Wiring center speaker to 2 way radio

[Houston Raptor]

cut the speaker wires going to the internal speaker. run that into the center channel speaker

Got it, thanks Noah.

 

[TheJoker]

I had already bought an inexpensive Cobra Bearcat 20 watt external speaker, before Noah started in with "just use the center channel speaker". So, after giving it some thought, I decided to add the external speaker annndd tie in the center channel speaker to the Cobra speaker. So basically the center channel fires up at the windshield (and sounds great), while the Cobra fires into the drivers side footwell. Both are powered by the Cobras built in amp. I still need a grill to finish it off, but it sounds so much better than the crappy 1.5" speaker built into the radio.

I'll add pics once I install the speaker grill.

 

[TheJoker]

So, here is my setup. I have a 20 watt Uniden Bearcat external speaker which plugs into my TYT TH-9800. I mounted it with 3M tape to the area below/behind the stock radio. (The TH-9800 is mounted under the drivers seat). Before mounting the speaker, I opened it up and soldered in a couple of wires to run to the center channel speaker. I felt better about ripping open the $20 speaker than I did the $300 radio.

To allow the speaker to be heard, I cut a hole in the plastic trim piece, and finished it off with a 3" speaker grill (painted matte black). The plastic trim is about an inch away from the speaker so I used some foam to fill that space.

As for the center channel speaker, I disconnected the factory wire harness and secured it to another harness using a zip tie (everything can be put back to stock). I then soldered wires to the center speaker and used quick connects at both speakers.

The setup sounds great. Mostly the stock center channel speaker. The Bearcat sounds ok, it's great if you have to get out of the truck and have the door or window open.

Here are some pics:

 

[Zeke555]

Very nice @TheJoker. I just ordered the same radio for my truck so your timing is perfect for the pictures. Looks like another mod for the near future.

 

[TheJoker]

Very nice @TheJoker. I just ordered the same radio for my truck so your timing is perfect for the pictures. Looks like another mod for the near future.

I really should put together a build thread, it's a great radio.

 

[Zeke555]

I really should put together a build thread, it's a great radio.

Now is the time to do a build thread. That way I can refer to it and LVJ Motorsports videos too. Every bit helps.

 

[dtt255]

Make sure you link that build thread here. So we can all see it.

 

[RLTW]

I really should put together a build thread, it's a great radio.

How is that head unit mounted


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[TheJoker]

How is that head unit mounted


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I cut the headliner from the backside, removing the cardboard backing. Then, I cut the fabric, leaving enough material to rap it around the opening. It fits snug but I used hot glue to secure it. I did end up using a little epoxy after seeing the face plate slip out slightly one very hot July day. It hasn't budged since.

 

[Sano Dano]

cut the speaker wires going to the internal speaker. run that into the center channel speaker

Noah

Is it possible to hook up the center speaker AND a external speaker (siren) together to have the external speaker work for the radio?