[Elecraft] mics (D-104)

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

I doubt if you'd see any advantage, Bob, unless you are connecting it
directly to the mic input (no amplifier in the base). You need to match the
50k ohm impedance of the element to a 1,000 ohm (thereabouts) impedance at
the input of the K3 (and most modern rigs). If you have the D-104 with the
preamp in the base, you also have the impedance matching. 

If not, it's worth investing in a small matching transformer that will
easily fit in the base of the mic. A common "mic-to-line" transformer
designed for high-impedance mics should do the job nicely. 

If you'd rather have the Heil element, the "lollipop" atop the D-104 comes
apart easily and I bet there's more than a few "glowbug" enthusiasts out
there who'd love to have that crystal element if you don't want it. There's
plenty of D-104s with bad elements.

I might even keep an eye open for an old D-104 for my shack. The K3 keeps
enticing me to tinker with phone - SSB or AM - and nothing says "phone" to
an O.T. like me than a D-104! ;-)  

Ron AC7AC


-----Original Message-----

I have often thought about replacing the crystal element in my >50- 
year-old D104 with one of the Radio Shack electret elements, although  
some might call that heresy.

I dropped the mike once (a long time ago) and the element came  
loose.  I sent the head to Astatic asking them to repair it and let  
me know how much it would cost.  They shipped the mike back a week  
later with a new element installed, no charge.

Bob, N7XY