External Speakers for Handheld Scanner?

[CrabbyMilton]

Hey all, I’ve got a BCD436hp which I love but would like some more volume when using it in the car. I bought a cheap Whistler external speaker with a headphone style plug. Plugged it into the headphone jack in the top of the scanner and…. It’s quieter than the internal speaker. Not all that surprised given it has no amplification, but these external speakers are advertised as a quick plug and play solution for more volume. Now I understand I probably bought something without really understanding what I was getting. So what’s the best solution for my situation? I’d hate to have to wire something into power in the car. Thanks!

I don't know what kind of car you have but I just connect a wire from the headphone jack to the car's AUX jack. Works like a charm. Another option would be to use a portable FM transmitter. I have one that plugs into the power point and includes a jack where you can plug in your scanner and pipe it in thru an unused FM signal.

 

[StoliRaz]

I bought a cheap Whistler external speaker with a headphone style plug. Plugged it into the headphone jack in the top of the scanner and…. It’s quieter than the internal speaker.

Is it like this one?

Whistler External Radio Scanner Speaker - 3.5"

Our thicker wall ABS housing and larger open back frame provide rich tones over a wider range of frequencies. The secured speaker ensures no unwanted vibrations from the speaker within the housing that could affect audio quality. This is a great sounding speaker for your Scanner, Ham radio, or...

whistlergroup.com

"NOTICE: Not recommended for use with a headphone jack. Headphone output levels are reduced to protect the listener and require an amplified speaker. Passive Speakers are designed for use with an External Speaker Output Jack."

 

[chrisman63]

Hey all, I’ve got a BCD436hp which I love but would like some more volume when using it in the car. I bought a cheap Whistler external speaker with a headphone style plug. Plugged it into the headphone jack in the top of the scanner and…. It’s quieter than the internal speaker. Not all that surprised given it has no amplification, but these external speakers are advertised as a quick plug and play solution for more volume. Now I understand I probably bought something without really understanding what I was getting. So what’s the best solution for my situation? I’d hate to have to wire something into power in the car. Thanks!

Hey, I would like to know if you were able to find a speaker that worked for you? If so, what model is it? A few months ago, I bought a Uniden Speaker (Uniden model BC20) and the volume was actually lower than the internal speaker in the scanner. I bought it on Amazon and returned it. I suspect that the impedance was incorrect. I also suspect that the 3.5MM jack is designed for a headphone or earplug, neither of which I want to use, since I only use my scanner when driving. Having a earplug or headphone, will create a safety issue. I was reading your post and saw that you were having the same issue as I am. Did you have any luck finding a speaker that worked?

 

[W9WSS]

I purchased this speaker from Scanner Master. Its amplification is phenomenal. I know you will be as happy with it as I am.

Spectrumforce Lapel Speaker | Scanner Master

The Spectrumforce amplified lapel speaker for Uniden scanners is just the thing for noisy environments! This powerful and robust lapel speaker has an internal audio amplifier powered by an included rechargeable battery.

www.scannermaster.com

 

[BinaryMode]

Hey, I would like to know if you were able to find a speaker that worked for you? If so, what model is it? A few months ago, I bought a Uniden Speaker (Uniden model BC20) and the volume was actually lower than the internal speaker in the scanner. I bought it on Amazon and returned it. I suspect that the impedance was incorrect. I also suspect that the 3.5MM jack is designed for a headphone or earplug, neither of which I want to use, since I only use my scanner when driving. Having a earplug or headphone, will create a safety issue. I was reading your post and saw that you were having the same issue as I am. Did you have any luck finding a speaker that worked?

Go back and read the thread from page 1. There are two very good solutions: 1) plug the scanner into the AUX in of your car stereo if you have it. 2) use an FM transmitter adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FMT7-SP1-Tune-Tone-Stereo-Transmitter/dp/B0BL7YJW76 Paying more than $10 for something like that and you're getting ripped off.

Sort by price lowest and "buy it now." Make sure the location is U.S. which it should be. Should be no more than $3. Anymore and again, you're getting ripped off. "stereo headphone extension cable" in All Categories The gold platted stuff is BS.

 

[KK4JUG]

Go back and read the thread from page 1. There are two very good solutions: 1) plug the scanner into the AUX in of your car stereo if you have it. 2) use an FM transmitter adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FMT7-SP1-Tune-Tone-Stereo-Transmitter/dp/B0BL7YJW76 Paying more than $10 for something like that and you're getting ripped off.

Sort by price lowest and "buy it now." Make sure the location is U.S. which it should be. Should be no more than $3. Anymore and again, you're getting ripped off. "stereo headphone extension cable" in All Categories The gold platted stuff is BS.

The "AUX" idea is perfect and cheap inexpensive. It provides a quality sound but only at the expense of a short cord with miniature plugs on each end. I've used it with my 436 and SDS 100 and 200. It's easy to adjust the volume and it mutes if I get a phone call.