Yes, there are a lot of bad SSB signals on the air - excessive
compression and excessive mic gain leading to splatter and
unintelligible signals.
With the K3 and KX3 TX EQ, there is no need to be particular about the
microphone. The K3 and KX3 have the means to make most any microphone
sound good on the air.
For communications quality, set the first two bands of the TX EQ to
minimum to reduce the bass response. reduce the 3rd band by 6 to 8 dB.
If your microphone does not have the high end boost, set the upper two
bands to +1 to +3 dB and you will have good sounding communications audio.
Yes, I do have a microphone with the Heil HC5 element, and I have an
Elecraft MH2, and I have an Astatic D104 with an FET in the base to
change it to a low impedance. I typically use the D104 with no rise in
the high end (because it is present in the mic element), but I do cut
the low end as I have indicated. Those lows add nothing to the
communications effectiveness and only burn up power.
On the K3, you can use TX TEST and record the monitor to see how you
will sound on the air.
When I do use my CM-500, I boost the two high bands to +3 dB, but the
other mics already have the high end boost built in.
Unfortunately, the Heil elements are no longer available as separate
products and Heil has settled on the low output HC6 as his element of
choice for his microphones (too much bass for my tastes). Besides, Heil
products are grossly overpriced IMHO, and I do not favor ESSB.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 10/27/2014 4:05 PM, Michael Walker wrote:
Let me add my 2 cents.
I heard so much crap audio this weekend, that all I can recommend is that
you use a Mic element purpose designed for the job of SSB QRP
communications. I have recordings of good and bad examples that I will
assemble into something useful at some point.
I heard guys with big wide signals that I could not understand who were
running lots of power. I also worked many QRP guys with amazing audio that
was correctly shaped for SSB. Don't kid yourself, that $2 computer mic,
while it sounds ok locally doesn't cut it when you need your signal to be
understood. This is not about FM full range audio. This is about being
heard and understood.
Bob Heil spent lots of time designing the right mic element for SSB
communications. He did this with input from Bell Labs. Leo Laporte did a
great interview with Bob where he describes why he did it.
Since you asked, my choice every time is the HC5 with the right cables.
Keep a close eye on your ALC settings too. Your KX3 will work just fine
and you will be heard.
73, Mike va3mw
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