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KX3 Audio output

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George Winship, NC5G

KX3 Audio output

I'm planning on replacing my IC-730 that has been my mobile rig for 20+ years with the KX3 and wonder what the receive audio output is. My K2 doesn't have quite enough audio for mobile use(at least for me it doesn't), so hope the KX3 will have more. Didn't see this info on the KX3 page.

73,

George, NC5G

wayne burdick

Re: KX3 Audio output

Administrator

The KX3 is *very* compact, and so is its speaker. It is adequate for
use in a reasonably quiet environment. In a noisy vehicle, it is
definitely not going to provide enough audio. Also, with mono audio
you'd miss out on one of the KX3's binaural audio features (dual
watch, simulated stereo, pitch mapping, etc.). These effects
completely transform the operating experience; it's the same reason we
provided full stereo audio in the K3.

Given the above, I strongly recommend using your car's stereo audio
system for AF output. Many vehicles have an AF aux input jack. For
those that don't, there are FM modulators such as the RadioPlay 300
(from Monster Mobile) or aftermarket devices that allow you to tap
into the CD->radio interface. You could also use external amplified
speakers.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On May 27, 2011, at 11:26 AM, George Winship, NC5G wrote:

> I'm planning on replacing my IC-730 that has been my mobile rig for
> 20+ years
> with the KX3 and wonder what the receive audio output is. My K2
> doesn't have
> quite enough audio for mobile use(at least for me it doesn't), so
> hope the
> KX3 will have more. Didn't see this info on the KX3 page.
>
> 73,
>
> George, NC5G
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Audio-output-tp6412069p6412069.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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ha4zd

KX3 Audio

Could the KX3 tell frequency, mode for disabled?

István Szabó

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George Winship, NC5G

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

<quote author="wayne burdick">

<Given the above, I strongly recommend using your car's stereo audio >
<system for AF output. Many vehicles have an AF aux input jack. For >
<those that don't, there are FM modulators such as the RadioPlay 300>
<(from Monster Mobile) or aftermarket devices that allow you to tap >
<into the CD->radio interface. You could also use external amplified>
<speakers.>

Thanks Wayne, for your prompt reply. I will check out this out. Presently I use an old Motorola mobile speaker with the IC-730. Most of my mobile ops are in a 1995 3/4 ton Chevy. No CD, but maybe can find an old cassette interface.

BTW, haven't been this excited about a radio since I got my K2 as a 50th B'Day present almost 10 years ago. Was a blast to build, and still get a thrill every time I press the ON button.

73,
George, NC5G

wayne burdick

Re: KX3 Audio

Administrator

In reply to this post by ha4zd

Yes, in CW, like the KX1.

Wayne
N6KR

----
http://www.elecraft.com

On May 27, 2011, at 11:56 AM, István Szabó <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Could the KX3 tell frequency, mode for disabled?
>
>
> István Szabó
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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Jim Brown-10

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

On 5/27/2011 11:37 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Given the above, I strongly recommend using your car's stereo audio
> system for AF output.

One potential issue with that is that nearby FM radios (including those
in passing cars) will hear your RX. It's a real PITA to be driving
along listening to NPR or a jazz station and have someone's rock and
roll crap over-ride it.

A related question though -- will there be an audio output that can
drive a speaker? There are a fair number of decent speakers that can
work quite well in a mobile environment with moderate driving power,
especially if they are well located for the listener. I'm thinking
things like the previously cited Motorola speakers, and also some
compact "mini-cube" speakers I've found at hamfests. I've seen very nice
installations using these sorts of speakers in mobile applications --
some in a head rest, some clipped to a visor in front of the driver. One
watt to a speaker like this would work quite well.

73, Jim Brown K9YC

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k6dgw

Re: KX3 Audio output

On 5/27/2011 12:38 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> One potential issue with that is that nearby FM radios (including those
> in passing cars) will hear your RX. It's a real PITA to be driving
> along listening to NPR or a jazz station and have someone's rock and
> roll crap over-ride it.

Rock and roll is crap? :-)

My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the car's tape player and
a cable that plugs into her iPod. She listens to a lot of audio books
and it works great and would likely work great for a radio too. She
also got an FM Tx that finds a clear spot and transmits to the radio.
It doesn't work well, and not at all in populated areas.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011
- www.cqp.org
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ha4zd

Re: KX3 Audio

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Great, thank you!

István Szabó

On 5/27/2011 9:24 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Yes, in CW, like the KX1.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> ----
> http://www.elecraft.com
>
> On May 27, 2011, at 11:56 AM, István Szabó<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Could the KX3 tell frequency, mode for disabled?
>>
>>
>> István Szabó
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
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Brendan Minish

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by George Winship, NC5G

The surplus Motorola speaker are truly excellent speakers for radio use,
both mobile and in the shack.
They have high efficiency and a frequency response that is ideal for
Radio use.

I don't know what type of AF amp the KX3 will use but there are now some
really superb class 'D' switching audio amp chips available that can
generate lots of clean audio with very high power efficiency
See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_D_Amplifier
and
http://www.analog.com/en/audiovideo-products/audio-signal-processors/ad1990/products/product.html

Also Motorola made some amplified speakers these are very good for noisy
vehicles too

On Fri, 2011-05-27 at 12:09 -0700, George Winship, NC5G wrote:

> Thanks Wayne, for your prompt reply. I will check out this out. Presently I
> use an old Motorola mobile speaker with the IC-730. Most of my mobile ops
> are in a 1995 3/4 ton Chevy. No CD, but maybe can find an old cassette
> interface.

--
73
Brendan EI6IZ

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: KX3 Audio output

>
http://www.analog.com/en/audiovideo-products/audio-signal-processors/ad1990/products/product.html

One problem with this class of device is the bridge tied outputs. The
speaker(s) are no longer ground referenced - both sides must float.
This increases RFI issues (not the RF chokes in the output) and will
not allow the use of a three conductor jack for speaker output.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/27/2011 7:51 PM, Brendan Minish wrote:

> The surplus Motorola speaker are truly excellent speakers for radio use,
> both mobile and in the shack.
> They have high efficiency and a frequency response that is ideal for
> Radio use.
>
> I don't know what type of AF amp the KX3 will use but there are now some
> really superb class 'D' switching audio amp chips available that can
> generate lots of clean audio with very high power efficiency
> See
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_D_Amplifier
> and
> http://www.analog.com/en/audiovideo-products/audio-signal-processors/ad1990/products/product.html
>
> Also Motorola made some amplified speakers these are very good for noisy
> vehicles too
>
> On Fri, 2011-05-27 at 12:09 -0700, George Winship, NC5G wrote:
>
>> Thanks Wayne, for your prompt reply. I will check out this out. Presently I
>> use an old Motorola mobile speaker with the IC-730. Most of my mobile ops
>> are in a 1995 3/4 ton Chevy. No CD, but maybe can find an old cassette
>> interface.
>

Dave KK7SS

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by George Winship, NC5G

I used a set of "Tweakers" for speaker output on the KX1.
Self powered from an internal battery that recharges usinf a "D" cable to any USB port.
Don't know if they are still available... :\

--
Dave G KK7SS
DN06ig Richland, WA

'59 Morris Minor 1000
'65 Sprite - in process
'76 Midget - shared with my #4 son.
'06 Honda Civic Hybrid
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ac0h

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by k6dgw

All of the low power FM transmitters for vehicle use I've seen are in
the lower part of the band, usually a couple channels around 89 Mhz. My
father has one set up on his Ipod at 89.5Mhz. Works great.

On Fri, 27 May 2011 14:14:52 -0700
Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Rock and roll is crap? :-)
>
> My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the car's tape player
> and a cable that plugs into her iPod. She listens to a lot of audio
> books and it works great and would likely work great for a radio
> too. She also got an FM Tx that finds a clear spot and transmits to
> the radio. It doesn't work well, and not at all in populated areas.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW

--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
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Matt Zilmer

Re: KX3 Audio output

Works great until you drive through a metro area with lots of
educational programming. Ugh. Vehicle playback was bad enough
without getting blasted picking up spotty coverage from outlets 50
miles away that overwhelm the Part 15-mandated "extremely low power"
from the TX output.

Been trying to use one of those (Belkin) for years. Finally bought
the kit and wired in the external input to the stock AM/FM/CD unit
directly. Works oh-so-much better! Ipod, KX3, whatever - now is a CD
Changer as far as the stock radio knows.

I suppose the FM transmitter's performance depends on where you use
it.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Sat, 28 May 2011 07:32:07 -0500, you wrote:

>All of the low power FM transmitters for vehicle use I've seen are in
>the lower part of the band, usually a couple channels around 89 Mhz. My
>father has one set up on his Ipod at 89.5Mhz. Works great.
>
>
>On Fri, 27 May 2011 14:14:52 -0700
>Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
>> Rock and roll is crap? :-)
>>
>> My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the car's tape player
>> and a cable that plugs into her iPod. She listens to a lot of audio
>> books and it works great and would likely work great for a radio
>> too. She also got an FM Tx that finds a clear spot and transmits to
>> the radio. It doesn't work well, and not at all in populated areas.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Fred K6DGW

George Winship, NC5G

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by k6dgw

On May 27, 2011 at 4:14pm Fred K6DGW wrote:

<My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the car's tape player and
a cable that plugs into her iPod.>

Walmart still has these. Picked one up today and hooked it up to my IC730. Works great. Was able to turn the AF down on the Icom and turn the truck radio up. Seemed to reduce the background noise a bit. This should work really well with the KX3.

73,
George, NC5G

Dave KK7SS

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by George Winship, NC5G

Sad to report that my car does not have a tape player :(
Even worse, the CD player is behind the NAV screen.

But there is supposed to be sn iPod audio socket somewhere...
That just might work if the impedance is ok.
I suppose I'll have to look for it now <G>

>> On May 27, 2011 at 4:14pm Fred K6DGW wrote:

>> My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the
>> car's tape player and a cable that plugs into her iPod.>

--
Dave G KK7SS
DN06ig Richland, WA

'59 Morris Minor 1000
'65 Sprite - in process
'76 Midget - shared with my #4 son.
'06 Honda Civic Hybrid
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wayne burdick

Re: KX3 Audio output

Administrator

I just put a Monster RadioPlay 300 FM modulator in my 2000 CRV, which
doesn't have a cassette player or an ACC input jack. The sound quality
is surprising good when used with my iPod. I'll be trying the KX3 with
it soon.

Wayne

On May 29, 2011, at 7:28 AM, Dave KK7SS wrote:

> Sad to report that my car does not have a tape player :(
> Even worse, the CD player is behind the NAV screen.
>
> But there is supposed to be sn iPod audio socket somewhere...
> That just might work if the impedance is ok.
> I suppose I'll have to look for it now <G>
>
>
>>> On May 27, 2011 at 4:14pm Fred K6DGW wrote:
>
>>> My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the
>>> car's tape player and a cable that plugs into her iPod.>
>
>
> --
> Dave G KK7SS
> DN06ig Richland, WA
>
> '59 Morris Minor 1000
> '65 Sprite - in process
> '76 Midget - shared with my #4 son.
> '06 Honda Civic Hybrid
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Dave KK7SS

Re: KX3 Audio output

Thanks Wayne, I'll be most interested in what you find out :)
Have a Great Memorial Weekend.

--
Dave G KK7SS
DN06ig Richland, WA

'59 Morris Minor 1000
'65 Sprite - in process
'76 Midget - shared with my #4 son.
'06 Honda Civic Hybrid

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne Burdick" <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Audio output

I just put a Monster RadioPlay 300 FM modulator in my 2000 CRV, which
doesn't have a cassette player or an ACC input jack. The sound quality
is surprising good when used with my iPod. I'll be trying the KX3 with
it soon.

Wayne

On May 29, 2011, at 7:28 AM, Dave KK7SS wrote:

> Sad to report that my car does not have a tape player :(
> Even worse, the CD player is behind the NAV screen.
>
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Dave KK7SS

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by George Winship, NC5G

Dave KK7SS

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by George Winship, NC5G

k1htv

Re: KX3 Audio output

In reply to this post by Dave KK7SS

Dave,
Do a Google search for "Coby CA-745", an FM wireless transmitter that plugs
into a cigarette lighter. You can find them at Amazon, Wal-Mart and Best Buy for
between $16 and $19. The input is via a stereo miniplug at the end of an
attached cable. The frequency can be changed and is displayed on an LCD screen
on the front of the unit. It looks like it should work fine with a KX3 or any
audio device that you want to play back on a clear frequency through your
vehicle's FM radio.

73,
Rich - K1HTV

= = =

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave KK7SS [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 10:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Audio output

Sad to report that my car does not have a tape player :( Even worse, the CD
player is behind the NAV screen.

But there is supposed to be sn iPod audio socket somewhere...
That just might work if the impedance is ok.
I suppose I'll have to look for it now <G>

>> On May 27, 2011 at 4:14pm Fred K6DGW wrote:

>> My wife has a fake tape cassette that goes in the car's tape player
>> and a cable that plugs into her iPod.>

--
Dave G KK7SS
DN06ig Richland, WA

'59 Morris Minor 1000
'65 Sprite - in process
'76 Midget - shared with my #4 son.
'06 Honda Civic Hybrid

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