Astatic D-104 lollipop mic questions

[CB590]

Keep wanting a classic D-104 lollipop mic with a Tug-9 base with second switch for true desktop type use vs squeeze activation.

Was wondering the differences or compatibility with the old crystal Dynamic style element or newer Electret element when used on 2 different type rigs and if I would want powered or non powered?

First rig is a Ranger 296DX (aka 148) with 4 pin
Second rig would be a Galaxy 86v with 4 pin

I'm thinking non-powered would work with both if needed as they both have mic gain and may squeal if I go with powered version.

I run a basic Astatic 636L at moment which is basic dynamic and told I sound good on air and it sounds more like me with my voice tone and peaks.

Can anyone gently explain the differences.

Will a powered one with battery just work without a battery as well??

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

From my understanding, the powered mics were originally intended for impedance matching. The crystal element has a high impedance and worked well with the tube rigs. Unfortunately the impedance required by transistorized radios is a low impedance and would cause the crystal element to sound tinny and shrill. The impedance matching offered by the powered mics can restore the fullness to the sound and help it sound more natural. The powered mic can be set to the perfect level needed as it can be turned down to zero output at the bottom of the adjustment. Loose Cannon does a FET mod to the amplified mics that reportedly makes them sound even better with a fuller range of sound.

 

[543_Dallas]

The amplified version will not work without the batt. You would have to bypass the amp board. Not worth doing unless you have an old tube rig to use it with.

Just remember how old these re elements are. It's getting really hard to find a good one. The worse they are the more tinny and scratchy they sound. IMO they aren't worth more than 30 to 40 bucks for a really nice looking one. The local music store sells good mics at realistic prices.

 

[CB590]

So if I get one. Get a powered one and possibly the electret upgrade kit as well. And then use the control on the bottom to adjust for my radio correct?

obviously not rusted or corroded preferred??

 

[kopcicle]

obviously not rusted or corroded preferred??

Unless the "patina" matches the radio in question...

 

[Cutlass327]

I use one on a Galaxy 88HL and a Galaxy 939, both have mic gain knobs. Just set the mic gain around the 3/4 point, turn the D104 gain up just before it squeals. Then just use your mic gain on the radio to control it from there.

FYI, I just used Deoxit on the Reed switches in mine, and that improved them a lot. Spray them, then fold a 1" wide strip of notebook paper in half and drag it across the contacts while holding them closed. Wipes the dirt right off. No more scritchy scratch sounds as you talk.

 

[RT431]

A dollar bill works well too.

 

[357magnum]

CB , As been said on here before , not all mic's sound " Great " on all radios . Sometimes the cheapest mic might work for you ? I use an Astatic 636 on my old Cobra 140 GTL mobile , it works but doesn't sound as good as my old Turner + 2 ? I had the conversion done to my Astatic Silver Eagle , it took all the " Tinnynest " out & have gotten nothing but compliments on my audio since , just had it done 2 weeks ago .

 

[CB590]

CB , As been said on here before , not all mic's sound " Great " on all radios . Sometimes the cheapest mic might work for you ? I use an Astatic 636 on my old Cobra 140 GTL mobile , it works but doesn't sound as good as my old Turner + 2 ? I had the conversion done to my Astatic Silver Eagle , it took all the " Tinnynest " out & have gotten nothing but compliments on my audio since , just had it done 2 weeks ago .

who did you have do the conversion??

I have my eye on one of the powered ones and was thinking running with my Ranger 296 which has Mic gain or the Galaxy 86v I just got. Which as has Mic gain.

 

[357magnum]

CB , I had a local on Ch 21 do mine . Problem is I was told I can't take the head off any longer . IDK if that's the way all the conversions work ?

 

[w9cll]

Had D-104's in the past and never liked the way they sound, never heard one on the air I liked. I still own two and they sit on the shelf, honestly if you want a good sounding mic then find an Astatic 1104c

That being said i hope you can find a good one

 

[357magnum]

Cb , also if you plan to talk SSB , try & find one w/ the 10-DA head ( harp head ) they sound better ( IMO )

 

[Red Bull]

1104c was my favorite. Used one for years.

 

[500kpot]

CB, I'm using a D104/MC320 with the "poor mans EQ" circuit and I'm quite pleased with it. It does take a 9 volt battery.

 

[w9cll]

1104c was my favorite. Used one for years.

I still use one mated to a Yaesu 101ZDMKIII