I have always liked the D-104 and have had many over the years. I don't use them on any modern ham equipment but do use one on my Collins station. Interesting history.
If they are still working, they are worth a lot. The bad thing is that the salts in the elements go bad over time. So if you want to sell them, you might want to do it in the next few years.
They also made a lamp out of the TUG stand. And I have also seen a Japanese clone that came out in the late 60s and early 70s. And one of the ways that you can tell what it is is the stand is a little shorter than the normal aesthetic stand, and the head is a little smaller but at a quick glance, they look the same.
Interesting history. It was a sad day when the company closed and stopped production. I'm kind of surprised after they sold off the Astatic name someone didn't start making the desk mic again like they did for the hand mics.
Great history lesson Doc! When I was a kid getting into CB, I really wanted a D-104, due to the outstanding sound that my friends had. Now I know it was more his radio than anything. But I got one, then two then on and on!🤣 Seems like they made one special edition for when they quit making them. It came with a plexiglass cover? Or am I mistaken? The salts in those mics eventually quit on their own. I’m studying how to replace them. Should I be successful I’ll let you know in case you or others want yours done.
A history video! Awesome video Doc, I have 7 different D-104’s but nothing rare. They’re great mics. I used a Turner Plus3 a lot and liked the sound but the Turner Plus 2 had too much bass and clunked when you keyed it. Thanks brother
I am in Canada. I had a Golden Eagle D104 American Bicentennial with the engraving. It had a push bar and a grip. I also had a regular chrome D104 with only the grip. I preferred this one, it had a a better action. This was in the late 70s. Both of them were stolen.
Nice nice ... brother I have a question do you have a transformer about 3000 volts 3 amp ? And do you do trades just asking I been on the radio for a while...and I see you love the radio just like I do ...love everything you do have a blessed one....just asking...73
Astatic made ARF spec'ed D104 custom dark grey colored, D104C ceramic head, with FET custom preamp in the base. i.pinimg.com/originals/20/af/de/20afde7dcb369f5e61587a7275e93f0f.jpg
Where can I get a completely stock d104 tug8 mic? I want all original with the original element and amp. I just want to obtain a decent microphone. Astatic quit making them. Is there still a patent? Has anyone started making them since? Hey, someone should. I just want a good microphone. A Turner +2 is ok too. I don't need chips or micro elements condenser stuff. Point me in the direction to get a d104.
How stupid is Astatic to stop making these heads that hams love??? Dumdum pinheat cancel x-mas ! JohnBoyUtah good video doc. I have stopped trying to fix mine! When I was a kid we put a G -guitar string on the plate screw so the chicken choker would hide the string and imitate a Browning ping!😎🇺🇸📡🎙👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
rumor has it that the cost of the crystal for the heads went sky high. Astatic then raised prices. When Astatic raised prices to a 100 and above for a stock D104, people revolted. People want the good stuff, but they don't want to pay good money for it. I believe thats when they started making the enhanced and gimmicky mics, like the Eagles, K eagles, Night, Diamond, Plus etc. They tried.
Impressive collection and great information. 👍🏻 Shopping for a D-104 for a nice Uniden Washington I just purchased. Your video helped.
i used to subscribe to the COPPER ELECTRINICS CATALOG and they told this story in the early 1980s. to hear this history again was great. thank you.
Excellent presentation! Thanks!
Great rundown on the mics...always. Look forward to Radio history class. 👍🏼⚡
Very cool! Ty!
Astatic started in 1933. When did they stop making D-104s ? Are they still in business ?
Cool. Good video again. On one of mine I changed out a cartridge with a Heil hc5. Smooth audio.
Nice. Mine seem to be a later one with 9 tabs (not including the mounting tab). Thanks for the class. Have a peaceful Sunday.
Can you do a history of the 10 DA super side bander microphone elements?
I have always liked the D-104 and have had many over the years. I don't use them on any modern ham equipment but do use one on my Collins station. Interesting history.
I have a few nos astatic mic elements
If they are still working, they are worth a lot. The bad thing is that the salts in the elements go bad over time. So if you want to sell them, you might want to do it in the next few years.
I've heard people had problems with the bottom touch bar. I got a Golden Eagle, T-UG9 Stand, and a UG8 Stand. They are great mics!
True, some of the bottom push bars were glitchy, and the relay with the K-Eagles was a lot worse.
I love it...always bringing the knowledge tramDr.
I collect them as well my friend. I think you already know that. I need a Knight K Eagle and that should complete my collection
They also made a lamp out of the TUG stand. And I have also seen a Japanese clone that came out in the late 60s and early 70s. And one of the ways that you can tell what it is is the stand is a little shorter than the normal aesthetic stand, and the head is a little smaller but at a quick glance, they look the same.
Thanks doc for the history behind these great mics take care buddy. Hey do you ever go by the famous pawn shop featured on hardcore pawn thanks
Interesting history. It was a sad day when the company closed and stopped production. I'm kind of surprised after they sold off the Astatic name someone didn't start making the desk mic again like they did for the hand mics.
Great history lesson Doc! When I was a kid getting into CB, I really wanted a D-104, due to the outstanding sound that my friends had. Now I know it was more his radio than anything. But I got one, then two then on and on!🤣 Seems like they made one special edition for when they quit making them. It came with a plexiglass cover? Or am I mistaken?
The salts in those mics eventually quit on their own. I’m studying how to replace them. Should I be successful I’ll let you know in case you or others want yours done.
A history video! Awesome video Doc, I have 7 different D-104’s but nothing rare. They’re great mics.
I used a Turner Plus3 a lot and liked the sound but the Turner Plus 2 had too much bass and clunked when you keyed it.
Thanks brother
Thanks for watching!
I went up to see what I had. Thanks! Mine is a TUG8 that came with my Tram hand wired. Thought the D201 came with non powered D104?
I am in Canada. I had a Golden Eagle D104 American Bicentennial with the engraving. It had a push bar and a grip. I also had a regular chrome D104 with only the grip. I preferred this one, it had a a better action. This was in the late 70s. Both of them were stolen.
Great video. Ive learned a lot.
Let’s not forget the D-104 mobile mic.
T.U.G.,education. Thank you for your,knowledge.
Lolly.
Nice nice ... brother I have a question do you have a transformer about 3000 volts 3 amp ? And do you do trades just asking I been on the radio for a while...and I see you love the radio just like I do ...love everything you do have a blessed one....just asking...73
I don't now nor have I ever had anything that big. I'm a little mud duck.
@@tramdr no your not sir ...lol 😂 but if you ever come across let me know I do have a real big one man but is very bulky and heavy.... thanks again 73
👋
Old school d104 we're the best
do u have the wiring diagram for a courier centurien,
Mic wiring? www.qsl.net/g4wpw/astaticbook.pdf
Nice collection! What microphone came with the ARF 2001 ?
Astatic made ARF spec'ed D104 custom dark grey colored, D104C ceramic head, with FET custom preamp in the base. i.pinimg.com/originals/20/af/de/20afde7dcb369f5e61587a7275e93f0f.jpg
@@tramdrthanks I never could figure out what came with that radio I have a 2001 myself, great looking but definitely not a talker
It really needs the special ARF designed Mic for it. That special ARF Mic was said to complete the 'Servo Loop' or SAM on the transmit.
@@tramdr wonder if it can be replicated, anyone have the FET schematic/ design?
The schematic is there on the schematic of the radio. It can be replicated, but then again, if you don't have the radio, whats the point?
Where can I get a completely stock d104 tug8 mic? I want all original with the original element and amp. I just want to obtain a decent microphone. Astatic quit making them. Is there still a patent? Has anyone started making them since? Hey, someone should. I just want a good microphone. A Turner +2 is ok too. I don't need chips or micro elements condenser stuff. Point me in the direction to get a d104.
Ebay, put the problem is many of the Mic elements go bad over time, especially if not stored properly.
Keys up, no audio
My offer for the entire lot is $299.49. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the offer. Would that be local pickup or would I need to ship?
How stupid is Astatic to stop making these heads that hams love??? Dumdum pinheat cancel x-mas ! JohnBoyUtah good video doc. I have stopped trying to fix mine! When I was a kid we put a G -guitar string on the plate screw so the chicken choker would hide the string and imitate a Browning ping!😎🇺🇸📡🎙👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
rumor has it that the cost of the crystal for the heads went sky high. Astatic then raised prices. When Astatic raised prices to a 100 and above for a stock D104, people revolted. People want the good stuff, but they don't want to pay good money for it. I believe thats when they started making the enhanced and gimmicky mics, like the Eagles, K eagles, Night, Diamond, Plus etc. They tried.