Microphones for K2

[Soaring Eagles]

Hi!

I'm currently finishing up K2 #5757 and plan to add SSB in the near future.
I currently have an Icom 746 and the Heil Pro-set Ic. I'm wondering if I'll
be able to use that headset with the K2? From what I've read, it sounds
like the right choice as the mike output is higher for both the Icom and
K2, but thought I'd ask to make sure.

Also, I have an old D-104 that I used to use with my Heath HX-10 (no, I
didn't build it, but it's as old as I am, was my first xmtr, and I just
can't bring myself to sell it <grin>). Is it difficult to make this mike
work with the K2?

Thanks for any help!

Jim, WD9HBC
KX1 #1517
K2 #5757

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[Don Wilhelm-3]

Jim,

Not difficult IMHO, but you decide on the level of difficulty for you.

Certainly that D104 can be made to work with the K2.  If it is the amplified
version, no problem, just give it the proper microphone plug and all will be
well.

If it is the unamplified version, then you will have to build a pre-amp for
it.  There was a preamp specifically for that application in QST within the
past few years.

The other alternative is to take out the old crystal element and replace it
with a high output electret element so it works just like your Icom mics.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I'm currently finishing up K2 #5757 and plan to add SSB in the
> near future.
> I currently have an Icom 746 and the Heil Pro-set Ic. I'm
> wondering if I'll
> be able to use that headset with the K2? From what I've read, it sounds
> like the right choice as the mike output is higher for both the Icom and
> K2, but thought I'd ask to make sure.
>
> Also, I have an old D-104 that I used to use with my Heath HX-10 (no, I
> didn't build it, but it's as old as I am, was my first xmtr, and I just
> can't bring myself to sell it <grin>). Is it difficult to make this mike
> work with the K2?
>
> Thanks for any help!
>

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[Don Nesbitt]

Hi Jim - I use my old D-104 with the original crystal cartridge all the time
with my K2 and get great reports.  No need for a preamp, etc. as the crystal
cartridge has output to burn!

The problem with using a nonamplified D-104 with the K2 is that the D-104 is
a very high impedance mic and the K2 requires a low impedance mic.  An
amplified D-104 takes care of this by using the amp in the bottom of the mic
stand to do the impedance matching - just be sure to take care in adjusting
the "volume" pot in the base so you don't overdrive the audio input in the
K2.

If you don't have an amplified stand, just running the D-104 straight into
the K2 will result in lots of drive but the audio will be very narrow and
"tinny" - sort of like talking through a couple of cups with a tight string
between them!

The "secret" to using an unamplified D-104 into a low impedance is to put a
resistor in series with the D-104 mic output (can be done inside the base of
the stand) - something between 300K and 500K usually will allow the lower
frequencies produced by the D-104 crystal cartridge to actually show up
while decreasing the output to an acceptable level.

A lot of us "old timers" put a 1 meg pot in series with the audio output
from the D-104 cartridge (mount inside the base of the stand) and then
adjust it for the best balance between "tone" and output while listening to
the audio in a separate receiver.  Do this and enjoy your veteran D-104!
Have fun.  73 es gud dxing -- Don N4HH

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