Altec 21 BR lipstick microphone

[mister]

hello, this is my first post.

I'm a musician and very entry level DIYer.

I've really been interested in getting my hands on some of the altec tube lipstick condensers.

I jumped in and bought an Altec 21 BR without a power supply.
Now correct me if I'm wrong but I'm under the impression that the 21 capsule will work with a 525a power supply. Is this correct?

I also notice from the pictures that the connector is one I'm not used to
it seems to have a large pin and then 3 standard XLR sized pins. I suppose it's possible that it just looks that way from the photograph.

can one shed any light on
1) can you use a 525a power supply
2) is it necessary to replace the connector to use with a 525a power supply.

thanks,
Mike

[LICORNE]

hello, this is my first post.

I'm a musician and very entry level DIYer.

.

can one shed any light on
1) can you use a 525a power supply
2) is it necessary to replace the connector to use with a 525a power supply.

thanks,
Mike

The info I have concerning power suply is the P518A or P519A.

................

[Earl K]

Well Mike ,,, ( admittedly, being an entry-level DIYer ), you've quite possibly bitten off more than you can chew here .

OTOH, with enough patience, research time &/or money, you just might get that microphone functional .

Here's a schematic as a start ;



That page is found within ;

Which is located within Lansing Heritage(s) Microphone Section (Altec) .

<> cheers

ps ;
- The mic body houses a small tube ( a 5840 ) .
- That 6 pin connector appears to be a ( variant ) of the Cannon P-6 .
- FYI, the supply voltages ( to that tube ) are quite high ( 200 to 255 volts ) .
- With enough current , voltages like that can be quite dangerous, even lethal .

[mister]

Licorne and Earl,
thank you so much for the information!

Earl.
hmmm. Thanks for the heads up on the voltages.

I was trying to jump on a good deal for an omni. well this might result in a valuable learning experience whether I pursuit the build of a PS or just learn not to be so impulsive.

I should add the microphone is gorgeous!
I'll be happy to have it anyway.

thanks guys.

Mike

[Altec Best]

- FYI, the supply voltages ( to that tube ) are quite high ( 200 to 255 volts ) .
- With enough current , voltages like that can be quite dangerous, even lethal .

Although the pressure (Volts) to the circuit is quite high,the current (amps) should be low,1/2 amp fuse is used with that supply I think .If they weren't it would burn up the Mics quite fast.

But as always when working with electricity use caution and be careful !

Don't allow yourself to become a ground when working with any exposed cables,electronics,etc.. It's always a good idea to carry a voltage tester before touching your work. :2thumbsup:

As they say in a electricians world, it is not the voltage that will kill you it is the Amperage (Current).