Train Boss Defect Detector wired to a Walkie Talkie?

[NWP SWP]

Ok so I'm thinking about attempting to persuade the club to purchase a Train Boss defect detector (I'll be contributing a good bit towards its purchase price) I see that it has an audio line out for speakers, so my theory is that if I run a line through an adapter down to the size of the MIC line in on a two way and set it to VOX operation (hands free voice activated) then theoretically when the detector goes off and starts outputting an audio signal the two way will start broadcasting the defect report? Right?

During ops we all wear two way headsets so everybody would hear it.

 

[jrbernier]

  I suspect that output is designed to drive an 8 ohm speaker.  What is the input of the radio unit?

[RR_Mel]

Cute idea.  VOX circuits in two-way radio can be a problem.  And as Jrbernier mentioned you will need to match the impedance of the output to the radio. 

 

You might get away with something as simple as a volume pot.  If the output from the device is meant to drive a small speaker at mill watts the mic input is most likely in micro volts.  If it’s a cheapo radio it might have a higher voltage mic input for a capacitor microphone and it might just plug in and go.  I higher quality radio normally has much more gain for better microphones and the volume from the device could need to be reduced by as much as 40bd.  

 

You might check with the manufacturer, they might have a ready made adapter to fit the radio, plug and play.

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[NWP SWP]

Yeah these aren't fancy radios they are the most basic low budget ones.

I think these are them,

https://midlandusa.com/product/lxt118two-way-radio/

I believe a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter will work but I don't know.

[RR_Mel]

Check with the manufacturer of the Train Boss to see if they make an adapter.

 

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[NWP SWP]

Nothing on the website, did see a video where a guy just taped a two way with VOX operation to the speaker of the detector, not as clean as a wired setup but hey KISS applies! Keep it stupid simple. That might work?

[SeeYou190]

NWP SWP

but hey KISS applies! Keep it stupid simple.

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KISS always applies! I was a card-carrying member of the KISS Army for most of my youth!

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Rock And Roll All Night And Party Every Day! 

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Oops, I guess he meant a different KISS, , sorry.

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-Kevin

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