Microphone Maintenance

[whiteastro]

The last couple days I have noticed in my car the mic doesn't seem to readily completely release when i release the PTT exterior switch unless I let it snap. Then I notice hear nothing from the radio until I play with the PTT switch on the mic. I tried 2 other mics. with the same results. This leads me to believe maybe it's time for some Mic. maintenance. Any clean and lube suggestions?

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Three mics that all do the same thing? The odds of a single failure point to the radio. Do you have any mics that work with that radio? Do any of the bad mics work on another radio?

 

[whiteastro]

I'll try the mic from my van which has the same model radio. and also try it without the amp turned on. the problem is young.

 

[Handy Andy]

Since it happens with other mics, you know that the pin for the audio might just be "pinched closed" because of the mic plug and socket mating is not quite up to snuff anymore from it getting bumped by a kneecap or tugged during a travel "rapid stop" - to have this happen on more than one mic makes me think it's time to look at the socket and see if the pin is broken or otherwise bent or pinched closed.



To fix the slotted pin, just use an x-acto knife or utility razorblade knife and work the split in the pin apart to re-expand the pin to help it make contact with the socket of the plug.

The plug too - although more likely to occur when transferred amongst different radios - the plug sockets can wear open and lose connection - you can do the same operation of pry/pinching down the socket on those too...


When you look into the holes, you'll see they have a split in the socket allowing for expansion and ability to maintain contact - but metal is malleable - so it can expand too far and not reform (spring back) - bent too far out of shape. You can try and re-pinch the socket back into shape by using an awl or narrow tip flat-blade screwdriver to re-bend the socket to restore contact and the wiping action it once had.

But only so many times - then it's done...

 

[whiteastro]

Didn't get much time to look into the problem today because had a major landscaping project going on today but some rainy day I'll get it on the bench. Thanks for the tips !

 

[Onelasttime]

Not only that but most of todays Mic's are garbage from a design point. If you look at the old Eltro-Voice hand mic's back when they where made in Michigan they had the "million cycle" guarantee switch. It was a much better design since it was robust, simple and based on a lever with leaf spring or reed type contacts not sure what term is correct. Todays switch that sliding carbon element I think it is like the modern Astatics use is just poorly made.

Not saying that that sort of switch design can not be made to be very durable but in the last decade they have all gone down hill.

If not taken any of the modern ones apart but everyone complains about them not working well and making noise and failing in short order.

I am sure you are right though sounds like a problem with the audio pin. Those as well are not as robust and well built as they used to be!

 

[whiteastro]

I am sure you are right though sounds like a problem with the audio pin. Those as well are not as robust and well built as they used to be!

Everything has gone down hill when they want to keep up with the Jones's. Probably if they made it like they use to most of us couldn't afford it. Sad time in America !

 

[Dopple]

I've been using DeoxIT on switches and potentiometers for decades. Usually a little bottle of it is about $30 or so, and will last many years. I might still have a little left in the bottle my dad gave me in the 80's. They also have a spray that seems to penitrate and spread all over a PTT type slide switch. Careful application and removing excess is required with this stuff. I've used Frog Lube on a few things that have plastic-on-plastic sliding parts. Yea, it's a gun lube, but seems to be plastic safe, and it smells like wintergreen! Also worked wonders on the scroll wheel on an old Microsoft mouse. Wipe a very thin amount on the PTT button and/or the slot in the mic that the button slides against.