When I first installed the Yaesu FT-7900R radio, I initially stated that I didn't need the external speaker. After my recent Christmas road trip, I decided that was the wrong decision. I installed a Yaesu MLS-100 external speaker, which is a bit larger than I initially wanted.
The speaker fit easily into the dash, where I used to keep my sunglasses. There is a rubber tray that pops out, and underneath it is a threaded screw. It is perfectly placed so that the MLS-100 speaker bracket is perfectly centered, and allows the bracket to be bolted without any additional drilling.
The speaker fit easily into the dash, where I used to keep my sunglasses. There is a rubber tray that pops out, and underneath it is a threaded screw. It is perfectly placed so that the MLS-100 speaker bracket is perfectly centered, and allows the bracket to be bolted without any additional drilling.
The downside is that the speaker is large and obvious. I normally like my installations to be as unobtrusive as possible. I've heard that there are some CB radio speakers that are smaller and can be hidden in the roll bar - it's an option that I'm still considering.
In any case, I hid the wiring in the convenient rubber gasket between the windshield and the dashboard, then ran the wire inside the driver's side punch out panel (the same place that I routed my power and antenna wires). I connected everything up and turned it on.
In any case, I hid the wiring in the convenient rubber gasket between the windshield and the dashboard, then ran the wire inside the driver's side punch out panel (the same place that I routed my power and antenna wires). I connected everything up and turned it on.
First of all, it sounds great. I'm really happy with how different remote stations sounds using this speaker. Second, I am using way less volume, and therefore, way less static and interference is bothering my wife when she's in the car. Happy wife, happy life. Overall, I am very pleased with the speaker. Like I said, I'm still testing it out. I did get a very friendly offer from another local ham to test another speaker out, but I think that the Yaesu MLS-100 is really growing on me. Note: Yaesu's speaker may be more expensive than what you want, and that's no problem. Any external speaker with a resistance of 8 ohms will work in this application. Test your speaker if you're not sure. You may also need to install the correct connector. Alternatively, visit your local truck stop to get one made for CBs, and you'll probably be fine. One local ham was telling me that you can get external speakers for about $1 at a local hamfest! |