Wireless external speaker for VHF radio

[KHE]

I have a Standard horizon Eclipse+ GX1250 VHF radio in my boat and it is mounted in the dash about knee height on the starboard side of the helm station. With the volume turned all the way up, it is difficult to hear the radio at cruising speeds. There is an external speaker jack on the back of the radio and I am thinking about adding an external speaker but don't want the cable in view.

Does anyone make a wireless speaker for such an application?

 

[hughespat57]

I would first check the output of the radio, they often can drive 5-10 watt remote speakers which works well in noisy environments. Even if it means a little effort onetime to get the wires run neatly. And you have the option of amplified radio speakers if more volume is needed. Several options on this same page.
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC23A-Communications-Amplifying-Receivers/dp/B009TNAGDA/
https://www.amazon.com/Poly-Planar-External-Speaker-Round-White/dp/B000K2M8WG/ (flush mount)
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-MLS-310W-External-Amplifier/dp/B005G0XWSG/ (specifically for SH)

I can think of a way to do this, but keep in mind the speaker still needs power. So you either are going to be changing or charging batteries in the remote speaker.
Or you still will have to have a power wire. Same happens on the radio end you'll need a 12v power adaptor or have to keep recharging batteries because almost all these are designed for USB charging. I think this would be more trouble to operate then it saves in wiring.

So BlueTooth speaker, and a Bluetooth transmitter. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-Simultaneously/dp/B01EHSX28M/

cheapest speaker (may not be loud enough) many others to choose from, think outdoor.
https://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing-Wireless-Bluetooth-Waterproof/dp/B013XJLCGU/
https://www.amazon.com/INSMY-Portable-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Wireless/dp/B07KRK3FZ9/

 

[KHE]

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like the hard wired amplified speaker is the way to go. I need to figure out where to run the wires so it looks good.

 

[JVM225]

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like the hard wired amplified speaker is the way to go. I need to figure out where to run the wires so it looks good.

Just make sure that it is far enough away from any compass you might have.
They usually install the speakers in a stupidly low place because of a compass on the dash.

 

[HawkX66]

Just make sure that it is far enough away from any compass you might have.
They usually install the speakers in a stupidly low place because of a compass on the dash.

True. The compass is extremely sensitive to nearly everything metal. While I was rebuilding mine a month or so ago I was showing my youngest son how something so simple as a jewelers screwdriver would make the compass go haywire. It was magnetized I'm sure. From a foot away you could make the compass start to spin.

 

[KHE]

I was thinking about mounting it to the bimini support tubes near the side of my head which would be farther away from the compass than the current VHF radio. This may be a project that will be put on the back burner until next spring.