On Again, Off Again Microphone

Panasonic tape recorder. I don't need an expensive mic, but I want one that works and this one only works sporadically. I'm beginning to notice that these Radio Shack mikes have a limited life span: they'll work great for a few weeks then die a quiet death. the one I have now is working, but I don't know for how long; it may stop working for a week or more-- or it may not ever work again. Does anyone know why these microphones are so unreliable (besides being cheap)? Or better still, a simple way to keep them working?

Model? Type?

Ron wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@googlegroups.com:

Most of them consist of a FET transistor with the base floating, and picking up signal capacitively. So any static spark can easely destroy them, when you touch the connector. BUT, they are cheap, and sensitive. Handle with care.

"Sjouke Burry"

Electret mics are not subject to any such failure mode.

In any case, the OP's mic is probably dynamic.

.... Phil

Yep, that's the one. Funny how quickly they self-destruct. Almost makes ya want to pay that extra five bucks for the extended warranty....

Ron

___________________

"In the beginning was the rhythm, but I had forgotten and I was waiting for the word."

-- Ray Manzarek --

"Ron" "Phil Allison"

Hair fine copper wire PLUS crappy Pb free solder = recipe for sudden failures.

Hint: It's the flux....

.... Phil

on a Panasonic tape recorder. I don't need an expensive mic, but I want on e that works and this one only works sporadically. I'm beginning to notice that these Radio Shack mikes have a limited life span: they'll work great f or a few weeks then die a quiet death. the one I have now is working, but I don't know for how long; it may stop working for a week or more-- or it ma y not ever work again. Does anyone know why these microphones are so unreli able (besides being cheap)? Or better still, a simple way to keep them work ing? Ron

Okay... I see why they fail, but why the failure, then after a week or a mo nth, it works again for a while?

Ron

Intermittent.

Take one apart. Got VOM ?

Greg

Is it a condenser mic? They use batteries.

Mic input on the recorder could have broken solder connections.

Mark Z.

If it has a battery, corrosion in the battery compartment is the most likely cause. Whilst zinc-carbon batteries produce corrosion that is usually fairly obvious, the corrosion from alkaline batteries is sometime impossible to see. Luckily it is easy to remove with a cloth dampened with tap water or with a wetted nylon scouring pad.

Don't forget to clean the battery as well as the contacts in the holder. If that cures it, throw away the original battery and buy a good quality one.

Not these days-- a sad story I wont bore you with. But if I had one, what w ould I be looking for? It's pretty certain that I'll buy one again, and it won't last any longer than an ice cube on a hot day. :-)

Ron

__________________

"Some success, some failure; but either way the gnawing hunger to know is n ever sated, and the road to the Unknown continues to be dark and strange."

?? Control Voice (The Outer Limits) ??

Continuity. You should also hear clicking using a meter. Lightly pushing around the mic element might make the connection good for some instant, or it might temporally fix itself. Put leads on connector while doing this, and also watch meter. I would rather use an analog meter. The wires on the mic are very small.

Greg

This is pretty much curiosity, it's unlikely you can fix mic element. I don't think the switch is bad, but it could be the cable connection.

Greg