[Elecraft] Bad Heil mic

Sun Jan 13 16:56:00 2002

Hi Paul,

You probably could have sent this directly to [email protected] and not the
elecraft email list, as there are over 1160 subscribers now. Since you did, I'll
answer here. We generally respond fastest through [email protected]. I just
happened by chance to see your comment on the list this morning (Sunday).

All of the Heil MH2 microphone shells have an extra unused dynamic element in
them when they arrive at Heil. Heil replaces that element with his higher
quality condenser element that is optimal for the K2. Taking the old one out
could actually damage the enclosure and will change its acoustic properties.
Leaving it there does not degrade the audio. The foam in front of his new
element is likely part of the acoustic design of the microphone. If none were
there the enclosure would resonate and sound 'hollow'. The foam actually can
pass a significant amount of audio. I'll confirm this with Bob Heil next week.

So far we have shipped hundreds of the MH2 microphones. The feedback so far has
been excellent. I use one on my personal K2 and so does Wayne.

If the K2's meter is indicating full transmit power when you speak, the
microphone is working properly. In general, if your rig is set for 10-12 W, you
should see the power bar graph flickering around 1/2 to 2/3 full scale most of
the time and occasionally hitting full scale on voice peaks. Don't forget that
an external analog power meter reads average, not peak power. Normal speaking at
10W will only move an average reading power meter about 1/3 scale. The K2's
power meter reads peak power.

One thought: Have you had anyone listen to your audio to make sure your K2's TX
BFO settings are correct? If BF1t is incorrectly set on LSB and USB your audio
can be weak and muffled.

In any case, we will certainly replace the microphone if you feel it is
defective or poorly manufactured. Email Gary at [email protected] and he will
take care of you. 

I'll also reply here after I talk to Bob Heil regarding the foam placement
inside the microphone.

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
==============

Paul Hendershott wrote:
> 
> Dear Eric, Wayne, & Gary,
> 
> Since I got K2 #2278 together, I've been very happy operating CW, but
> not very successful on SSB. The only SSB contacts I've made were by
> literally screaming into the MH2 mic. And it seemed that I could only
> get any movement on my in-line watt meter by speaking into the "top"
> part of the heil mic and almost nothing out when speaking into the front
> of the mic.