amplifier with unbalanced inputs (one side is grounded).

A preamp with an AGC function might help by selectively boosting the low-level transmissions, but you'll still need to deal with the isolation issue, and it's probably not going to be super cheap unless you build it yourself.

What about replacing the speaker that is inside the BCD23A with a better one? Anyone else try that?

Also, when providing feedback, please know that I am COMPLETLEY ignorant of all things electrical, mechanical, or engined. I don't know watts from amps from ohms, etc.

 

[jonwienke]

Also, when providing feedback, please know that I am COMPLETLEY ignorant of all things electrical, mechanical, or engined. I don't know watts from amps from ohms, etc.

Then you're not a good candidate for upgrading or replacing the speaker or amplifier in the BC23A. Doing that kind of stuff requires some knowledge of electronics. Learning is certainly possible, but know that you're going to make mistakes and some mistakes can be $$$.

My suggestion would be to get an amplified speaker with a higher wattage rating, and an audio isolator to prevent ground loop issues. Or get a stereo headphone Y-cable, and a second BC23A speaker.

 

[scanmanmi]

If you do get an amp you will also need a compressor my friend. An amplifier will make the quieter ones louder but then the normal ones will be screaming. A compressor will let the quieter ones through but and louder ones will automatically be limited. It's a kind of automatic volume control. I have one of these.

Alesis Nano Compressor | eBay

The Alesis NanoCompressor was launched in 1996 as part of the Nano range of 1/3-rack-space project studio devices. The 3630 incorporates two of these compressors, both with its own noise gate, whereas the Nano is just a single one, without a gate.

www.ebay.com