Re: [Elecraft] KX3 amplified mobile speaker
Be VERY careful when you use the external speakers! I was using my KX3 with a small HOME brand speaker system for an iPod; I had the level adjusted to a moderate level, but had a noise burst. The system (radio/external speaker) was silenced. I unplugged the HOME speaker, and the audio was OK in the KX3. I disassembled the Home speaker, decided to get a new audio amp as a repair, as the unit was going to be too hard to justify the effort. I found a small amp on good old eBay, which I just received TODAY! My point is that this is a great idea, but just be aware of the possibility of overload. I have no idea if my issue is an isolated case, or not. 73; -Mike- KØJTA On 11/30/12 8:29 AM, JP O'Connor wrote: Hi Gary, The Chill Pill speakers are one handy choice for portable use with the KX3. They are very small and light, convenient to pack, self powered, and sound very good. Currently, they are shown at $33.50, so are not the cheapest, though they are very good quality. http://www.amazon.com/Chill-Mobile-Speakers-Players-Laptops/dp/B001K33QSO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3SFWEMAP46M8G&coliid=I1NAGQ9JJG3H6Y 73 JP WF4Z On Fri, Nov 30, 2012 at 4:51 AM, Gary Gregory wrote: Does anyone use an external amplified speaker in a mobile installation with the KX3? __ 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] KX3 amplified mobile speaker
Be VERY careful when you use the external speakers! I was using my KX3 with a small HOME brand speaker system for an iPod; I had the level adjusted to a moderate level, but had a noise burst. The system (radio/external speaker) was silenced. I unplugged the HOME speaker, and the audio was OK in the KX3. I disassembled the Home speaker, decided to get a new audio amp as a repair, as the unit was going to be too hard to justify the effort. I found a small amp on good old eBay, which I just received TODAY! My point is that this is a great idea, but just be aware of the possibility of overload. I have no idea if my issue is an isolated case, or not. 73; -Mike- KØJTA On 11/30/12 8:29 AM, JP O'Connor wrote: Hi Gary, The Chill Pill speakers are one handy choice for portable use with the KX3. They are very small and light, convenient to pack, self powered, and sound very good. Currently, they are shown at $33.50, so are not the cheapest, though they are very good quality. http://www.amazon.com/Chill-Mobile-Speakers-Players-Laptops/dp/B001K33QSO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3SFWEMAP46M8G&coliid=I1NAGQ9JJG3H6Y 73 JP WF4Z On Fri, Nov 30, 2012 at 4:51 AM, Gary Gregory wrote: Does anyone use an external amplified speaker in a mobile installation with the KX3? __ 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] static buildup on antennas
Richard; You had offered the following: > I have alligator clips on the ends of my ladder-line so that I can easily connect them > to a ground lead when finished operating. I would get bit doing this at times, so I put > a 1 MegOhm resistor from each twin lead tap on the tuner to ground. No trouble since. > Perhaps I should reduce the R value though. > Some guys use spark plugs to bleed off, but I feel that allows too much voltage at the point of dis-charge. I suggest that you attach the alligator clips to your GROUNDED wires, not the antenna. (Safety is the thought, here.) One meg of resistance as a bleeder is a good thought, but might be "plenty high." (Consider a value closer to a quarter-meg, per what I recall reading.) I agree that the spark-plug is basically a good thought, but is this gap is jumped, the receiver may well have suffered damage at that point. Not a total protection situation! If one uses a balun, the antenna (considering balanced line) is grounded as a result of the balun's DC continuity. This seems to satisfy a lot of needs... It may be that SOME baluns do not offer a DC path to the coax, but mine do. 73;-Mike-KØJTA __ 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] K3; Eric, Wayne, a feature for the wish list
Howdy, folks; I really do think some of the thought processes have gone to the extreme. I happen to know the fellow who had presented the original point or desire for a "courtesy beep" function. Dick (Richard) is very well qualified, is an extremely good example of all phases of communications, courtesy, etc., etc. There are some responses that make Dick look like he just got his brand new "ham ticket" but still yearns for the good old days, when his radio would send a series of three to five beeps or whoops. No, Dick is about as far from the CB lingo and operation as one can imagine. This is nit to say that "this sort of communication" is wrong or bad, but most might agree that might not like to endure a whoop at the end of every radio transmission. Dick had mentioned that he uses a headset. His PTT function is quite to the point that is is virtually non-existent. Now, if he or others have a relaxed, slow speech "gait" (for the lack of a better word) the words that stop being voiced may be a simple PAUSE as a further thought is being considered, or it might simply be the end of what he had to say at that moment. -Now all of you know this, but I just wanted to be clear as to how this might almost "invite" another person to jump in with a "seemingly fit" reply. -Which might actually occurring at the same time that the other party resumes his statements. (DOUBLING, in other words...) I also do NOT want or like the thought of a chat that involves a harsh set of beeps! I do not like the thought of even ONE offensive beep. To be effective, a "noise" that lets others know that a PTT button has been released should (stressing SHOULD, here) be subtle. If a "courtesy beep" is made up of only a few cycles of an audio tone, it largely becomes a CLICK. THIS would be good, in my opinion. The "click" should also be LOW IN AMPLITUDE. -This would also be good. The problem is this: The K3 is TOO GOOD! One cannot tell is the radio has stopped transmitting! A little low-amplitude click or beep is a valid thought. One could make the end-of-transmission "announcement" as long and as loud as desired or might be deemed needed. Or, it can be TURNED OFF, just like the two-tone generator that Dick had mentioned. (We'd still have control over the "Roger Beep..!) (I'd hope...) Sincere 73 to all who might consider; -Mike- KØJTA On 5/10/12 4:21 PM, Adrian wrote: > > Yes Gary, Elecraft made the K3 "CB Proof", lets keep it that way, no > roger > beeps thanks... > > Adrian ... vk4tux >> - Original Message - From: "Gary Gregory" >> To: "Richard Fjeld" >> Cc: "elecraft posting" >> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 8:38 PM >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3; Eric, Wayne, a feature for the wish list >> >> >> *Oh no please, no more Roger Beeps...my hearing get's rattled with the >> sharp tone generated by some of these Rogef Beeps heard on 20M lately. >> >> There is enough beeps, squeeks, rattles from clunky microphones, over >> driven compression, key clicks and the list goes on. Lets not add more >> noises to the bands. >> >> Placing a sign on the radio with "OVER" in bold type could serve as a >> reminder for those of us who forget at times to end an over in an >> appropriate way and that creates no additional noise. >> >> Using headphones here all the time I have noticed when working weak >> signals >> that when a Roger Beep is used it produces a sharp spike in the audio >> which >> is distracting and in my case very annoying. >> >> I would strongly voice my opposition to such an addition if it were >> to be >> considered. >> >> YMMV >> >> Gary >> * >> On 11 May 2012 06:02, Richard Fjeld wrote: >> >>> You have some excellent menu options in the K3, even a built-in 2-tone >>> generator for checking SSB. There is the SW Tone option to aid >>> visually >>> impaired people, and others, know when something is turned on, or >>> off, by >>> it's tones. Also, I understand there is Elecraft software that >>> speaks from >>> a computer as controls are used. I think your f/w and s/w are >>> excellent. >>> >>> Some of the hams I round-table with are up in the years, and >>> struggle to >>> hear. I use a headset mike which makes no mechanical sound when I >>> release >>> the remote PTT. They can't tell when I release it unless I say >>> 'over'. I >>> optioned CW+SSB, but I often forget to tap the paddle when I'm done >>> talking. >>> >>> Knowing I run a K3, I have been asked if it could be optioned to >>> beep when >>> the PTT is released. >>> >>> For your consideration, and thanks. >>> >>> Richard Fjeld, NØCE >>> rpfj...@embarqmail.com >>> I'd rather be learning. >>> >>> >>> __ >>> 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:
Re: [Elecraft] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
Wow... That was easy, right? It turns out that I had sent the email as usual, formatted as "auto detect." It turns out that some recipients are able to deal with the "auto" term easier than others. (I don't know what else to say. I am active on other groups...) Well, so be it. Lesson learned by me. This email ( as was my past one) is now solidly ASSIGNED to be PLAIN TEXT ONLY, per the settings in my Thunderbird email application on my MacBook AIR. (So, we shall see if even THIS one will pass the test.) Very sorry for my past failed attempts. I am happy to learn of the needs of this reflector. I am still puzzled that the very FIRST reply had gone through all right; -Perhaps there was a precedent set by my action of the reply of the (already formatted) content of the reflector. Tank you for your collective tolerance. 73;-Mike-KØJTA __ 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] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
FOURTH try… (!!) This time, I have copied the text, and placed it into a text editor. I converted (saved it as) a plain TEXT DOCUMENT. (Maybe some formatting has entered..?) I have also removed all TABS, which were in the previous attempts. I am making this latest attempt on a different machine, different OS, etc. Mike KØJTA The "THird try" below was sent my be at 10:17 AM, central time. == Third try... (Still am puzzled by my two previous attempts that showed that I had posted, but there was no content.) Art, I am CC'ing this to you, also; Can you identify my error, please? (Thank you.) -Mike- KØJTA === (The following was sent by me at about 0936, my time) = Hmmm For some reason, the TEXT of this email (sent at my time of 09:23 AM) was not viewable on the Elecraft reflector. (!) I will trim a bit off, and see if this helps. -Mike- KØJTA On 5/9/12 9:23 AM, Mike Schwendeman wrote: Hi, Art; I may be wrong on this, but I have (in the past) looked at each and every page on the Elecraft web site, looking for "SDR" and "defined" and the like. I was unable to locate these (or similar) terms. Had I missed a page? I am ASSUMING that the good folks at Elecraft would be extremely happy to use the coveted "SDR" term in the description of the K3. Yet, I have missed it, if it is there. To me, the K3 is not an SDR for so many reasons, to be GENTLY honest. The KX3 is an SDR, per the block diagram, however. -Mike- On 5/9/12 8:52 AM, Arthur Burke wrote: The folks at Elecraft *have* mentioned this - they have often made reference to it as an SDR - not that it really matters to me one way or the other. Art - N4PJ On Wed, May 9, 2012 at 9:01 AM, Mike Schwendeman wrote: Geoff; As far as I know, the K3 is NOT an SDR... (Snipped) ... __ 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] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
__ 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] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
__ 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] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
__ 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] RX I/Q output planned or thought about for the K3/P3?
Geoff; As far as I know, the K3 is NOT an SDR. (Search the Elecraft web site for better information; If it were an SDR, I am very sure that the folks at Elecraft would be very sure to mention this.) The KX3 is reported to be an SDR, and is, per the block diagram. I am also very interested in an "easy way" to get a version of PowerSDR to operate with the KX3's I/Q outputs. This is a very new field for a lot of folks, and so there will be a learning curve. But the results are well worth the effort. (Me, I'm fighting mirror images on some apps, using a low-cost SDR RX..!) 73;-Mike-KØJTA On 5/8/12 10:14 PM, Geoff Wolf AB3LS wrote: > I've done a little searching. > (snip) > Since the K3 is an SDR and the P3 is an SDR, I imagine there has to be a > way to get I/Q data to a computer from either of them, either through a > software update or an extra module. Am I right? > > Is anything like this planned? > > 73 > DE AB3LS > __ 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] Have orders filled up yet? Is there a cap?
I am very curious: How many orders have been placed, so far? (I have (just) one on order...) This is a very exciting product! It's going to be great fun! 73; -Mike- KØJTA __ 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] Have orders filled up yet? Is there a cap?
__ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
Yep; Easy enough to do: Wire one's own mic to the common 3-circuit plug. (DONE!) Wayne has offered positive information which confirms your feelings. And, yes; A common "computer mic" may well NOT have a PTT switch. I was never considering this. Rather than a computer mic, I was thinking along the lines of a retired hand or desk mic, and adapting the mic audio and PTT to a plug that would access the desired ground-mic-PTT connections in the KX3 radio. Again, per Wayne's latest, this is indeed a possibility. Thank you for your input, Don. To all, let's call this case CLOSED. (My typing "speed" is "NOT." -Hence, the added email activities this day have been a very INTERESTING but labor-intensive chore.) Thanks to all who participated. I believe that more than one of us has learned all we need, at least for now.) 73; -Mike- KØJTA On 7/22/64 1:59 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Mike, > > It appears that the lack of PTT with a 3 circuit microphone is a lack > in the microphone (I don't know of any mic with a 3 circuit plug that > has a PTT button - these are built for use as computer mics). > Wayne has said that one could wire a PTT switch onto a 3 circuit jack > - which tells me that the PTT circuit is on the ring connector of the > jack. Wayne will correct me if that is wrong. > Bottom line as I see it - if you have a microphone and a PTT switch, > and you wire it to a 3 circuit plug, you will have AF and PTT - but > you would have to wire your own, current computer microphones do not > have a PTT switch. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 12/30/2011 4:08 PM, Mike Schwendeman wrote: >> I may stand corrected, if your assumption is correct. (I have NO >> problem in admitting an error.) But, it does NOT seem that a >> 3-circuit plug will be permitted access to the PTT function. -Again, >> I really do not know. All I have to go by is the previously-copied >> entry from a person who appears to be knowledgeable of this radio. >> >> Yes, if one plugs in a 3-circuit mic, the audio will indeed be passed >> to the radio. -It is the (lack of) PTT function that is seemingly >> "missing" to me, if the 3-circuit plug is employed. >> >> The bottom line comes down to an "assumed convenience," without >> having to drive 20 minutes one-way (in my case) to the nearest Radio >> Shack store to buy, then assemble a 4-circuit plug. (Which would >> hopefully be done CORRECTLY, avoiding a possible boo-boo.) >> >> 73! -Mike- KØJTA >> >> >> On 12/30/11 2:53 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> Mike, >>> >>> I believe you either misunderstood, or you do not have a good mental >>> image of the small microphone Wayne was talking about. >>> >>> I don't see any inconsistency. The small microphone mentioned is a >>> right angled mic that is quite small and fits directly on the KX3 >>> (no cord) and it has a 3 circuit plug. See >>> http://www.frys.com/product/5940534?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG for >>> one example. It would allow the KX3 to be handheld and the XMIT >>> button on the KX3 can be used instead of PTT. >>> >>> As a matter of fact Wayne has said that the placement of the >>> internal speaker was also so the KX3 could be used like a handheld >>> >>> It seems to be a good design choice to me. >>> If you have a corded microphone with the 4 circuit plug, then you >>> have full use of Mic AF, PTT and the UP/DN buttons, but if it is a 3 >>> circuit plug, you will only have the Mic AF. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 12/30/2011 3:01 PM, Mike Schwendeman wrote: >>>> The KX3's mic connector design-choice is a puzzle to me... >> > __ 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] KX3 mic wiring info
To answer your later email to me (Time sent was 4:27 PM, my local time); Yes, I just now am viewing the "diagram," Wayne. Earlier in the "original post" (Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:22:53 -0800), I believe you had mentioned: "However, the mic jack can also be used with mics having a 3-circuit (stereo) plug. These will not provide PTT or UP/DN controls, but can still be used with VOX or the XMIT switch (equivalent to PTT)." -Which I had understood to be that the 3-circuit (stereo) plug "...will not provide PTT..." function. (-In other words, per the clip above, a 3-circuit plug would be DENIED functional access to the desired PTT function.) Well, this latest information does not seem to reflect this same point! -And this is very welcome news! (Thank you!) Bottom line: Call off the dogs! The 3-circuit plug appears to indeed be permitted the coveted PTT function! Ya-HOOO! 73, and I again thank you for your very patient clarification. Now, START MAKING THEM RADIOS!!! It looks like you have an extremely fine product! -Mike- KØJTA On 12/30/11 3:57 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Mike, > > Here's how the mic is wired: > > Sleeve = shield ground > ring2 = logic ground > ring1 = PTT/UP/DN > tip = mic audio > > Since a 3-circuit plug merges sleeve and ring2, a mic with such a plug > could be wired to work with the KX3 and provide PTT, though I don't > have one with which to test this idea. > > On the ring1 line, resistance to ground determines the function: > > PTT: 0 ohms > DN: 4.7 k > UP: 10 k > > We may invoke another function with the combination of UP+DN (3.2 k). > We could call this a "meta" operation that changes what UP/DN do. For > example, their function could switch to band, RIT, or volume up/down. > > Let me know if your target mic will work with the above wiring as-is, > or if a simple mod is required, and we'll add it to our KX3 FAQ. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > __ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
Wayne; I do understand that the PTT function is indeed available at the mic connector on the KX3 radio. You have mentioned "...PTT function comes out to one of the 4 pins..." But... On which of the "four circuit" points on the 4-circuit connector? From way back to my original post and reference, the PTT function is (apparently) not available to a 3-circuit PLUG. -It is allowed or is available to a 4-circuit plug, however; -Or, at least, this is how I understood it to be. Maybe I am simply not understanding this small point. (If this is indeed the case, please forgive my ignorance.) 73; -Mike- KØJTA On 12/30/11 3:23 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Mike Schwendeman wrote: >> > >> I really do appreciate your willingness to consider new developments >> or modification! (Again, to ME, the connector's up-down feature is >> really nifty, but it has an obviously LOWER need, therefore PRIORITY, >> when one considers the PTT function. -Too late for a board mod, at >> this point, I am sure...) > > I don't think a board mod is necessary. The PTT function comes out to > one of the 4 pins, and the UP/DN functions -- on the same pin -- can > be disabled in the menu. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > __ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
I must add one small point that I had NOT explained or addressed well, at all! - Yes, the mini-mic, or the small mic that is from Fry's will indeed work. This plan will mean that one would have to pick up, and hold the radio, I am assuming. This, or the mic gain will have to be set rather high to enable the proper audio will be made available to the transmitter. (This higher gain setting might allow more "room noise," of course.) If the desired use of the radio's "mini mic" is to be close-talked, to MINIMIZE the possibility of "room noise," one would have to get closer to the radio, possibly by leaning in, or by picking the KX3 up, and operating it like a HT, as was previously suggested. Yeah, still not the best, I am thinking: There is the possibility of bumping a control unintentionally, or having to "endure" the hardship of holding the radio in one's hand(s) to achieve the HT-like environment. (Nah; Hand mic with PTT or VOX operation seems more attractive.) 73;-Mike- KØJTA On 12/30/11 3:02 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Mike Schwendeman wrote: >> > >> First, he said that the 3-circuit plug will not offer >> PTT. Then, he offered that the 3-circuit devices from FRY'S, as an >> example, would allow one to use the KX3 as a handheld radio. > > The XMIT switch would be used with any 3-circuit mic, such as the one > from Fry's. This switch is about 1" from the mic jack and convenient > to use. > >> >> In view of the fact that a 4-circuit has the (assumed) ground, mic >> audio/bias, PTT and up-down functions, could it not have been possible >> to "allow" a person to use a 3-circuit plug, and enjoy the normal >> (expected) functions of mic-with-PTT, and "ignore" the up-down >> functions? > > It would certainly be possible to create a small adapter that brings > PTT out separately, or rewire a mic with a 3-circuit plug to work with > the KX3's PTT line. We could also allow reuse of a different I/O pin > for PTT with a menu entry. > > UP/DN function conflicts (voltage levels) could be resolved by setting > MENU:MIC BTN to OFF. > > This will evolve further as needed based on customer feedback, such as > yours. > >> > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > __ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
Thank you for your reply! I will add my comments below... On 12/30/11 3:02 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Mike Schwendeman wrote: >> First, he said that the 3-circuit plug will not offer >> PTT. Then, he offered that the 3-circuit devices from FRY'S, as an >> example, would allow one to use the KX3 as a handheld radio. > > The XMIT switch would be used with any 3-circuit mic, such as the one > from Fry's. This switch is about 1" from the mic jack and convenient > to use. Yes, I do understand. All is well, and functional, no doubt. (I am still considering the CONVENIENCE of holding the hand mic, and having to tap (or HOLD) the XMIT switch. To me, this is a small inconvenience, as compared to simply holding the hand mic and pressing the PTT on the mic .) > >> >> In view of the fact that a 4-circuit has the (assumed) ground, mic >> audio/bias, PTT and up-down functions, could it not have been possible >> to "allow" a person to use a 3-circuit plug, and enjoy the normal >> (expected) functions of mic-with-PTT, and "ignore" the up-down >> functions? > > It would certainly be possible to create a small adapter that brings > PTT out separately, or rewire a mic with a 3-circuit plug to work with > the KX3's PTT line. We could also allow reuse of a different I/O pin > for PTT with a menu entry. > > UP/DN function conflicts (voltage levels) could be resolved by setting > MENU:MIC BTN to OFF. > > This will evolve further as needed based on customer feedback, such as > yours. I really do appreciate your willingness to consider new developments or modification! (Again, to ME, the connector's up-down feature is really nifty, but it has an obviously LOWER need, therefore PRIORITY, when one considers the PTT function. -Too late for a board mod, at this point, I am sure...) 73! -Mike- KØJTA > >> > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > __ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
I may stand corrected, if your assumption is correct. (I have NO problem in admitting an error.) But, it does NOT seem that a 3-circuit plug will be permitted access to the PTT function. -Again, I really do not know. All I have to go by is the previously-copied entry from a person who appears to be knowledgeable of this radio. Yes, if one plugs in a 3-circuit mic, the audio will indeed be passed to the radio. -It is the (lack of) PTT function that is seemingly "missing" to me, if the 3-circuit plug is employed. The bottom line comes down to an "assumed convenience," without having to drive 20 minutes one-way (in my case) to the nearest Radio Shack store to buy, then assemble a 4-circuit plug. (Which would hopefully be done CORRECTLY, avoiding a possible boo-boo.) 73! -Mike- KØJTA On 12/30/11 2:53 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Mike, > > I believe you either misunderstood, or you do not have a good mental > image of the small microphone Wayne was talking about. > > I don't see any inconsistency. The small microphone mentioned is a > right angled mic that is quite small and fits directly on the KX3 (no > cord) and it has a 3 circuit plug. See > http://www.frys.com/product/5940534?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG for > one example. It would allow the KX3 to be handheld and the XMIT > button on the KX3 can be used instead of PTT. > > As a matter of fact Wayne has said that the placement of the internal > speaker was also so the KX3 could be used like a handheld > > It seems to be a good design choice to me. > If you have a corded microphone with the 4 circuit plug, then you have > full use of Mic AF, PTT and the UP/DN buttons, but if it is a 3 > circuit plug, you will only have the Mic AF. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 12/30/2011 3:01 PM, Mike Schwendeman wrote: >> The KX3's mic connector design-choice is a puzzle to me... __ 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] KX3 jacks and connections
(This is my THIRD try; -First one was sent out with text, but the reflector had dropped all out, for some reason. -Most likely, due to an error on my part. Second try failed the same way, so this third try is a copy-and-paste from a text editor.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The KX3's mic connector design-choice is a puzzle to me. This short copied part, quoted from an original posting below, describes the issue's possible resolution: "There are very small, pivoting mics available from places like Fry's that have a 3-circuit plug. These are compatible with the KX3's mic jack, too, and in fact allow you to use the KX3 like an HT (in a pinch)." -This does not make sense to me. Earlier in the post, he had mentioned: "However, the mic jack can also be used with mics having a 3-circuit (stereo) plug. These will not provide PTT or UP/DN controls, but can still be used with VOX or the XMIT switch (equivalent to PTT)." So, which is is?? First, he said that the 3-circuit plug will not offer PTT. Then, he offered that the 3-circuit devices from FRY'S, as an example, would allow one to use the KX3 as a handheld radio. To me, the actual DESIGN of the mic circuit in this way is extremely unfortunate!! (Why not disallow the up-down function for those who might only have a 3-circuit plug in the junk box, not the extremely common PTT function???!!!) This is not a good design decision, I honestly feel. It is pointlessly unique. (!!) In view of the fact that a 4-circuit has the (assumed) ground, mic audio/bias, PTT and up-down functions, could it not have been possible to "allow" a person to use a 3-circuit plug, and enjoy the normal (expected) functions of mic-with-PTT, and "ignore" the up-down functions? Continuing with the assumption that the PTT function is not available if one uses a 3-circuit plug, one can indeed use the serial port, VOX or the radio's front panel TRANSMIT button to achieve the PTT function. At the simplest level that involves the serial port, this will involve a connection to the serial port on the radio, plus a cable that will have to be accommodated in orchestration with the mic in some way. To me, this is not as ideal as it could be. So, if the radio is used as a portable radio as an example, the operator would have to handle the mic, the PTT and the radio in some way. (This might be a little clumsy...) But, to be completely fair, the radio can be popped into a back-pack, which would have the added space to allow for a small battery, as opposed to running the radio on it's built-in batteries. But... There would possibly (LOGICALLY, actually!) still have to be two cables, running to two items, (hand mic and PTT switch pill-box) to allow a common means of operating the radio on SSB. Buying the Elecraft supplied mic might be by far the best thing to do. Like they say, "All it takes is money." But there are more than a few that would like to scrounge the scrap boxes, and wire up an old hand mic, desk mic, whatever is found to be functional. As the scrounger continues to look, they might likely find that they have some of the very common 3-circuit plugs. The 4-circuit plugs are indeed available, but this will mean that the builder will, at the very least, have to go out of his way to get the needed 4-circuit plug. (-A road trip or mail order, at the very least.) The reason for my criticizing the design of the PTT/mic connection is that of the possible designs, why was the very commonly "demanded" function of a hand mic "denied" by offering PRIORITY to the coveted up-down button functions?? In other words, could it not have been decided to include the ground, the tip for audio/bias, and the PTT functions as the basic connections..? To me, I'd have to say YES to this possibility. It seems, at this very early date, that this is not the case, as the "information source" had mentioned this. Maybe this guy is has erred with his assumption. We will just have to wait. 73; -Mike- KØJTA Original Message Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 mic jack *will* work with other mics/headsets having a regular stereo plug Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:22:53 -0800 From: Wayne Burdick In response to a few questions on this topic: The KX3 has a 4-circuit 3.5-mm jack, allowing for UP/DN and PTT controls as well a mic audio shield ground. The MH3 has a matching plug. However, the mic jack can also be used with mics having a 3-circuit (stereo) plug. These will not provide PTT or UP/DN controls, but can still be used with VOX or the XMIT switch (equivalent to PTT). Two menu entries are provided for mic configuration: one to turn bias on/ off and another to turn the UP/DN buttons on/off. Heil headsets with two stereo plugs (one for stereo receive audio, the other for the mic) can be used. Generic computer headsets with these two plugs will also work. There are very small, pivoting mics available from places like
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 jacks and connections
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 jacks and connections
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Re: [Elecraft] SDR-IF and I/Q questions
Dick and the Elecraft group;
I embrace the new KX3, as it appears to be SDR! (I LIKE the SDR stuff,
as I have had several of the Flex-Radio products, a couple of Tony
Park's "Softrock-40" radios and an LP-Pan as well as a Cross Country
Wireless SDR.) In almost all cases, I have been able to use the
PowerSDR application, my fave.
I am on the waiting list for the new KX-3. Aside from the form factor,
the fact that it has the I/Q outputs is a very attractive draw for me!
My "plan" is to operate the KX-3 as-is, but yet have the ability to use
PowerSDR or similar app, so I can view all of the several displays that
are possible with PowerSDR on an as-desired basis. -In other words, I
will have the "advantage" of being able to have the "visual eye candy"
that PowerSDR or other apps can offer, IF and WHEN I want!
It is my HOPE to be able to operate a display app from one of my Mac
computers, using an emulation program that runs Windows XP, SP3. (While
I do have Windows computers, my main ones are all Mac, just for the ease
of operation. So, while running the KX-3, I could bring up XP in
emulation to view the panoramic or other display.)
On 7/22/64 1:59 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
>
> Some of us are at different experience levels, but I think we all would have,
> and still would, appreciate help to reach satisfaction. The reflector is the
> place for this. The real question is; Should this be on a dedicated thread?
> When I read the KX3 was going to be SDR capable, I wondered if Elecraft
> realized what it was getting into for the reflector?
As I had mentioned to Dick, the fact that the KX3 appears to be of the
software-defined design, the good folks and followers of the extremely
fine Elecraft products will be somewhat forced to embrace "things SDR."
(The term, "...Kicking and fighting... dragged into the twenty-first
century..." do not apply here, as I think the followers of "things
Elecraft" are capable folks!)
As such, the SDR, the I/Q and so on COULD either be embraced and used;
-It will be like a consumer that buys a new TV, and finds that it has
something called an HDMI port. The course of action will be to (1) use
the HDMI port, or (2) ignore it. Either will be OK, of course. But, if
the HDMI is utilized, the consumer will have a possibly better
experience. I believe that the same might apply to this new-fangled I/Q
output scheme that the KX3 seems to have.
>
> IMHO, The weak link in this SDR thing is the computer and software. PSDR-IF
> has great control features... ...We can't get rid of the mirrored images in
> PSDR-IF. ('WE' includes a friend who still owns 3 of 6 Flex radios he has
> owned, and 2 of 4 SDR-IF receivers. He is no beginner to SDR.)
I agree! (I just might be that fellow that has had the mess of Flex
units...) The issue of the MIRRORED IMAGES that Dick and I have seen is
truly a puzzle. A puzzle that has a solution, to be sure, but we are
missing the resolution.
The really interesting thing is that other apps, such as WinRad and
HDSDR seem to be able to "automatically" cure the mirror image issue.
I guess the point of all this is to congratulate Dick for bringing this
topic up. And to gently tip my (our) hand to expose the problems that
we see. Somehow, the products from Flex do not have this mirror image
issue; -It is only when we use an SDR to view a radio's IF, using an
outboard as the SDR, to derive the needed I/Q signals. (Might ISOLATION
TRANSFORMERS help? -Haven't tried!)
It is my HOPE that the KX3 will behave as we'd like, and allow us the
luxury of the computer derived magic. I am optimistic, as the KX3 has
the SDR internal; All one would have to do is apply this stereo AUDIO
signal to a computer's LINE IN, or to a USB-based sound card, then run
an app to do the magic.
Now, all we need is a DELIVERY DATE for the KX3!
73, all!-Mike-KØJTA
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