Unboxing the Yaesu SP-30 External Speaker (Video #7 in this series)

[@toddsternish]

honestly, your videos showing how you setup and operate your 5000 have been hugely helpful for me. You explained things that I didn't even know I didn't understand, until you explained it... I've found most of your info to be "general" enough to be applicable to my previous FT-891 (which was sold to help pay for my new FTDX10) as well as with my KX2 which I use for SOTA / POTA. Your video about the Width and Shift really, really crystallized a lot of things for me. Especially with the FT-891 which didn't really have a very explanatory graphical component to go along with the dial settings (it has one, but it doesn't make much sense until you see something like the 5000 or FTDX10's representaion). Seeing it visually, and having you explain what was happening, helped me finally understand what I thought I knew (but didn't). Thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks so much, Todd! It means so much to hear that someone finds the videos helpful. 73, Doug

[@scvd5010]

Imagine attaching a sound bar to that..would sound amazing!

[@n4hnhradio]

The AESS function in the FT-710 and FTM-500D exhibit a somewhat “surround-sound” effect, once properly set. The phase-reversal switch on a Heil headset yields a similar effect, as does the phase-reversal option in the SM-5000, for the FTdx5000.

[@NSNorfolk]

That speaker also works wonderfully with the FTdx-5000 !

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m sure it would. But I like the SM-5000 speaker/scope. It has a phase reversal mode - almost like surround-sound. It puts the other station in the room with me.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Is it possible to connect two of these Doug and have one on each side?

[@n4hnhradio]

John, I guess you could use a splitter, but since the FTdx10 doesn’t have simultaneous dual-receive capabilities, two speakers would not benefit it like with the FTdx5000, where the two speakers output the audio from each receiver. The other concern would be impedance. If you use a splitter you will cut the load impedance in half, which has the potential to overload the audio output circuit. 73, Doug

[@n4hnhradio]

John, I spoke with the FTdx10 specialist at Yaesu today. The audio output of the FTdx10 is rated for 4 to 16 Ohms. The SP-30 speaker is 4 Ohms. If you connect a second SP-30 in parallel, it will present the AF amplifier with a 2 Ohm load. This would eventually overheat the the AF amplifier. Yaesu didn’t anticipate someone might want a second speaker, since the FTdx10 doesn’t include simultaneous dual receive, like it’s big brother, the FTdx101D. You can get a second speaker for the FTdx101D or MP. In dual receive mode, you will then hear the audio from receiver A in the left speaker and the audio from receiver B in the right speaker. The SM-5000 does the same for the FTdx5000MP. There is no real need to have two speakers for the FTdx10, except for how it looks. You could buy two SP-30 speakers and swap out the speaker that is inside each of them for an 8 Ohm speaker. Use a splitter to connect both speakers and it presents a 4 Ohm load to the AF amplifier. The 4 Ohm load allows the AF amplifier to produce its highest safe output level. So you don’t need to turn the volume knob up as high with the 4 Ohm load. 73, de N4HNH

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

Hey again, did you settle on some EQ settings for the external? I just got one, and I like it, but it sounds a little muddy. Could be because I'm used to the internal one, which sounds a bit shrill, IMO. I'm running it flat right now, but guessing maybe I should add some treble boost?

[@n4hnhradio]

I added foam baffles to mine. I’m running treble at +3, mid at -3, and bass at +1. 73, de N4HNH

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks! It does seem like boosting the treb a bit helps. I wasn't sure about the mids. What do the foam baffles help do? You put them inside the enclosure?

[@n4hnhradio]

The cabinet is empty. The baffles take out the rattle and loud volume and makes the audio more full sounding. Check out this video: youth.be/0BUQGmnVEpg

[@patrickslevin6424]

How did you get your color scheme to look like it does? That might not be the question you hoped the video would generate but believe me, I've used your vid's to set up my 991A as well as my DX10......thank you.

[@n4hnhradio]

I usually use the default color scheme. If I changed it in this video, it is the menu button labeled as Color, at the top center. The default is Color-5. Thanks for watching my channel! 73, de N4HNH

[@patrickslevin6424]

@@n4hnhradio It may just be the looks after being reproduced digitally. There are some cool looking yellows that I don't know how to get on my rig. Thanks so much for your vids. I program my 991A and my DX10 using your recommendations.

[@n4hnhradio]

You could try some of the other color options and see what you think. I experimented with some of the other color schemes. But I went back to color-5 because I like how the peaks look. 73, de N4HNH

[@timsul3092]

Hi Doug, Was wanting to know if you've ever used the Yaesu SP-2000 speaker or are familiar with it? On the Yaesu website they list that speaker as an accessory option for speakers for the DX-10. I know it is not the match for the radio but it still is the Yaesu black in color, has filtering, more options, bigger speaker for possibly a better sound, and right now at certain retailers it is only $20-$30 more than the SP-30. Size is the main difference but I measured my DX-10 on its kick stand and it would be about the height of the Sp-2000 at its lowest front setting. If an exact match isn't that important do you think this would be a better speaker for the DX-10. I know the radio has all the filtering adjustments you need but it seems that for quick adjustments in a QSO hitting the button on the speaker would be nice rather than going into the menu and changing your settings. Also I guess one could look at this as a one time purchase to use with future radios in the shack. I've always used old stereo speakers or rigged my own and got by ok I guess. But thinking a speaker designed for communications would be a better option. Just wanted to get your thoughts, appreciate your opinion. Thanks, Tim.

[@n4hnhradio]

Hi Tim! I don’t have any experience with the SP-2000 but it seems like it would be a good speaker. I have the SP-8, because it matches my FT-920. It has passive filtering for SSB and CW. It works well. The SP-30 is working nicely for me with the FTdx10, because the FTdx10 has built-in settings that provide the same functionality as my SP-8, but to an even greater degree, and customizable. And I like that the SP-30 mates up to the FTdx10 perfectly, like it is meant to be there. But for $20-30 the SP-2000 sounds great! 73, de N4HNH

[@timsul3092]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks Doug. Yeah I'm going back and forth cause the speaker will look huge setting next to the 10 and will definitely take up some space but we'll see. I'm currently using an old stereo shelf speaker that sets on some shelves above the rig. It sounds ok but it can be a bit heavy on the bass and the sound comes out a couple of feet above you. I guess it's just a shot in the dark cause you really have no way to hear the speakers live for comparison. I've got some computer speakers that are powered by USB, they are smaller and can fit beside the radio so I might try them too but I guess you have to be careful about RF getting into them. Thanks again for the reply, I do appreciate it. Tim.

[@n4hnhradio]

@@timsul3092 for what it’s worth, I’m happy with the SP-30 and it is made to match up to the look and profile of the FTdx10. 73, de N4HNH

[@timsul3092]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks Doug, Your opinion is valued and much appreciated. I have a tendency to over think things at times.🤔 Thanks again.

[@joekrepps]

Any thoughts on the SP-30 as a speaker for the FT891? I operate my 891 exclusively mobile so I'm already in a noisy environment and, if I increase the DNR, I often find that I've got the volume cranked up pretty high. I realize you might never operate mobile but it seems you have a great feel for your expectations for audio. Tnx & 73's! Joe/WB3CFN

[@n4hnhradio]

You must have missed my FT-891 playlist. I have several videos of my FT-891 mobile. The SP-30 might be okay for the FT-891, but it would be bulky, and awkward to mount. And I would recommend installing the baffles, as I showed in the video a couple of months ago. I use an old Yaesu speaker from the 1990s with my FT-891 mobile. It was made for mobile installation. It had a bracket to secure it to the dash. But for mobile operation, you might want to consider the West Mountain Radio CLR-SPKR. It is amplified and includes DSP noise reduction. My friend Joel has one in his Jeep. 73, de N4HNH

[@robertallbright]

Hi Doug, thankyou, I do own a FTDX10 and a 5000MP I feel that the DX10 does need a decent external speaker when used as a base station but I'm not sure if the SP30 will do the radio justice? 73 Rob G3RCE

[@n4hnhradio]

Hi Rob! I’m using the SP-30 and I have no complaints. I like that the SP-30 matches the profile too. When it sits next to the FTdx10, it almost looks like it is part of the radio. Does it sound better than the SM-5000? Not to me. That’s a tall order. But it might just be a matter of personal taste. The FTdx5000MP is still my favorite radio overall. 73, Doug

[@jacekjanicki6192]

Up to two radios: yaesu ft-mp1000field / icom ic751A. Which speaker is better; yaesu sp-980 yaesu sp-108 Icom sp-20

[@n4hnhradio]

I have no personal experience with those speakers. I have used the Yaesu SP-8 and it was great! It is generally a good idea to use a speaker from the same manufacturer as the radio. 73, de N4HNH

[@jacekjanicki6192]

@@n4hnhradio I have two different radios, i will choose either of these two icom sp-20 or yaesu sp8, yaesu is a little smaller, thank you.

[@radioamigoscanariasespana8021]

Avery good concratulation

[@512ethan]

The Video is pretty dark? Really hard to get a close up shot of the Radio with the speaker next to it. Not really sold on paying the extra money for a speaker with no audio filtering on it. Thanks.

[@n4hnhradio]

The radio works fine with its internal speaker. It just sounds more like a base station with the SP-30 connected. And you don’t need any filters in the speaker. The FTdx10 has all the filtering you need. 74, de N4HNH

[@1961markc]

How do you get the display setup like you have? Thanks 73"s KE8PHJ

[@n4hnhradio]

I tapped 3DSS and Multi. The color scheme is the default color scheme. Is that what you are referring to? 73, Doug

[@whippersnappercc]

So, the $170 question, is it worth it?

[@n4hnhradio]

I think so. It makes the FTdx10 look and sound more like a base station than a mobile. 73, de N4HNH

[@Macjohn1419]

I bought a few Realistic Minimus 7 speakers on eBay in mint condition and I feel they have an incredible sound reproduction. I have a shelf above my radios and line up the speakers so they don’t take up valuable desk space. I have 4 various radios along with the Minimus speakers. Excellent audio.

[@n4hnhradio]

I have a couple of Minimus 7 and Minimus 11 speakers that I bought at Radio Shack in the 1980s. They are still a part of my Pioneer stereo system. Good little speakers. I use mine for surround sound. 73, de N4HNH

[@paulhastings3109]

Oh can I add the most of these videos, Are a few months old. Thank you

[@johnmason8197]

Hi I get audio threw the sp sp 30 speaker but I get rf audio threw it . I’ve just bought the dx10 and sp 30 speaker not sure why can you help me please ? 2e0fnq Jon

[@n4hnhradio]

Is this SSB? Do you have Moni enabled? If RF is getting into your audio, that indicates an antenna problem. You can use an antenna tuner to make the radio happy but there will still be RF on the coax shield up to the tuner. You can install a 1:1 choke balun outside, before the coax enters your house. Also add 2 or 3 snap-on chokes to the coax inside your house. One of my videos last year covered RF in the shack.

[@johnmason8197]

@@n4hnhradio I find wen I move the md1 mike away from the radio it solves the problem . And thank you for your quick reply and your very helpful videos .. Jon

[@n4hnhradio]

The MD-1 is an amplified mic. It will be more susceptible to RF feedback. I always recommend to bypass the EQ in the MD-1 and follow the settings I use in video #4 of the FTdx10 playlist. Also, the MD-1 cannot cause TX audio to come from the SP-30 unless Moni is enabled. If Moni is not enabled and you still hear your TX audio in the SP-30, you have an antenna system issue.

[@johnmason8197]

@@n4hnhradio thank u I will check

[@adamzann3360]

If you want to hear really well ... buy yourself good headphones. The loudspeaker is suitable for music in the room and absolutely wili not replace good headphones - in all radio communications. Question: Do you want to hear really well or have a daubtfull comfort? The price is the same.

[@n4hnhradio]

I wear a Heil Proset Elite 6 headset when working weak signals. I'm okay with the external speaker for normal rag chew.

[@Homer19521]

Joel KC4WZB, if you are reading this, I am your new best friend. Please forward all new stuff to me.

[@n4hnhradio]

Ha!

[@Homer19521]

I am good on QRZ when you want to ship it....just sayin. With this chip shortage, I am afraid I won't be able to even buy one.

[@francoisdavenne2162]

dear , i give it to you for my PERSONAL experience, when you receive weak signals you hear nothing from the external than the internal speakers because is too loud AND SOUNDS LIKE HIFI but if you have 5/9 report listening , the external is much better for ear comfort i prefer hear weak signals ........ I wonder if there is not an integrated low pass filter, a simple capacitor in parallel It gives me that impression or maybe it's the sounding board. hams have so many disgusting microphones and settings that when you put the external speaker on, it's horrible best regards from F4ILF

[@n4hnhradio]

The speaker has no filter. The radio does the audio tapering. I typically set the DSP width to 2450 Hertz. This setting is a good balance that cleans up most bad audio and takes out some of the atmospheric noise. I made an improvement to this speaker, in a subsequent video. It made the speaker sound better.

[@t2Din63]

You should oooooo

[@n4hnhradio]

Huh?