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[K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

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Thomas Horsten

[K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

Hi,

I like to alternate between operating with headset and speakers and find
the K3's built-in speaker inadequate (plus I want stereo). So I purchased a
pair of Audioengine A2 speakers (black, and with the corresponding desk
stands, wonderful little speakers I must say and they look GREAT next to
the K3 - judge for yourself: http://goo.gl/KErTo)

Now the problem is that I have been running with AGC=LOW since it gives me
a comfortable range in the headset. The speakers have a volume control on
the back, so I thought I could adjust that to get a volume that was similar
in the headset. The problem is that with a low enough AF volume setting on
the K3 that the headset isn't blasting my ears out, and the speakers volume
set to give a similar level to that of the headphones (about 66% of their
max), the speakers give a very noticable very low frequency bassy "click"
once a second anytime the K3 is turned on.

It's like "thump, thump, thump" at one second intervals. This is loud
enough to be noticeable when the speakers and the headphones are at about
the same level for the real audio. If I turn the speakers' gain down and
turn the K3's AF knob up, I get FB loud enough audio without hearing this
problem, but with a low enough volume in the headset for it to be
comfortable, I have to turn the speakers up where the "thump" gets
noticable to get rid of it again.

I'm powering my K3 from a car battery that is in turn hooked up to a smart
charger. This has never caused me any problems in the past, but it would
seem that this artifact comes from the smart charger somehow, as soon as I
disconnect it the problem goes away and I can have the speaker volume all
the way up to max without hearing it.

As I said I've never had any audio (or other) problems before from having
that battery charger connected. Any suggestions for what to try next would
be appreciated.

73, Thomas M0TRN
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Arthur Burke

Re: [K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

My speaker approach was a pair of formerly "rear" speakers in a surround
sound system - SONY in this case. Having stereo speakers provides (most of
the time) the same effect as stereo headphones - when the sub-rx is on, DX
from the left side and pileup from the right side - although it's easier to
"work" through the pileup with phones.

My problem is not with the speaker/phone volume, but with the monitor
(sidetone) volume. When it's set more-or-less normally for speaker use,
it's much too loud for use with the "cans" on.

My daily (and therefore also for DX) logging program is DXLabs. Commander
provides a host of User Defined Controls - one of which I use to alter the
monitor level - significantly lowering it before slapping on the
headphones. Then, the second push, when I'm finished, restores MON to the
old level.

Art - N4PJ

On Tue, May 15, 2012 at 5:08 PM, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I like to alternate between operating with headset and speakers and find
> the K3's built-in speaker inadequate (plus I want stereo). So I purchased a
> pair of Audioengine A2 speakers (black, and with the corresponding desk
> stands, wonderful little speakers I must say and they look GREAT next to
> the K3 - judge for yourself: http://goo.gl/KErTo)
>
> Now the problem is that I have been running with AGC=LOW since it gives me
> a comfortable range in the headset. The speakers have a volume control on
> the back, so I thought I could adjust that to get a volume that was similar
> in the headset. The problem is that with a low enough AF volume setting on
> the K3 that the headset isn't blasting my ears out, and the speakers volume
> set to give a similar level to that of the headphones (about 66% of their
> max), the speakers give a very noticable very low frequency bassy "click"
> once a second anytime the K3 is turned on.
>
> It's like "thump, thump, thump" at one second intervals. This is loud
> enough to be noticeable when the speakers and the headphones are at about
> the same level for the real audio. If I turn the speakers' gain down and
> turn the K3's AF knob up, I get FB loud enough audio without hearing this
> problem, but with a low enough volume in the headset for it to be
> comfortable, I have to turn the speakers up where the "thump" gets
> noticable to get rid of it again.
>
> I'm powering my K3 from a car battery that is in turn hooked up to a smart
> charger. This has never caused me any problems in the past, but it would
> seem that this artifact comes from the smart charger somehow, as soon as I
> disconnect it the problem goes away and I can have the speaker volume all
> the way up to max without hearing it.
>
> As I said I've never had any audio (or other) problems before from having
> that battery charger connected. Any suggestions for what to try next would
> be appreciated.
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Thomas Horsten

Re: [K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

Hi Art,

I totally have that problem as well, but I was more bothered by the other
one for now so that's why I wrote about it. It would be amazingly nice if
you could have the MON level track the AF level. In fact, it would be a
killer feature.

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 15 May 2012 22:41, Arthur Burke <[hidden email]> wrote:

> My speaker approach was a pair of formerly "rear" speakers in a surround
> sound system - SONY in this case. Having stereo speakers provides (most of
> the time) the same effect as stereo headphones - when the sub-rx is on, DX
> from the left side and pileup from the right side - although it's easier to
> "work" through the pileup with phones.
>
> My problem is not with the speaker/phone volume, but with the monitor
> (sidetone) volume. When it's set more-or-less normally for speaker use,
> it's much too loud for use with the "cans" on.
>
> My daily (and therefore also for DX) logging program is DXLabs. Commander
> provides a host of User Defined Controls - one of which I use to alter the
> monitor level - significantly lowering it before slapping on the
> headphones. Then, the second push, when I'm finished, restores MON to the
> old level.
>
> Art - N4PJ
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 15, 2012 at 5:08 PM, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]>wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I like to alternate between operating with headset and speakers and find
>> the K3's built-in speaker inadequate (plus I want stereo). So I purchased
>> a
>> pair of Audioengine A2 speakers (black, and with the corresponding desk
>> stands, wonderful little speakers I must say and they look GREAT next to
>> the K3 - judge for yourself: http://goo.gl/KErTo)
>>
>> Now the problem is that I have been running with AGC=LOW since it gives me
>> a comfortable range in the headset. The speakers have a volume control on
>> the back, so I thought I could adjust that to get a volume that was
>> similar
>> in the headset. The problem is that with a low enough AF volume setting on
>> the K3 that the headset isn't blasting my ears out, and the speakers
>> volume
>> set to give a similar level to that of the headphones (about 66% of their
>> max), the speakers give a very noticable very low frequency bassy "click"
>> once a second anytime the K3 is turned on.
>>
>> It's like "thump, thump, thump" at one second intervals. This is loud
>> enough to be noticeable when the speakers and the headphones are at about
>> the same level for the real audio. If I turn the speakers' gain down and
>> turn the K3's AF knob up, I get FB loud enough audio without hearing this
>> problem, but with a low enough volume in the headset for it to be
>> comfortable, I have to turn the speakers up where the "thump" gets
>> noticable to get rid of it again.
>>
>> I'm powering my K3 from a car battery that is in turn hooked up to a smart
>> charger. This has never caused me any problems in the past, but it would
>> seem that this artifact comes from the smart charger somehow, as soon as I
>> disconnect it the problem goes away and I can have the speaker volume all
>> the way up to max without hearing it.
>>
>> As I said I've never had any audio (or other) problems before from having
>> that battery charger connected. Any suggestions for what to try next would
>> be appreciated.
>>
>> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
>

Dwayne Rohmer

Re: [K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

Thomas,

You might want to consider using a macro to adjust the monitor level? At the
same time, you can change the EQ and other settings to suit your needs.

I use two macros to control microphones, speakers and TX EQ. They are
assigned to PF1 for the hand mike and PF2 for the headset/boom mike. The
last line in these macros changes the monitor level, OFF for speakers, and
ON for headphones. Adding code to change RX EQ might also help you reach
your goal of getting the volume where you want it.

To use these macros, press and hold PF1 to use the hand mike; press and hold
PF2 to use the headset/boom mike. Pressing either PF button a again toggles
the speakers ON and OFF.

select Front mike - Toggle Speakers ON/OFF - TX EQ set for MH-2
MN053;DN;DN;MN097;UP;MN255;MG002;CP025;TE+00+14+08+06+08+10+12+00;ML000;

Select Front Mike
Toggle Speakers On/Off
Exit Menu
Mike Gain 3
Mike Compression 18
Transmit EQ +00+14+08+06+08+10+12+00
Monitor Level 0

Select Rear Mike With Headset - Toggle Speakers ON/OFF - TX EQ set for
Acousticom Boom Mike
MN053;DN;DN;UP;MN097;UP;MN255;MG013;CP024;TE+00+00+00+00+00+00+00+00;ML020;

Select Rear Mike
Toggle Speakers On/Off
Exit Menu
Mike Gain 11
Mike Compression 20
Transmit EQ +00+00+00+00+00+00+00+00
Monitor Level 25

73,
Dwayne WV5I

> On Tue, May 15, 2012 at 5:08 PM, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]>wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I like to alternate between operating with headset and speakers and
>> find the K3's built-in speaker inadequate (plus I want stereo). So I
>> purchased a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers (black, and with the
>> corresponding desk stands, wonderful little speakers I must say and
>> they look GREAT next to the K3 - judge for yourself:
>> http://goo.gl/KErTo)
>>
>> Now the problem is that I have been running with AGC=LOW since it
>> gives me a comfortable range in the headset. The speakers have a
>> volume control on the back, so I thought I could adjust that to get a
>> volume that was similar in the headset. The problem is that with a
>> low enough AF volume setting on the K3 that the headset isn't
>> blasting my ears out, and the speakers volume set to give a similar
>> level to that of the headphones (about 66% of their max), the
>> speakers give a very noticable very low frequency bassy "click"
>> once a second anytime the K3 is turned on.
>>
>> It's like "thump, thump, thump" at one second intervals. This is loud
>> enough to be noticeable when the speakers and the headphones are at
>> about the same level for the real audio. If I turn the speakers' gain
>> down and turn the K3's AF knob up, I get FB loud enough audio without
>> hearing this problem, but with a low enough volume in the headset for
>> it to be comfortable, I have to turn the speakers up where the
>> "thump" gets noticable to get rid of it again.
>>
>> I'm powering my K3 from a car battery that is in turn hooked up to a
>> smart charger. This has never caused me any problems in the past, but
>> it would seem that this artifact comes from the smart charger
>> somehow, as soon as I disconnect it the problem goes away and I can
>> have the speaker volume all the way up to max without hearing it.
>>
>> As I said I've never had any audio (or other) problems before from
>> having that battery charger connected. Any suggestions for what to
>> try next would be appreciated.
>>
>> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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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

______________________________________________________________
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

Thomas Horsten

Re: [K3] K3 and noise with external speakers

Hi Dwayne,

I already use the macros, I have PF2 set to toggle SPKR+PH on/off so I can
turn the speakers off when I'm wearing the headset (PF1 is set to
enable/disable ESSB, and could be considered a spare since I hardly ever
use ESSB).

But the problem is that in CW I like to operate with both speakers+headset,
so I can put the headset on if I hear something interesting and want to
copy it better (over the noise of the linear and other ambient noise). For
stronger signals, I just have the QSO with the speakers and not the
headset. Of course for SSB I need to wear the headset if I don't have the
desk mic out, but then SSB is only about 10-20% of my QSO's.

When I get my desk mike out again, I think I will reprogram PF1 to switch
between the front mic/headset as you suggest.

Actually if I can find a solution to the speaker noise problem, I think
everything will be ok. The only other thing is what Arthur mentioned and I
elaborated on, the MON level. It is hard to send CW if the MON tone is too
low, and I adjust the volume up/down to accommodate the situation (ambient
noise) when I'm on the speakers, but MON doesn't follow. So if MON could be
made to track AF, I think I would have close to the perfect setup for my
operating style!

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 16 May 2012 00:21, Dwayne Rohmer <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thomas,
>
> You might want to consider using a macro to adjust the monitor level? At
> the
> same time, you can change the EQ and other settings to suit your needs.
>
> I use two macros to control microphones, speakers and TX EQ. They are
> assigned to PF1 for the hand mike and PF2 for the headset/boom mike. The
> last line in these macros changes the monitor level, OFF for speakers, and
> ON for headphones. Adding code to change RX EQ might also help you reach
> your goal of getting the volume where you want it.
>
> To use these macros, press and hold PF1 to use the hand mike; press and
> hold
> PF2 to use the headset/boom mike. Pressing either PF button a again toggles
> the speakers ON and OFF.
>
> select Front mike - Toggle Speakers ON/OFF - TX EQ set for MH-2
> MN053;DN;DN;MN097;UP;MN255;MG002;CP025;TE+00+14+08+06+08+10+12+00;ML000;
>
> Select Front Mike
> Toggle Speakers On/Off
> Exit Menu
> Mike Gain 3
> Mike Compression 18
> Transmit EQ +00+14+08+06+08+10+12+00
> Monitor Level 0
>
> Select Rear Mike With Headset - Toggle Speakers ON/OFF - TX EQ set for
> Acousticom Boom Mike
> MN053;DN;DN;UP;MN097;UP;MN255;MG013;CP024;TE+00+00+00+00+00+00+00+00;ML020;
>
> Select Rear Mike
> Toggle Speakers On/Off
> Exit Menu
> Mike Gain 11
> Mike Compression 20
> Transmit EQ +00+00+00+00+00+00+00+00
> Monitor Level 25
>
> 73,
> Dwayne WV5I
>
> > On Tue, May 15, 2012 at 5:08 PM, Thomas Horsten <[hidden email]
> >wrote:
> >
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> I like to alternate between operating with headset and speakers and
> >> find the K3's built-in speaker inadequate (plus I want stereo). So I
> >> purchased a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers (black, and with the
> >> corresponding desk stands, wonderful little speakers I must say and
> >> they look GREAT next to the K3 - judge for yourself:
> >> http://goo.gl/KErTo)
> >>
> >> Now the problem is that I have been running with AGC=LOW since it
> >> gives me a comfortable range in the headset. The speakers have a
> >> volume control on the back, so I thought I could adjust that to get a
> >> volume that was similar in the headset. The problem is that with a
> >> low enough AF volume setting on the K3 that the headset isn't
> >> blasting my ears out, and the speakers volume set to give a similar
> >> level to that of the headphones (about 66% of their max), the
> >> speakers give a very noticable very low frequency bassy "click"
> >> once a second anytime the K3 is turned on.
> >>
> >> It's like "thump, thump, thump" at one second intervals. This is loud
> >> enough to be noticeable when the speakers and the headphones are at
> >> about the same level for the real audio. If I turn the speakers' gain
> >> down and turn the K3's AF knob up, I get FB loud enough audio without
> >> hearing this problem, but with a low enough volume in the headset for
> >> it to be comfortable, I have to turn the speakers up where the
> >> "thump" gets noticable to get rid of it again.
> >>
> >> I'm powering my K3 from a car battery that is in turn hooked up to a
> >> smart charger. This has never caused me any problems in the past, but
> >> it would seem that this artifact comes from the smart charger
> >> somehow, as soon as I disconnect it the problem goes away and I can
> >> have the speaker volume all the way up to max without hearing it.
> >>
> >> As I said I've never had any audio (or other) problems before from
> >> having that battery charger connected. Any suggestions for what to
> >> try next would be appreciated.
> >>
> >> 73, Thomas M0TRN
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >>
> >
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>