MD-200A8X Microphone LED

WQ2H - Jim Poulette

The FHM-2 mic is clearly a quality mic, but I had become really accustomed to the feel and that crazy little red LED on the MD-200A8X (Yaesu) that indicated that the radio was keyed. I've had the mic a few years and hated even the thought of parting with it.

Instead of modifying the Flex 8-pin Foster adapter I just got - I decided to build another one, this time with a +5Vdc connection between (Foster) pin 2 (+5V) and pin 5 (GND). The little red light is now back in action. I was surprised that the mics sounded very similar with recording tests when trying to build a new profile - again a testament to the fidelity of the FHM-2. The MD-200 required slightly more Tx gain to achieve the same level - but not much.

I suspect modifying the stock Flex cable assembly (ACC-8P-TRS) to simply add a 2-conductor +5V entry into the back shell would be pretty simple for the average user.

73 Jim, WQ2H