Newish radio isn't loud enough

[HGXC[_4_]]

I just replaced an older Becker radio with a 4201. Everything is great except that the volume is noticeably lower and I can barely hear transmissions. I am using the same wiring as I was able to plug into the old harness fine.. I transmit loud enough its just receiving is low at max volume.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Dennis

[Steve Koerner]

Check that the impedance of your speaker is correct for the new radio.

Another thing to consider is where the sound is coming from. I have found that speech is more easily processed when the source is located in front of me rather than behind. I have moved my radio speaker to the panel. I can hear it much better there than behind my head. Panel space is precious, of course; yet for me, the benefit is significant and worth the price.

[[email protected]]

Steve is right - I had the same issue with a 4201. With an 8 ohm speaker the output volume was too quiet. However, if you enter the 4201's setup mode, like this:

"Switch off the VHF transceiver. Hold the mode key (MDE) pressed and at the same time switch on the unit. The VHF transceiver switches to the service mode without a unit test. SqL appears in the top line and the switch on threshold of the squelch is shown on the bottom line."

You will be able to scroll through the setup items to item 21 which allows you to increase the audio output. This worked for me, although replacing the 8 ohm speaker with a 4 ohm will also help.

The full manual is here (thanks Paul) :

https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/becker/AR4201-Manual.pdf

Cheers,
Nick.

[HGXC[_4_]]

On Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 5:01:30 PM UTC-4, wrote:
> Steve is right - I had the same issue with a 4201. With an 8 ohm speaker the output volume was too quiet. However, if you enter the 4201's setup mode, like this:
>
> "Switch off the VHF transceiver. Hold the mode key (MDE) pressed and at the same time switch on the unit. The VHF transceiver switches to the service mode without a unit test. SqL appears in the top line and the switch on threshold of the squelch is shown on the bottom line."
>
> You will be able to scroll through the setup items to item 21 which allows you to increase the audio output. This worked for me, although replacing the 8 ohm speaker with a 4 ohm will also help.
>
> The full manual is here (thanks Paul) :
>
> https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/becker/AR4201-Manual.pdf
>
> Cheers,
> Nick.

I did not see that in the manual. Hope it increases it enough. Thanks Nick and Steve!

Dennis

[bumper[_4_]]

If you happen to have a Schleicher product, the speaker "enclosure" is a fiberglass panel with small holes in it. By cutting a large hole for the speaker, much more efficiency can be obtained. Cover the larger hole with wire mesh or screen, painted primer gray, ahd hot melt glued to the inside of the cover.

Better.

bumper

[krasw]

Nominal speaker impedance has nothing to do with sensitivity of speaker, it's pretty meaningless number.

[JS]

On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 8:11:16 AM UTC-7, krasw wrote:
> Nominal speaker impedance has nothing to do with sensitivity of speaker, it's pretty meaningless number.

Some audio amplifiers do not work well with a nominal speaker impedance lower than described in the manual. The distortion may be noticeable. Likely most noticeable at low battery voltage.
Using a higher impedance speaker (ie 8 Ohm on an amp rated for 4 Ohm) works but essentially cuts amplifier output power in half.

To optimise your speaker choice, look at the speaker impedance curve which is like the polar of a glider. Choose speakers with the least dip in the impedance curve around 200 to 350Hz. With a really low impedance in the low midrange, voice will sound unclear at any volume.

The Schleicher suggestion is good for later models. For example the ASW24 (unsure of 24B) doesn't have those pre-wired speaker compartments.
Jim

[krasw]

On Monday, 22 August 2016 18:38:25 UTC+3, JS wrote:
> On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 8:11:16 AM UTC-7, krasw wrote:
> > Nominal speaker impedance has nothing to do with sensitivity of speaker, it's pretty meaningless number.
>
> Some audio amplifiers do not work well with a nominal speaker impedance lower than described in the manual. The distortion may be noticeable. Likely most noticeable at low battery voltage.
> Using a higher impedance speaker (ie 8 Ohm on an amp rated for 4 Ohm) works but essentially cuts amplifier output power in half.

Lower impedance tells you that speaker driver likes to have more amps instead of volts, but that does not mean it needs more watts. With modern op-amp chips and milliwatts of power needed that is totally academic. Unless you plan to build a VHF radio using vacuum tubes without output transformer :)

To get more sensitivity out of known speaker, easiest way is to install it next to your ear. It should be obvious also that all so-called "speakers" sold with aircraft radios are made of 10 cent chinese toy elements, always without magnetic shielding. There are A LOT better ones available.

[Darryl Ramm]

On Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 11:57:18 PM UTC-7, bumper wrote:
> If you happen to have a Schleicher product, the speaker "enclosure" is a fiberglass panel with small holes in it. By cutting a large hole for the speaker, much more efficiency can be obtained. Cover the larger hole with wire mesh or screen, painted primer gray, ahd hot melt glued to the inside of the cover.
>
> Better.
>
> bumper

I've done that to two speaker boxes now. Makes a signifiant improvement. Putting a sound blocking grille on a speaker enclosure must have seemed a good idea to somebody....

I've also found just trashed speakers in older (power) aircraft, torn dust caps and foam, etc. I'd check even if it seemed to be OK with your previous radio.

[[email protected]]

I have a

On a related subject, I fly a motorglider (ventus 2cM) and like to use a headset to reduce engine noise when self-launching. I use a David Clark, which I find suitable, except that I would like to find a more compact headset that can be more easily stowed after launch. Does anyone have recommendations for a more compact headset?

[Craig Funston]

On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 1:12:28 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> I have a
>
> On a related subject, I fly a motorglider (ventus 2cM) and like to use a headset to reduce engine noise when self-launching. I use a David Clark, which I find suitable, except that I would like to find a more compact headset that can be more easily stowed after launch. Does anyone have recommendations for a more compact headset?

Clarity Aloft is about a compact as you'll find. Depends on whether you like in-ear devices or not. http://www.clarityaloft.com/
Cheers,
7Q

[Paul Agnew]

I use a Bose QC15 with a UFlyMike. Being able to use the Bose headset for other uses beyond the plane is a great value.


http://uflymike.com/

Occasionally, you can find the mic adapter for sale on Ebay for $150-$200.

Paul A.
Jupiter, FL

[Darryl Ramm]

On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 1:23:04 PM UTC-7, Craig Funston wrote:
> On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 1:12:28 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> > I have a
> >
> > On a related subject, I fly a motorglider (ventus 2cM) and like to use a headset to reduce engine noise when self-launching. I use a David Clark, which I find suitable, except that I would like to find a more compact headset that can be more easily stowed after launch. Does anyone have recommendations for a more compact headset?
>
> Clarity Aloft is about a compact as you'll find. Depends on whether you like in-ear devices or not. http://www.clarityaloft.com/
> Cheers,
> 7Q

Clarity Aloft yes, but with the standard compliant foam ear tips swapped for Etymotic Research three flange eartips for easier/faster insertion (or get custom ear pieces molded). The external noise suppression and clarity you get out of a good in-ear headset is just amazing.

[JS]

On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 1:12:28 PM UTC-7, wrote:
> I have a
>
> On a related subject, I fly a motorglider (ventus 2cM) and like to use a headset to reduce engine noise when self-launching. I use a David Clark, which I find suitable, except that I would like to find a more compact headset that can be more easily stowed after launch. Does anyone have recommendations for a more compact headset?

We stray.
I've used generic (also custom molded) in-ear monitors in ASH26E. They worked great, store in the side pocket, and don't scratch the canopy.
Here's a variety of readily available earphones from Shure.
http://www.shure.com/americas/products/earphones/se-earphones
Also search guitarcenter.com for earphones. In USA there's probably a guitar center nearby.
Custom molded ear monitors are available from Ultimate Ears, JH Audio, Sensaphonics, Future Sonics and others.
Jim

[[email protected]]

thanks for all advice. I had previously tried using music ear-plugs and could not make them work at all. But I realise now I messed up the adapter I made to convert the tiny plugs they use to aircraft plugs. The tiny plugs are stereo, and I confused the connections to the mono aircraft plug. With the adaptor fixed, all my collection of music earphones now work with my radio. Some greatly accentuate the 'hiss' but some sound good. I'll try a few, then ditch the David Clark headset (I have a gooseneck mike).