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I got bored

walterjn

Well-Known Member
Mar 15, 2019
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408
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Ok, I got bored a little while ago. Decided that I needed a different mic, something that sounded a bit fuller, or less nasally. So I picked up a D-104 lollypop desk mic, wired a mic plug on it and got a moving radio check. I was driving around, and the other station was stationary. I had the mic gain on the mic all the way down and after getting done driving around talking with my buddy on his base, I discovered where the mic gain on the radio needed to be. The mic really only pics up me, not the stereo, or my phone ringing. So I decided to modify the mic. I started by striping it down completely, then by removing the chrome or at least roughing it enough to take paint. I also added a few plugs and remote mounted the battery and amplifier board. I had some fun doing this. I now have myself a hand held d104 that is slightly unique. Posted pics to F/B and got a few people who either asked me how I did it, or decided that they wanted something similar. So, I decided to share pics with you all just in case someone here wants to give it a try.
 

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Looks great! It's not turned up far enough if it doesn't pick up a mouse fart. Haha! Maybe adjust the gain so you can talk across the front while holding it on the corner of your mouth and talking in a normal talking voice. Being close will maximize the bass response and talking across it will minimize the popping on the P sounds. Just something to try, you could probably sell those.
 
Looks great! It's not turned up far enough if it doesn't pick up a mouse fart. Haha! Maybe adjust the gain so you can talk across the front while holding it on the corner of your mouth and talking in a normal talking voice. Being close will maximize the bass response and talking across it will minimize the popping on the P sounds. Just something to try, you could probably sell those.
When I first wired the mic plug on and hooked it up, I didn't have anyone nearby for a radio check. So I keyed the mic and it was about set to pick up a mouse fart from outside the truck with all the windows and doors closed. I have it set so I can hold it about like you suggested. It feels the most natural to me. So far everyone I get to talk to says it sounds really good. Most of the guys I know on the radio haven't even noticed I've changed from the stock mic. I have found that I do talk quieter when I key up, that probably doesn't hurt.
It was a fun project. I couldn't find all the parts I wanted to use locally, and ordering would have made me wait a week for them to arrive so I did have to modify a few parts. All in all, I'm into this mic for about $120.00. Not including my time.
 

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