Question about using an external speaker on a CDM radio.

[JoshuaHufford]

If I were to use an external speaker on my CDM1550ls like this,

Motorola external OEM Speaker 16 Pin Conn for GM300 Radius Maxtrac CDM Radios | eBay

<p dir="ltr">Sale is for (1) Motorola Two Way Radio OEM Speaker with 16 pin acc connector, Mounting bracket and two screws Included. Minor blemishes but in nice shape</p> <p dir="ltr">Wired for CDM1250, CDM1550, Radius, GM300, M120, M130, Maxtrac, M216, M208, SM50, SM120 Radios </p> <p...

www.ebay.com

When you plug it in to the back of the radio does it disable the internal speaker in the radio or do both speakers work?

Can you control the volume of the external speaker with the volume control on the radio head?

 

[KG4INW]

Both speakers will work and the volume control will work for both, simultaneously. If you want the control head speaker disabled, you'll have to dismantle the head and physically unplug the speaker. Up to you.

 

[SteveC0625]

We’ve talked about this subject with the CDMs many times before. This a very, very good addition to a mobile install and some base station installs.

The audio quality is greatly improved and you’ll have more volume without distortion if needed.

FWIW, I always add the remote speaker on all of my mobile installs for the above reasons.

 

[mmckenna]

If I were to use an external speaker on my CDM1550ls like this,

Motorola external OEM Speaker 16 Pin Conn for GM300 Radius Maxtrac CDM Radios | eBay

<p dir="ltr">Sale is for (1) Motorola Two Way Radio OEM Speaker with 16 pin acc connector, Mounting bracket and two screws Included. Minor blemishes but in nice shape</p> <p dir="ltr">Wired for CDM1250, CDM1550, Radius, GM300, M120, M130, Maxtrac, M216, M208, SM50, SM120 Radios </p> <p...

www.ebay.com

That's a lot of money for that speaker. But getting it with the 16 pin connector already installed has some value. Be aware, the CDM's have a 20 pin connector, but the 16 pin connectors will seat in there just fine. The two outer pins on each side are not needed and won't interfere with this plug.

When you plug it in to the back of the radio does it disable the internal speaker in the radio or do both speakers work?

Can you control the volume of the external speaker with the volume control on the radio head?

The others answered this, but I'll add:

I have several CDM's in use for various purposes. For base use, it's mounted under the cabinet in the kitchen. The internal speaker is loud enough to be heard through the whole house.
In my wife's car, 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, the internal speaker is fine.

In my truck (F350 Diesel), as well as a Polaris Ranger, the external speaker is a great addition. I can drive my truck down the highway at 65mph with all the windows rolled down and the audio is loud and, more importantly, clear. In the Polaris, I can be riding down a trail at 35 mph with a full face helmet on and the radio is loud and clear.

They are a great addition to any mobile, as Steve said. The larger speaker cone really helps with audio intelligibility.
I played around with disconnecting the internal speaker in my truck. I didn't really notice any difference. If anything, the smaller speaker in the control head added some to the high end audio. I hooked it back up and have left it that way.

 

[JoshuaHufford]

Fantastic, this is exactly how I was hoping it would operate.

I'm mostly wanting to get some volume outside the vehicle when needed, nice to know it will improve audio quality as well.

 

[mmckenna]

Fantastic, this is exactly how I was hoping it would operate.

I'm mostly wanting to get some volume outside the vehicle when needed, nice to know it will improve audio quality as well.

Yeah, roll down your windows and crank it up. A CDM with the large Motorola speaker will make your ears hurt. You'll have no problem hearing it outside the vehicle.

 

[cmdrwill]

Another thing to remember.. do NOT ground either speaker terminal.