Electret Boom Mic for IC-7300 on the cheap
I am rebuilding a post from 2017 that was lost after the old blog was hacked/infected.
In early 2017, I kept seeing YouTube videos and post from other Amateur Radio Operators about using relatively inexpensive boom microphones and foot switches of more than just reasonable quality – they were all very pleased with the results. I am always alert for a good “bang for the buck” deal and decided to copy the setup one of the OMs reported who happens to run the IC-7300, (main HF radio Heidi and I have in our Shack).
While I kind of “piece-mealed” the parts off of both Amazon and eBay, the following photos will give you an idea of where I went with this project.
OK, so I wanted to wind up with an electret microphone on a boom, and using a foot switch to key the radio.
Ordered this footswitch from Amazon, noting it is listed as “Amazon’s Choice” and has a 4.5 star review average out of 5. I have been very happy with its performance, and it hasn’t “stuck” a single time.
Ordered this 8-Pin MIC/Headset Adapter HS-01C for ICOM Transceivers from K6VHF’s store on eBay. Couldn’t be happier as it is quite literally “plug-n-play” for our ICOM IC-7300. (Note: The red jack is for the foot switch to key the radio).
Just for example, here is the adapter plugged into the seller’s ICOM base station.
While I did not purchase this “kit” from Amazon, it does contain the elements purchased separately from eBay and all for a similar price. (I purchased the Mic, cable and mount separate from the boom and the double-wall “Pop-filter” was a third eBay purchase – but it all added up to about the same price displayed on the Amazon link). Central to this project in the BM-800 microphone.
So – how does it work? It works great for me. Probably not as well as what Heil sells – but the whole thing cost right at $60 last year – current prices based upon links in this article would still only be about $77 – did I mention I love “good bang for the buck” projects?
Pardon the mess, this photo was from July of 2017 while I was continuing the struggle of setting up our “Shack”.
I intended to relocate the boom after getting things settled in a bit more last year, but got used to that location and it has been there ever since. This is the “stowed” position when I am not operating the radio – up, out of the way, but can be drawn into service with a simple pull. I *like* it! 73, dave