Can You Hear Your VHF Radio?

[thunderbird1]

With the engine running at cruise on my 260 DA, I can't clearly hear the VHF radio. If someone was trying to hail me, I would never hear them. The speaker is mounted low on the console, so that may be part of the problem. My aging ears may be another part of the problem. If you have a similar issue, have you explored any work-arounds?

 

[fwebster]

I have found that the little speakers inside most VHF's are pretty crappy. I have added remote 4" high quality speakers for both of my VHF radios. It is a cheap, simple add-on, usually easy to hide in an inconspicuous spot and it will significantly improve the ability to hear your radio.

 

[sbw1]

I too have the aging ear syndrome. My iCom radio solved the problem. It is flush mounted and has no remote speaker, but you can crank up the volume really high when cruising so you can hear what's going on. The really nice feature is it also has a speaker in the mike so you can hold that to your ear when talking back and forth to another boater.

 

[MAKC]

I also added a remote 4 inch speaker to my VHF. I found that at planing speed, i couldnt hear what was being said if i HAD to. A simple install later and i can hear everythign crystal clear no matter what noise is going on (wind, engine, etc). The little speakers in those radios are marginal at best IMHO.

 

[Stray Cat]

I like the Northstar with the external speaker S/R installed. I liked the speaker in the mike feature on a Ratheon we had on the 270...though some thought I was mixed up when I listened to the mike.

 

[Robski97]

On the 44 the remote speaker is mounted around my knee's ...

Not advantageous to hearing .... Never mind on plane with outside noise..

So no I cant hear Jack while under way...


Rob

 

[rondds]

cant hear mine too well either. at cruising speed, if i am having a conversation, i lean down to get my ear on top of it. if someone hails me, i can usually BARELY make out the call.

 

[RonF]

The Raymarine external speaker next to the helm seat is shot, and no longer available. Has anyone replaced one and put it in the same place? What else are you guys using, a pedestal mount 4"?

 

[HIFI]

I CANT HEAR YOU . . .WHAT DID YOU SAY?

 

[boatrboy]

..... usually easy to hide in an inconspicuous spot and it will significantly improve the ability to hear your radio.

Frank - where did you "hide" it? On top of the gages? My Gps is taking up alot of space (see below), any suggestions?