VHF clarity

[filmer]

In a previous post a fellow asked about upgrading his VHF antenna in an effort to hear his radio better since he has less than perfect hearing. Several suggestions were made to add an external speaker. I wonder if some VHF radios (which ones?) come with a mini jack where you could connect a small, bud type earphone. Only one earpiece would be needed to improve the clarity significantly. If the VHF radio had an external speaker jack that could be used for an earphone if the impedance matched. Has anyone tried this?

[Birdman]

You should be able to use the speaker out connector (1/8" jack) of any VHF for headphones. Most of them output very small amount of power though this port (3 watts..?). Just be carefull the first time, the volume is way down when testing so you don't blow out your ears.

Birdman, Capt of

Scout Abaco 280 Click here!

[First Light]

Bird: FYI not all of the VHF radio's use a 1/8" jack like the Icom's do. Standard Horizon, the other major VHF manufacturer for example uses a shielded RCA connector plug.

[Mumblerone]

I have a Raytheon VHF that has a speaker in the MIC also. After you talk; just put the MIC to your ear and listen. With a headset you'll always be listening to the chatter. Works great; I'm suprised that all MICs don't have this feature.

Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...

[Kamper]

quote:Originally posted by Cat-fishn':
Bird: FYI not all of the VHF radio's use a 1/8" jack like the Icom's do. Standard Horizon, the other major VHF manufacturer for example uses a shielded RCA connector plug.
If you have this type of hookup, take it to Radio Shack, if they don't have an adapter they wil have components to make one. You will also be able buy/make an adapter so you can use any type of mono/stero headset that you already have.

--
Everything has to eat somebody. (Bruce, the shark, from "JAWS")