Started modding my D104... turning out pretty good so far

[mr_fx]

Well... I have been talking about doing this for a LONG time...

So I gutted it, shortened the neck, removed the keying bar, stripped the base...

Now I am faced with a few tough decisions...

1.) Stay with the semi-bushed look on the base? Fully polish the base (lots of sanding and polishing compound work needed), or go with a flat black or even crinkle or hammer black?

2) Heil Dynamic mic element OR MXL 990 compression mic element and circuity?

The Heil is direct hook up on most if not all radios... the compression mic requires 48v phantom power


ALSO WHERE can I find replacement chrome nuts and bolts for the mic head?

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Your going to develop neck and back problems from having to bend over and lean into that microphone to talk.

 

[mr_fx]

yeah

Your going to develop neck and back problems from having to bend over and lean into that microphone to talk.

hahaha... yeah but it sure is gonna be neato when done

 

[ExitThirteen]

Don't use compression if you're going to rag chew. Use the Heil Dynamic element. Compression is best used for contesting or busting thru a pile-up to make contact with one of your friends, but can sound muddy or flat when used for normal conversations.


~Cheers~

 

[David Waits]

No offense but, with decent 104s going for north of $90.00 average, that is a pure waste.

 

[binrat]

No offense but, with decent 104s going for north of $90.00 average, that is a pure waste.

Really?? The last one I had I paid $10 for it and used it for 3 years before I ditched it.

 

[David Waits]

If you find anymore for $10.00 you let me know and I'll buy it and give you ten dollars!

 

[2RT307]

I was given a box of D104's a few years back. Had about 6 in the box, and by the time I figured out what worked and what didn't, I had 3 working ones and some parts. Those screws for the head assembly are hard to come by, and I've never found anyone that had a good replacement. Kind of an odd bolt/sleeved nut setup. I painted my bases a satin black, and they looked really nice. Easy enough to tape the neck so you don't get paint on it. I never had the desire to do the shorty thing, but to each his own. One of the mics ended up with a Heil element in it, and it worked quite well with good reports. It was the HC-5, IIRC, and was a close talker but had good sound. Not as mellow as a Turner SSK, but not as punchy/bright as a D104.

73,
Brett

 

[David Waits]

Brett, I take the ones that don't work and pull the amps out then rewire them as a UG-8 nonamplified D104. They're great for SSB.