The Heil HMM series was discontinued and replaced by the HM series so they say. The HM series contains both the HC-4 and HC-5 elements but is a completely different case style, more like a studio mike than a mobile microphone.
And then you have the option of using whichever microphone you like and changing the cartridge in it to almost any other that you think is better. Did that with a Heil HC-5 quite a few times (and once an MC-50). I also found that the MC-43 worked just fine (the standard Kenwood hand mic, or the one that comes with the TS-50 with the 4 buttons). Finally ended up using the TS-50 in the house with a headset (home made with a Heil cartridge). I think Heil still makes an adapter to hold his cartridges in a 'D-104'. Whatever 'grabs' you...
- 'Doc
My main reason for wanting a new mic is to drive the TS50 a bit harder without opening it up. It only peaks out at about 85 watts on 10 meters with the stock mic on SSB.
I had a Heil element in my D104 yeeeears ago.. I preferred the 10DAL head to the D104 with the Heil element in it though.
What kind of meter are you using to measure the power output? A normal average reading meter (or a so-called peak meter that does not require a power source) will not read anywhere near 100 watts when in fact the radio is actually producing 100 watts pep. Most radios only show 30-60 watts on an average reading meter, depending on the individual's voice characteristics, when they put out 100 watts pep. if you are using an average reading meter then your radio is already being driven plenty hard. (likely too hard)
Some thoughts . . .
Since you have Kenwood; have you considered going with a W2IHY mic preamp/noise gate/EQ/compressor? That - and a MXL V67 mic would blow the doors off anything else - IMO.
Kenwoods do have that great audio RX and TX - after all . . .
I'm using a Astatic 600, should I be trusting the readings?
Very interesting info (as usual)... But if I go by what you say, how will I justify a shiny new toy?? JK... Definitely good info. I should focus more on my antenna issues.
Somebody correct me here but isn't the Astatic 600 an average meter with a passive capacitor circuit for peak measurements? The power supply is simply for the meter lamps? If so then the RF power output is higher than what the meter is reading even when the meter is on the peak setting. In fact 85 watts sounds a bit too high and I suspect you are peaking over 100 watts easily. I have a much more expensive meter than the 600 and it has the same old crappy-feel-good kind of sampling circuit and my 100 watt radio shows about 70-80 watts on the meter but 100-110 on an oscilloscope.