"Scott Dorsey" wrote in message
...
K3HVG wrote:

Hmmmm. Crystal elements are, as pointed out, subject to failure
arguably far more frequently than dynamic and other types. I continue to
have good success with crystal D-104's, albeit I do take care of them.
Suitable replacement elements are still available at reasonable cost and
D-104's can sound very good on vintage AM gear.

Where are they available? The last I heard, CAD/Astatic was replacing
the crystal elements with dynamic ones if they came in for repair,
claiming
they couldn't make the original crystal any more.

The crystal itself is sealed with a flexible goo... as long as that stays
sealed, it's fine, but as soon as it develops a small crack, atmospheric
moisture gets in.
--scott

Scott -

Mouser carries the Kobitone (Far East) crystal element (see their on-line
catalog)
They are a bit smaller than the original Astatic -- BUT work fine

gb

On Oct 28, 5:29 pm, "Rick (W-A-one-R-K-T)"
wrote:
I'm looking on ebay for a D-104 microphone to use with my Heath Marauder
transmitter, and I need to make sure I get the right one.

There seems to be differences between models... some are amplified, some
are not; some are high impedance, and some are low.

The sellers for these mics are highly unlikely to know anything worth
knowing about them it seems... so, which one do I need for my Marauder and
how do I make sure I'm getting the right one?

Thanks...

A while back I was able to pickup a clean D-104 at a garage sale from
a guy that called it a "chicken choker". Anyway I got it for $20.00
and it had the amplifier in the bottom of the stand. I removed all the
amplifier and rewired the terminal strip in the bottom. Put on new mic
cable and wired it into my Johnson Ranger. It works like a champ. I
get good audio reports with it.
73, Randy, W5KCM