Hey all:
I finished up the box this evening.
So, it is a small project box, about 3 and a half inches by 2 and a quarter
inches by two and a quarter inches.
On the top, in a row are the PF switches 1 through four as they are on the
MC45DM microphone.
I didn't mount the 8 pin chassis connecter in the box, but instead used an
old xlr cable that i had laying around, cut one end off and wired it to the
terminal binding strip that I used inside the box.
I used a short peace of cat5 8 conducter cable to go from the terminal strip
inside the box out to an 8 pin kenwood mike connecter, which, by the way,
only uses 7 pins anyway.
So i hooked up one of my studio microphones to the xlr cable, and just
plugged the box into the radio.  I have full control over all four PF keys
via the toggle switches.
I haven't yet wired up a PTT control of any kind, but that is next.

If anyone wants a more detailed explanation of the building process or what
components i used, and how I put it all together, just say the word.
If you want part numbers and brands, let me know that too so i can get them
off the invoice which i think I still have from the perchase.
Again, it cost me around $25 for all the parts including rolls of 100 of the
two values of resisters i used.
I think If I want to put in a chassis mount XLR connecter and an RCA
connecter or anything extra, I'll have to use a slightly wider or longer
project box.

If instructions aren't enough, I may consider building a few of these boxes
for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable tackling the project themselves.
It isn't a problem putting the regular mike socket on the project box so you
can have control of PTT and audio through a desk mike, as well as your
typical up/down buttons, but have the PF keys availible.
a female balanced XLR jack for a studio mike, and an RCA jack for ptt  isn't
a problem either.
I opted out of the metal type hammond box because they were about twice the
price.
However, a metal box would make life a bit easier as far as common grounding
goes...a little neater inside as well; not so many wires having to get to
pin 7, or ground.

There are all sorts of neat possibilities here and its only limited by
imagination and technical know how on my part.
73
Colin, V A6BKX