May 2000 QST

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52 May 2000SHORT TAKESHeil Sound Goldline Studio MicrophoneBy Dan Henderson, N1NDContest Branch ManagerEveryone has their own idea of the type of look they want fortheir personal station. Some go for the high tech style while othersstrive to achieve a nostalgic feel to the shack. While the engineeringadage of “form follows function” certainly is a must, thereis no reason why an equipment’s “form” has to be unappealing, ifit can still provide the “function” for which it was intended.For those that say any microphone will do so long as it getsthe job done, I would offer that at least in the case of the HeilSound Goldline Studio Microphone, you have a product that getsresults and is an attractive addition to your station appearance.Rarely does any piece of radio equipment receive a more thoroughworkout than during a contest. The Heil Goldline was putthrough its paces recently at ARRL Headquarters station W1AWduring the ARRL International DX Phone Contest. In preparationthe microphone was set to the factory suggested settings forthe Yaesu FT-1000 transceiver that was used during the event.The set-up procedure varies from radio to radio and can be a bitcomplicated, but was accomplished without much difficulty.The model used for the test was the Goldline GM-5, whichcan be switched between the full range studio element and a HeilHC-5 element. I used the full range element for operation duringthe contest. Two other models are available. The GM-4 includesthe full range studio element and HC-4 “DX Dream Machine”element while the Goldline Vintage includes a special low to highimpedancematching transformer designed for use with “vintage”gear to accompany the full range dynamic element.Being accustomed to using a headset with microphone attached,it took a little time to get used to working with a boommicrophone during the contest. But in short order it was easy toposition the boom out of the line-of-site to the computer monitorand radio controls. After overdriving the microphone a couple oftimes, and with a bit of testing, it was also easy to find a positionwhere the normal speaking voice was easily picked up and transmittedwithout distortion.Using the boom type set-up produced a pleasant surprise. Themike on a tight fitting headset is often sensitive to normal twistsand turns by the operator. This in turn can trigger the VOX circuitry.The easiest solution is to use a foot pedal. This contestwas run entirely with VOX using the Heil Goldline andboom configuration. Setting the microphone to the side, andspeaking in normal conversational tones allowed easy, reliableVOX operation.After all is said and done, the real test is simple: how did Isound? I find two good ways to measure this. First, many QSOsincluded comments on the “good audio.” Knowing how mysouthern drawl often affects how others hear me, I would chalkup “good audio” comments as a real plus. After all, if my audiowas good enough to provoke comments, it must have been verygood indeed.The second simple test involved conversations with friendswho know how I sound “in real life.” Before the contest, and inseveral conversations with friends during and after the contest, itwas common to hear “you sound like yourself” when asked aboutthe quality of the audio. One old friend tuned across the conversationand dropped in to chat for a while, saying “I heard thatvoice and knew right away who it was.”Your choice of station accessories can be as important as thechoice of transceivers and radio equipment. This is especially trueThe Heil Sound Goldline and accessories including a boomwith a shock mount, a foot switch and a microphone-totransceivercable.of microphones. Don’t let its sleek style and attractive appearancelull you into believing that the Heil Sound Goldline StudioMicrophone is there just for show. With its 60 Hz-16 kHz response,including a +4 dB peak at 2 kHz, the Goldline offers excellentvoice articulation. On phone your goal is to be understood—andthe Goldline gives you a definite edge.Manufacturer: Heil Sound Ltd, 5800 North Illinois Ave,Fairview Heights, IL 62208; tel 618-257-3000; fax 618-257-3001;http://www.heilsound.com/. Goldline GM-4 (full-range and DXDream Machine HC-4) $139.99; Goldline GM-5 (full-range andHC-5), $139.99; Vintage Goldline, high impedance only forCollins, Drake, etc, $159.99; CC-1 connecting cable, $29.99;LX-1 balanced studio microphone boom, $94.99; SM-1 shockmount assembly, $50; FS-1 foot switch, $29.99.
THE HELP DESKUS Amateur BandsApril 15, 2000May 2000 53
Page 6 and 7: May 2000 Volume 84 Number 5David S
Page 11 and 12: THE AMERICAN RADIORELAY LEAGUE INC
Page 14: Get to Know Your Section ManagerThe
Page 18: The ARRL and the FCC’s Private Wi
Page 22 and 23: The postman always keys twice.Accor
Page 26 and 27: CORRESPONDENCEYour opinions count!
Page 30 and 31: By Ian Poole, G3YWXOperating in the
Page 32 and 33: By Roger Sullivan, WA0ETE, and Hugh
Page 34 and 35: By Jim Graver, KB8PSO2000Dayton Ham
Page 36 and 37: Figure 1A—Schematic of the interf
Page 38 and 39: All input/output connections are ma
Page 40 and 41: Figure 4—Hanger loopconstruction.
Page 42 and 43: Figure 2—A GOES-8 picture capture
Page 44 and 45: By Steve Ford, WB8IMYPSK31 2000In e
Page 46 and 47: the software, PSK31 tuning required
Page 48 and 49: WORKBENCHPROJECTS AND INFORMATION F
Page 50 and 51: By Martin A. Minow, K6MAMPractice M
Page 52 and 53: the download to a suitable location
Page 56 and 57: By Zack Lau, W1VTA No-Tune 2-Meter
Page 58 and 59: HINTS & KINKSA FOLD-DOWN MOBILE-ANT
Page 60 and 61: By James Kates, N9GBBConfessions of
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Page 64 and 65: is accomplished by using OK, BACK a
Page 66 and 67: other radio operation. The chatter
Page 68 and 69: operation because there’s so litt
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Page 72 and 73: News in Brief:• League members no
Page 74 and 75: communications tests in celebration
Page 76 and 77: I’ve done this tour several years
Page 78 and 79: The Crystal Symphony at anchor off
Page 80 and 81: Table 1Claimed North American Dista
Page 82 and 83: Okay in My LogBy Vic Curtis,WA3YUVP
Page 84 and 85: their 432 MHz triumph of the previo
Page 86 and 87: 2000 ARRL Field DayRulesBy Dan Hend
Page 88 and 89: Collecting Vintage QSLsOLD RADIOAn
Page 90 and 91: DIGITAL DIMENSIONAPRS Digipeater in
Page 92 and 93: AT THE FOUNDATIONWhy We Fund Museum
Page 94 and 95: It is with deep regret that we reco
Page 96 and 97: COMING CONVENTIONSARRL NATIONAL CON
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of the West Allis ARC and served as
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introduced that could of had a bear
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211/109; NJN/L 29/203/103; CJTN 29/
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W1PEX 1048, WA1JVV 143, N1NH 105, W
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an activity we enjoy so much can be
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is Walt Bacon, N6SMT, who is curren
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Ham Adsl) Advertising must pertain
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BAHAMAS RENTAL: Abaco villa w/stati
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TUBES WANTED: Highest prices paid o
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