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D104 element ??
- Thread starter 1iwilly
- Start date
Hmmm. Substitute D104 cartridges?
Sure can't get the original without spending an arm and a leg. This has produced what seemed like a never-ending parade of secret-sauce solutions, most of which use a modern electret type cartridge. Ebay was littered with them a while back. Should be a few of them to choose from.
This will only work with the amplified base. Nobody offers a convincing substitute that will work well as a non-amplified "straight" D104.
The original 1934 design of the MC-320 crystal cartridge really is that unique.
73
Sure can't get the original without spending an arm and a leg. This has produced what seemed like a never-ending parade of secret-sauce solutions, most of which use a modern electret type cartridge. Ebay was littered with them a while back. Should be a few of them to choose from.
This will only work with the amplified base. Nobody offers a convincing substitute that will work well as a non-amplified "straight" D104.
The original 1934 design of the MC-320 crystal cartridge really is that unique.
73
Welcome to the club buddy. I foolishly left 3 of my D104's in the garage during a always hot Arizona summer. All died. Original crystal elements. Oh well I bought the Ebay 2wny FET replacements . Actually I may not remember the exact name of that.
I did get many excellent radio checks on my audio. It still breaks my heart to loose my crystals. 20 bucks brought them back to life.
I did get many excellent radio checks on my audio. It still breaks my heart to loose my crystals. 20 bucks brought them back to life.
That particular replacement element i put in a couple of D104's i have. Sounds ok on ssb but were a lil too much base for AM. Its a good fix if you have one that is dead or dying.
I had a crystal element that quit working. I happened to leave the element laying face down on the metal diaphragm. A week later, I checked it again and it still works! I guess the wax oozed down the inside and reattached the armature. Something to try, a little heat might help too.
I rebuilt a 1980 model Silver Eagle with the W2ENY kit about a year ago and am very happy with it. Get nothing but great audio reports on SSB, good midrange and bass but not too much of anything. The electret cartridge that comes with kit matches very well my radio (stock mic is electret). Kit was pretty easy to install with a minimum of solder skills required. All in all kit seems like a good deal.
73