K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise

[Bill Clarke]

My MH2 mic, about 9 months old, creates a spike when keyed and unkeyed.
It is a mechanical problem within the mic, as other mics do not do this.
That said, has anyone got a cure for this? I have tried lubricating the
cheap switch and all places where there is movement along the PTT
mechanism. An improvement - but, not a cure.

I have an MC-60 which works great and brings no mechanical noise with
it, however, I prefer a hand-mic, so I am open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC

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[KD7PY]

I have the same problem, not so much with the mic, but with a loud relay in the Commander amp,

I talked to Elecraft about 2 months ago and asked it they could add a bit more TX Delay to the menu.
as they said the TX Delay works both in SSB & CW, and they said it could add more time delay to be put in the next software up grade,  this would allow the relays, mike switch etc to switch before any audio would xmit. and the delay would be adjustable......

Ed   K7WIA

[Bill Clarke]

Thanks to all who chose to reply direct, however, it is a MECHANICAL
noise from inside the PTT switch. It is not a problem with the K3 or my
amp or relays or timing delays. I did get a chuckle from one response
suggesting I limit the movement of the PTT switch when I use it - push
it a mm or two less.

What I am seeking is recommendations for a good hand-held microphone.
And please, answer on the reflector where everyone can learn - not by
private emails.

Thanks,

Bill W2BLC


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[Richard Fjeld]

Bill,  you said in part:

> It is a mechanical problem within the mic, as other mics do not do this.

You are partially right.  The word is *SOME*  mics do not do this.  I have
had both hand-mics and desk-mics do it.  AND, it was not only a spike; it
was during transmit if I changed the pressure on the PTT.  The buttons
should be soft material.   Yes, it is annoying.  It is one of the reasons I
went to a boom-mic (CM500).  No way for a mechanical noise pickup from a
detached PTT.

Now, it is so quiet I get complaints that my rag-chew group can't tell when
I release the PTT.  (Longevity affects the hearing.)  I wrote in awhile back
at their request to see if the K3 could do a short 'dit' when I released the
PTT. (That opened up a can of worms)

I don't know what the innards of the MH2 looks like, but you may try to
improve what the element is cushioned in to reduce the microphonics. If it
is audible noise, the electret element will 'hear' it.

Rich, n0ce


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2012 9:55 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise


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[Richard Fjeld]

Bill,

Be careful with silicone.  Back in the 70's, give or take, it was discovered
in a lab that silicone widely creeps and gets into electrical contacts and
can cause circuit failures.  The source was good. I won't let it in my
house.

I have read that WD-40 does NOT contain silicone, but I don't know if that
source was reliable.
Some petroleum jelly w/o additives ought to be safe.

A micro-switch works well, but it 'clicks'.   If the PTT contacts are like
other mics, you need a lever to actuate the contacts.  Plastic PTT
lever/buttons are rigid.  Something flexible like rubber, or vinyl tubing
could be devised perhaps.  Maybe something like a soft ear-plug moving
through a lubricated tube as a crude example.  As I have said, I haven't
seen the MH2. If you saved the original parts, you could experiment w/o
ruining the mic.

I just wanted to caution you about the silicone warnings. It could lead to
big problems.

Rich, n0ce

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill" <[hidden email]>
To: "Richard Fjeld" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise

> Thanks Rich for the kind reply. I am looking at ways to re-engineer the
> MH2. Basically, it involves a very cheap switch and plastic sliding on
> plastic. Two distinct problems.
>
> I am working on using bubble switches as replacements and have tried a
> silicone lubricant.
>
> I expect the combo of both tactics will relieve the problem.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>
>
> On 11/12/2012 6:18 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
>> Bill,  you said in part:
>>
>>> It is a mechanical problem within the mic, as other mics do not do this.
>>
>> You are partially right.  The word is *SOME*  mics do not do this.  I
>> have had both hand-mics and desk-mics do it.  AND, it was not only a
>> spike; it was during transmit if I changed the pressure on the PTT.  The
>> buttons should be soft material.   Yes, it is annoying.  It is one of the
>> reasons I went to a boom-mic (CM500). No way for a mechanical noise
>> pickup from a detached PTT.
>>
>> Now, it is so quiet I get complaints that my rag-chew group can't tell
>> when I release the PTT.  (Longevity affects the hearing.)  I wrote in
>> awhile back at their request to see if the K3 could do a short 'dit' when
>> I released the PTT. (That opened up a can of worms)
>>
>> I don't know what the innards of the MH2 looks like, but you may try to
>> improve what the element is cushioned in to reduce the microphonics. If
>> it is audible noise, the electret element will 'hear' it.
>>
>> Rich, n0ce
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2012 9:55 AM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise
>>
>>
>

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[Richard Fjeld]

Bill,

I sent that last post a bit too soon.  I thought of something else.

Some mic switches kill the mic lead by grounding it, maybe some open it.  I
don't know if it is done with electret elements.  There are people who are
more familiar with the nature of this.

Here is my though; If the PTT contacts are make-before-break, etc, check to
see if they are adjusted properly.  Due to having bias voltage, you will
want to do some research before adjusting contacts.

Perhaps the mic lead is becoming 'hot' too soon so that you hear what you
don't want to.  I realize this is a stretch, but maybe a possibility.  If I
had a MH2, I'd know.

Rich, n0ce

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill" <[hidden email]>
To: "Richard Fjeld" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 6:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise

> Thanks Rich for the kind reply. I am looking at ways to re-engineer the
> MH2. Basically, it involves a very cheap switch and plastic sliding on
> plastic. Two distinct problems.
>
> I am working on using bubble switches as replacements and have tried a
> silicone lubricant.
>
> I expect the combo of both tactics will relieve the problem.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Bill W2BLC
>
>
>
> On 11/12/2012 6:18 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
>> Bill,  you said in part:
>>
>>> It is a mechanical problem within the mic, as other mics do not do this.
>>
>> You are partially right.  The word is *SOME*  mics do not do this.  I
>> have had both hand-mics and desk-mics do it.  AND, it was not only a
>> spike; it was during transmit if I changed the pressure on the PTT.  The
>> buttons should be soft material.   Yes, it is annoying.  It is one of the
>> reasons I went to a boom-mic (CM500). No way for a mechanical noise
>> pickup from a detached PTT.
>>
>> Now, it is so quiet I get complaints that my rag-chew group can't tell
>> when I release the PTT.  (Longevity affects the hearing.)  I wrote in
>> awhile back at their request to see if the K3 could do a short 'dit' when
>> I released the PTT. (That opened up a can of worms)
>>
>> I don't know what the innards of the MH2 looks like, but you may try to
>> improve what the element is cushioned in to reduce the microphonics. If
>> it is audible noise, the electret element will 'hear' it.
>>
>> Rich, n0ce
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill" <[hidden email]>
>> To: <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2012 9:55 AM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - MH2 mic switch mechanical noise
>>
>>
>

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