Portable PA system

[dfgraper]

Greetings fellow rocketeers,
We are finally getting our flying field up and running and in need of a portable PA system. We do not need anything huge at this point since we are just starting out. I have searched here but most of the posts are before the time of Bluetooth. Does anyone have any suggestions of a good system to look at?

 

[tim cubbedge]

There is a club in Alabama that uses this system. Our club has also been looking for new PA. Also sold on Amazon.
https://www.lyxpro.com/products/lyx...th-mp3-usb-sd-1-4-35mm-2-wireless-microphones

 

[ep29030]

I've used the 10-20Watt PA systems that work on 12V/120V. Radio Shack had one and I believe Pyle used to sell one. Paired with a high-impedance mic, they will go several hours when connected to a 12V lawn mower battery. I like the Speco SPC-15 speaker, but any 4-8 ohm speaker will work. Here is an example I found on eBay looking for "12V PA amplifier": https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Realistic-MPA-20-Solid-State-P-A-System-Amplifier-220V-12V-black/

 

[rcktnut]

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Megaphone-Speaker-Bullhorn-Built/dp/B004HJ754O/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&hvadid=78683853422557&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=handheld+loudspeaker&qid=1583345787&sr=8-1

 

[DaveW6DPS]

This one is small, but may work as a start. It operates on both 110VAC and 12VDC.

Check this out at Amazon.com
Pyle KTPMSA20HM Pair of 8'' Indoor / Outdoor 65 Watt PA Horn Speakers w/ 50 Watt Power Amplifier & Handheld Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRMHZIO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_gk.xEbZJXH62M

 

[BEC]

I use one from this maker when I need a PA at the field: https://smile.amazon.com/Portable-Microphones-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Connected/dp/B00FZ5PZ2I/

There are a bunch of models with different combinations of mics (handheld or headset), one or two inputs, that sort of thing. A couple of other clubs in the state use 'em, too, at LPR/MPR launches or as backup PA at high power launches.

They've gone up in price some since I got mine.

I like it because it's just a box I set on a stand, and a wireless microphone. It's powered by an internal lithium ion battery. Easy setup, no wires to string.

 

[dfgraper]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

 

[Zonie]

We have an AV guy, Chad, in our group who built one in a rackmount roadie case. It has a Radio Shack Amplifier, wireless mic, and four large box speakers with stands. Recently I upgraded it with:

• Four Channel Wireless Mic system so LCO, RSO, and RSOB can all speak on it during operations and all can hear.
  
• GMRS base station radio and five Motoroala T480 Talkabout radios which also receive Broadcast FM.
• 7W FM Broadcast transmitter so people can hear the launch announcements on their personal radios, and anyone carrying a Motorola T480 or Baofeng UV5R radio can monitor while out recovering a rocket or at the away pad.
• Bluetooth transceiver so we can play music from Phones and not have to be tethered to the unit.
• 1000 W Pure sine inverter to run it all on 12V without any buzz on the speakers.
• AutoTransfer relay so it will switch to 120VAC if plugged into a generator.

Yeah, kinda got carried away, but it is pretty cool. And, yeah, it weighs a ton! We're going to be adding a 280W solar panel to our club trailer to keep the battery charged during use.

 

[dfgraper]

Thanks for the suggestion!