Microphones are one of the most sensitive instruments. They can stop performing due to various small problems. The first step lies in identifying the cause for the non functional state of the microphone.
However, before you start repairing your microphone here are a few general tips to help you to stop it from failing again. The microphone being a responsive object is sensitive to even slight changes in the weather. It is always advisable to keep them inside a box wrapped in moisture absorbents. If the humidity or the moisture content in the air affects the membrane of the microphone, the sound quality may start distorting or sometimes even disturbing the entire signal flow.
Various microphones are found faulty due to various reasons. You can find a microphone with no transmission or low or erratic RF output. In certain microphones the ON and OFF switch is sometimes faulty. When the ON and OFF switch is faulty, you can be assured that at least the audio output is not affected. However, a faulty R.F. output or driver transistor can produce some symptoms that may partially or fully disturb the sound content and quality.
You can use a bridge rectifier to protect rig against reverse polarity. Applying a light oil or WD40 to the contacts can in most of the cases, cure noisy crackling that is caused by a microphone switch. It can also be used in crackling squelch or volume controls and to clean the outside of rigs and to improve the clarity of channel displays.
In order to avoid confusion you can follow this small advice that will help you to cope with all your extension problems even in the future. Instead of having several power leads with different plugs trailing across the repair bench, cut all your power leads down to 6 inches and fit them to a connector block with just one pair of wires going back to the power supply. Thus, this will make your work much more easier.
Whatever you do be sure that most of the power transistors and regulators usually contain poisonous substances, in order to be safe and sure, wash hands and nails scrupulously after handling broken or cracked devices and various parts of the microphone.
A danger also exists on some home based rigs and power supplies. They have only two core cable or switches in the neutral wire. So be aware. The earth tags should be bolted to chassis and not pop riveted to a transformer plug.
Another important thing that you should remember is about microphone socket pins. The microphone socket pins splits can often close up and can further cause a bad connection. In a microphone when the knob is loose, do not wrap knob along the diaphragm with a tape to solve the problem. Use a screwdriver to tighten the knob.
Hence, getting your microphone repaired is no rocket science. Anyone can do it provided he or she is well adapted to the mechanism of a microphone and can identify the areas of problem.
