I like the Elecraft KX3 very much but unfortunately the MH3 microphone cord has spontaneously frayed for me. Looking around the internet I can see that I'm not alone.
The repair isn't impossible but it is rather fiddly. I wasn't able to re-use the strain relief and have replaced it with shrink wrap. Here's the colours of the wires for future reference.
I hope Elecraft can choose a different cord in the future so this doesn't happen.
Stephen, VK2BLQ, sent me this picture of a Chinese manufactured mic that came with a CRKits radio. It looks the same and has the same fraying. Perhaps Elecraft gets their mics from the same source?
To answer Bjorn's question in the comments, here's a photo showing the spring. It seems to run through the transmit button plastic.
(Click image to enlarge it).
I wonder is there is another microphone with a similar pinout, with a better strain relief.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with the elecraft products, but I would be surprised if there is no manufacturer that has a more rugged one.
Hi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you have found a replacement cord for the MH3 microphone? My MH3 is about 10 years old and just keeps fraying. Please let me know if you have found an a cord close to the diameter that has 4 conductors. Thank you.
73, Rod WA9GQT
Hi Rod,
ReplyDeleteNo, I just cut the cord a bit shorter and re-soldered it with heat shrink tubing.
73, Peter
Hello! do you have a photo of spring on the PTT button. I have the spring but I can't find out where is fit! need help ASAP
ReplyDelete73 de LB9EH Bjørn
I've added a photo that hopefully answers your question.
Delete