VHF and Stereo

[bartvdv]

Hello,

I intend to install a outdoor speaker in my cockpit for music and VHF listening.

How should i connect my vhf AND stereo to the same speaker in such a way:

• That the vhf is always audible over the sound of the stereo?
• Or, that the stereo mutes untill the vhf stops receiving?

I wish to give preference to VHF sound over music.

How did you guys wire that thing?

I hope this forum can once again give me some professional advice

[r.furborough]

This is not recommended practise, use dedicated speakers for each function.

[bartvdv]

why is that?

[ottos]

I can think of two.

1. It introduces new equipment and potential failures for your VHF comms.

2. It would probably be annoying as hell to have your music interrupted!

I'm no expert, but one concern I've read about cockpit speakers is that they are big holes in the watertight integrity of your boat (depending on the type). Depending where you sail this could be an issue, i.e. a blue water cruiser wouldn't want them, but it wouldn't matter to a lake sailor.

[mitiempo]

If you hook two different outputs (amplifiers) to the same pair of speakers the amp in not in use will likely be blown. It could be done with switching to have stereo or vhf but the best bet is to install a remote speaker for the vhf that is dedicated to it.

[bartvdv]

Thanks a lot!
Great info!

I will leave my vhf as it is, with it's own integrated speaker.