Amplified Microphone

[Sonar]

Before condemming the mic element, I would try replacing at least the one electrolytic cap on the D104 amp board.

I never opened the d104's cover after the mod.
I wouldn't know what was done as this isn't my field. All I know is the unsolicited good audio reports, and questions about what mic I'm using is something I didn't get before the mod.
The fet mod performed on my d104 by loosecannon definitely did what it was supposed to, and that was to give the mic a lower (bass) response.
I've received good audio reports before the mod, but people asking what mic I was using never happened until the loosecannon mod. I'm very happy with the fet mod. I had a qso with a station in the Virgin islands. That was about 2 years ago, and his 148 GTL sounded awesome.
I asked what mic he was on and was told it was a fet modified Amplified d104.
I hope mine sounds as good as the one I heard. I suspect it is. Thanks 73

 

[Randall barton]

An Astatic D-104 with a TUP-9 stand might be hard to get and a bit expensive, but they always rate the highest in my book - with any radio.

I agree with you on that I have 2 of them and wont depart with either one of them

 

[Randall barton]

I agree with you on that I have 2 of them and wont depart with either one of them

where can you get this fet mod from is there a web site that you can go to?

 

[Sonar]

If you can find/afford one nothing beats the echomax 2000. even if you have no use for the echo or the crappy roger beeps it's the cleanest loudest microphone I've come across or heard.

Is the echo max 2000 truly an excellent mic? Does it work well on both AM, and SSB or is it suited to one mode over the other?
I've always assumed it was cheap piece of junk. I'm not exactly sure why I thought that. I would have to guess that it's because I never read online or heard anyone on air actually talking about it in any capacity.
I'm so happy with the fet modified Silver Eagle that Loose Cannon did for me that I thought I'd just stop looking for buying microphones.
The fact of the matter is I just like collecting microphones. My collection consists of mostly D104's, d-10, and a couple of Turner's (which sound poor.) My collection totals about 15 mic's. Most were gotten in the early to mid 80's when a d104 could be gotten for cheap (in excellent condition.)
I so badly wanted the 1104c and had a chance to get one for $100 one ebay, but thought that it was $30 over priced. The asking price was originally $130, and although I tried to get it for $70 the seller told me the lowest he'd go was $100, and that was his third (and final price) not including the shipping cost ($20 I believe.)
I think the look of the echo Max being untraditional looking imo, and the fact it's selling point seemed to be it was an echo microphone had me thinking junk. If I were to look for one what should look out for?
Are there any known issues that are common to these microphones, or are they solid working, without much repair attention? What should one pay for an echo max in tested, excellent condition? Thanks 73

 

[Randall barton]

Is the echo max 2000 truly an excellent mic? Does it work well on both AM, and SSB or is it suited to one mode over the other?
I've always assumed it was cheap piece of junk. I'm not exactly sure why I thought that. I would have to guess that it's because I never read online or heard anyone on air actually talking about it in any capacity.
I'm so happy with the fet modified Silver Eagle that Loose Cannon did for me that I thought I'd just stop looking for buying microphones.
The fact of the matter is I just like collecting microphones. My collection consists of mostly D104's, d-10, and a couple of Turner's (which sound poor.) My collection totals about 15 mic's. Most were gotten in the early to mid 80's when a d104 could be gotten for cheap (in excellent condition.)
I so badly wanted the 1104c and had a chance to get one for $100 one ebay, but thought that it was $30 over priced. The asking price was originally $130, and although I tried to get it for $70 the seller told me the lowest he'd go was $100, and that was his third (and final price) not including the shipping cost ($20 I believe.)
I think the look of the echo Max being untraditional looking imo, and the fact it's selling point seemed to be it was an echo microphone had me thinking junk. If I were to look for one what should look out for?
Are there any known issues that are common to these microphones, or are they solid working, without much repair attention? What should one pay for an echo max in tested, excellent condition? Thanks 73View attachment 21658

Sonar I was looking to update my silver eagle too. How do you like that mod and what one did you do to yours. Lately I have been seeing a lot of mods to the D-104 mics. was yours as a kit or did you have to send the mic to him

 

[Sonar]

Sonar I was looking to update my silver eagle too. How do you like that mod and what one did you do to yours. Lately I have been seeing a lot of mods to the D-104 mics. was yours as a kit or did you have to send the mic to him

It's not a kit. Loosecannon did the mod for me. I get excellent audio reports. I've never been asked what type of mic I was using but have been asked that question several times since loosecannon did the mod. I listened to the audio on another rig and the difference in bass between an unmodified silver eagle (in my case) and the fet modified one is very noticeable. The unmodified silver eagle has the tinny sound and the modified one has a very nice Bassy tone to it. If you're looking for someone to do the mod I'd suggest you pm loosecannon. There are many modifications on YouTube and online, but I do believe Loose Cannon does a little something extra to the modification. I'm sure that little something extra is out there online, but if you aren't one of those who knows enough about Electronics to do it yourself I absolutely would have no problem recommending Loose Cannon. He did a great job modifying my d104 and it was worth every penny. Good luck my friend 73

 

[TIN_CAN]

Turner +3 or shure 526T cant beat em

 

[ExitThirteen]

I use a D104, but it's been modified. It has had all the capacitors changed to different values. It has a much fuller, robust tone than before, doesn't have the "tinny" sound.



~Cheers~

 

[Onelasttime]

Rat Shack 21-1177 Pre-Amplified Noise Cancelling Mic they run on 2 AAA batteries. Better than anything anyone else has ever made for CB use. The 21-1175 uses the old 7v mercury batteries. I have 2 nos i got off eBay. I used one of the 21-1175 for 8 years on a 2950 in a 1986 4Runner. Plugs right into 5pin din right out of the box. Since it is dynamic element even if the battery dies it will still work as a non-power mic. They show up on ebay from time to time. In NOS/MIB form they go from $25-$50. The Palomar SL41 is a really good mic but you will need to rewire it. SRA198 is a great mic and affordable.

 

[hotrod]

Turner +3 or shure 526T cant beat em

turners are all i run ... shure do sound good too

 

[357]

you could put the stock mic under a pillow and still be loud on a 458...but a d104 or +3 sounds good too

 

[jon666]

i have 4 shure 526ts 3 are the regular type the other one is the super punch. kick ass microphones i have lots of desk mics turners shure astatic and the best sounding one is the mfj297

 

[Randall barton]

It's not a kit. Loosecannon did the mod for me. I get excellent audio reports. I've never been asked what type of mic I was using but have been asked that question several times since loosecannon did the mod. I listened to the audio on another rig and the difference in bass between an unmodified silver eagle (in my case) and the fet modified one is very noticeable. The unmodified silver eagle has the tinny sound and the modified one has a very nice Bassy tone to it. If you're looking for someone to do the mod I'd suggest you pm loosecannon. There are many modifications on YouTube and online, but I do believe Loose Cannon does a little something extra to the modification. I'm sure that little something extra is out there online, but if you aren't one of those who knows enough about Electronics to do it yourself I absolutely would have no problem recommending Loose Cannon. He did a great job modifying my d104 and it was worth every penny. Good luck my friend 73[/QUote sorry it has so long answering back to you, but I did get mine modified and like you said the difference is like night and day for sure. I had a guy do it down the road from me, and like I said it is a big difference. I even bought another mic for my radio and sent it back because every time I keyed it up the channels changed, so I decided to get mine modified and saved 130 dollars. Thanks again for the reply have a great day and great DXing

 

[Sonar]

i have 4 shure 526ts 3 are the regular type the other one is the super punch. kick ass microphones i have lots of desk mics turners shure astatic and the best sounding one is the mfj297

Mic's could be one of the ficklest part's of the transmitter. I'm absolutely done looking for the holy Grail. Imo I've found it. A fet modded d104 is it.
It's though having to purchase mic's that are 25-40 years old (some older) and then hope it's gonna work like it came out of the box. If one has the skills and experience to do the repairs that most of these old mic's need, terrific!I
I don't have the what it takes to restore mic's, and spending anywhere from 40-$100 not knowing if the 444 or 526, 1104c ect ect ect I'm buying is going to work isn't worth the chance (for me.)
I'm supprised you picked an MFJ as your best sounding mic. I don't doubt you, you've no reason to lie, nothing to gain.
But after they stiffed me for $225 (828) I'll never purchase a single one of their items again! 73 PS
I'm speaking of mic that will be used with CB radios. As far as HF's go it's easy to purchase a mic. So many excellent brand new modern microphones, with high-technologies that sound good. Not to mention the hand/fist mic's that come with the rigs usually sound excellent.

 

[jon666]

sorry to hear they ripped you off.
i have bought all my ham gear. from them with no problems.
bit the 297 is a great microphone.its smooth but loud not to loud. i keep everything turned down. yes the hand mics. sound good also cheers