Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
I have had the same D104 for the last 25 years at least. I got it new from AES I think, and it still works good as new, despite the abuse. A very good microphone to use with some rigs like the 32v3, with mods to the radio. My D104 has a grey uncoiled cord, and when I tried putting a longer cord on it (only a few feet longer) it lost all its high end! These things are very high impiedance! Brett N2DTS - Original Message - From: "D. Chester" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 4:21 PM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements > I understand that Astatic will replace the mic element if you send the old > mic back to them for repair. They will charge you for the new element plus > installation fee, likely to be as much or more than the element itself. I > wouldn't send them one of my pre-1937 1-inch thick mic heads though. They > might not re-assemble it with all the original hardware, they might damage > it or worse still, the old mic head might be considered a 'core replacement' > and I would get back someone else's new style head with a new element in it. > One option would be to send a spare usused later model head and when I got > it back, swap it out with the one in my older version. > > A spare mic head should be no different whether kept "n.o.s" in the > original unopened box or installed in a microphone. I don't think > connecting a microphone to a rig could cause any additional wear and tear on > the microphone, other than possible damage from being dropped. I have > several D-104's with good elements and they all work OK. The last time I > bought a new element from Astatic was sometime about 1990. > > I once saw a Japanese reproduction D-104 at a hamfest. It looked identical > to the original, except for the name plate, and the screws that hold the > head together which were phillips-head instead of slotted. Of course, I > have no idea if the element inside was the same thing. If so, they might > still have replacement elements, but I wouldn't count on it being identical > to or as good as an original Astatic. > > As popular as those mics have been ever since 1933, you would think that by > now someone would be manufacturing low-cost after-market elements that would > be identical to and as good as the originals, just like they do automotive > parts. > > Don k4kyv > > __ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html > Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net > To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
The volumax went away and OK on tubes right now...Just got the meter today... Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 7:17 PM To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements Hello Bob, Two items. Do you still have the CBS Volumax for sale? How much? Do you still need tubes for the Gonset G-76? BTW, why am I thinking the modulators and final are different. I sold my G-76 (kick my ass for doing so) but I have extra tubes in the shack. I vaguely remember the modulators and final as being different. Correct me accordingly. And remind me abt the screen resistor "glitch" between schematic and production units. Gave me hell for an hour or so. 73 de W4MIL Chuck Palm Coast, FL -Original Message- From: Bob Peters <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: 'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service' Sent: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 7:44 pm Subject: RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements A Comment on your E mail...The Behringer is a great little box especially for the money. But if you want A really great sounding D-104 go to the K7DYY site and check out his board. Guys let me tell you I have a D104 And a 10DA with Bruces board on board and guys say that it sounds like WBAP AM. I have a lot of high doller gear And love what Bruce has done. Check with Brian WA5AM on how he thinks the quality is. Bruce has a number of options On it...I sent my mic to him and let him do his thing...His Web site is www.k7dyy.com All the best... Bob W1PE -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 6:04 PM To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements So far I've not found the crystal mic elements from Mouser, "Kobetone" etc., to be really good enough to replace the D104 element, or even the elements in crystal mobile mics. I don't think their diaphragms are big enough. The original D104 is prized because it has good low-end response, and a preemphasis rise in the upper-midrange. You can use it with an otherwise flat transmitter and get decent results without any extra EQ gadgets. Rather than use a sub-optimum crystal element to replace a bad D104, I'd consider using one of the $1 consenser elements in the head and use external EQ, or maybe a circuit in the base of the G-stand, to get the rising response characteristic. A side note: For a real bargain in a pro-quality mic look at the Behringer C-1 as shown at http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=C-1 $40 is *very* cheap for such a good-sounding mic. But keep in mind its response is essentially flat, not like a D104, and it needs phantom-power. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/text.htm?ncid =aolcmp000503 __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Rat Shack (aka Radio Shack) crystal elements Yes, those RS units were quite good - I should have bought a bunch of them when they were available. I have one here I found in an old handset I built as a kid, and I have it in the drawer for the next crystal mic I need. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
Hello Bob, Two items. Do you still have the CBS Volumax for sale? How much? Do you still need tubes for the Gonset G-76? BTW, why am I thinking the modulators and final are different. I sold my G-76 (kick my ass for doing so) but I have extra tubes in the shack. I vaguely remember the modulators and final as being different. Correct me accordingly. And remind me abt the screen resistor "glitch" between schematic and production units. Gave me hell for an hour or so. 73 de W4MIL Chuck Palm Coast, FL -Original Message- From: Bob Peters <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: 'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service' Sent: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 7:44 pm Subject: RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements A Comment on your E mail...The Behringer is a great little box especially for the money. But if you want A really great sounding D-104 go to the K7DYY site and check out his board. Guys let me tell you I have a D104 And a 10DA with Bruces board on board and guys say that it sounds like WBAP AM. I have a lot of high doller gear And love what Bruce has done. Check with Brian WA5AM on how he thinks the quality is. Bruce has a number of options On it...I sent my mic to him and let him do his thing...His Web site is www.k7dyy.com All the best... Bob W1PE -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 6:04 PM To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements So far I've not found the crystal mic elements from Mouser, "Kobetone" etc., to be really good enough to replace the D104 element, or even the elements in crystal mobile mics. I don't think their diaphragms are big enough. The original D104 is prized because it has good low-end response, and a preemphasis rise in the upper-midrange. You can use it with an otherwise flat transmitter and get decent results without any extra EQ gadgets. Rather than use a sub-optimum crystal element to replace a bad D104, I'd consider using one of the $1 consenser elements in the head and use external EQ, or maybe a circuit in the base of the G-stand, to get the rising response characteristic. A side note: For a real bargain in a pro-quality mic look at the Behringer C-1 as shown at http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=C-1 $40 is *very* cheap for such a good-sounding mic. But keep in mind its response is essentially flat, not like a D104, and it needs phantom-power. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/text.htm?ncid=aolcmp000503 __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
Some of the mic elements available for a "reasonable" (read this cheap) price perform fb and others do not. It's often a matter of checking them through a good amplifier and watching the upper and lower levels of response. I'm fortunate to have an original D-104 that sounds great and meets the specs it was originally designed for. That said, I've had more than one of the "MOUSER" elements along with some old Rat Shack (aka Radio Shack) crystal elements that sounded just as good as the original D-104. I have a JT-30 Astatic and a Turner S22X(3) with the original elements that are still performing nicely. Wouldn't think of converting them to a condenser or dynamic mic. And, without condescension intended, the human voice is the beginning of a microphone sounding good. Some voices just plain sound crappy, regardless of the mic used. No external device will improve that situation. I speak from having listened (and engineered) any number of announcers in AM broadcast radio. We hams ain't much different. That's why some of the best audio reports come from simple mics like the D-104 and an even simpler 2-stage amp using 12AX7's in something like a DX-100 or the Viking II. The difference is often in the voice of the operator. Well, enuf of my comments. YMMV 73 de W4MIL Chuck Palm Coast, FL Oh, BTW, a very Merry Christmas to y'all. And a better 2008. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 7:03 pm Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements So far I've not found the crystal mic elements from Mouser, "Kobetone" etc., to be really good enough to replace the D104 element, or even the elements in crystal mobile mics. I don't think their diaphragms are big enough. The original D104 is prized because it has good low-end response, and a preemphasis rise in the upper-midrange. You can use it with an otherwise flat transmitter and get decent results without any extra EQ gadgets. Rather than use a sub-optimum crystal element to replace a bad D104, I'd consider using one of the $1 consenser elements in the head and use external EQ, or maybe a circuit in the base of the G-stand, to get the rising response characteristic. A side note: For a real bargain in a pro-quality mic look at the Behringer C-1 as shown at http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=C-1 $40 is *very* cheap for such a good-sounding mic. But keep in mind its response is essentially flat, not like a D104, and it needs phantom-power. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/text.htm?ncid=aolcmp000503 __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
A Comment on your E mail...The Behringer is a great little box especially for the money. But if you want A really great sounding D-104 go to the K7DYY site and check out his board. Guys let me tell you I have a D104 And a 10DA with Bruces board on board and guys say that it sounds like WBAP AM. I have a lot of high doller gear And love what Bruce has done. Check with Brian WA5AM on how he thinks the quality is. Bruce has a number of options On it...I sent my mic to him and let him do his thing...His Web site is www.k7dyy.com All the best... Bob W1PE -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 6:04 PM To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements So far I've not found the crystal mic elements from Mouser, "Kobetone" etc., to be really good enough to replace the D104 element, or even the elements in crystal mobile mics. I don't think their diaphragms are big enough. The original D104 is prized because it has good low-end response, and a preemphasis rise in the upper-midrange. You can use it with an otherwise flat transmitter and get decent results without any extra EQ gadgets. Rather than use a sub-optimum crystal element to replace a bad D104, I'd consider using one of the $1 consenser elements in the head and use external EQ, or maybe a circuit in the base of the G-stand, to get the rising response characteristic. A side note: For a real bargain in a pro-quality mic look at the Behringer C-1 as shown at http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=C-1 $40 is *very* cheap for such a good-sounding mic. But keep in mind its response is essentially flat, not like a D104, and it needs phantom-power. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
So far I've not found the crystal mic elements from Mouser, "Kobetone" etc., to be really good enough to replace the D104 element, or even the elements in crystal mobile mics. I don't think their diaphragms are big enough. The original D104 is prized because it has good low-end response, and a preemphasis rise in the upper-midrange. You can use it with an otherwise flat transmitter and get decent results without any extra EQ gadgets. Rather than use a sub-optimum crystal element to replace a bad D104, I'd consider using one of the $1 consenser elements in the head and use external EQ, or maybe a circuit in the base of the G-stand, to get the rising response characteristic. A side note: For a real bargain in a pro-quality mic look at the Behringer C-1 as shown at http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=C-1 $40 is *very* cheap for such a good-sounding mic. But keep in mind its response is essentially flat, not like a D104, and it needs phantom-power. Steve WD8DAS ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
The Heil D104 Replacement element for the D104 sounds really good.. go to www.heilsound.com and go to the amateur page and you will find it... Bob W1PE I think the Heil replacement is actually a dynamic instead of the original crystal. I seem to recall seeing some specs on it, and it pretty well cuts everything off below about 300~. The original Astatic xtal element responds down to 100~ or below, if you work it into a 5-10 megohm load. If Bob Heil got enough requests, he might be willing to custom make one with good low frequency response while keeping the characteristic D-104 acoustical presence rise. Don k4kyv __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
I understand that Astatic will replace the mic element if you send the old mic back to them for repair. They will charge you for the new element plus installation fee, likely to be as much or more than the element itself. I wouldn't send them one of my pre-1937 1-inch thick mic heads though. They might not re-assemble it with all the original hardware, they might damage it or worse still, the old mic head might be considered a 'core replacement' and I would get back someone else's new style head with a new element in it. One option would be to send a spare usused later model head and when I got it back, swap it out with the one in my older version. A spare mic head should be no different whether kept "n.o.s" in the original unopened box or installed in a microphone. I don't think connecting a microphone to a rig could cause any additional wear and tear on the microphone, other than possible damage from being dropped. I have several D-104's with good elements and they all work OK. The last time I bought a new element from Astatic was sometime about 1990. I once saw a Japanese reproduction D-104 at a hamfest. It looked identical to the original, except for the name plate, and the screws that hold the head together which were phillips-head instead of slotted. Of course, I have no idea if the element inside was the same thing. If so, they might still have replacement elements, but I wouldn't count on it being identical to or as good as an original Astatic. As popular as those mics have been ever since 1933, you would think that by now someone would be manufacturing low-cost after-market elements that would be identical to and as good as the originals, just like they do automotive parts. Don k4kyv __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
Thanks to all that replied about the microphone elements. I have some stuff to look at now. John __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements for Otis
Otis left them out in the shack and I guess the heat and cold got them. I loaned him one and he was going to get on the air Sunday morning but said the RCVR didn't work all the time. So I need to make another trip out and see what's wrong there. For those that don't know, Otis, K5SWK, uses the elements in an old RCA housing not the D104 housing. He can't use a dynamic of any kind as there is way to much magnetic hum floating around his shack. I will probably build him a condenser circuit for the RCA housing soon while he uses my D104 and is in the mood, so to speak. Mean while I thought it would be a good idea to get his two D104s all up and running again. John -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Geoff/W5OMR Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 6:56 PM To: Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements John Coleman wrote: > Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the > D104. > I thought we went thought all that, a few years ago, and Otis bought a few (several?) Crystal Element cartridges. Does he have any left? Time to go visit the Ancient One, anyway... -- Driving your AM Rig without a scope, is like driving your car at night, without headlights. (K4KYV) -- 73 = Best Regards, -Geoff/W5OMR __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
That is my experience with the Kobitone 25k element from Mouser. It was worth what I paid. I bought 3 with the idea of "refreshing" my 3 D104's. Although each of the D104's original elements sound differently they still have better sound then the new Kobitone elements. Bob's idea about the Heil make sense. You get what you pay for. Tom K3TVC - Original Message - From: "Bob Peters" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service'" Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 7:06 PM Subject: RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements > John...The Mouser element is really pretty bad audio quality but what > can you expect for a buck. The Heil D104 > Replacement element for the D104 sounds really good.. go to > www.heilsound.com and go to the amateur page and you will find it... > > Bob W1PE > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Coleman > Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 5:29 PM > To: 'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service' > Subject: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements > > Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the > D104. > > > John, WA5BXO > > > __ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html > Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net > To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > __ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html > Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net > To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.17/1178 - Release Date: 12/8/2007 11:59 AM > > __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
And as usual, we hams have always come up with a back channel / back door of ways to make things work cheaper and as good at least and often times better. It's the spirit of our fraternity from our beginning, isn't it. I personally hated it when Astatic pulled the D-104 crystal element plug for us, but we will survive with all the fellas trying to see what goes with the 'other' elements now on the market with which they experiment.I have two JT-30's but am embarrassed to say that I have never put them on the air. Wish me luck with my Audio-Technica ATR30 30 dollar venture. It certainly is built very well and has great looks. I will wire it up soon. 73 Robert W4RL Geoff/W5OMR wrote: Robert Lawson wrote: Geoff, Yep, "we" did go through that a few years ago at length, When I said "we", I was referring to John/BXO and I (as in replying to his message). John, Otis, and someone else, forget now who it was... Steve/K5LTK, perhaps, ordered some D-104 cartridges. In fact, I think they were the JT-30 replacement crystal cartridges, which have a very similar sound to them, if not a bit 'richer'. With the right amount of EQ, any microphone can be made to sound -at least- acceptable on the air. John, in particular, came up with an RC network, incorporating some inverse feed-back on a 12AX7 mic preamp that flattens out the audio response on most any crystal element mic (like a D-104 or JT-30, etc...) http://www.qsl.net/wa5bxo/xtal-mic-eq.gif __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
Robert Lawson wrote: Geoff, Yep, "we" did go through that a few years ago at length, When I said "we", I was referring to John/BXO and I (as in replying to his message). John, Otis, and someone else, forget now who it was... Steve/K5LTK, perhaps, ordered some D-104 cartridges. In fact, I think they were the JT-30 replacement crystal cartridges, which have a very similar sound to them, if not a bit 'richer'. With the right amount of EQ, any microphone can be made to sound -at least- acceptable on the air. John, in particular, came up with an RC network, incorporating some inverse feed-back on a 12AX7 mic preamp that flattens out the audio response on most any crystal element mic (like a D-104 or JT-30, etc...) http://www.qsl.net/wa5bxo/xtal-mic-eq.gif -- Driving your AM Rig without a scope, is like driving your car at night, without headlights. (K4KYV) -- 73 = Best Regards, -Geoff/W5OMR __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
I don't think anyone is making exact replacements for the D 104. The orignal element is very large so I don't think anyone wants to tool up for it. Kobetone makes a hi z crystal cartridge that will work ok in a D 104 head. It's small enough to fit into the Turner Centurion Head type mics too. Kobetone is sold thru Mouser at around $4 unit. 73's Greg WA7LYO Kinston NV - Original Message - From: "John Coleman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service'" Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 6:29 PM Subject: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. John, WA5BXO __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
Geoff, Yep, "we" did go through that a few years ago at length, but it seems there are some "'new' to D-104 crystal element replacement" ham radio fraternity members joining in such queries to our aging AM affectionatos with patient answers and suggestions. Don't know about Otis. Would not want an old stock one anyway now. Things just change in this world, just like us physically. Regards and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Robert W4RL PS, Bob W1PE was there not an article in QST some time back that featured a homemade microphone with a 'cheap' element? I'll have to go and find it. Of note to all, I purchased an Audio-Technica ATR30 from J&R Music World Computer World for 30 dollars shipped that I am matching to my Icom 756 Pro 3 and then to my BA gear transmitters. More than half the fun in my ham radio hobby is "tho'in a rock into the woods and see what moves" with my radio experimentations. Keeps the 'what if' ham radio energy flowing in this old timer. HI Geoff/W5OMR wrote: John Coleman wrote: Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. I thought we went thought all that, a few years ago, and Otis bought a few (several?) Crystal Element cartridges. Does he have any left? Time to go visit the Ancient One, anyway... __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
John Coleman wrote: Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. I thought we went thought all that, a few years ago, and Otis bought a few (several?) Crystal Element cartridges. Does he have any left? Time to go visit the Ancient One, anyway... -- Driving your AM Rig without a scope, is like driving your car at night, without headlights. (K4KYV) -- 73 = Best Regards, -Geoff/W5OMR __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
John if you want originality, then contact Astatic. They had a mail in deal for about 40 bucks which included return postage sometime back. I had them do one of mine. Don't have the web site at my fingertips but you can search for them and look for the "contact' page. Email them and they will tell you. Jim/W5JO Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. John, WA5BXO __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
RE: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
John...The Mouser element is really pretty bad audio quality but what can you expect for a buck. The Heil D104 Replacement element for the D104 sounds really good.. go to www.heilsound.com and go to the amateur page and you will find it... Bob W1PE -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Coleman Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 5:29 PM To: 'Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service' Subject: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. John, WA5BXO __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
Re: [AMRadio] Crystal Mic Elements
John, as far I know Astatic has not manufactured them in several years. There are though some fellas who have replaced the 104 crystal or ceramic element with a wide variety of elements ranging for Radio Shack, those supplies by Mouser Electronics, and Heil microphone HC-4/5 elements with appropriate impedance transformations/preamp's I think with Heil. I remember a contact on AM with a ham who was using a 3 dollar crystal element from Mouser. Hope this helps. 73 es Merry Christmas Robert W4RL John Coleman wrote: Does anyone know if someone is making and selling the cartridges for the D104. John, WA5BXO __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the word unsubscribe in the message body.
