[Elecraft] Microphone K2 hamfest!

[Don Wilhelm]

Neil,

Yes, you have a large number of choices, the K2 can be used with a large 
number of microphones.
However, it works better with the higher output microphones - some 
Kenwood dynamics have higher output.   Note that the Heil HC-4 and HC-5 
elements have rather low output.
Actually the best choice is an electret type microphone because of its 
high level output - most of the Icom microphones use an electret 
element. - You will need to add the bias resistor to the back of the 
microphone jack for the electrets).

If your skills include changing the plug on the mic cord, then your 
horizons expand.
If the microphone is to be used only with the K2, my recommendation is 
that you wire the K2 microphone configuration header for the Elecraft 
pinout (jumpers straight across), and then re-wire the plug on whatever 
microphone you find to match that pinout.
Doing it that way opens the door for you to pick up most any microphone 
and an 8 pin Foster plug at the hamfest and make it work.  You can 
likely find a microphone laying in a box somewhere for 2 or 3 dollars 
(buy 2 or 3 just in case one doesn't work), and a couple more bucks for 
the Foster plug and you can have a microphone for less than $10.

Another choice is to buy a microphone for its case only, and buy one of 
the electret mic elements as well as the Foster plug.  Put the element 
in the microphone housing, pad it with some foam, and put the Foster 
plug on the end - add the bias resistor on the back of the mic jack and 
you should have a good microphone.


Neil Shubert wrote:
> Hi All,
> going to the Sussex hamfest This weekend, will be looking for a hand
> microphone for my K2
>
> I know the sky is the limit and it can be configured for anything. But
> seeing as I do not have any at the moment Is there one in particular that I
> should look for?
>
> did I just open a can of worms?
>
> -Neil
> Ac2o
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