[Elecraft] mike selection

[Don Wilhelm]

There is a big difference in the many mics sold by Heil and even more in
those manufactured by Heil and sold only by specific transceiver
manufacturers - Just saying one has a Heil mic is not sufficiently
informative, there are many variations in the elements as well as the mic
plug pinout.

The Heil Proset K2 has a high output electret mic element and most of the
Heil ProSets on the Heil site uses a low output dynamic element (although I
understand that the one sold for ICOM uses an electret).  The Heil HC-4 and
HC-5 elements ideally should have a preamp if they are going to be used with
the K2.  There are some various changes to the KSB2 board that may improve
the performance, but IMHO, the best solution is to 'bite the bullet' and use
a preamp should you choose either the Heil HC-4 or HC-5 element, YMMV.

Obtain your mic first and then follow the instructions in the KSB2 manual to
properly plug the mic configuration header to match the mic's signal pinout.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I am just starting the RF board so I still have plenty of time...I'm
> a little puzzled about choice of mic.
>
> Is there a difference between the Proset K2 on the Elecraft site and
> the Proset Plus on the Heil site?
>
> How does it compare to the Handi Mic (and which model to select?)?
>
> Frankly, the Heil mics seem awfully expensive.
>
> Why did the MD2/CB1 get discontinued...Is there another mic out there
> that is the same or similar?
>
> The reflector site had a lot of opinions: from Radio Shack to Icom
> and beyond but I could find little in the way of consensus.  Also,
> I'm not far enough with the kit to understand the various rewiring
> requirements and whether I'll end up with limitations down the road
> on choice of mic.
>
> John
>
>