6400 .. 1/8 Mic connector only?

Dave Dave

Is this right,  the new radios only have 1 mic connector and its a 1/8 inch connector?

Clay N9IO

Correct, only thing I have ever used with my HC4 Heil cartridge.

A couple of my friends are XLR users, easy to adapt.
I am sure flex will have an adapter ready soon.
I found one quickly at a vendor I use at work
http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/068827-Hosa-MIT-156

Bill -VA3WTB

Yes, electrically it is an XLR connection. People are thinking a right angle plug is best in order to take the wight off the plug.

And check out the post, microphone connection on the 6600 down the board

Mike W9OJ

That adapter converts balanced mic to unbalanced input and also contains a transformer to step 600 Ohm mic to 2500 Ohm input.

http://hosatech.com/product/mit-156/

K3SF

For the new 6400/6600, what happens when you plug Heil headset which has 1/8" mono plug  for the mic output in to the 6400/6600 mic input??    Also, what type of adapter will be needed for this situation?

Clay N9IO

Yep you're right Mike.  I got the 600 ohm 1/8" part right.
Like i said, not an XLR user but I'm sure the proper adapter for the mic of your choice is available.

I too will be adapting the 1/8" as Bill said to keep the strain off the connector in the radio.

Dave Dave

Everyone missed what I see as a problem, a 1/8 connector should never be used on something that gets pulled, its simply too weak. A L connector that barely sticks out might last a while.

I can only assume Flex saved .03 a radio by using it but with flex still not having something so BASIC as Squelch I cant say I'm surprised.

Clay N9IO

Here is a link posted a little while ago for a right angle 1/8" to XLR.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Hosa/Stereo-35mm-Male-TRS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Microphone-Patch-Cab...

The post is
https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/microphone-connection-on-the-flex-6600
I like Ken NM9P's comment, makes most sense.

James Whiteway

Here's a very informative read on the subject of audio connectors (XLR, TRS and others) and their
proper use to avoid ground loops.
 http://www.rane.com/note110.html

Since the rear connector on the new radios is a "pseudo balanced" connector, it might be a good idea for all of us that are considering purchasing the new radios and wanting to continue to use our current microphones ( I have a Heil PRO 781) to read this article.
james
WD5GWY
 

Clay N9IO

James that is the best illustration I have ever seen on the subject.
This is a must read.  Thanks.

Clay N9IO

Right angle definitely the way to go Bill.
Also, see the URL link in @James Whiteway's comment below.

Michael Coslo

I would prefer a 1/4 inch over 1/8th inch, but remember there is always some compromise. The mic I have plugged in right now is 1/8th inch. So I have to use an adapter. So I'm using pigtails and adapters because my microphones aren't all the same. 

As for the squelch, I'm surprised that anyone uses them. I only use them on my FM HT's and Car radio.  Even Icom uses a combo squelch RF gain knob that most of us switch to be RF gain only. But different strokes for different folks.