http://www.bhinstrumentation.co.uk
“The NES 10-2 Noise Eliminating Speaker incorporates NEW Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to remove unwanted background noise and interference from speech enabling you to concentrate and listen "stress free…
(BHI products, Sales Catalogue)

Ever since my purchase of a Galaxy Saturn transceiver about five years ago, I’d been hoping for a way to improve the RX and lower the ridiculously high noise level which seems so prevalent with this brand of radio.

As is the case with many rigs, the noise blanker mode was completely useless on the Galaxy — making no difference at all to the 5/7 background clamour which often paralysed my DX activities.

Although based in the Torres Strait Islands at the time, I still suffered loads of electrical and natural interference — possibly attributed to some of the Indonesian fishing boats in the surrounding waters or maybe even some dodgy electrical appliances running in some of the nearby 101 Division villages.

Obviously, this high level QRM/QRN caused me lots of frustration — especially in times of huge IOTA pile ups when signals weren’t that great and I had my ears glued to the transceiver.

It wasn’t until I read a review of the bhi NES10-2 DSP speaker in ‘Radio and Communications’ magazine (R.I.P) and set about getting my hands on one, that I started feeling a bit better about my predicament.

After being convinced of the speaker’s capabilities by the owner of the mag, Bob Harper, and testimonies from others such as 43SD133 Jaye and 43SD121 Frank who were already in possession of the DSP speaker, I jumped on the net and located a distributor.

After convincing the XYL money manager that $300 was a cheap price to pay for an accessory to compliment the $1000 transceiver, it wasn’t long before I was enjoying some of the benefits this little beauty has to offer…

Manufactured in 26 Division, the bhi NES10-2 is a small, black rectangular speaker approximately 110mm in width, 65mm in height and 55mm in density.

Arriving on the barge from Cairns on the Australian mainland within record time, this sexy little unit turned up from Andrews Communications in Sydney double boxed with protective foam, a 24 page operating manual and a 2m DC power cable.

Appearance

As the picture shows, the front of the unit is dominated by the speaker grille with the model number in silver text on the bottom left corner and a LED indicator on the top right.

Located on the apex is a sensitivity control and an on/off noise cancellation control, which, unlike the Galaxy Saturn’s, works.

Furthermore, dip switches, a printed noise cancellation selection table (see picture), audio input lead and a DC power 2.1mm socket are found on the rear of the unit.

Other features include a headphone socket located on the left hand side of the speaker and fitted mounting brackets which enabled me to fix the speaker to the underside of my desk in the radio shack to give me extra table space for filling out the log and QSL cards (ie. more space for mess).

Operation

After familiarising myself with the manual, I hooked up the unit to DC power and connected the supplied 2 metre long speaker cable to the test transceiver (in my case a Galaxy Saturn).

As there is no actual on/off power switch for the speaker, all you do is turn on any 12-28 volt dc power supply to operate it. As power is turned on the LED light glows, indicating which position the on/off noise cancellation switch is set at.

If it;s glowing red, for instance, this indicates that DSP function is off. But if it's coloured green, then this indicates that the DSP function is on.

There are two controls which only need to be adjusted if you alter the connected receiving equipment or encounter a signal that needs extra processing. They are the sensitivity control and the dip switches.

The dip switches by default are already set to level 6 but I did find that a lower or higher setting was sometimes more suited in different DX conditions.

According to the operating manual, the sensitivity control is set, in the first instance, by turning it fully anti-clockwise and then back a quarter of a turn.

The next thing to do is switch the on/off noise cancellation off and find a signal which is affected by a bit of noise. The on/off noise cancellation switch is then turned on.

It usually takes a couple of seconds for the DSP to kick in but you will soon notice a distinct improvement in audio quality and noise cancellation (typically 20dB) with far less crackle and pop and, in most cases, a signal that is much more friendly to the ears.

Having owned the speaker for about two years, I have used it with success on many types of signals including AM Shortwave Broadcasts when shortwave listening, SSB and Morse code signals.

On all occasions, audio quality was improved substantially with the speaker connected. I have even found that using the speaker will allow me to hear stations on SSB that I would, in ordinary circumstances, not be able to do so. And for that, I am most grateful!

Final Wrap
The bhi NES10-2 DSP speaker may be diminutive and unassuming but the improved audio output can make the most sub-standard transceiver appear adequate. I would imagine that it would also be suitable for marine communications and maritime mobile dx, Taxi Base Stations, Emergency Vehicles, Hands Free Car Kits, Cars and Trucks or for Telephone extension speakers.

Providing the item is affordable to you, I would recommend it to any one wanting to improve their reception of radio signals and audio - without spending a huge amount of money on a new DSP based transceiver.

Having said that, I have also used it in conjunction with the DSP features on my Kenwood TS-2000 and its matching SP-23 speaker with terrific results.

73 de Admin