Is this a microphone? (pic inside) old style stuff

[episodic]

mic.jpg

Is this a microphone? Does anyone here know?

If it is, is there a cheap little adapters somewhere that will let you use it with a computer sound card?

If it isn't - what is it?

I gave 50cents for it at a yardsale.

Whats the chances it will hurt the puter if it does not work? Any?

 

[pontifex]

looks like. i know there are adapters for that kind plug

 

A microphone is a speaker working in reverse.

 

[episodic]

Is it possible for it to hurt my sound jack if it isn't working? I don't wanna fry anything.

 

[KLin]

Here's the adapter you would need.

 

[Lonyo]

My god, what has the world come to?

 

[episodic]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
My god, what has the world come to?

Explain?

I'm just trying to get a deal on a decent microphone and did not want to pay 10$ for one (yes I'm that cheap) - so I found this, wanted to know how to hook it up (thanks klin) and now am just curious if by chance I should or should not do this for reasons of possible damage to computer. . ..

 

No you will not damage your computer by plugging that into a mic or a speaker jack.

 

[Bootprint]

Originally posted by: SampSon
No you will not damage your computer by plugging that into a mic or a speaker jack.

Yep, I suspect it's a small speaker, probably so that you could listen to the radio in bed by putting the speaker under the pillow and not disturb your bedmate.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Bootprint

Originally posted by: SampSon
No you will not damage your computer by plugging that into a mic or a speaker jack.

Yep, I suspect it's a small speaker, probably so that you could listen to the radio in bed by putting the speaker under the pillow and not disturb your bedmate.

I agree..

 

[episodic]

Does anyone else think this is a speaker? If a speaker, I'm probably not going to get the adapter. . .

 

[sniperruff]

it's a bananaphone.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: SampSon
A microphone is a speaker working in reverse.

no.

 

[MaxFusion16]

looks like an under pillow speaker like someone else mentioned.

you can get them at radioshack for about $2.

 

[Rubycon]

Looks like an old crystal microphone.

Some of these had encapsulated crystals made of rochelle salt. This material had excellent piezoelectric characteristics however is also highly hygroscopic. Many older elements had flawed encapsulation in that it was not truly hermetic and without the inclusion of a dessicant the element had a finite shelf life especially if stored in an area with high ambient temperatures and humidities.

Connecting this device to your pc sound card input will not damage it.

A good crystal can generate enough voltage if struck hard in the center to make a NE2 glow lamp flash! If you don't understand this do not connect to a high impedance device especially if it may be dropped on the floor!

EDIT:

If you have a VOM you can determine whether it's a speaker or mic easily.

 

[Iron Woode]

now all he needs are 2 turntables.

😛