[Elecraft] k2 mic

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I bought the RS 21-1172D hand dynamic mic. It needs the connector
changed to match the K2 mic connector. RS has those too. 

It worked okay. The output was adequate, but just barely on 10 meters. 

I found that it was too bassy for my taste though. I've a voice that is
sometimes described as someone dragging an empty garbage can up a gravel
driveway. Depends upon the amount of coffee I've had in the morning. 

I ended up switching the element in it to a Radio Shack electret unit.
Picked up one of the "replacement" elements they sell for a couple of
bucks. It fit in the space just fine, using some left-over rubber
weather-stripping to pack around it since it's much smaller than the
dynamic. It has a lot better high frequency response and more output.
You might want to experiment with size of the resistor used to bias it
off of the 5-volt line. I found that had a significant impact on the
gain and frequency response. That makes sense since the supply side of
that resistor is 'grounded' for audio, so it sets the impedance the
audio from the mic element is 'looking into'. 

Confession time: I bought the SSB module to mess with digital modes.
After a few weeks of tinkering with the SSB board until I was satisfied
with the audio quality, I put the mic away and haven't pulled it out
again in six months or so...  But if the capability is there, it seems
like a good idea to make it work well. 

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289

-----Original Message-----
I am looking to purchase a mic for my k2 today and the place is Radio
Shack. Anyone have had experience with some good quality hand mics from
them? Is so what model number.

Thanks in advance

john

_