eBay update: New key, new mic, new RF problems (sigh) …

Channels were machined in the base to allow it to set flat with or without feet. On closer inspection it looks like some covering was glued on the base.

Thursday, July 13, 2017 — Lots of eBay activity to report, both key and non-key related.

HOMEBREW KEY. This particular key — like many homebrew bugs — didn’t attract much attention. I’m apparently one of the few collectors who enjoys adding homebrew keys to my collection. I know their value as an investment is nil, but the truth is I enjoy preserving their craftsmanship and ingenuity.

This particular key has a really neat base that features engine turning, though it isn’t that visible in the photos. The maker machined channels in the bottom of the key for the wiring, which leaves the bottom flat. The bottom appears to have once had glue on it, so perhaps a rubber or felt covering was glued in place.

I’m not exactly crazy about the terminals; I’ve never liked the way they look (probably goes back to my days as an electronic tech … everytime I see the terminals I’m thinking “test equipment connections,” which implies something’s out of kilter somewhere). I’m not inclined to change them, though I keep seeing a seller with vintage-style terminals that resemble those used on the first Vibroplex bugs.

I don’t have a great photo of the damper, but its very unique and unlike any other I’ve seen. It actually hangs vertically from the adjustment screw and swings left and right as the weight rod hits it. I’ve not put the key thru its paces, nor really taken time to set it up for optimum function, but the key was no closet queen; it appears to have been put to work. It is complete but missing a weight screw. No call sign or other marks that I can find. It is well made and the engine turning will look even sharper once its cleaned up a bit.

MXL CR-77 DYNAMIC MIC

MICROPHONE CHANGE. I am sucker for classic gear and the classic look of vintage gear, so I finally broke down and picked up an MXL CR-77 dynamic mic. Its the classic “pill” microphone with modern electronics. Love, love, love the look. It is available in dynamic, condenser and ribbon element choices.

My current mic on my Yaesu FT-2000 is a Behringer B-1 condenser mic running with phantom power. It is dialed in and sounds great. Before the Behringer, I ran a Shure 55 dynamic clone that worked really, really well. Love the Shure look. But the Shure 55 isn’t cheap, and I am, so the clone was priced right.

MONOPRICE MEMPHIS BLUE

The MXL CR-77 is also a dynamic mic, and last weekend I decided to try it out. The mic seems to be prone to some RF, but frankly, I didn’t spend a lot of time troubleshooting. It looks great, no doubt about that … just not sure if I’m missing something as far as avoiding RF. I’m wondering if the phantom powered Behringer was less prone to RF, or if I’m just imagining it.

I might consider getting the condenser version of this mic if it will perform more like the Behringer. There’s work to do before I reach that point, however.

Another mic I’ve considered is the “Monoprice Memphis Blue Classic” mic. Again, its a classic style dynamic mic that is styled after the Astatic WR 40 classic mic. It’s affordable, though I’m wondering what it sounds like. Another issue that may sound odd is my concerns how the mic will look mounted upside down.

I’m using a Heil mic boom and all the mics I use are mounted upside down (I refused to use a mic boom with the mic oriented in its “normal” (i.e. desk mic stand) position). The Monoprice looks a little funky upside down, compared to the Shure 55 clone and the MXL CR-77, both of which look great on a boom.

The mic I use at the radio station is the Shure SM7B, but it just doesn’t have much visual pizzazz in my book. It just hit me how ironic it is that I’m debating microphones when I haven’t operated HF phone much in the past year! Well, who said ham radio operators have to make sense??

SUMMERTIME CONDITIONS. I intended to listen in on some of the guys on 75 meters tonight, but the static crashes made listening a little tough. Typical summertime conditions, I suppose.

That’s all this time … 73 es CUL de KY4Z SK …. dit dit …