For several years I have been using my HM-103 microphone on my ICOM IC-706 with no tab to lock the RJ45 microphone tab in place to the transceiver. In addition, I recently ordered a cable crimper from Amazon for about $19.00 that also came with a cable tester and 100 pieces of RJ45 connectors/plugs. After a little bit of some research on Youtube. I found some videos on how to replace network cables. I had enough confidence in myself to tackle replacing my microphone connectors. Furthermore, I noted the color and position of the wires. Then stripped the insulation back and carefully inserted them back into the correct position that they came out of.

On my HM-154T microphone, the task was pretty easy due to the 8 wires from the microphone. Each one of those 8 wires has its own slot in the RJ45 connector. Now on the HM-103 microphone, it was little bit different and slightly more difficult to do. Not all 8 wires were used. It took a little bit more tome to get those wires into their prospective places. For the most part I just took my time and got both of my cables repaired. I am so delighted to have the working without having them zip tied to the chassis of the transceiver.