Cockpit speaker shared by Stereo And VHF ?

[jjablonowski]

Okay. I know enough NOT to simply wire both the stereo and the VHF to the same remote speaker in the cockpit. (Could ruin both radios.) And, yes, it's been dealt with previously in this forum http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electr...hf-stereo.html.

Still, with two speakers going, some Channel 16 receptions are inaudible because music continues to play.

What I'm looking for is a priority switch for a single cockpit speaker: Play FM music from Input B until a VHF signal (above a certain squelch level) comes in on Input A, in which case immediately override Input B music.

My question: does anybody make such a switch? Or an external speaker that performs the same function?

[rmeador]

I'm in the process of revamping my stereo system and I was wondering the same thing. I have never run across such a device. I was thinking of building my own. It should be pretty simple. Maybe I should go into business.

[vtsailguy]

I wonder if their is a Bluetooth solution ala cars??

[SlowButSteady]

You need an automatic speaker switch. Such switches detect which source is active, and give priority to one source if both are simultaneously providing a signal, letting only one signal through to the speakers at a time. The ones I've seen need external power, so you would have to find one that runs on 12v. As I recall, the basic units aren't terribly expensive; maybe $50-$100, but it has been several years since I looked into such things. Check with your local Radio Shack or Frys, they may have them.

[Stu Jackson]

Why not just get a handheld VHF? Maybe even a lot less expensive than a switchover speaker system.

[vtsailguy]

I wholeheartedly support the handheld. I got one last year and have been amazed how much I use it. I hardly ever use my cabin VHF set any more.

Its so useful when approaching Marina etc etc. You can be talking to them and still be steering in the cockpit.

[jjablonowski]

I have a handheld and do use it. Still...

- doesn't address hearing Channel 16 broadcasts over the music, and

- with a handheld turned on all the time for monitoring, remembering to recharge/replace batteries is now yet another item on the checklist.


Years ago I picked up a very cheap gizmo for my answering machine that switched it off when an extension telephone was picked up. You'd think the radio industry would come up with a similar device.

And, yes, I've checked Radio Shack and a mail-order marine-audio shop with no joy.

[SlowButSteady]

If you can't hear a nearby handheld VHF over your stereo, how are you going to hear a crew member warning you about a hazard, or the horn of another small boat, or your engine about to tear itself apart, et cetera?? Maybe you should consider turning down the music a bit and listening to your boat and crew?

[windward54]

You can always install a VHF with a remote mic.