Craig L131 mic wiring issue

[metalmoto]

OK, I acquired a Craig L131 with removable mounting bracket, but no microphone, many years ago.
Very nice, but too large to fit in my vechicles. Thought about using as a base at home, but I'm so busy now.
Years ago, I finally found a replacement screw on 6 pin DIN plug for a mike. Tried wiring it up to one of my old mikes, just to see if it works at all. Found the wiring diagram I thought, but other places showed something different. As of yet, using a regular old mike, I haven't got it to broadcast yet. As I remember, relay clicks, but no modulation. Radio might have other issues, not sure.
As I remember it receives OK. Being an often saught after unit, I wanted to sell it. But don't want to mislead the buyer in anyway.
I was just trying to figure out if it works OK first. Before I post it for sale someplace...
I'm an honest person, and I won't post something for sale or auction, and "say" it works.
I realize the unit was built in 1977 and will most likely will need to be recapped, and adjusted/re-aligned for the best performance. Any help or suggestions would be great!
I want this radio to go to a good home, where it will be used, and not just put on a shelf on display.
I owned it for over 30 years now, and I don't want to see it go into the trash. Antique radio collector here, just don't my radios going into a landfill, after I'm gone. Thanks to everyone who feel the same as me!

 

[WSAC829]

Awesome vintage radio. Luckily there is still quite a bit of info about those floating around the net.

Mic wiring: Craig L131, L231

Service manual: https://cbtricks.org/radios/craig/l131_l231/graphics/craig_l131_l231_sm.pdf

Recap kit: Craig L131 electrolytic capacitor kit

Used replacement mic on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/317967548970

 

[prcguy]

Short mic pins 3 and 5 then it will transmit. Then hold a metal pin in your fingers and touch pin 2 while transmitting and you should hear a hum in a radio receiving you. That should prove the transmit audio is working, at least to some extent.

 

[metalmoto]

I took the plunge, and bought the mike off eBay that WSAC929 found.
Received it today. But the first thing I noticed was the mike socket on the radio was loose in the chassis.
When I opened it up, the socket was held on with nylon screws. Also a gasket under the socket.
Obviously, they didn't want the cocket base grounded to the chassis. After some seaching, I found 2 little nylon bolts and nuts, I removed and saved from an old computer I think. I just couldn't believe they were the same threads, M3-05. A litle bit shorter in length, they threaded into the chassis, no need for the nuts. Being very careful not to make the too tight. I only had those 2.
I reassembled the radio, not before taking pics of the insides. Carefully plugging in the used mike, hooking up an antenna and 12 volt regulated power. The radio was alive again!
Right now I'm useing a crappy Realistic TRC-75 handheld portable to test my old mobile CB's to see if they can both transmit and receive. Ony 3 channels on the portable. Really only Ch 9 and 14 crystals are woking in the portable. The ch 20 crystal is probably no good. But I've CONFIRMED the Craig L131 is working, in both broadcast and receive. The mike is not great, but hey it still works!
A close visual inspection inside the CB, all looks good. No bulging caps, nor does it appear that anyone been inside before. No mods. Yeah, it's a virgin radio. And I'm happy now!
The controls will need deoxit, otherwise it works. Probably needs an alignment.
I no longer have a working frequency counter. Darn thing waorked for years. Batteries corroded after sitting a few years. Even the wall wort adapter dosen't work. Very strange. It's all SMD inside, so it will be someone elses project, for whoever wants it...
At least I know the Craig is working. And It will probably be listed for sale on eBay, unless I decide to use it as a base station. Which I highly doubt. I'd need a roof-top antenna first.
Yes, I've been on the roof of my 2 story rowhome a few times, cleaning out the roof drain, after leaves and crap, caused me a roof leak. I saved the vent pipe mount from an old dish that was on the roof.
Thinking "maybe" I could use it for a CB radio antenna someday... But with an airport about a mile away and the heliport for the hospital trama center very close. Plus all the expence.
I-95 is actually visable at night from my house, and you can hear the cars and trucks at night, when it quiet. It would be fun to hear all the trucker banter... I'd really need to think about it first.
Roof top antennas aren't cheap... I probably have enough coax to reach the roof, and enter into my basement man-cave. Would I have time to enjoy the CB?
Anyway, I must thank everyone who has helped me to understand the frequencies on anthor thread, and everyone here, with my thoughts of installing a CB in my Jeep. You guys are great!
I'll stick around a while reading other posts, and think about it first, before selling the Craig.
The rest of my radios will most likely be listed on eBay for $1 if they dont work.
Heck, I will probably them all for $1, except the the brand new realistic my father gave me, before h passed away. I'm sure it's an 80's regular 40 channel model, Can't get to it at the moment, to tell you the model number. It sucks, I spent my lifetime collecting and repairing electronics. Now I'm old and athritic. Careing for my bedridden wife and disabled daughter. And I have litle time to enjoy much of this anymore. I'd be happy if my antique and vintage electronic radios go to a good home, then into a dumpster or landfill when I die. I could use the little money I make now, while I'm still alive.
Take care everyone, and thanks again for all you help. I'll be around for a while yet...

 

[slowmover]

IH-95 declined in commercial traffic after exporting our industrial base. IH-81 became the main N-S corridor.

It may take awhile, but IH-95 will start to see more truckloads as manufacturing returns.

It’s been awhile now since I was working an assignment in Philadelphia and traveling anywhere from Erie, PA, or into New England or NYC. There was always a good amount of radio traffic, so it’d depend on the antenna system.

Can’t strongly enough recommend a modern radio. The old ones were okay, but couldn’t adequately filter what they could receive, not even with aftermarket DSP. Not compared to what’s today a generic offering (NRC-equipped AM/FM/SSB with 30-100W) and under $300.

Have enjoyed reading your journey and wanted to say that, “IH-95 will be back”. Traffic snarls generate plenty of action in the meantime (good for range tests).

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