External Mic Pop with Boafeng AR-5RM

[AndyOnTheRadio]

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I recently picked up the AR-5RM along with a waterproof Baofeng external mic/speaker. However, when I plug in the mic, I get a loud popping noise from the speaker. The pop happens when receiving a signal, pressing buttons on the handheld, and even when using a separate earpiece.

I’ve noticed the same issue with this mic on my UV-5R with the same mic and headset. I know this is a common problem with Baofeng radios, and I understand they’re not built to NASA specs. I've read a few Reddit and blog posts about the issue but they are 5 -15 years old.

Has anyone found a solution in the past few years? If you’ve dealt with this issue, how did you fix it?

I appreciate any insights you can share!

[SteveShannon]

34 minutes ago, AndyOnTheRadio said:

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I recently picked up the AR-5RM along with a waterproof Baofeng external mic/speaker. However, when I plug in the mic, I get a loud popping noise from the speaker. The pop happens when receiving a signal, pressing buttons on the handheld, and even when using a separate earpiece.

I’ve noticed the same issue with this mic on my UV-5R, but not on my UV-5G or UV-9R Pro—likely due to the different connector type. I know this is a common problem with Baofeng radios, and I understand they’re not built to NASA specs. I've read a few Reddit and blog posts about the issue but they are 5 -15 years old.

Has anyone found a solution in the past few years? If you’ve dealt with this issue, how did you fix it?

I appreciate any insights you can share!

So do the pops only happen when the external speaker is plugged in, not when using the internal speaker?  Do you have a different speaker you can try?  Is the plug plugged all the way in? Some of these inexpensive speaker/mics are difficult to plug in completely. 

[WRTC928]

Following with interest. I haven't experienced this problem, but I have two 5RMs that have never been unboxed, so it could happen. I'll be interested to see if anyone has figured out a fix.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

1 hour ago, SteveShannon said:

So do the pops only happen when the external speaker is plugged in, not when using the internal speaker?  Do you have a different speaker you can try?  Is the plug plugged all the way in? Some of these inexpensive speaker/mics are difficult to plug in completely. 

Thanks Steve. I can say that the mic and headset are pushed all the way in with a solid connection. I have tried two different mics on both the AR-5RM and UV-5R and gotten the same problem on both radios. I will say the internal speaker does pop a little. I didn't notice it over the beep and key press. Do you think that's the same issue, just amplified on an external mic/speaker?

[AndyOnTheRadio]

58 minutes ago, Socalgmrs said:

Try not using that mic with the affected radio. That will stop the popping % of the time.  Only use the mic with the radios that do not present this problem.  I guarantee this will work.  I’m fact I’d totally get rid of the affected radios and only purchase radios that work correctly with the accessories you want to use.  

I see your point. I may return it and get something better.

[SteveShannon]

14 minutes ago, AndyOnTheRadio said:

Thanks Steve. I can say that the mic and headset are pushed all the way in with a solid connection. I have tried two different mics on both the AR-5RM and UV-5R and gotten the same problem on both radios. I will say the internal speaker does pop a little. I didn't notice it over the beep and key press. Do you think that's the same issue, just amplified on an external mic/speaker?

Yes, I suspect it is. Usually an audio circuit would have filtering (capacitors to take the surge to ground or inductors in series) to block the transients like that.  It sounds like the filtering wasn’t designed in or components have failed. If the radio is new I would return it and demand one that doesn’t pop.

[dosw]

I have found that when I have external earpiece or speaker (or VOX recorder) plugged into my UV-5Gs, and my AR-5RM that I get a similar mic pop. It's VERY loud at the start of receiving a signal. So loud (regardless of volume level) that I can't really use an earpiece with those radios. And my voice activated recorder records a really loud pop at the start of each incoming transmission.

 

So I'd say from my own experience with Baofeng radios that's just how they are, and you're not experiencing anything particularly unusual with yours. You won't have better luck by trading them in for new ones. They all do it, all of the Baofengs I've seen, at least.

I'm not Baofeng bashing, either. As <$30 radios, they're great. But this feature isn't very well refined.

[HHD1]

I have 2 AR-5rm's and do not have that issue with either one.  So that makes me think it's a defective unit. 

On a side note, and I'm not sure if it's necessary, but I always make sure my radio is off before I attach or detach my external.  It's a leftover habit from running sound equipment.  It's quite easy to damage amps, speakers, and mics by connecting while under power.  Maybe the same goes for radio.

[WRTC928]

2 hours ago, HHD1 said:

On a side note, and I'm not sure if it's necessary, but I always make sure my radio is off before I attach or detach my external.  It's a leftover habit from running sound equipment.  It's quite easy to damage amps, speakers, and mics by connecting while under power.  Maybe the same goes for radio.

I picked up that habit in the military. I was told that plugging or unplugging accessories while the unit is powered could be harmful. TBH, I just took it as gospel and never did any research of my own.  It takes literally a second, so I don't see any need to change my habit.

[Socalgmrs]

Try not using that mic with the affected radio. That will stop the popping % of the time.  Only use the mic with the radios that do not present this problem.  I guarantee this will work.  I’m fact I’d totally get rid of the affected radios and only purchase radios that work correctly with the accessories you want to use.