Connecting Multiple Mobiles to a Single Power Supply?

[Ben10001]

I have a unique (I think) proposition.

I have a bunch of Maxtrack mobile radios (6) that I don't use. Recently I began an ambitious project to record a number radio streams. I have been using HT1000's with an audio adapter and a male to male stereo plug which works fine, I have been recording 4 channels successfully.

Recently I went to review some of the files and I found that one radio hasn't been recording since the it lost power to the charger and died, I had no clue.

I figure a permanent remedy would be to use a mobile radio with a proper power supply and that would solve the issue (plus I would get better receiving range... always a plus).

So I have all these mobiles and I am wondering if it is at all possible to connect a bunch of mobiles to a single power source. Just to be clear, there will *never* be any TXing on any of the mobiles.

Are there any special PS's out there? Or can a regular Motorola or other brand PS hold them all at once?

[n3obl]

Use something like a 20-30 amp astron power supply. If you want to make sure all the radios dont transmit use rx only to prevent transmit.

[kcbooboo]

MaxTracs only draw 0.5 - 1 amps (depending on the speaker volume) when receiving. Just make sure the supply can handle the required number of radios (figure 1 amp each) continuously. I routinely run multiple MaxTracs as repeater receivers and transmitters off the same power supply. Absolutely not a problem. Program the TX FREQs to BLANK so they can't transmit, just to be safe. You can get very good constant-level audio from the front panel MIC jack. Turn the volume all the way down or remove the internal speaker jumper or cable to silence it completely.

Bob M.

[RFguy]

or remove the internal speaker jumper or cable to silence it completely.

Or jumper out the resistor on the mic jack/volume control board. It's a "minimum volume" resistor in the bottom leg of the pot. We regularly jumper this resistor out in radio's used as remote control stations.

[Ben10001]

So Astron it is, thanks for the tips i'll go find a 20-30amp one on ebay.

What about using a 16pin plug in the back of the mobile with only two wires to external speaker, but instead cap them with a stereo plug right into the audio input on my computer? Wouldn't that silence the front speak and give me a solid audio feed?

[kcbooboo]

The speaker volume is controlled by the front panel volume control. If you want to keep playing with levels, then go ahead and use the speaker output.

The front panel MIC jack pin 8 is a constant level output that's not affected by the volume control. Much more suitable for recording purposes.

However, it's a free country.

Bob M.

[SteveC0625]

Here's a compromise for ya....

Flat RX audio is also available on Pin 11 of the accessory connector.

[Ben10001]

So I would pull two wires one from pin 11 and one from pin 7, would that alone shut off the front speaker? Or do I need to jumper out another 2 pins?

[wavetar]

So I would pull two wires one from pin 11 and one from pin 7, would that alone shut off the front speaker? Or do I need to jumper out another 2 pins?

7 & 11 are all that's needed. Be aware you'll likely have to move a jumper inside the radio to give filtered, squelched audio...I believe the default is unfiltered, unsquelched. I think the jumper is Ju551? It's been a long time...

[Jazzy222]

Good suggestion you people are really good