Keep us posted, that sounds like exactly the kind of project I'd have a lot
of fun with.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 5:47 PM
Subject: Re: building a box for function keys
> hey all:
> ok, some good news.
> I went to my favorite electronics supply store today and quickly, with
> some
> excellent help, found precisely the materials I need to start this
> project.
> I have never been in any store where the staff are as friendly and helpful
> as they are at this one.
> anyway, I picked up four momentary micro toggle switches. This means,
> they
> are single pole, double throw, i think, spring loaded switches that close
> when the toggle is pressed and then open when the lever is released.
> Anyway, I got four of those. I found a mode box, similar to a hammon box,
> but plastic and far cheaper, that should be about the right size. I got a
> chassis mount 8 pin kenwood type connecter, the same as is found on the
> front of the transceiver, a bunch of 22K and a bunch of 100K resisters.
> and
> the best find of all, a terminal strip.
> This particular terminal strip has 16 terminals, with 8 sets of two, and
> each set of two are connected via a metal strip under the terminal
> screws...very compact, very professional looking. That is for figuring
> out
> the wiring scheme before i start putting the components into the box.
> I'll find some old 8 conducter cable and start at it probably this
> evening.
> It may not work out at all, or it may, I guess we'll see.
> By the way, the kenwood type 8 pin microphone jacks, are exceedingly
> inexpensive, around a dollar fifty or so for each side, that is, the
> female
> and male portions.
> I have seen the kenwood stamped mike connecter, the female side, sell for
> up
> to 12 bucks on ebay, a total rip off.
> Anyway, all told, for box, switches, resisters, connecter, and terminal
> strip it was $25.
> I had to buy the resisters in rolls of 100 so that won't be an extra cost
> if
> I am successful and end up making a couple of these for folks on the list.
> I'll keep you guys updated as to my progress or failure, what ever the
> case
> may be.
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steve Dresser" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 7:55 AM
> Subject: Re: building a box for function keys
>
>
>> Colin,
>>
>> I've taken my MC-80 apart, and it looks like there's enough room on the
> base
>> to the right of the gooseneck to mount four buttons in a square
>> configuration. However, that only helps for that one mic.
>>
>> Steve
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 23:10
>> Subject: Re: building a box for function keys
>>
>>
>> > well, since it has to control the functions via the mike jack, it
> would
>> > have to be intigraded with the mike line at least. Basically, there
> would
>> > be
>> > a jack of choice, say the RJ45, or the tradditional Round 8 pin din
> socket
>> > for the microphone itself to plug into.
>> > This would be mounted on the side of the small box that has four
>> > switches/buttons on top for the function controls. then either a short
>> > lead
>> > out of the box with another RJ45 or 8 pin kenwood jack on it for the
>> > radio's
>> > microphone socket, or, perhaps a patch cable going from the box to the
>> > radio
>> > with the appropriate connecters on it.
>> > Depending on how flexible you wanted this particular box, the permanent
>> > lead
>> > coming out of the box to the radio may be undesirable since you can't
>> > lengthen or shorten it easily. A custom made cable with the right
>> > connecters on each end to go from the box to the radio would be more
>> > convenient, if a little harder to build...extra jacks to solder and all
>> > that.
>> > Also, this box could potentially contain a balanced XLR and or TRS
> socket
>> > to
>> > connect a studio microphone for better audio on air.
>> > A quarter inch, or eigthth inch jack for connecting a foot switch, or
> PTT
>> > to
>> > key the studio mike would also have to go on if I added the xlr/trs
>> > option.
>> > You could still run a regular microphone wired with an 8 pin round, or
>> > RJ45
>> > connecter on it into the box, or substitute it for a studio mike.
>> >
>> > A little like the rig blaster, but much simpler and mostly designed for
>> > the
>> > use of the function keys.
>> > I have never seen a rigblaster of any model, and I am wondering if
>> > these
>> > function buttons couldn't somehow be added as a modification to a
>> > rigblaster, or if the unit is too small to accomidate extra switches or
>> > jacks?
>> > Also, I don't remember the dimensions of an MC60, or any of the other
>> > popular kenwood desk mikes, So I don't know how hard it would be to add
>> > micro switches to the bass portions of those.
>> > If there was just enough room, these switches could be added and the
> other
>> > components put inside the microphone's bass...but again, I don't have
>> > anything to experiment with.
>> > I know that I could probably play with an old turner plus 3 that I have
>> > and
>> > see if the switches would fit in there just as a trial run...but I am
>> > pretty
>> > sure that the turner plus 3 desk mike has allot more free space on the
>> > bass
>> > between the PTT bar and the neck of the microphone, then the mc60, 60a,
> or
>> > 80's do.
>> >
>> > I'll start experimenting just as soon as I can get to my favorite
>> > electronic
>> > parts supply store and pick up some components.
>> > 73
>> > Colin, V A6BKX
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
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>> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.3/1308 - Release Date: 3/3/2008
> 10:01 AM
>>
>>
>
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