Date sent: Tue, 01 Jul 1997 13:21:03 -0700
Subject: Re: HML: Power Microphones

Michael Selig wrote:

> Anyone use an amplified microphone with their CBs?

Normally not - especially in a vehicle with as much background noise as we've got in the Hummers.

> Does this help to transmit the outgoing signal?

No. The purpose of an amplified microphone is to increase the input signal voltage to the transmitter - not the outgoing signal.

> Any comments hay or nay??

An amplified microphone is usually used correctly in only three cases that I can immediately think of:

1. You have a voice that is not picked up well by ANY microphone. Given the current state-of-the-art microphones, this is not the case in 99.9+% of all situations.
2. You are working with older electronics that require a higher input signal voltage.
3. The amplified microphone gives better control (usually not the case) over the input signal voltage than the input gain control on the transmitter.

For my own use, I found that I overloaded most amplified microphones. In fact, the one I used to use worked best if I removed the battery!!!

Mark L. Gaubatz
1994 Hummer