Difference between SMC-33 & SMC-34 remote speaker mics

[KF7WCY]

Can anyone comment on what the differences are between the Kenwood SMC-33 and the SMC-34. I cannot find any specifications in looking thru various HT radio manuals (TH-F6A, TH-D72A & TH-K20A). Unfortunately there does not appear to be any specifications on Kenwood's USA & international websites.

Is the SMC-33 more weather resistant or have better audio quality?
Why the cost difference? Is the SMC-33 worth the additional money?

Is the construction of the SMC-34 more fragile than the SMC-33?
Can both models survive rugged use?

Thank you for any insight you can share.

SMC-33 MSRP $73.00 (US)
Speaker mic with remote
3 function keys... plus earphone jack

SMC-34 MSRP $35.00 (US)
Speaker mic with remote & volume
3 function keys... plus earphone jack.



From the TH-F6 manual it states:

MICROPHONE PF KEYS (OPTIONAL)
If you have an optional SMC-33 or SMC-34 speaker microphone, you can access many transceiver settings without using transceiver keys or controls. The 1, 2, and 3 keys located on the top of the microphone are programmable with the transceiver key (or key combination) functions. The default assignments are as follows.
Mic [1]: A/B
Mic [2]: VFO/ MR
Mic [3]: CALL (TH-F6A)/ 1750 Hz (TH-F7E)

From the TH-D72A manual it states:

There are 3 microphone PF (Programmable Function) keys: [PF1], [PF2], and [PF3]. You can assign your own desired functions to these 3 keys.
1 Enter Menu mode and access Menu 191 (MIC. PF1) and/or Menu 192 (MIC. PF2) and/or Menu 193 (MIC. PF3).
2 Set your desired function for the key. Programmable functions available are:
WX (Weather Channel)/ GROUP UP/ MR.Name <> FREQ/ VOX/ MR GRP (Memory group up)/ NAME/ BAL/ GPS/ LOG/ SQL/ SHIFT (Shift)/ DUP/ BAND/ STEP/ LOW/ LOCK/ M>V/ M.IN/ C.IN/ T.SEL/ NEW/ VA/ DX/ WXI/ A/B (Band Select A/ Band Select B)/ MENU (Menu mode)/ MARK/ TNC/ POS /MSG/ LIST/ BCON/ VFO/ REV (Reverse)/ TONE/ MR/ MHz/ DUAL (Dual Mode)/ ENT/ CALL/ LAMP/ MONI (Monitor)

From the TH-K20A manual it states:

There are 3 microphone PF (Programmable Function) keys: [PF1], [PF2], and [PF3]. You can assign your desired functions to these 3 keys.
1 Enter Menu mode and access Menu No. 24 (PF 1) and/or Menu No. 25 (PF 2) and/or Menu No. 26 (PF 3), then press [F].
2 Rotate the ENC control to select your desired function for the key, then press [F] to store the setting.
Programmable functions available are:
VFO/ MR/ CALL/ UP/DOWN/ TONE/ T.SEL/ SHIFT/ REV/ 1750/ WX <TH- K20A K type only>/ N.FM/ PR.SCAN (Priority scan)/ M.DISP (Memory display type)/ SQL/ LOW/ STEP/ L.OUT (Memory channel lockout)/ MONI/ LAMP
3 Press [MENU] or [PTT] to exit Menu mode.

[K6LCS]

The SMC-33 is a little beefier - in size and receive audio quality. And although I never desired a volume control on a speaker-mic (thinking it was just something to fail at some point in time), I have heard good reports from owners of the SMC-34.

Which Kenwood radio do you own?

[KF7WCY]

I just ordered a TH-D72A after seeing a friends using his earlier model w/ a SMC-34. I've used a number of speaker-mics with commercial radios but this will be my first Kenwood gear. Knowing from past experiences that I will accidently drop it... have it fall of my shirt or harness clip... I'm torn between the models. If I get a SMC-33 I will post the dimensions. I can't believe Kenwood does not have the specifications posted anywhere.

[KF7WCY]

Thanks Clint. I appreciate the beefier comment. Audio quality is also important to me. I'm also planning on using an airtube earpiece when environment requires less distraction to others. Nice to hear the size is a little larger.

[K6LCS]

>> ... I can't believe Kenwood does not have the specifications posted anywhere ...

They post the speaker diameters ... But you are doing the correct thing: In a noisy environment - or for privacy - an earpiece should be used. AND you will save on battery longevity, too, by using an earpiece! What eats up batteries is keying the mic and transmitting, and turning up the volume on receive. By using an earpiece, you'll be turning the volume down, and lengthening your battery life!