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CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

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Frank O'Donnell

CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or
adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500 headset
along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?

Thanks much,

Frank K6FOD

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

Frank

For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new CM500 that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty island and the boom came loose after a couple of days. Since then I have reliably used the Elecraft sold Heil Proset at home and other pretty islands. Ironically I bought the CM500 as I didn't want my Heil abused in transit or when operating away from home.

From memory no additional adapters are needed for use with the KX3 and I find it easier (but friends don’t) to use VOX.

Paul
W6PNG/M0SNA
www.nomadic.blog

> On May 5, 2020, at 4:31 PM, Frank O'Donnell <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500 headset along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Frank K6FOD
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Frank O'Donnell

Frank,

For the K3S, just plug the microphone and headphone plugs into the rear
panel jacks. Set the MIC SEL to RP and turn bias on.

For the KX3. the easy way is to just turn MIC BTN off and plug it in.
That microphone needs bias, and it will be supplied by the digital DC
that normally is used for the MIC Button functions.

The harder way for the KX3 is to make an adapter (but it is not that hard)
Be aware that, like most computer microphones, the tip and the ring of
the plug are wired together - so if you make an adapter, you must use a
stereo jack so the audio is not shorted to ground.

If you make an adapter, you can include a connection for a PTT switch,
but without that, you can put the KX3 into transmit with the XMIT button.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/5/2020 7:31 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:

> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or
> adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500 headset
> along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Frank K6FOD
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Jim Brown-10

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

On 5/5/2020 4:44 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote:
> For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new CM500 that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty island and the boom came loose after a couple of days.

Your experience is unusual. In about 11 years, the only thing that has
ever gone wrong with my CM500s have been a broken cable, which,
unfortunately, is not replaceable. I'm kind of a klutz, so I'm hard on
cables, dropping them, kicking them, etc. Perhaps it got broken in
shipping?

I've never used anything but VOX for SSB and digital modes. That's
always worked just fine as long as there's not loud noise (like when the
XYL walks through the shack and lets the screen door slam). :)

73, Jim K9YC
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

I bought this because my soldering skills are not what they once were.
(Used to do MIL-spec, now I’m lucky to hit the joint with the iron. ).

https://shop.technofix.uk/hand-ptt-switch-for-elecraft-kx3-2-5mm-jack

Plugs into the ACC2 jack directly. Instructions are on the page. Works
FB. It and my Yamaha are inseparable.

On Tue, May 5, 2020 at 20:32 Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 5/5/2020 4:44 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote:
> > For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new
> CM500 that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty island and
> the boom came loose after a couple of days.
>
> Your experience is unusual. In about 11 years, the only thing that has
> ever gone wrong with my CM500s have been a broken cable, which,
> unfortunately, is not replaceable. I'm kind of a klutz, so I'm hard on
> cables, dropping them, kicking them, etc. Perhaps it got broken in
> shipping?
>
> I've never used anything but VOX for SSB and digital modes. That's
> always worked just fine as long as there's not loud noise (like when the
> XYL walks through the shack and lets the screen door slam). :)
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>

--
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Wes Stewart-2

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

The failures I have are the ear pads disintegrate. Someone said Koss pads could
work but that hasn't been my experience. I've found some '500s at estate sales
where I snap them up. Currently the law firm where my fiance is employed is
working from home and she's using a set on her computer to "attend" on-line
meetings. I guess I can add "IT Manager" to my resume, since I'm helping her
with her connections. I second the use of VOX.

Wes N7WS

On 5/5/2020 5:32 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 5/5/2020 4:44 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote:
>> For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new CM500
>> that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty island and the
>> boom came loose after a couple of days.
>
> Your experience is unusual. In about 11 years, the only thing that has ever
> gone wrong with my CM500s have been a broken cable, which, unfortunately, is
> not replaceable. I'm kind of a klutz, so I'm hard on cables, dropping them,
> kicking them, etc. Perhaps it got broken in shipping?
>
> I've never used anything but VOX for SSB and digital modes. That's always
> worked just fine as long as there's not loud noise (like when the XYL walks
> through the shack and lets the screen door slam). :)
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Frank O'Donnell

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Thanks for the clear instructions from Don, and the helpful suggestions
from everyone else. Piecing it all together, will this basically work?:

-- On the K3S, plug the CM500's mike and phone plugs into the respective
jacks on the rig's rear panel. Wire a momentary-contact switch to an RCA
plug inserted into the rig's PTT IN jack to serve as a manual PTT switch.

-- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the
respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style
1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the issue of mono vs stereo plugs.
For example, the CM500's mike plug has stereo-style contacts, whereas
the mic in jack on the K3S is marked "mono." There aren't any issues there?

On other points, if I were going all-in on becoming a regular phone
operator I might look at other headsets such as the Heils. But what I'm
looking at is being a bit player on a couple of nets very occasionally
at most, so the CM500 seemed like a decent option.

Re VOX vs PTT, I can understand the convenience of the former, but being
an occasional throat-clearer I wouldn't want to become a distractions on
those nets.

Thanks again,

Frank

On 5/5/20 4:49 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Frank,
>
> For the K3S, just plug the microphone and headphone plugs into the
> rear panel jacks. Set the MIC SEL to RP and turn bias on.
>
> For the KX3. the easy way is to just turn MIC BTN off and plug it in.
> That microphone needs bias, and it will be supplied by the digital DC
> that normally is used for the MIC Button functions.
>
> The harder way for the KX3 is to make an adapter (but it is not that
> hard)
> Be aware that, like most computer microphones, the tip and the ring of
> the plug are wired together - so if you make an adapter, you must use
> a stereo jack so the audio is not shorted to ground.
>
> If you make an adapter, you can include a connection for a PTT switch,
> but without that, you can put the KX3 into transmit with the XMIT button.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/5/2020 7:31 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:
>> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or
>> adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500
>> headset along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>>
>> Thanks much,
>>
>> Frank K6FOD

Grant Youngman-2

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

The ACC2 connector is a 2.5mm TRS connector, not 1/8” (3.5mm). PTT is either on the tip or ring, I don’t recall which off hand — check the manual.

Grant NQ5T

>
> -- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style 1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.
>
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Nr4c

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Frank O'Donnell

I adapters needed.

CM500 plugs right into the rear Mic and Phone jack on K3(s).

Also the KX3, just turn OFF Bias and Buttons.

PTT is available on rear PTT RCA jack on K3(s) and Tip and Shield on KX3 Accessary jack ( a 3/32 TRS Jack next to the I/Q Jack). Use switch of your choice; an old J38 works real well here. Use the “shoring bar” for long conversations.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On May 5, 2020, at 7:33 PM, Frank O'Donnell <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500 headset along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>
> Thanks much,
>
> Frank K6FOD
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Grant Youngman-2

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Grant Youngman-2

Checked the manual. It’s on the TIP connection of ACC2. Set ACC2 IO in the menu to LO=PTT.

Grant NQ5T

> On May 5, 2020, at 11:06 PM, Grant Youngman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> The ACC2 connector is a 2.5mm TRS connector, not 1/8” (3.5mm). PTT is either on the tip or ring, I don’t recall which off hand — check the manual.
>
> Grant NQ5T
>
>>
>> -- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style 1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.
>>

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Jim Brown-10

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Frank O'Donnell

On 5/5/2020 7:43 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:
> On other points, if I were going all-in on becoming a regular phone
> operator I might look at other headsets such as the Heils. But what I'm
> looking at is being a bit player on a couple of nets very occasionally
> at most, so the CM500 seemed like a decent option.

Heil products are an example of better sound through marketing. They're
more expensive because they spend a lot of money on advertising to
convince hams they're worth it. They also claim to make pro mics. I've
been a member of the AES Standards Committee WG on microphones for more
than 25 years, in which virtually all major microphone companies are
represented. No one from the company is listed as a member, and I've
never met Bob Heil or anyone from his company. Hams seem to think that
because he did sound for a major rock band that his mics were good.

73, Jim K9YC
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Frank O'Donnell

Frank;

The rear-panel mic input on the K3 and K3S is actually a stereo jack. The ring connector is not connected. Plug the CM-500’s mic plug in (as I do), and it will work just fine!
Remember to enable bias on the rear panel Mic as W3FPR noted.

The CM-500 is an excellent headset for use with the K3. You should get many years of excellent service form it.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On May 5, 2020, at 7:43 PM, Frank O'Donnell <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks for the clear instructions from Don, and the helpful suggestions from everyone else. Piecing it all together, will this basically work?:
>
> -- On the K3S, plug the CM500's mike and phone plugs into the respective jacks on the rig's rear panel. Wire a momentary-contact switch to an RCA plug inserted into the rig's PTT IN jack to serve as a manual PTT switch.
>
> -- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style 1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.
>
> The only thing I'm concerned about is the issue of mono vs stereo plugs. For example, the CM500's mike plug has stereo-style contacts, whereas the mic in jack on the K3S is marked "mono." There aren't any issues there?
>
> On other points, if I were going all-in on becoming a regular phone operator I might look at other headsets such as the Heils. But what I'm looking at is being a bit player on a couple of nets very occasionally at most, so the CM500 seemed like a decent option.
>
> Re VOX vs PTT, I can understand the convenience of the former, but being an occasional throat-clearer I wouldn't want to become a distractions on those nets.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Frank
>
>
> On 5/5/20 4:49 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Frank,
>>
>> For the K3S, just plug the microphone and headphone plugs into the rear panel jacks. Set the MIC SEL to RP and turn bias on.
>>
>> For the KX3. the easy way is to just turn MIC BTN off and plug it in. That microphone needs bias, and it will be supplied by the digital DC that normally is used for the MIC Button functions.
>>
>> The harder way for the KX3 is to make an adapter (but it is not that hard)
>> Be aware that, like most computer microphones, the tip and the ring of the plug are wired together - so if you make an adapter, you must use a stereo jack so the audio is not shorted to ground.
>>
>> If you make an adapter, you can include a connection for a PTT switch, but without that, you can put the KX3 into transmit with the XMIT button.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 5/5/2020 7:31 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:
>>> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500 headset along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>>>
>>> Thanks much,
>>>
>>> Frank K6FOD
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Frank O'Donnell

Frank,

Although the K3S rear jack is marked mono, it is actually a stereo jack,
but the ring connects to nothing - so no harm.

On the KX3, look in the manual for the MIC jack connections. It should
tell you why you need to be aware of the situation that the CM500 plug
can present.

Walt Underwood K6WRU has presented a link to an adapter that will allow
you to plug the CM500 mic plug into a jack leaving the other jack
available for us as PTT. Use of that adapter does not require you to set
MIC BTN to off.

Be careful, not just any adapter will do - some are simple splitters
that put both the tip and ring on both jacks.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/5/2020 10:43 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:

> Thanks for the clear instructions from Don, and the helpful
> suggestions from everyone else. Piecing it all together, will this
> basically work?:
>
> -- On the K3S, plug the CM500's mike and phone plugs into the
> respective jacks on the rig's rear panel. Wire a momentary-contact
> switch to an RCA plug inserted into the rig's PTT IN jack to serve as
> a manual PTT switch.
>
> -- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the
> respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style
> 1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.
>
> The only thing I'm concerned about is the issue of mono vs stereo
> plugs. For example, the CM500's mike plug has stereo-style contacts,
> whereas the mic in jack on the K3S is marked "mono." There aren't any
> issues there?
>
> On other points, if I were going all-in on becoming a regular phone
> operator I might look at other headsets such as the Heils. But what
> I'm looking at is being a bit player on a couple of nets very
> occasionally at most, so the CM500 seemed like a decent option.
>
> Re VOX vs PTT, I can understand the convenience of the former, but
> being an occasional throat-clearer I wouldn't want to become a
> distractions on those nets.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Frank
>
>
> On 5/5/20 4:49 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Frank,
>>
>> For the K3S, just plug the microphone and headphone plugs into the
>> rear panel jacks. Set the MIC SEL to RP and turn bias on.
>>
>> For the KX3. the easy way is to just turn MIC BTN off and plug it in.
>> That microphone needs bias, and it will be supplied by the digital DC
>> that normally is used for the MIC Button functions.
>>
>> The harder way for the KX3 is to make an adapter (but it is not that
>> hard)
>> Be aware that, like most computer microphones, the tip and the ring
>> of the plug are wired together - so if you make an adapter, you must
>> use a stereo jack so the audio is not shorted to ground.
>>
>> If you make an adapter, you can include a connection for a PTT
>> switch, but without that, you can put the KX3 into transmit with the
>> XMIT button.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 5/5/2020 7:31 PM, Frank O'Donnell wrote:
>>> Phone newbie here. Any recommendations on off-the-shelf cables or
>>> adapters, and a handheld switch, to enable use of a Yamaha CM500
>>> headset along with PTT functionality on both a K3S and KX3?
>>>
>>> Thanks much,
>>>
>>> Frank K6FOD
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Nr4c

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Grant Youngman-2

The 2.5 mm is about 0.100 in. A 3/32 is .093 or 0.007 in smaller.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On May 5, 2020, at 11:16 PM, Grant Youngman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Checked the manual. It’s on the TIP connection of ACC2. Set ACC2 IO in the menu to LO=PTT.
>
> Grant NQ5T
>
>> On May 5, 2020, at 11:06 PM, Grant Youngman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> The ACC2 connector is a 2.5mm TRS connector, not 1/8” (3.5mm). PTT is either on the tip or ring, I don’t recall which off hand — check the manual.
>>
>> Grant NQ5T
>>
>>>
>>> -- On the KX3, plug the headset's mike and phone plugs into the respective jacks, and use a momentary-contact switch on a mono-style 1/8" plug in the ACC2 jack as a manual PTT switch.
>>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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Lyn WØLEN

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim -

There is a (presumably Chinese) mic known as the BM800 which is marketed
under several different names. I am currently using one on a boom with
shock mount, wind screen and foot switch just because I like hands-free
operation ... and am too frugal (i.e.: cheap) to spend the $$ for a Heil
equivalent.

Are you familiar with this mic, and what are your thoughts? I get excellent
reports with it on my (non-Elecraft) rig.

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2020 10:19 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

Heil products are an example of better sound through marketing. They're
more expensive because they spend a lot of money on advertising to
convince hams they're worth it. They also claim to make pro mics. I've
been a member of the AES Standards Committee WG on microphones for more
than 25 years, in which virtually all major microphone companies are
represented. No one from the company is listed as a member, and I've
never met Bob Heil or anyone from his company. Hams seem to think that
because he did sound for a major rock band that his mics were good.

73, Jim K9YC
______________________________________________________________

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

I bought replacement ear pad cushions and earpad covers for Koss UR20, headphones on eBay a while back for $14.24. They fit the CM500 fine. A pain to change but worth it.
I have had very good results with CM500. They fit my head better than the Heil's which were too tight. I would rather have a material cover which I find more comfortable for wearing for many hours in a contest. I use a quarter of a paper towel between the headset cushions and my ears. That works fine.
And the CM500's are so cheap I bought a spare, just in case.
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Wes
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 9:45 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

The failures I have are the ear pads disintegrate. Someone said Koss pads could work but that hasn't been my experience. I've found some '500s at estate sales where I snap them up. Currently the law firm where my fiance is employed is working from home and she's using a set on her computer to "attend" on-line meetings. I guess I can add "IT Manager" to my resume, since I'm helping her with her connections. I second the use of VOX.

Wes N7WS

On 5/5/2020 5:32 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 5/5/2020 4:44 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote:
>> For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new
>> CM500 that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty
>> island and the boom came loose after a couple of days.
>
> Your experience is unusual. In about 11 years, the only thing that has
> ever gone wrong with my CM500s have been a broken cable, which,
> unfortunately, is not replaceable. I'm kind of a klutz, so I'm hard on
> cables, dropping them, kicking them, etc. Perhaps it got broken in shipping?
>
> I've never used anything but VOX for SSB and digital modes. That's
> always worked just fine as long as there's not loud noise (like when
> the XYL walks through the shack and lets the screen door slam). :)
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Grant Youngman-2

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

I bought a pair of CM500’s when they became all the rage a few years ago. Never liked them. The mic sounds ok, but they’re just too loosely-goosey a fit and I find them fiddly and not very stable on the head. I used them for a while and tossed them into the pile of too much stuff I bought and don’t use.

Replaced them eventually with an RS60CF, and never looked back. Cable sets for both the KX3 and K3(K4). And yes — I know there are a lot of people who don’t like those, either. But I do. All a matter of personal choice, I guess :-) David Clark makes a small and inexpensive soft-case that fits them perfectly, too.

Grant NQ5T

> On May 6, 2020, at 12:53 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> My CM500’s earpads are flaking pretty badly, leaving little back bits around the home office/shack.
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Charlie T, K3ICH

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

If you can find them, "velour" pads are GREAT.
Very comfortable, Softer and NO flaking.
I replaced the pads on my Sony MDR-7506's with them.
I especially like these Sony's since they have excellent high frequency response (better than the CM500's) which is perfect for my high freq hearing loss.
Not sure if they'll fit, but somebody out there must make velour pads for the CM500's.

73, Charlie k3ICH

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Walter Underwood
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2020 12:53 PM
To: Elecraft Mailing List <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

My CM500’s earpads are flaking pretty badly, leaving little back bits around the home office/shack. They still work fine. I purchased them in December 2012. I see that the same order has Eneloop XX batteries and a LowePro Edit 140 case, so that was all ordered to go with my brand-new KX3.

Comments on my blog post suggested the Koss SB45 as another alternative. This also has an electret mic, but somewhat different fit over the ears, and it is cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW

Do not get the Koss SB40. That is the same headset as the Yamaha CM500, but with an inferior dynamic mic.

The mic connector on my Yamaha CM500 is labeled “KOSS”, for what that’s worth. I noticed that when choosing photos for my blog post.

It is normal for earpads to wear out. I replaced the pads on my Grado SR225e phones after five years.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On May 6, 2020, at 8:25 AM, N2TK via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I bought replacement ear pad cushions and earpad covers for Koss UR20, headphones on eBay a while back for $14.24. They fit the CM500 fine. A pain to change but worth it.
> I have had very good results with CM500. They fit my head better than the Heil's which were too tight. I would rather have a material cover which I find more comfortable for wearing for many hours in a contest. I use a quarter of a paper towel between the headset cushions and my ears. That works fine.
> And the CM500's are so cheap I bought a spare, just in case.
> N2TK, Tony
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Wes
> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 9:45 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?
>
> The failures I have are the ear pads disintegrate. Someone said Koss pads could work but that hasn't been my experience. I've found some '500s at estate sales where I snap them up. Currently the law firm where my fiance is employed is working from home and she's using a set on her computer to "attend" on-line meetings. I guess I can add "IT Manager" to my resume, since I'm helping her with her connections. I second the use of VOX.
>
> Wes N7WS
>
> On 5/5/2020 5:32 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 5/5/2020 4:44 PM, Paul Gacek via Elecraft wrote:
>>> For what its worth and everyones milage will vary, I had a brand new
>>> CM500 that I used for a week of hard operating while on a pretty
>>> island and the boom came loose after a couple of days.
>>
>> Your experience is unusual. In about 11 years, the only thing that
>> has ever gone wrong with my CM500s have been a broken cable, which,
>> unfortunately, is not replaceable. I'm kind of a klutz, so I'm hard
>> on cables, dropping them, kicking them, etc. Perhaps it got broken in shipping?
>>
>> I've never used anything but VOX for SSB and digital modes. That's
>> always worked just fine as long as there's not loud noise (like when
>> the XYL walks through the shack and lets the screen door slam). :)
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this
>> email
>> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
>> [hidden email]
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

On 5/6/2020 9:53 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
> Comments on my blog post suggested the Koss SB45 as another alternative. This also has an electret mic, but somewhat different fit over the ears, and it is cheaper.
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW

K6LL, a serious contester, likes this headset. I noted this in a piece I
wrote several years ago for National Contest Journal. GM3SEK reported
that Yamaha products are not sold in the UK, and that his wife likes the
lighter weight Koss CS100 headset.
http://k9yc.com/ContestAudio.pdf
>
> Do not get the Koss SB40. That is the same headset as the Yamaha CM500, but with an inferior dynamic mic.

There is nothing inherently inferior about dynamic mics, especially for
speech -- the vast majority of mics used in sound reinforcement and
broadcasting are dynamic mics. But like any technology, some products
are better than others.
> It is normal for earpads to wear out. I replaced the pads on my Grado SR225e phones after five years.

Yes. I replace earpads on my Sony MDR7506 periodically.

For many things we wear, comfort can be important, and, with headsets,
that depends on the size and shape of our heads and even our ears, as
well as the design and manufacturing quality of the headset. For many
years, I've slept wearing Sony MDR7506 phones listening to jazz, and I
also use them working CW-only contests. I find the CM500 equally
comfortable.

73, Jim K9YC
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Jim Brown-10

Re: CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

In reply to this post by Lyn WØLEN

Probably like Baufong radios, rip-offs of someone else's product. No,
I've never heard of it. A story.

A colleague in pro audio, excellent engineer, designer of sound systems
in the US Senate, House, and White House, wanted to do a good deed for
rock and roll churches who used a lot of mics. He imported mics from a
company in China. Samples were great, so he placed an order. Production
quality was VERY different. Like Baufong, we're talking $40-$60 for mics
competing with EU mics that sell for $1,000 - $1,500.

Quality companies like Shure and Switchcraft have long huge problems
with counterfeits of their products, and counterfeit mechanical and
structural parts have long been a problem for manufacturers. I remember
reading about that in the aircraft industry more than a decade ago.

73, Jim K9YC

On 5/6/2020 5:32 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
> There is a (presumably Chinese) mic known as the BM800 which is marketed
> under several different names. I am currently using one on a boom with
> shock mount, wind screen and foot switch just because I like hands-free
> operation ... and am too frugal (i.e.: cheap) to spend the $$ for a Heil
> equivalent.
>
> Are you familiar with this mic, and what are your thoughts? I get excellent
> reports with it on my (non-Elecraft) rig.

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