Jim, I wrote this response based on my experience with my K3. I agree, the direct connection to the front panel mic connector should work fine, but I had a transformer on hand and wanted to use the rear mic connector where a chassis ground is not as easily available. This connection has worked very well in a high RF environment with no problems whatsoever.
Re the Shure SM58 style mics: as cardioids, they are subject to proximity effect but largely to the extent you "eat the mic". At more reasonable distances of 1-2 inches I don't find it a problem at all. I also like the noise reduction from amplifier fans the cardiod pattern affords. Coupled with the K3 TX equalizer where I roll off everything below 400 Hz and boost to varying levels at 1600 Hz and above, I personally find the results equal to or better than any other mics I have used on the K3. Of course, a simple computer headset electret mic can also work very well and cost next to nothing! Chuck, AE4CW Jim Brown-10 wrote: > > On Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:57:11 -0800 (PST), Chuck - AE4CW wrote: > >>The output is XLR low-impedance >>balanced, so you will need an in-line transformer to convert to the K3's >>unbalanced input (available from Radio Shack and Frey's). > > NO, NO, NO! > > You do NOT need a transformer -- in fact, should NOT use a transformer. A > balanced mic has two hots and a shield. To connect it to an unbalanced > input, wire one "hot" to "hot" in the radio, the other hot to "mic > return" in the radio, and the cable shield to the chassis (the shell of > the front panel mic connector). > > http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf > > http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf > > Also, the standard "ball mics" that look like SM58s are NOT a great choice > for ham radio because they are simple cardioids that have proxmity effect > (bass boost when used close-up). Some far better choices are listed in the > pdf above. > > 73, > > Jim Brown > K9YC > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Desk-Mike-for-the-K3-Question-tp1585930p1590789.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
