Well, I’m ba-a-a-a-a-ck!
Or more correctly, my website is back. I wasn’t paying close attention to emails from my domain name registrar, but I remember something a month or so back that I had a domain name about to expire and not enough money in my account to cover it.
That domain was — of course — KY4Z.com.
I have nearly 2 dozen registered domain names, but only have active websites connected to three. Why so many? Well, several domains are versions of active domains and are insurance that someone won’t use a “.net” domain to compete with my active “.com” domain. I’ve actually pared back the list over time after website ideas never came to fruition.
MICROPHONE MATTERS. My focus recently on eBay has been following the interesting code key auctions, and also microphones.
Here in Studio B, I have a Heil Classic mic that I’m happy with; in Studio A, I have a Behringer C-1 mic that’s dialed in and a proven performer, thanks to the FT-2000’s internal EQ.
What I’m shopping for of late is a stylish podcast mic — one with a classic look. In this case, “classic look” means a “pill” format mic.
I have an original 1960s Argonne crystal pill-style mic, and there’s plenty of those mics (and their differently branded counterparts) on eBay, and they are commanding some serious cash these days. But I’m not interested in an original crystal mic, I’m looking for a modern version of the same mic. Thankfully, they do exist — and there are very affordable options.
MXL has several versions of the pill-shaped mic, from a high-priced ribbon mic to dynamic and condenser versions. You can find new and used versions of their mics, and typically their prices are reasonable.
I’ve picked up several versions of these mics — a dynamic one for Studio A, a condenser mic and a second dynamic mic for podcast purposes.
The mics are all 3-pin XLRs, so they won’t work with my Heil XLR cabling for my Yaesu here in Studio B, since the Heil Classic requires a 4-pin XLR. Otherwise I would try out my Heil Classic on my podcast. Whatever.
I earlier purchased a Nady USB mic, and it works ok, just does not have the look I want. To use the MXL mics, I needed an XLR to USB interface. My first interface was an inexpensive mixer-type with a single XLR input. That worked, but wasn’t really happy with it. I next purchased an inline XLR to USB adapter powered by the computer, and its the cat’s meow. I don’t need a mixer to adjust the EQ, I can do that in software to the extent I need.
Ultimately, I wanted the more attractive mic because I would eventually like to record my podcast as videos — or simply record blog entries on video.
VIBROPLEX ADDITIONS. I haven’t been totally inactive with my CW key collection. An eBay seller recently listed a Vibroplex Vibrocube for a very low Buy It Now price — so low that I couldn’t pass it up. The key was in new, very mint condition,, so it was a no-brainer. Since most of my CW operating these days is in Studio B, I figured I could put the key to use.
I also pulled the “Buy It Now” trigger on a 1950s Presentation with original case. The key had a very low price and was in superb condition to be 70 years old. I don’t own a Presentation key with the gold plate in good condition, so this one was a needed addition to my collection. Most Presentation keys are priced higher than I care to pay.
OLD BUT GOOD KEYBOARD KEYER. You may have wondered why I have an image of the Microcraft Morse-A-Keyer keyboard here. Well, this one is listed on eBay, and I’m 99 percent sure it is the one that I owned for years and sold several years ago.
It actually was a very good keyboard with a very responsive keyboard. It has a buffer, but no memories. It’s built like a tank, and it was my favorite keyboard keyer until I purchased one of the old MFJ 496 units. The MFJ really is the cat’s meow, and includes programmable message buffers. Those things sell for a pretty penny, and I have two of them in stock — though honestly,
I haven’t used a keyboard keyer since I was participating in contests.
73 es CUL de KY4Z … SK … dit dit ….