[Elecraft] Elecraft MD-2 mic resistor

[J. Edward (Ed) Muns]

> I added the resistor to the microphone instead of the radio, too.
>  I used an
> 1/8W 5.6K resistor instead of the 1/4W 5.6K resistor that came
> with the MH2 -
> that makes the mod easier (it's still a tight fit, even so):
>
> http://www.wm5r.org/k2-100/microphones.shtml

Hmmm.  I've had no problem soldering the standard 1/4 watt resistor into the
MH2 connector.  I bend the leads perpendicular to the body, right at the
body, and cut the leads to about 3/32".  It fits perfectly between pins 1
and 6, going through the MIDDLE of the circle of pins.

For the Elecraft version of the Heil Pro-Set (the one with the electret
element), I did the same thing to the adapter that comes with it.  In that
case, however, the resistor fit better on the outside of the circle of pins,
but the technique was the same.  The heat shrink on pin 1 had to be
carefully removed by slitting it lengthwise.  After soldering, that
heatshrink was replaced, although not really needed.  Then, the clear
plastic tubing that surrounded the entire circle of connector pins was
carefully slid back over the pins with the resistor in place.  It needs to
be stretched a little bit to clear the resistor, but fits fine.

I put a turn or two of green tape around the adapter cable to identify it as
"Elecraft".  Heil uses blue for Icom, yellow for Yaesu and red for Kenwood,
so I picked green for Elecraft.  I also ID'd the Pro-Set itself with green
tape so as not to confuse it with other Pro-Sets around my shack and on
expeditions or other multi-ops.  I've suggested to Bob Heil and Elecraft
that these resistors, and the green heatshrink ID for the adaptor, be
standard production for the MH2 and Elecraft Pro-Set.  But, due to
"manufacturing costs", Heil may not ever do this.

I admit that it is a tricky operation for some builders to do, but it is the
right way to add the bias resistor.  Now, these mics can be used with my
Kenwood rigs as well as the K2, plus other Kenwood mics can be used with the
K2 ... and any mic if you are willing to get inside and reconfigure the mic
header block.  But, having the electret bias resistor soldered on the back
of the mic connector defeats the configurable design of the K2 mic feature.

73,
Ed - W0YK