Radio Rebroadcast / Repeat

[RadioDitch]

Hey all,

I'm curious what your suggestions are for the least complicated method for installing a radio rebroadcast / repeat system to a vehicle mounted PA speaker. Basically, being able to flip a switch and pipe the audio to a PA. It's been on my list for years since it would really help working outside the truck. But I'd rather not dive into using a whole siren controller if I don't have to.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Citywide173]

DPDT On-On switch. radio input goes to the center poles, speakers to the top and bottom poles

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

If you are driving an PA amp, Make sure you present a balanced load to the radio via a transformer. most radios these days have a BTL audio amplifier and grounding a speaker lead will damage the radio.

If you are simply switching between speaker A and speaker B, just make sure nothing goes to ground.

 

[ramal121]

Switching to an outside speaker is the simplest thing to do. If the radio doesn't seem to have the volume for you then an amplified speaker does a world of good.

ASPC20 | 20W 6″ Weatherproof Amplified PA Speaker

20W 6" Weatherproof Amplified PA Speaker Ideal for use with Digital Deterrent® or any other application where significant cost-savings can be realized

www.specotech.com

 

[mmckenna]

What model radio do you have? Some have easy ways to do this...

 

[Cognomen]

I know you don't want a siren controller, but if you need more volume than the above good recommendations will get you, and you don't already have a PA amplifier, consider a used Federal Signal PA300. I bought one from eBay for $35 USD for the electronic air-horn function, but it does have radio-rebroadcast and PA.

 

[wa8pyr]

What model radio do you have? Some have easy ways to do this...

Ditto, and if you do go the direct route (DPDT switch), it would be best to power down the radio before switching from one to another; I had a bad experience with a Motorola radio when doing that (radio didn't like the sudden switching and a spike or something blew the audio PA).