Hi guys, I have a Kenwood KMC-45 speaker mic on my TK-2212 and I bought it with the idea that it was water resistant to some degree.
Kenwood sells the KMC-45 as an IP-54/IP-55 rated microphone. It should be able to take some water, but it's not "waterproof", more water resistant. You can look up the IP ratings and see for yourself.
My question would be: Was the microphone new when you purchased it?
Every time it gets the slight bit wet from interior firefighting operations, it goes to crap. Crackles on RX and TX. After it dries out, it's perfectly fine again.
If it's just water on the grill of the speaker mic, then that's not out of the ordinary.
Are you sure water is actually getting inside the microphone?
Is the cord in good shape and is the plug seated all the way in the radio?
I am looking to see if anyone else has experienced this or if there is a better speaker mic out there to help with the issue. I feel like this could be a serious hindrance when I may actually NEED it to work.
Yes, there are better mics out there. My bigger concern is that the radio/mic you are using are not really designed for fire service. I'm hoping a Kenwood dealer didn't sell you this radio knowing where it was going to be used.
While it's a solid little radio, it's a lower tier model. Really not suitable for what you are doing. Generally the 2 pin mic connectors are indicative of the lower tier radios. While they are water resistant to a certain degree, they are not designed or intended for critical use.
You really should be looking at a more suitable radio. Maybe even one with IS ratings if you are working around hazardous chemicals.
As for other mics, check out the Otto brand. They make speaker mics designed for fire use. Flame resistant cords designed to be outside turnout gear etc.
My gut feeling is that you might be expecting too much from what is a lower tier radio. I understand money can be tight, but if your life or someone else's life really depends on that radio, you probably need something more suited for fire service.
