Turner plus 3 base mic question

[W9GB]

Walter -

The schematic is posted here on the Q&A thread as an attachment (LOOK at my posted answer), which ANYONE can save/download.

w9gb

[MM6ECO]

Turner amplified mikes are pretty good and the metal build quality is awesome. I would say to people restoring them that it`s a good idea to keep the original mike cable on that particular mike as it`s very good quality. I know a few people who have replaced the cable and they have had a few problems with hum coming into the audio on transmit.

I was wondering if anyone has changed the mike element on their old turners desk mikes to anything more up to date?

This might increase a more full round audio as I find that turners sound a bit muffled on Ham radios but where very good on CB equipment.

Maybe microphone elements degrade with age?

[WP3L]

Hello, lets revive this thread.. : )

My pot is completely ruined inside. The carbon material is gone... only a small piece is left. The microphone only produce very little audio on the full setting. Have anyone found a decent replacement pot for this microphones ?????? Or have any other solution for this problem ??

Thanks as always !

[K9FON]

I run a SSK on my Drake TR7 and i get complements on the quality of the audio all the time. These mics are NOT just for CB radios! :-)

[W9GB]

These microphones are NOT just for CB radios!

Turner was around LONG before Citizens Band, Class D service was created (1959).

Business started with sound reinforcement/PA system for the family's Mortiary business, which is still NE of downtown Ceadr Rapids.

w9gb

[K9FON]

Yeah i know they have. But the Turner plus 2, 3, and SSK are known for being used on CB gear. A few times i had the OM ask me what mic i was running and after i told him a Turner SSK i was almost read the riot act about using a "CB mic" on a HF rig.

[W9GB]

The Turner +2, 3 and SSK were based on earlier 1950s designs used for public address, land mobile (OEM), and government clients -- BUT added pre-amplifiers in base (aka Astatic D-104) for the inexpensive CB market. The company growth, due to CB market, was actually its downfall.
When the CB craze ended and market collapsed (1970s version of Blackberry phone crash) -- large production & employees and no product sales. Telex bought in 1979.

We have helped many in restoration these legacy Turner microphones (finding rare IC amp Turner used in 1970s).
The reaction is somewhat understandable .... since modern amateur radio transceiver and transmitters DO NOT need additional pre-amplification (exception being the Icom "7X Zero series") .... and improper usage (wrong/maximum setting) quickly leads to audio distortion.

Boatanchors need a microphone with classic styling, like the Turner "Art Deco" style fin.