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KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

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wayne burdick

KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

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Hi all,

The KX3 has two different AFX (audio effects) modes: DELAY (simulated stereo) and PITCH (binaural pitch mapping). DELAY is the default, and it can greatly reduce operating fatigue as compared to mono audio.

PITCH is sometimes overlooked as an option, but it too can make listening more enjoyable. Especially on a busy CW band segment.

When AFX is set to PITCH, all of the signals in the passband will be "mapped" into a left-to-right acoustic space based on their pitch. Lower-pitched signals map to the left, higher pitches to the right.

We describe it as a "sound stage" because it's similar to what you hear in a theater when there are multiple voices or musical instruments. With each signal occupying its own binaural niche, it's easier to pick them out and to recognize them. This can be very useful in contests, on nets, or when working DX split.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Randy Farmer

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

This sounds extremely useful for contest pileup management. Will it also
be implemented for the K3?

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 8/21/2018 7:59 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> The KX3 has two different AFX (audio effects) modes: DELAY (simulated stereo) and PITCH (binaural pitch mapping). DELAY is the default, and it can greatly reduce operating fatigue as compared to mono audio.
>
> PITCH is sometimes overlooked as an option, but it too can make listening more enjoyable. Especially on a busy CW band segment.
>
> When AFX is set to PITCH, all of the signals in the passband will be "mapped" into a left-to-right acoustic space based on their pitch. Lower-pitched signals map to the left, higher pitches to the right.
>
> We describe it as a "sound stage" because it's similar to what you hear in a theater when there are multiple voices or musical instruments. With each signal occupying its own binaural niche, it's easier to pick them out and to recognize them. This can be very useful in contests, on nets, or when working DX split.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR

Don Wilhelm

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Randy,

The AFX is already in the K3/K3X. Tap the AFX button to turn it on and
select the AFX mode that you want to use.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/21/2018 9:16 PM, Randy Farmer wrote:
> This sounds extremely useful for contest pileup management. Will it also
> be implemented for the K3?
>
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Randy Farmer

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Looks like I messed up and failed to read some of the firmware release
notes again. This is good news. I'll hunt it up and try it. Thanks for
the info.

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 8/21/2018 9:00 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Randy,
>
> The AFX is already in the K3/K3X. Tap the AFX button to turn it on
> and select the AFX mode that you want to use.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
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Don Wilhelm

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Randy,

It is in the manual. AFX has been in the K3 since its beginning.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/21/2018 10:12 PM, Randy Farmer wrote:
> Looks like I messed up and failed to read some of the firmware release
> notes again. This is good news. I'll hunt it up and try it. Thanks for
> the info.
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Randy Farmer

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Hmmm... My K3S has Firmware V5.62 (latest production) installed. As
describedin the latest available version of the K3S manual, the only AFX
MODE settings are DELAY 1 through DELAY 5 and BIN. PITCH is not an
option. Wayne's message refers explicitly to the KX3. Indeed, the KX3
manual shows the available AFX MODE choices to be DELAY and PITCH.

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 8/21/2018 9:28 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Randy,
>
> It is in the manual. AFX has been in the K3 since its beginning.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/21/2018 10:12 PM, Randy Farmer wrote:
>> Looks like I messed up and failed to read some of the firmware
>> release notes again. This is good news. I'll hunt it up and try it.
>> Thanks for the info.
>

wayne burdick

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Administrator

Hi Randy,

PITCH mode is not available on the K3 at this time. It was a bit of an experiment when we added it to the KX3 (which uses a different DSP chip). We liked it, and kept it.

It's on the list for future addition to the K3/K3S.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

> On Aug 21, 2018, at 7:38 PM, Randy Farmer <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hmmm... My K3S has Firmware V5.62 (latest production) installed. As describedin the latest available version of the K3S manual, the only AFX MODE settings are DELAY 1 through DELAY 5 and BIN. PITCH is not an option. Wayne's message refers explicitly to the KX3. Indeed, the KX3 manual shows the available AFX MODE choices to be DELAY and PITCH.
>
> 73...
> Randy, W8FN

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Grant Youngman-2

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

That would be a very good thing, especially if the midpoint of the soundstage followed the Pitch setting.

When wearing headphones, it would also be less tiring to use if the soundstage had some “spaciousness” to it rather than signals appearing on a simple straight line inside the skull from from one eardrum to the other. I don’t know how to describe this technically, although I know it when I hear it. The existing AFX options in the K3 provide something close, as does the Delay option on the KX3.

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342

> On Aug 21, 2018, at 10:44 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Randy,
>
> PITCH mode is not available on the K3 at this time. It was a bit of an experiment when we added it to the KX3 (which uses a different DSP chip). We liked it, and kept it.
>
> It's on the list for future addition to the K3/K3S.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR

Randy Farmer

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Great news. I hope it makes an appearance soon. Several years ago I
cobbled together a crude version of this functionality using a pair of
ancient Autek QF-1A audio filters. The left side filter was configured
as a low pass and the right was configured as a high pass. If I spent
enough time fooling with the filter tunings and carefully matching
output levels it produced some pretty interesting and useful effects. I
believe I used it in a Sweepstakes CW effort and as I recall it was very
helpful for sorting out multiple signals in my receiver passband. I
eventually abandoned the project because it was just too finicky to be
reliable. It would really be great to have a good implementation
available at the touch of a button.

73...
Randy, W8FN

On 8/21/2018 9:44 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Hi Randy,
>
> PITCH mode is not available on the K3 at this time. It was a bit of an experiment when we added it to the KX3 (which uses a different DSP chip). We liked it, and kept it.
>
> It's on the list for future addition to the K3/K3S.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR

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Dave New, N8SBE

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Wayne,

It would really be nice to be able to reverse the sense.

That way, as one tunes 'up the band', new signals appearing 'on the
right' (higher in frequency, but not necessarily in audio pitch,
depending on sideband setting) would appear in the right ear, and would
slide to the left based on the tuning speed.

In other words, instead of statically mapping low-to-high audio to
left-to-right ears, allow the user to reverse the mapping, so that it
matches the tuning 'sense'.

73,

-- Dave, N8SBE

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Jim Rhodes-2

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

A simple DPDT switch should take care of that easily. Unless I don't
understand the tech here (hear?).

On Mon, Aug 27, 2018 at 11:20 AM Dave New, N8SBE <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Wayne,
>
> It would really be nice to be able to reverse the sense.
>
> That way, as one tunes 'up the band', new signals appearing 'on the
> right' (higher in frequency, but not necessarily in audio pitch,
> depending on sideband setting) would appear in the right ear, and would
> slide to the left based on the tuning speed.
>
> In other words, instead of statically mapping low-to-high audio to
> left-to-right ears, allow the user to reverse the mapping, so that it
> matches the tuning 'sense'.
>
> 73,
>
> -- Dave, N8SBE
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--
Jim K0XU
[hidden email]
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Wouldn't taking the headphones off, rotating them 180 degrees and put
them back on do the trick? That way left would be right and right would
be left.

Guess I'm too dense to understand the acoustic phenomenon.

73
Bob, K4TAX

On 8/27/2018 12:36 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:

> A simple DPDT switch should take care of that easily. Unless I don't
> understand the tech here (hear?).
>
> On Mon, Aug 27, 2018 at 11:20 AM Dave New, N8SBE <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Wayne,
>>
>> It would really be nice to be able to reverse the sense.
>>
>> That way, as one tunes 'up the band', new signals appearing 'on the
>> right' (higher in frequency, but not necessarily in audio pitch,
>> depending on sideband setting) would appear in the right ear, and would
>> slide to the left based on the tuning speed.
>>
>> In other words, instead of statically mapping low-to-high audio to
>> left-to-right ears, allow the user to reverse the mapping, so that it
>> matches the tuning 'sense'.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> -- Dave, N8SBE
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>

Peter W2IRT

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Think of it this way. Let's say that your default CW note tone is 500 Hz. When you're zero-beat with someone at 500Hz they're "right in the middle" of your ears. Equal signal left and right. A 750 Hz tone would appear in your right ear, and a 350 Hz tone in your left. As you move the VFO from where you are, tuning "up" the band, that 750 Hz tone would "slide across your head" to the left, and when you zero beat it, it's right in the middle. If you keep tuning in that same direction, that same signal would start to favor the left ear, and below a pre-set threshold, would appear only in your left ear.

I'd gladly pay to have what the OP is asking for as well.

- pjd

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2018 2:25 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Wouldn't taking the headphones off, rotating them 180 degrees and put
them back on do the trick? That way left would be right and right would
be left.

Guess I'm too dense to understand the acoustic phenomenon.

73
Bob, K4TAX

On 8/27/2018 12:36 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:

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Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

Don Wilhelm

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

Another complicating factor is whether you are listening in CW or CW
reverse.

I would think that the DPDT switch would be the best solution.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/27/2018 2:47 PM, Peter W2IRT wrote:
> Think of it this way. Let's say that your default CW note tone is 500 Hz. When you're zero-beat with someone at 500Hz they're "right in the middle" of your ears. Equal signal left and right. A 750 Hz tone would appear in your right ear, and a 350 Hz tone in your left. As you move the VFO from where you are, tuning "up" the band, that 750 Hz tone would "slide across your head" to the left, and when you zero beat it, it's right in the middle. If you keep tuning in that same direction, that same signal would start to favor the left ear, and below a pre-set threshold, would appear only in your left ear.
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Nr4c

Re: KX2/KX3 operating tip: Creating a CW "sound stage" using AFX PITCH mode

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

CW REV????

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Aug 27, 2018, at 2:25 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Wouldn't taking the headphones off, rotating them 180 degrees and put them back on do the trick? That way left would be right and right would be left.
>
> Guess I'm too dense to understand the acoustic phenomenon.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>
>> On 8/27/2018 12:36 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:
>> A simple DPDT switch should take care of that easily. Unless I don't
>> understand the tech here (hear?).
>>
>>> On Mon, Aug 27, 2018 at 11:20 AM Dave New, N8SBE <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Wayne,
>>>
>>> It would really be nice to be able to reverse the sense.
>>>
>>> That way, as one tunes 'up the band', new signals appearing 'on the
>>> right' (higher in frequency, but not necessarily in audio pitch,
>>> depending on sideband setting) would appear in the right ear, and would
>>> slide to the left based on the tuning speed.
>>>
>>> In other words, instead of statically mapping low-to-high audio to
>>> left-to-right ears, allow the user to reverse the mapping, so that it
>>> matches the tuning 'sense'.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> -- Dave, N8SBE
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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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