D104 mics

[halfwatt959]

I was just wondering if anyone had any info on the different versions of the d104. While I collect, repair and restore them, I know nothing about them other than how to disassemble and reassemble them. I have a silver eagle final edition [no box though], 2 or 3 normal side key only lollipops and just got a night k eagle. The "K" eagle has the ETS tones and the night eagle didn't I believe. But I would like to know if any of them were rare or worth more than others. Aside from condition I mean. I would like to know what I've got. Not just possible value but things like when which models were produced, how many were built and stuff like that. I found a company history of Astatic on the net, [very cool and interesting too], but nothing that said we made this model from 19xx to 19xx or xxxxxxx# of them were made. Thanks for any info.

[Bombero]

Hey...

When you asked in the shoutbox...I posted this: [Please login or register to view this link]

It's a good idea to bookmark/copy and print this info...you never know when you'll need it or can pass it on...

Bombero

[MDYoungblood]

Yep, that's one going in the bookmarks, excellent find Bombero.

3's

Greg

[halfwatt959]

Thanks Bomb. I put that link under favorites [or whatever that star thingy is]. Read it twice and thank you for the info. But now I'm wanting on of those cool looking ssb heads. I have a tug-8 stand to put it on but if I ever run across one I will probaly purchase it wether its a complete mic or just the head. Thanks again

[MDYoungblood]

Those 10-DA head was popular in the 70's into the 80's but they sure are hard to find now, the T3C is very rare, you could look for them in music forums, a lot of harmonica players still use them because of sound quality.

3's

Greg

[Tweetybird]

Those 10 DA heads were great for SSB operation. I used one on my ole 1011C years ago and I saw one yesterday on Ebay with 3 days to go.

[PA629]

Thanks Bomb. I put that link under favorites [or whatever that star thingy is]. Read it twice and thank you for the info. But now I'm wanting on of those cool looking ssb heads. I have a tug-8 stand to put it on but if I ever run across one I will probaly purchase it wether its a complete mic or just the head. Thanks again

The 10-DA heads were designed for SSB, and work well in that regard. I know many people who have them and are very unhappy with the performance of the 10-DA when they use them on AM. Just a FYI.

[halfwatt959]

If I ever get one it will be wired to my navajo 458 for ssb only. I only use the 458 on sundays on SSB for check ins. I rarely use that radio on am but it does happen from time to time. Man I love that radio but it doesn't have the horse power for AM dxing. But thanks for the heads up.

[TheCBDoctor]

Hi halfwatt959,

The fact that no D-104s are being made make them all rare in my book. Check out special limited editions, such as the Golden Eagle. The older versions use bi-polar transistors while the newer ones use J-FETs. They all sound good to me. Some sound better depending on the radio.

For performance they are all good; if you are looking to collect them, then the limited editions is the way to go. The TUG-8 only has 4 wires, so using them on a Cobra 142 GTL will not work. When you tie Pin 2 (Audio Ground) to Pin 4 (Chassis ground) the radio will squeal on receive when the volume is turn up beyond 2/3rds of the way up. I never could figure out why since it does not do this on the Cobra 2000 GTL, which is about 90% the same radio.

A link to a nice looking Silver Eagle. Click on the photo for some info

[Please login or register to view this link]

Respectfully,

Rick

[443 Arizona]

now if only there was some postings for the Turners, i might be able to fix one in my pile. how about it Bombero, what do you have in your magic hat?

[MrBubble]

now if only there was some postings for the Turners, i might be able to fix one in my pile. how about it Bombero, what do you have in your magic hat?

What exactly are you looking for?

[MrBubble]

Hi halfwatt959,

The fact that no D-104s are being made make them all rare in my book. Check out special limited editions, such as the Golden Eagle. The older versions use bi-polar transistors while the newer ones use J-FETs. They all sound good to me. Some sound better depending on the radio ...

Respectfully,

Rick

Fully agree on this point. The special editions like the D104 Golden Eagle 1976 Bi Centennial are the rarest by definition of their limited production. Once you narrow down to the model, it's all about condition.

[Bombero]

now if only there was some postings for the Turners, i might be able to fix one in my pile. how about it Bombero, what do you have in your magic hat?

Hey 443...

What exactly are you looking for?

[Please login or register to view this link]


Bombero

[Blue Ox2]

Those 10-DA head was popular in the 70's into the 80's but they sure are hard to find now, the T3C is very rare, you could look for them in music forums, a lot of harmonica players still use them because of sound quality.

3's

Greg

Hi Greg,

I just got a D-104 and need to have it wired for a President Washington.
It is currently a 4 pin cobra wiring.

Can you do it if I mail it to you? Or do you know someone who would?

73

Mike

[Blue Ox2]

Aparently I am putting the cart before the horse.

I'll just wait till everything gets here, hook it up
and see how it works.

Thanks for putting up with mr. impatience.

73

Mike

[MDYoungblood]

If it is a 6 wire lollipop you will be good, the wiring for it can be found here in the forum, probably several topics on this. If it comes and is a 4 wire mic then it can still be used, just buy one of those Cobra 4 pin to Uniden 5 pin adapters.
I would wire it up for you in minute if you want to send it and pay postage both ways.

3's

Greg

[Blue Ox2]

cool, thanks.
I'll wait till it all gets here and we see how it is coming together then.

73

mike