Hey Kevin. First off there are several Knowledge Base articles that you may want to look at.
http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10266 http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10078 http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10258 http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10259 http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10265 http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10427 See my other comments in-line below -Tim -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Gunning Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 8:38 PM To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz Subject: [Flexradio] Mic choice and Options/Accessories All: I am awaiting my 5000A which should ship next week. In preparation I am finalizing what options I'll order from flex with the 5000A. I am confused about the Mic selection and accessories I'll need for the mic. Firstly, I am not very active on HF although I own a Kenwood 2000X. I listen a lot and hope to be more active in digital modes and voice in the future. I am not very familiar with Microphone technology and don't anticipate using fancy speech processing equipment. [Tim] The first KB article has a good description of different microphone types. I do however like to buy the best (budget and wife allowing) so I am focusing on the Heli PR 781. Seems like this is a good mic that would produce excellent audio. [Tim] Heil makes a great set of microphones for professional and studio use. There are lots of others. The 781 is a very good dynamic microphone. I am using the Heil PR40 and like it very much, but it is a high end broadcast type dynamic microphone. I do recommend a dynamic mic. I have used several large diaphragm condenser mics and they are very good, but the are "hot" microphones and pick up a bit of background noise. Microphone Questions: 1) Assuming I order the Heli 781 from Flex, will I need the optional $35 cable? I see it's a balanced mic with a 3 pin XLR connection. I also see the 5000A has a ¼" balanced input on the rear panel. The cable description on the flex ordering page describes the cable as ¼" but for the front panel connection. Is this an error? [Tim] Good catch. Yes it is an error. The cable listed is for the rear balanced input connector. The information was actually correct, but there was a problem when the HTML was generated to display the page. I have it fixed now. Thanks! 2) I also have a question about the mount. It states an SM3 mount. I assume I would need to purchase a stand that fits an SM3 from Heli or one of the other HAM stores. Any advice and confirmation on what I might need would be welcomed. [Tim] The mic mount is a 5/8" - 27 threaded clip and fits most standard microphone stands. I have a boom setup and it works well. You can easily move it out of your way when you need to. Desk stands work well too, but you have to be careful not to hit the table or it will cause unwanted noise. 3) How is the PTT done with this mic? I assume it would be a GUI button within the application but what if I want traditional PPT on the mic? I see a PTT jack on the rear panel so I assume I would need an additional foot switch or stand that has a switch. [Tim] This mic has no PTT button. You can use the software PTT, but I recommend a foot or hand switch connected to the RCA PTT connector on the back. www.HeilSound.com sells both. Do I need a 'supported' firewire card or can I simply buy a known brand name at the store? I might have to use a notebook to control the 5000A so I may need a PCMCIA/Cardbus unit. Anything I should avoid? [Tim] You will get other opinions on this one. I do not recommend Firewire cards using the VIA chip set. You can review this Knowledge Base article for more information. http://kb.flex-radio.com/article.aspx?id=10250 I personally use only Firewire cards with the TI chip set. The performance is good and it has great compatibility. They are a bit more expensive, but I have never had a problem with any of the ones I have used. Should I get a powerMate or Shuttle Pro. I know that this is a probable a personal preference. I am very familiar with using screen/mouse/keyboard but equally, I like my tuning knob. Any comments or suggestions welcome. [Tim] I have a PowerMate and used it for about 2 days. You get so proficient using a mouse to tune (use a mouse with a scroll wheel) that the PowerMate, IMHO is a bit clumsy to use. I still have it plugged in because it has this cool groovy blue LED on the bottom which makes a good mood lamp :-) Other people can not do without them. I thought I needed a knob (a neophyte, I was), but now knobs are passé. Last question - How demanding is the Flex 5000A on the PC's sound card. [Tim] The FLEX-500 does not use a sound card. The ADC/DACs are integrated in the FLEX-5000 Again I may have to use a recent vintage HP Core2Duo Model 6400 but I am sure the included sound subsystem is limited as it's really a business machine. Thoughts, recommendations? [Tim] Since the soundcard is not used with the FLEX-5000 it will not be of any concern. Your PC should do just fine. I would like to get the second receiver for the 5000A but I know it's not available yet. Does anyone have an idea of the cost? [Tim] Good Question. There are several hundred of us that would like to know that answer too :-) Thanks to all and I look forward to giving back to the Flex community as my knowledge grows. [Tim] Welcome to the club. You are really going to like the FLEX-5000. Kevin -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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