Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with the product, especially when they are not commonly available in the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique part. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
Sounds good to me! What is the supplier and part number so I can order! 73 Keith W8GX On Jan 5, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with the product, especially when they are not commonly available in the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique part. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
Jim Brown wrote: Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. I disagree. Many non-amplified computer speaker pairs are available with a stereo 1/8 phone plug. The ubiquity of this jack as the output on PCs has made this connector a de-facto standard. I do not feel this is a weakness in the design. If one can't find an acceptable (to him/her) pair of speakers with this plug, Then just get the Y adapter at the Shack, cut the ends off and rewire as needed. Most Amateurs know which end of the soldering iron to hold, right? This whole thread has outlived it's usefulness, IMO. Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I have a few of these cables that I stash away from other electronics. Its a stereo 1/8 plug that breaks out to two RCA male plugs. You get these alot when you buy TVs, VCRs, CD players and the such. At the time I don't need them so I just toss them into a box for future use. - 73, Greg - AB7R Whidbey Island WA NA-065 On Tue Jan 5 9:53 , Jim Brown sent: On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with the product, especially when they are not commonly available in the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique part. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net','','','')Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I am sure I can scrounge up at least a few of these cables. 1/8 stereo male to two RCA Males. Cables are about 3ft long. If you are interested you can send me $3 to cover the cost of a small padded envelope and shipping and I'll send what I have. I'll make a list of responses and then dig out what I can find. Don't send me anything till I confirm with each person. - 73, Greg - AB7R Whidbey Island WA NA-065 On Tue Jan 5 10:02 , Keith Hamilton sent: Sounds good to me! What is the supplier and part number so I can order! 73 Keith W8GX On Jan 5, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with the product, especially when they are not commonly available in the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique part. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net','','','')Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net','','','')Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:02:30 -0500, Keith Hamilton wrote: What is the supplier and part number so I can order! The nickel 3-circuit Neutrik plug is NY231. 2-circuit is NYS226. The 3-circuit jack is NYS240. Add BG suffix for gold contacts, black handle. The Switchcraft cable-mount nickel-plated 2-circuit jack is #125. The mating 2-circuit plug is #750. Since you're building it yourself, you might prefer to use RCA plugs and jacks for your speakers. The Switchcraft cable-mount jack is #3503. The RF version of their male RCA is a #3507. The audio version is a #3502. With an A suffix, it's nickel. AAU suffix is nickel handle, gold contacts. ABAU suffix is black handle, gold contacts. The Neutrik cable-mount nickel-plated RCA jack is NYS372P. The Neutrik male RCA plug is NYS352. Neutrik is a first class connector mfr based in Lichtenstein. I know their management and have been to their factory. Their EMC XLR is based on my design concept, and they paid me for it. :) Like Switchcraft, the other major audio connector company based in Chicago, they're distributed worldwide. Here's a good pro/semi-pro audio vendor located in Madison, WI. I know their owners, husband and wife, good people. Many years ago, I had a sales job competing with them. :) They sell both Neutrik and Switchcraft. http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack- connectors.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack- connectors.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html BH Photo, Markertek, and Sweetwater are also good sources of parts like this. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
Jim: At 11:53 01/05/2010, Jim Brown wrote: On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. That's PRECISELY what my adapter is! Of course, it's not 'just' a a cable... Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. Agreed. And that's why I designed my own. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Ummm... that's my kit... at least I believe it is. Sure looks like it. 73 pal, Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
You stated in your pervious post that there was a breakout cable available. Since I would have to build it either way I will go with the N0SS circuit board. Thanks for the links anyways. 73 Keith W8GX On Jan 5, 2010, at 3:45 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:02:30 -0500, Keith Hamilton wrote: What is the supplier and part number so I can order! The nickel 3-circuit Neutrik plug is NY231. 2-circuit is NYS226. The 3-circuit jack is NYS240. Add BG suffix for gold contacts, black handle. The Switchcraft cable-mount nickel-plated 2-circuit jack is #125. The mating 2-circuit plug is #750. Since you're building it yourself, you might prefer to use RCA plugs and jacks for your speakers. The Switchcraft cable-mount jack is #3503. The RF version of their male RCA is a #3507. The audio version is a #3502. With an A suffix, it's nickel. AAU suffix is nickel handle, gold contacts. ABAU suffix is black handle, gold contacts. The Neutrik cable-mount nickel-plated RCA jack is NYS372P. The Neutrik male RCA plug is NYS352. Neutrik is a first class connector mfr based in Lichtenstein. I know their management and have been to their factory. Their EMC XLR is based on my design concept, and they paid me for it. :) Like Switchcraft, the other major audio connector company based in Chicago, they're distributed worldwide. Here's a good pro/semi-pro audio vendor located in Madison, WI. I know their owners, husband and wife, good people. Many years ago, I had a sales job competing with them. :) They sell both Neutrik and Switchcraft. http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack- connectors.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack- connectors.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html BH Photo, Markertek, and Sweetwater are also good sources of parts like this. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Agree. What Elecraft SHOULD havedone is provide TWO output jacks, not one. Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. Stick with your first answer. 73, Guy. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. Stick with your first answer. Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. I just noticed that the West Mountain Clear Speaker comes with a 1/8-in MONO plug. (I think they mean 2-contact). FWIW, the small passive cube speakers I see at hamfests all come with the same 1/8-inch 2-circuit (MONO) plug. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
No...They come with the typical stereo 1/8 plug. 3 contactsTip and 2 rings. Steve N4LQ n...@carolina.rr.com - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:47 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. I just noticed that the West Mountain Clear Speaker comes with a 1/8-in MONO plug. (I think they mean 2-contact). FWIW, the small passive cube speakers I see at hamfests all come with the same 1/8-inch 2-circuit (MONO) plug. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.725 / Virus Database: 270.14.126/2601 - Release Date: 01/05/10 02:35:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I am very sorry that I misread your post Jim. i will be looking forward to building my own breakout cable/box using the N0SS circuit board and parts. There is nothing like building your own! 73 Keith W8GX On Jan 5, 2010, at 5:47 PM, Jim Brown wrote: On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. I just noticed that the West Mountain Clear Speaker comes with a 1/8-in MONO plug. (I think they mean 2-contact). FWIW, the small passive cube speakers I see at hamfests all come with the same 1/8-inch 2-circuit (MONO) plug. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
It's unfortunate that 1/8-inch TRS jacks have become so popular in the consumer audio world. Their use seems to have accelerated with the advent of PC sound cards. My experience has been that pro-grade 1/4-inch TRS connectors are more reliable than any 1/8-inch type as well as inferior-quality 1/4-inch connectors. But for the fact that these connectors typically carry two circuits, RCA connectors are far more reliable for unbalanced audio connections due to their concentric grip of the inner and outer conductors. Darn, I actually prefer equipment with screw-down barrier strips and where needed, create detachable cords with Molex connectors if a quick disconnect arrangement is needed. TRS jacks utilize a single pressure point and reliability degrades over time -- usually due to oxidation and dust build-up. Lubricants like DeOxit and Cramolin seem to help but if I was to install an Internet-based station at some remote location, I would want to remove all traces of TRS connectors to the best extent possible. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. Stick with your first answer. Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I'm using a pair of relatively expensive ($135, more than 10 years ago) amplified, Sony PC speakers and haven't noticed any RFI. The instruction leaflet that came with them says they are magnetically shielded, so maybe that's why they're OK with RF. They have an internal 120VAC P/S and are heavy (3#/speaker). They are model SRS-88PC. They sound fine for SSB and CW, though I usually use headphones. And they use a stereo, mini plug! Jim N7US -Original Message- snip The vast majority of AMPLIFIED loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
Forgot to add that for high-density applications, Sub-D connectors are excellent when maximum reliability and easy disconnect are needed. I like to use crimp Sub-Ds where the pin can be inserted into the connector body. That goes much faster with better repeatability than the solder Sub-D types. If needed, a fanned break-out cable can be created, using the end connectors of one's choice. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s. Stick with your first answer. Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I'm amazed about all this waffle about speakers and stereo plugs and adaptors. We (well most of us) passed an exam to show we were competant at basic electrical knowledge It takes little longer to make up such a lead or adaptor to suit our personal requirement than it does to type a message to the reflector asking where one can be purchased! Total cost of two mono in line sockets and one stereo plug plus a short wire, all from the junk box. To run two mono speakers from the rear of the K3 works wonderfully. In fact using a pair of 3 x 3 speakers ( from some old vehicle, these have Nokia printed on the back) the audio is as good as I have heard in years from a communications rx. It is great to use headphones, permanently connected and be able to switch speakers on instantly should it be desired. 73 David VK3DBD On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 5:53 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote: On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote: Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good solution. What we really need is a stereo to mono breakout cable that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable we need. The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied, Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap connectors, and are far more robust mechanically. The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an order with one of these real electronics vendors for real connectors and build your own adapters. Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace). Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable that is required. It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with the product, especially when they are not commonly available in the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique part. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
I like it when guys post info about K3 related products and projects like Don's Although some of us might have the abilbilty to do the Y or other small thing, we may not have the capability to go out shopping for speakers and phone jack, plugs, wire etc due to some handycap. You have no idea how many mini plugs I ruined trying to do something like Don is doing. I ordered two!! Yeah once I've gather my info in those threads I start hitting the delete key. You can get overloaded. de K2GN K3 S/N 3278 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
Tom and the List I appreciate Tom's design and a neat PCB package, but come on folks. This is easy to breadboard and stick in a plastic box. Go to Radio Shackbuy a little black project box...buy some connectors. You can use 3.5 mm jacks or RCA jacks. You can find them there to hole mount. Take some time and drill a couple of holes and and then hardwired the box. Easy Peasey. No need for a PCB and all that stuff. How about some hook up wire in your junk box? Look around and you can find away to make this easy device without all the hassle. Nice job Tomyou make it nice when you make the PCB...but there is no shame of just using hook up wire in a box. Lee - K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - J. Wolf From: Tom Hammond n...@embarqmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 1:20:07 PM Subject: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards. I've been thinking about the problems some may encounter with regard to ordering the specific parts (PCB-mount 3.5mm stereo jacks) for the splitter, and more importantly the off the wall cost of shipping (usually $5-$7 US) for less than 3 oz of parts (and that's per each order placed). This raises the cost of the project significantly. I already have enough orders for PC boards that I'll not be able to fabricate them in the Kitchen (as I often do for very small PCB orders), and IF I proceed with the project from this end, I'll have FAR Circuits make the PC boards for the project. This will increase the cost of the project (just a bit), BUT it'll take a load off me, AND it'll help keep me in Jeri's (She Who Must By Obeyed) good graces...!!! I am proposing to completely 'kit' the project... all electronic parts, hardware, and PC boards... for $20 or less, delivered to US destinations... add $1 more for DX delivery. My initial PCB order will be for one 'sheet' of thirty (30) boards (main circuit board and an 'insulator' board to prevent the main board from shorting out against anything on the operating desk in back of the K3. To that end, I'll need a few more orders before I'll be able to commit to the cash outlay for the PC boards. IF you are interested in obtaining a kit for this project, PLEASE contact me a.s.a.p. I will make my final decision (GO or NO-GO) by the end of this week. If you are interested, you can see the docs on a previous version of the Splitter at: http://www.n0ss.net/index_k3.html and drop down to the line titled: External (Dual) Speaker Splitter for the K3. The proposed project will be slightly smaller than that shown on my web page and will use 2-56 hardware as opposed to 4-40 hardware in the article. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
