[Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic

[Gene Langendorff]

While at Pacificon this fall I purchased a Heil Handi-Mic for my K2 #0261.
I've read this list for a long time now and know about the K2's need for a
mic with higher-than-normal output.  Researching the Handi-Mic on-line I
expected the model HM-iC (for Icom) would be the right choice.  So before
making the purchase I went to the Elecraft booth and asked THE MAN, Eric
Schwartz, and he said that's the one to get.  Well, I haven't found out for
sure yet because I still need to build my KSB2 but I have no doubt that I
got the right info from the right man.  Don's response (below) seems to
agree.

I also purchased the Heil CH-1K (Kenwood) cable to go with it, the plug
matches the K2 and Eric said I can then use the default setting on the KSB2
header.  It should be a nice setup.

73,
Gene K6TTM

> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 10:57 AM
> To: Frank Van Cleef W1WCG; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
> 
> 
> Frank,
> 
> Unfortunately the Heil HC-4 and HC-5 elements have lower 
> output than typical
> mics.  There is one in the Handi-Mic set that should work 
> well with the K2 -
> and that is the one for the Icom (Heil number HM-iC)  perhaps 
> you could
> arrange an exchange.
> 
> In general the Icom mics use an electret element with high 
> output level -
> the audio input needs of the K2 and the Icom are similar.
> 
> If you do wish to retain the HC-5 element, then your best 
> choice is to use a
> pre-amp.  There are work-arounds such as changing the value 
> of KSB2 R14, but
> IMHO, the best all-around solution is to use a pre-amp and 
> set the pre-amp
> gain to provide the output needed by the K2.  If I recall 
> correctly, the
> proper output level is -40 dBm.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> >
> > I recently acquired a Heil Handi-Mic with the HC-5 element,
> > intending to use
> > it with a new K2 radio (#5510).  I used straight-across 
> wiring for the
> > configuration connector in the front panel since the Handi-Mic is
> > equipped
> > with a cable wired for Kenwood mikes.  No resistor from pin 1 to
> > pin 6 since
> > the element is dynamic.  The mike does work, but the output seems
> > low -- the
> > ALC indication barely lights the top bar, and the RF output
> > barely shows on
> > the louder peaks.  A MH-2 mike shows a little more output, though
> > not that
> > much more.  The over-all feeling is that the Handi-Mic has a
> > relatively low
> > output level and may need a preamp to work properly with the K2.
> >
> --
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