Astatic D104M6B

[Slowmover]

Mine shows a Build Date of 03/14 with convex foil nameplate. Bought it London, KY in 2016.

Took it apart, replaced battery, and De-Oxidized all that seemed applicable.

Still some scratchiness, and I think that’s partially the plunger (PTT) dragging on the case. I’ll try BELLS CB tip about relieving that opening slightly (see website).


In running it from the Galaxy DX-959b into the RM-Italy KL-203p the reports about audio quality from nearby are to leave Radio Mic Gain at Max, and Mic Pwr at 3. (The radio has talkback to rough it in, but the external speaker is genuinely too sensitive. And I don’t have my second radio gear along with me).

Are these settings consistent (on similar type mobile) for any of the rest of you all? (RK-56 was at Max).

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[Slowmover]

Thanks for the link. I just got one of these mics and the button is so hard to push that I thought it was broken. I push it in like normal and the radio keys but no audio. I double checked the battery and looked over the PCB; everything looked ok. Then I figured out that I was only pushing the button in half way. I need to pop the cover off again to see if something else is making it hard to push. I will probably change the switch anyway just because.
Chris

Let’s see if I can’t summarize several threads worth of advice:

There’s two problems, and two upgrades:


1). Plunger scraping case (PTT).

—Use Exacto to relieve opening on main case half.


2). The main thread subject of the electrical switch.

— Clean with De-Oxit and use silicone lube. (t/shows & Shockwave recommends a version of WD-40: Specialist Silicone).

— Otherwise, seek NOS switch from contributor RBR762 on eBay.


3). Clip 270-ohm resistor leg (or de-solder) for extended bass response.

— Can be replaced with 1.5M resistor to avoid overheating on extended key-down once leg clipped.

— Silver element said to be same as late M575, but D104 is missing the better seal against the case. Poly batting cut as donuts suggested.


Otherwise,

— Used mobile or at base determines settings.

a). High radio mic gain (mobile), and low mic power.

b). Medium radio mic gain (base), and medium mic power.
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[Holydvr]

I bought a lot of those from the same seller. I have yet to need to try one. You are welcome to one if needed. Just let me know.

 

[Slowmover]

Thanks!

 

[Slowmover]

cbradiomagazine has a short vid with audio comparison of resistor clipped versus stock (after a physical examination).

Then, against some other mics.

(Search on brand + model number).

Anyone added an internal potentiometer for tone adjustments with resistor mod? (Third potential upgrade).

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[Eldorado828]

cbradiomagazine has a short vid with audio comparison of resistor clipped versus stock (after a physical examination).

Then, against some other mics.

Anyone added an internal potentiometer for tone adjustments with resistor mod?

.

I myself have wondered about that tone mod for those, haven't tried it.

Slow, if you'd send me those mics I'd gladly replace those switches for you.

 

[Slowmover]

I myself have wondered about that tone mod for those, haven't tried it.

Slow, if you'd send me those mics I'd gladly replace those switches for you.

Its “noticeable” in vid.

I’ve been meaning to as we’ve discussed. The switches I received might/might not be correct. Will be in touch, thx!


Edited Post #77 above
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[Eldorado828]

Here's the video, I always enjoy the videos from cb radio magazine. Does seem to improve the tone... Maybe it can become likable to me as I've never had much appreciation for those mics.

 

[Holydvr]

That looks to be an M6B in the video. I know they must share a bit of a footprint though.

 

[Slowmover]

Here's the video, I always enjoy the videos from cb radio magazine. Does seem to improve the tone... Maybe it can become likable to me as I've never had much appreciation for those mics.

Agreed on appreciation. Squeakin’ squitch was a turn-off. Likely it’s best as a base station mic, but now I’ve hooked it up I’ll give it a ride for a ways.

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[Slowmover]

My Kenworth t680 complete system installation features the King of CB, a Galaxy side mic as well as a KL-7405 amp.

I’ve got a bag of mics along so have tried a few using The Shadetree Method after putting together some power jumpers to run Cross Needle Meter or a second radio.

ASTATIC d104m6b beats out RK-56 (brand new), Galaxy Stock mic, Red Devil, and an SL-41 (as that last needs repair). I don’t have my usual top choice along, an Astatic 636L.

As I’m broke down in farthest west Tennessee, I wasn’t moving during the test nor were windows open here on the side of the highway.

To test, I ran Talkback a moment with each mic, and then across the second radio back in the bunk.

Put it on the air with the amp on Medium Power and stopped a fellow driver in his tracks as he almost said, “Yeah, driver, it’s fine”, to a pause where he then replied to my Breaker 19 air check with a sobered, “Driver, that sounds pretty damn good “. (His was excellent, so it was an earned compliment).

I agree.

It might not be a good replacement for where a noise-cancel type is needed, but it was hellacious clear with engine-running & AC cranked.

Maybe my De-Oxit work will last awhile.

So, I’m glad to own it and will do what I can to keep it in service per post #77 summary of problems/fixes. After it comes back from 828.

I’d gladly recommend it.

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[Handy Andy]

As I’m broke down in farthest west Tennessee, I wasn’t moving during the test nor were windows open here on the side of the highway.

I know the area...and I'm sorry...

How's Elvis?

 

[Slowmover]

I know the area...and I'm sorry...

How's Elvis?

Up north of there. Nice area, not far from Union City.

Elvis & Aron are just fine, so far as we know.
Pulled from duty, true, but left a legacy cherished by many.

Skull-stackin’ gospel music for when the on-rushing festivities commence:

 

[Slowmover]

Gotta like the d104m6b

When Side Mic Speaks . . . the world stops to listen.

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[Tokin]

Ive got several m6b mics that were modded by d-rail. Unfortunately they come with a giant clip on ferrite bead attached to prevent rf issues mostly when using amps and its causing wires to break in the cord near the plug.
Are there any upgrades from these ultra thin cords? I wouldn't imagine there is but im hopeful.