SDS100/SDS200: SDS200 ext Speaker issues

[kermittheghostcar]

I have been using a Uniden (BC23A) Bearcat 15-Watt Speaker for all my radios, I have noticed that sometimes they just don't work. Could be a power issue or the aux cable. Well i finally said screw it.

I have a Bluetooth speaker it's a JBL Clip 4 and a Aux Bluetooth Adapter. The issue I'm running into is, if I plug the aux cable in the back of the scanner the speaker does not have full volume ie is not loud. If I use the headset plug in the front, the speaker seems to work with no issues.

Why would the BC23A work but this other adapter have issues?


Gary

 

[ofd8001]

I'd be tempted to try another audio cable. The notion of it does not have full volume suggests either a cable issue or a jack issue.

If I remember right, the headphone jack has something to limit volume so it doesn't damage hearing.

(I do not recall seeing any threads suggesting problems with the BC23A speakers, and in my 15+ years of using several, I've not had any).

 

[GILLIG40]

Try a mono to stereo adapter when using the external speaker jack on the rear of the SDS200. The external speaker jack is mono. The BC23A is a mono speaker. The Bluetooth adapter has a stereo plug. I use a mono-stereo adapter with my SDS200 and a Bluetooth adapter with no volume drop off.

 

[tvengr]

Do not use a mono plug in the external speaker jack. It will short out half of the audio amp. That is why the BC23A speaker has a stereo plug. The audio output is balanced. When the tip goes positive, the ring goes negative and vice-versa. The maximum output voltage is between tip and ring. The audio amp floats. Ground in the audio amp is not connected to the scanner ground. The BC23A uses only the tip and sleeve output of the external speaker jack. There is an audio isolation transformer inside the speaker case to prevent the speaker from grounding the sleeve output of the scanner. If you feed the scanner output into the Bluetooth transmitter, you will be feeding 2 out of phase signals into the left and right channels and the audio will be cancelled out in the Bluetooth speaker. You need to monitor just one channel in the Bluetooth speaker.

 

[RandyKuff]

Also note the BC23A has an auto power off feature... There can be a slight delay turning back on when it receives audio again...
There is a mod to the speaker in the forums to stop it from doing that... Modifying The Uniden BC23A (Auto Power Off)

On the speakers plug only the left channel and ground is connected...




From the manual:

 

[GILLIG40]

Thank you both for this information. I’m fortunate that I didn’t screw anything up. I had only used that adapter when using a Bluetooth speaker. Does anyone know if the same thing applies to the external speaker jack on the Unication amplified charger?

 

[buddrousa]

That information should be in the Pager and or Charger User Manual on the Unication Pager Site
The manual does not say so a call will be required.

https://www.unication.com/_files/ugd/9bbbf0_a2c96de7859c402db5a6e46c1a105891.pdf

 

[kermittheghostcar]

Ok, so what plug should I try with the speaker output and the Bluetooth dongle. This is the device i'm using https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z61H8M5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[RandyKuff]

I don't recommend using a bluetooth adapter on the actual external speaker output of the 200...
They are designed for using with headphone jacks...

I use the BC15 speaker on my 200... Unamplified version... Plenty loud enough from the 200's built in amp...

 

[RandyKuff]

I have been using a Uniden (BC23A) Bearcat 15-Watt Speaker for all my radios, I have noticed that sometimes they just don't work.


Gary

That could be due to the auto shut off feature in the 23A...

 

[blackbelter]

Thank you both for this information. I’m fortunate that I didn’t screw anything up. I had only used that adapter when using a Bluetooth speaker. Does anyone know if the same thing applies to the external speaker jack on the Unication amplified charger?

The pager cuts off the BT Audio once inserted in the amp charger . The amp itself does not accepts BT .

 

[GILLIG40]

The pager cuts off the BT Audio once inserted in the amp charger . The amp itself does not accepts BT .

I was using a mono/stereo adapter plugged into the amplified charger external speaker jack. Then using a Bluetooth adapter. That seemed to be working fine. I can’t find anything in the amplifier charger manual other than it uses a 3.5mm plug. Doesn’t state stereo or mono plug. I’ll give Ray’s a call tomorrow find out what can use.

I don't recommend using a bluetooth adapter on the actual external speaker output of the 200...
They are designed for using with headphone jacks...

I use the BC15 speaker on my 200... Unamplified version... Plenty loud enough from the 200's built in amp...

Will follow your advice with the SDS200. Bluetooth adapter only in the headphone jack. And order a BC 15 for an external speaker. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[kermittheghostcar]

That could be due to the auto shut off feature in the 23A...

it's not that.