I can remember how those D104 microphones sound on air, very distinctive. I owned one back in the day, but gravitated back to Turner +2 SSB for my own use, they are distinctive as well. Cool to see hams using these classic ceramic/crystal mics.
Thanks a ton for this video Dave. I just picked up a used D-104, mostly for nostalgia reasons, and need to have someone wire it to work with my W2IHY EQPlus. More than 30 years ago, twelve year-old me, whose voice hadn't dropped yet, was using a D-104 on SSB, and probably hurting ears all over. I would check into nets, and hear "Let the YL go first"
Just love my D104 I have since the 60s. Still used it on my Swan 350C. Would love to convert it for my Icoms. I wish there was a kit for a preamp for it. Mine does not have one.
I converted a D-104 Silver Eagle (4 pin to 3 pin) to match my old Heathkit SB-101. I found the mic on eBay and the radio was gifted to me. I took apart the base of the mic to figure out what I needed to do and it wasn’t too tough of a job to rewire in a 3 pin connector (I also had the schematic of the D-104). I really like the microphone and it sure has a cool look with my call sigh flag attached to it. Just a suggestion though; I’d construct an adapter cable for the new radio instead of replacing the old connector. Those old m/f connectors are available on eBay but are a bit pricey. 73, AE0UV
Very important for all Ham radio equipment you buy. Always keep any manuals forever. The equipment will not be made very long before something else comes along.
I have the ICOM 7300 and I made a adapter to use XLR mic . What i found on 7300 is DC voltage on mic audio . I had to use a non polar electrolytic cap like 10UF 25V in seares to stop DC current. Works great. I use Heil foot pedal for PTT and XLR mic That is Heil sound as well. I also wired a headset with mic to 7300 as well. The mic pinout for the 7300 is in manual and can be found on-line. The only issue I had was that cap to block DC. 73
I would like to hook a D104 to my Kenwood TS 590 SG. Will this mic work on my radio and what needs to be done to make it work. Could you advise me what I need to do to make it work.
Yes, I have one converted to work with my TS-570D, which would also work with your 590SG. W2ENY sells a kit on eBay with a schematic and a new element for $25.00.
I can remember how those D104 microphones sound on air, very distinctive. I owned one back in the day, but gravitated back to Turner +2 SSB for my own use, they are distinctive as well. Cool to see hams using these classic ceramic/crystal mics.
Thanks a ton for this video Dave. I just picked up a used D-104, mostly for nostalgia reasons, and need to have someone wire it to work with my W2IHY EQPlus.
More than 30 years ago, twelve year-old me, whose voice hadn't dropped yet, was using a D-104 on SSB, and probably hurting ears all over. I would check into nets, and hear "Let the YL go first"
I hadn't watched you for a while Dave. Good to see your still rolling along., And you look to be doing well. "73" OM N8QZH
A ham friend told me that her dad, when working for Astatic, designed the little amp in the base of that stand.
Just love my D104 I have since the 60s. Still used it on my Swan 350C. Would love to convert it for my Icoms. I wish there was a kit for a preamp for it. Mine does not have one.
I converted a D-104 Silver Eagle (4 pin to 3 pin) to match my old Heathkit SB-101. I found the mic on eBay and the radio was gifted to me. I took apart the base of the mic to figure out what I needed to do and it wasn’t too tough of a job to rewire in a 3 pin connector (I also had the schematic of the D-104).
I really like the microphone and it sure has a cool look with my call sigh flag attached to it.
Just a suggestion though; I’d construct an adapter cable for the new radio instead of replacing the old connector. Those old m/f connectors are available on eBay but are a bit pricey. 73, AE0UV
My D104 had a kick stand wired to an HR 2510 tuned to swing hard so my reports were 5x0 very loud into Europe anytime on 10 meters.
Very important for all Ham radio equipment you buy. Always keep any manuals forever. The equipment will not be made very long before something else comes along.
FT101 is on the left
I have the ICOM 7300 and I made a adapter to use XLR mic . What i found on 7300 is DC voltage on mic audio . I had to use a non polar electrolytic cap like 10UF 25V in seares to stop DC current. Works great. I use Heil foot pedal for PTT and XLR mic That is Heil sound as well. I also wired a headset with mic to 7300 as well. The mic pinout for the 7300 is in manual and can be found on-line. The only issue I had was that cap to block DC. 73
I would like to hook a D104 to my Kenwood TS 590 SG. Will this mic work on my radio and what needs to be done to make it work. Could you advise me what I need to do to make it work.
Yes, I have one converted to work with my TS-570D, which would also work with your 590SG. W2ENY sells a kit on eBay with a schematic and a new element for $25.00.