HP-2: Uniden external speakers

[iMONITOR]

Uniden have now moved that function to software for the SDS200. Many scanners cuts the power to the loudspeaker amplifier when not in use or have a mute function in that amplifier. Some scanners only mute the low level audio, perhaps before it reaches the volume control, and those scanners often have a background hum and noise from the speaker that are annoying in a quiet room, like a bedroom at night.
/Ubbe

I've never had a scanner that made any noise at all when not receiving a signal. But if I did that would be a nice feature to have. Considering the BC23A does not need to be connected to a 12V supply or any other power source, how does the amplifier obtain it's power?

 

[TailGator911]

I've never had a scanner that made any noise at all when not receiving a signal. But if I did that would be a nice feature to have. Considering the BC23A does not need to be connected to a 12V supply or any other power source, how does the amplifier obtain it's power?

I believe the Uniden BC23a amplified speaker gets it's power from 13.8v DC (with inline fuse, the speaker is marketed for vehicular use) would need a power supply on the desk to run it. I could be wrong.

 

[TailGator911]

So what is the base station Uniden speaker? The desktop version of the 23A, would that be the 15 or 20?

 

[mule1075]

I believe the Uniden BC23a amplified speaker gets it's power from 13.8v DC (with inline fuse, the speaker is marketed for vehicular use) would need a power supply on the desk to run it. I could be wrong.

You are not wrong.

 

[iMONITOR]

I looked at dozens pictures and could not see a red light or a DC power cord or jack anywhere.

 

[mule1075]

I looked at dozens pictures and could not see a red light or a DC power cord or jack anywhere.

It is right in the manual connecting power.

 

[kb0iid]

I thought the idea behind the auto off feature on amplified speakers was to avoid draining the auto battery.

What was the purpose of doing that to begin with?

Have not a clue.

 

[n1chu]

Uniden have now moved that function to software for the SDS200. Many scanners cuts the power to the loudspeaker amplifier when not in use or have a mute function in that amplifier. Some scanners only mute the low level audio, perhaps before it reaches the volume control, and those scanners often have a background hum and noise from the speaker that are annoying in a quiet room, like a bedroom at night.

/Ubbe

Agreeing with UBBE

 

[n1chu]

Agreeing with UBBE

I believe it is not a power saving feature. The scanner’s audio circuit produces a very mild hum nearly unnoticeable until you connect an “active” amplified speaker (as opposed to a “passive” unamplified speaker) to it, where the hum becomes amplified and noticeable. I have two of the BC23A’s. One works well with the red lamp activating when a signal is present. The other I believe is defective. No red light when a signal is present. I do hear audio but it’s not as loud as it should be. I opened the case and discovered the un-insulated lamp leads were twisted together. I straightened and separated them but saw no improvement. The lamp still does not eliminate when it should. Since I purchased both two years ago, one as a spare, the warrenty has expired. ( I just recently had a need for the spare and learned it was defective.) So I have an external speaker that plays like a passive speaker but needs power! And since returning it for repair probably cost the better part of a new one ($28), I’ll probably just get another new one. But I’m playing with the idea of looking at the amplified speaker offering s in the ham community. More expensive but some come with the ability to adjust tonal quality.