SM01 / FP01 Desk combination
 
The Ailunce division of Retevis has recently introduced a gooseneck desktop microphone.
 
 
In the Box
 
-  Microphone Base
-  Gooseneck microphone
-  Connection cable
-  User Guide – EN, DE, FR, IT, ES
 
-  Foot Switch w/cable and adapter is optional.
 
 
Product Description
 
The SM01 consists of:
-  17.5" (450mm) gooseneck microphone
-  The base, measuring 4" (100mm) x 5.3" (135mm)
-  Transceiver interface cable  6.5' (2m).
 
SM01 Specifications
     Specification Link

 
A look at the base shows the gooseneck connector, PTT button, the On/Off switch for longer transmissions and the 6 position switch.
 

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Microphone to Radio cable
 
The cable is available in four different connector combinations.
-  Kenwood 2 pin K1 style (Retevis / AnyTone / BTech / Baofeng, etc.)
-  GP325Plus (Ailunce HD1)
-  8 pin round (Icom IC-7300)
-  RJ45 (Retevis RT95) Speaker and Volume Control
 
There are no internal audio preamp. The dial on the front is a volume control for the speaker in the base. It relies on the audio level control in your handheld or base station. The volume switch has 6 settings: OFF and 1-5.
 

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FP01 Foot Pedal (option)
 
The foot pedal comes with a 40" (100cm) connecting cable that plugs into the microphone base. Also included with the pedal is an adapter allowing it to be used with transceivers requiring a separate PTT plug.
(3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4"))
   
Performance Summary
 
For testing, I used the K1 connector which is compatible with my BTech, AnyTone, Baofeng, etc. handhelds as well as a Retevis RT73 mobile. I ran several tests using both analog and DMR and received excellent reports.
 
Some transceivers have internal audio amplifiers that are software adjustable. The microphone gain adjustments in my BTech and AnyTone handhelds added enough gain to allow me to back off the microphone a bit. My Retevis RT73 mobile has a very strong microphone preamp and required several over the air audio tests to prevent being overdriven.
 
 
Conclusion
 
The advantages of the SM01 becomes apparent if you are a Net Control station or frequently make long transmissions. Using the SM01 with a DMR handheld and hotspot combination allows you to rest your handheld on your desk giving your fingers a rest.
 
If additional audio gain is desired, microphone amplifiers are readily available, and if you are a 'builder', it makes a nice low cost project.
 
 
 

   
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based on the equipment I received. Any issues found have been reported both here and back to the seller or manufacturer.