GM300 HNM3596A mic - Chinese Fake?

[g8tzl2004]

I recently acquired a VHF MCS2000 which came with a "new" HNM3596A mic. I know the mic is mainly used with the GM300 but it should work OK with the MCS2000. There is a sticker on the back which says "Motorola Inc HMN3596A 1344 Made in Malaysia".

The mic looks identical to my other HMN3596A mics but does not feel right. The mic is a bit lighter than my other mics, the build quality is not quite as good, the PTT click feels "cheap" and the curly mic lead cable is not as thick. The mic hook is still wrapped but the plastic bag feels cheap with no model numbers on the bag.

The original owner reported low TX audio with the MCS2000. Using one of my real Motorola mics, the MCS2000 dev is OK. Using the suspected fake mic, the dev is a bit down.

Does Motorola still manufacture new GM300 mics?

Anybody else come across any fake HMN3596A mics?

[RadioSouth]

Perhaps, assuming the 1344 would be the date code 44th week of 2013 ? There's lotsa knockoff Motorola on EBay including GP300 housings and HT1000 knobs, pretty much puts everything under suspicion unless it comes from a reliable source.

[KE7JFF]

I have one of these "fakes" and I use it on a MaxTrac and I have no problems. Never tried using it on a MCS2000 but I might try.

[Paul]

I use for long time these replicas, they operate just fine.
Just 2 problems:
1.The hang-up disk will become loose after "strong" use.
2.The spiral cord is of the cheapest copper quality and will break at the strain relief's lower end.

It is a very good value-for-money option for personal use.
If you intend it for 3rd-party prof use, you've been warned!

P.S.
A practical way to determine if the mike is original or not, check the wire coloring inside the RJ-45 jack. Also, the circle around the M logo, is thicker than the original.