[Elecraft] DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

[Bill W2BLC]

Unless you have a burning desire for a desk mic, the Elecraft hand-mic 
can be modified into a very decent mic. It already sounds very good - 
but, the switch is a complete piece of junk. Mine made terrible 
mechanical sounds each time it was pushed.

The fix was quite easy: I had an extra Heil square PTT button (they 
operate without any mechanical sound) and installed it into the hand-mic 
case. First open the mic case and remove all the mechanical switch 
parts. A Dremel Tool will help with the plastic molded stuff. Next, you 
get creative with a little Bondo (auto body filler) and reconstruct the 
case to support the new PTT switch. DO NOT GLUE THE NEW SWITCH IN 
PLACE!!! The new switch is designed to push and lock into place - make 
your modification to accommodate this (you may need to replace the 
switch at some time in the future). Pop the switch into place and solder 
the PTT lines. Reassemble the mic case.

I have been using mine for well over a year and it has worked perfect - 
no mechanical noises when the PTT is pressed. Before the mod I was 
getting bad reports from the PTT switch's mechanical noise. Now it is as 
quiet as VOX.

And, don't get discouraged with an MC60. I have one and NEVER had any 
problems with it - on the K3 or other rigs it has been on.

Bill W2BLC K-Line