I’ve got the Uniden 520xl which has the PA feature. So i’m looking into adding a speaker setup just for fun. Those who’ve added a PA setup to their jeep, what do u need? Best speaker? Thanks in advance!
I too have the 520xl. The PA "Feature" is half bogus - it only puts out 7 watts, completely useless for PA use. You want either an amplified PA horn, or a PA horn and separate amp. I blundered my way into the second setup, pieced everything together including an impedance matching circuit, a 50 watt amp, a 50 watt horn; tested it, worked GREAT - then the next time I went to use it it was dead. I don't yet know why - haven't had a chance to do much troubleshooting.
FWIW, here's a video demonstrating the non-amplified vs amplified output:
FWIW, and I'm currently not recommending it because I don't yet know why its suddenly not working...@Zorba, what horn and amp did you end up with? And where did you mount it all?
Thanks for your reply. I might have an amp laying around that i could get to work. The video was super helpful, definitely seems like an amp is the better way to go, just also more expensive.I too have the 520xl. The PA "Feature" is half bogus - it only puts out 7 watts, completely useless for PA use. You want either an amplified PA horn, or a PA horn and separate amp. I blundered my way into the second setup, pieced everything together including an impedance matching circuit, a 50 watt amp, a 50 watt horn; tested it, worked GREAT - then the next time I went to use it it was dead. I don't yet know why - haven't had a chance to do much troubleshooting.
FWIW, here's a video demonstrating the non-amplified vs amplified output:
About how loud is it without the amp? I don’t plan on using it for much, just for messing around and having fun.@Zorba, thanks for posting. You've done more than I have.
I too have the 520XL, and I installed one of these, without an amp or anything. @Jerry Bransford explained to me after the fact why the Uniden isn't able to power that speaker very well, but I also suppose that it depends upon your usage. For me, just messing around with the kids, etc., it's still loud enough to be fun. If I were leading a Jeep rally or trying to start a new political party, I'd probably invest in something more.
Did u use an amp or anything?I installed one of these about 10 years ago under the hood. Still working great to this day.
https://www.rightchannelradios.com/collections/cb-speakers-pa-horns/products/cb-pa-speaker-15-watt
About how loud is it without the amp? I don’t plan on using it for much, just for messing around and having fun.
Nope. Plenty of volume for trail use.Did u use an amp or anything?
Just to bring this full circle - the amp now works again. So it would appear the Nobsound amp is GTG. The problem with the sudden failure was the inline connector at the speaker failed - of all things. I replaced it with a better grade connector that will presumably hold up better. In any event, it works once more.FWIW, and I'm currently not recommending it because I don't yet know why its suddenly not working...
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Horn BARELY fits:
There’s no room to mount it the opposite direction. Otherwise i wouldI mounted mine facing the opposite direction but that should work ok too.