Microphone Adapter

Alan Nusso, N4BV

I have a D-104 mic that was connected to a Kenwood 950. It has a gain control so I believe it is an amplified mic. I know the Flex takes a Yaesu connector, Do I need a certain specific Yaesu connector to connect it to the Flex. Does the Flex provide the necessary bias for this Mic? Any advise would be appreciated. I have a 6300.

Barry Comer

I have a 6500 that I use with a D104 and have installed the following:

http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/hls-hc51retrokit

I removed the base amplifier and it works great.

Burt Fisher

A $66 kit to repair a $40 mike?

Tim - W4TME

It is all about the visuals.  The D104 is a classic no matter what is under the hood.

Barry Comer

Correct, classic look with modern performance. Every time I come into the shack the D104 is the first thing I see sitting on the desk. It is not always about money. People think about money too much - it is a tool to get the pleasures in life nothing more.

Burt Fisher

I agree it's not always about the money but I have 4 D-104s and I sell them WORKING for $40-$50, why  buy a $66 mike head?

k0eoo

Hi Burt, what are your call letters?

Ken - NM9P

I've got to agree with you there to a degree, Burt.  With a Heil insert is is no longer truly a D104.  It is a Heil mike in a D104 body.  Kind of like a heart transplant or silicone implant!  While it probably sounds better with a modern cartridge in it, I would rather have my PR22 or a PR781.  

But if a guy already has a D104 and likes the look, why not?  To each their own.

In my shack, however, I never wanted to be hanging onto a huge hunk of metal every time I transmitted, just in case I got some unexpected RF in the room.  I have gotten "RF lips" before!

Ken - NM9P

Dale KB5VE

Whey Burt do you have one with a hiel 5 element in it for 40.00 if so I will take it.

Burt Fisher

K1OIK, what is a "hiel?" If I put a Corvette engine in a Yugo will it work like a Corvette?

Barry Comer

For me, I have a lot of fond memories of 11 meters from the mid-1970s. The mike back then was a D104 so using one now regardless of the element is nice.

Tim - W4TME

Burt, I think your point here has been made. Lets move on.  Like Ken said, "to each his own" and in the end a working mic is really all that matters.

Alan is still waiting for his answer regarding wiring and mic bias.  Is there anyone with knowledge that can assist?