Low Volume HH

[radioguy]

Hello, Tech Types,

I've got an EFJ 5100 handheld with extremely(!) low volume at the full clockwise setting.

All other functions appear to be normal. Any suggestions as to what to look for?

Thanks in advance.

[Slim]

My best guess would be a bad volume pot.  Are you able to hook a speaker mic to it and replicate the problem?   That would rule out my second best guess, a bad internal speaker.

Volume pots are easily replaceable if you can find the parts and someone to do it.

[radioguy]

@Slim  Thanks for the suggestion to check with a speaker/mic (I should have thought of that!).  The audio is normal when using the speaker/mic, so it appears that the internal speaker is at fault.  Unfortunately, this particular radio is listed as "not NTC supported".

[Slim]

Well, that's good news.  The radio is still usable with the mike.

Speakers are a pretty easy fix too.  I don't know about the EFJs, but with Motorolas of that type/vintage, they're integral to the facepiece.  Open it up, disconnect the speaker and ribbon cable to the display/buttons, and reconnect a new front case.  That is, if you can find one either NOS or from a donor radio.