KX3: CM500 best price/use with

[Edward R Cole]

Guess finally time that I consider a Yamaha CM500.  Considering
operating in remote open areas with my KX3-2M as IF radio for mw, it
will be handy to have the headset/boom mic combo.

I note the CM500 comes with separate mic and headset connectors while
the KX3 has that four ring mic connector.  I wonder if a conversion
cable has been made or offered?  I will probably be plugging the boom
mic into a sequencer box which will delay activation of PTT while
passing on mic audio.  Still will need a cable to plug into the KX3
mic jack.  I assume the headset connector is compatible with KX3?

I can make a cable if the four-ring plug is available.

How are most handling mic PTT with this headset?  One add shows a
black box with receptacle and cord with stereo plug (nothing stated
in add what this is but wonder if its use is PTT?).  Best price I am
seeing is $59.95 free shipping.  Anyone have a cheaper source?

I could use while mobile if local laws permit headsets.  Currently
just using internal speaker in my truck.  Also thoughts of connecting
truck Sync with KX3 headset out but haven't studied that yet.  For my
poor hearing the headset is better solution.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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]

Ed,

You can use the stereo mic connector directly into the KX3 if you turn
MIC BTN off in the menu.  You should also turn off MIC BIAS which
results in a cleaner signal - the mic then gets its bias from the LOGIC
residual voltage that is normally applied to the ring.

You can use the XMIT button to initiate transmit, or use VOX.
That may be inadequate for your purposes since you need to activate PTT
from your sequencer.  The only alternative is to build a special cable
or as has been suggested several times on this reflector, use an adapter
with a stereo male plug and one jack that connects to the ring and
another to the tip.  You might search the archives to see some of the
sources and part numbers.  If you use an adapter like that, you do not
have to turn off MIC BTN and MIC BIAS.
The stereo plug does connect the LOGIC ground and the Signal ground
together, but no apparent harm has been mentioned because of that.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/10/2017 2:58 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> Guess finally time that I consider a Yamaha CM500.  Considering
> operating in remote open areas with my KX3-2M as IF radio for mw, it
> will be handy to have the headset/boom mic combo.
>
> I note the CM500 comes with separate mic and headset connectors while
> the KX3 has that four ring mic connector.  I wonder if a conversion
> cable has been made or offered?  I will probably be plugging the boom
> mic into a sequencer box which will delay activation of PTT while
> passing on mic audio.  Still will need a cable to plug into the KX3 mic
> jack.  I assume the headset connector is compatible with KX3?

______________________________________________________________
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]

Walter,

When using any computer type mic (the CM500 is wired like one), turn the
MIC BIAS off, the audio will be cleaner.  The bias voltage then uses the
residual voltage that is developed on the ring connection.
The reason that works is because the computer mics have the tip and ring
connected together.

On 11/10/2017 3:21 PM, Walter Underwood wrote:
> You can plug the CM500 mic straight in to the KX3. You need to disable the mic button and make sure mic bias is on.
>
______________________________________________________________
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]

[Jim Brown-10]

On 11/10/2017 11:58 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> I can make a cable if the four-ring plug is available.

Star-Tech sells a breakout adapter for TRRS to two TRS for mike and
stereo cans. Don't know if it's right for the KX3.

> How are most handling mic PTT with this headset?

I always used VOX.

Also see the Koss headsets referenced in
http://k9yc.com/ContestAudio.pdf  They were recommended on this list by
great ops both in AZ and the UK.

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]

[ab2tc]

Hi,

This thread had me thoroughly confused for a while, but I now realize that
it applies to the KX3 and KX3 *only*. It does *not* apply to the K3 which
*must* have bias turned on to use any Electret microphone, whether by Heil,
Yamaha or Koss. In the K3 the ring on the microphone socket is *floating*
and can obviously not by used for an alternate source of bias. I verified
that the Yamaha and Koss both have the tip and ring connected together. The
Heil comes with a mono (TS) plug. All of this is compatible with the K3 if
the bias is turned on. I am not sure what's up with the KX3 and the
"cleaner" audio achieved with the bias turned off. It seems to me that this
is not a choice that users should have to make. Until I saw this thread, as
far as I know the advice was to always (for both the K3 and the KX3) turn
bias on to use any Electret microphone

AB2TC - Knut


Don Wilhelm wrote

> Ed,
>
> You can use the stereo mic connector directly into the KX3 if you turn
> MIC BTN off in the menu.  You should also turn off MIC BIAS which
> results in a cleaner signal - the mic then gets its bias from the LOGIC
> residual voltage that is normally applied to the ring.
>
> You can use the XMIT button to initiate transmit, or use VOX.
> That may be inadequate for your purposes since you need to activate PTT
> from your sequencer.  The only alternative is to build a special cable
> or as has been suggested several times on this reflector, use an adapter
> with a stereo male plug and one jack that connects to the ring and
> another to the tip.  You might search the archives to see some of the
> sources and part numbers.  If you use an adapter like that, you do not
> have to turn off MIC BTN and MIC BIAS.
> The stereo plug does connect the LOGIC ground and the Signal ground
> together, but no apparent harm has been mentioned because of that.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> <snip>

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
______________________________________________________________
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]

Knut,

Yes, all electret microphones must have bias applied in some manner.
I am not certain why you think this is a KX3 "problem".
The tip and ring connected together is a characteristic of all
microphones intended primarily for computer use - and the Yamaha CM500
is one of those.  The ham microphones normally have a mono plug, and do
not apply, although with mono plugs, MIC BTN must be turned off in the
KX3/KX2 so that PTT is not activated when the mic plug is inserted (the
shell grounds the PTT ring).
The normal computer jack applies bias to the ring, not the tip.
In the KX3, there is residual voltage from the MIC BTN circuit applied
to the ring even with MIC BTN turned off - the combination of the tip
and ring connected together and the residual voltage from the mic button
circuit in the KX3/KX2 is why it works that way.

That is true of both the KX2 and KX3 - yes, it does not apply to the
K3/K3S which has no connection to the ring contact in the jack.

So not a "problem", it is just the way things work.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/11/2017 9:12 AM, ab2tc wrote:
> Hi,
>
> This thread had me thoroughly confused for a while, but I now realize that
> it applies to the KX3 and KX3 *only*. It does *not* apply to the K3 which
> *must* have bias turned on to use any Electret microphone, whether by Heil,
> Yamaha or Koss. In the K3 the ring on the microphone socket is *floating*
> and can obviously not by used for an alternate source of bias.
______________________________________________________________
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]

[Edward R Cole]

Walter had the best suggestions so I will follow up in that direction.

VOX is not a good choice so PTT is needed and Walter has it
covered.  Interesting info on logic vs mic bias, etal.

Microwave gear is near as complicated as doing eme.  I have
transverter, separate 2w PA, separate preamp, sma TR relay, sequencer
and KX3-2M driving transverter with 1w.  All has to be mounted with
18-inch dish on  a tripod for hand transportable station (since good
operating spots are often not drivable).

I'm thinking to bring my handtruck for hauling battery, portable
station in Pelican 1620 case, tripod and antenna.  Area on Keweenaw
Peninsula of UP Michigan near Copper Harbor going to be an
adventure.  Photos on FB and my website (after).  Janet does a fine
job posting a daily photo record of our travels on her FB (Janet Cole).

Thanks for all the info and tips.  CM500 will get good use in my home
station with the K3 and FT-736R, as well.

73, Ed - KL7UW

From: Walter Underwood <[hidden email]>
To: Edward R Cole <[hidden email]>,        Elecraft Reflector
         <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3: CM500 best price/use with
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset=utf-8

You can plug the CM500 mic straight in to the KX3. You need to
disable the mic button and make sure mic bias is on.

Or, a regular stereo to mono splitter will give cleaner bias for the
mic and will pull out the PTT line to a separate jack. Details here:

https://observer.wunderwood.org/2015/08/16/yamaha-cm500-headset-with-ptt-on-elecraft-kx3/


73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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]

[Brian Hunt]

Don, thanks for the explanation.  When I set up my KX2 for SSB (rarely
used) I tried a lite weight Logitech computer headset. Going against
conventional wisdom, I found it sounded better with the MIC BIAS OFF,
now I know why.  The MIC BIAS entry in the Menu Functions section of the
manual does say "try it both ways" so I didn't feel bad leaving it off. 
Learn something every day reading this forum!

73,
Brian, K0DTJ


______________________________________________________________
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]

[Ignacy]

VOX is KX3 is pretty good. But outside it is activated by wind.
Elecraft sells  KX3-PCKT cables that include the PTT connection.
CM-500 is fine if you are on a limited budget or don't try anything else.
After buying Sennheiser PC350, CM500 (worn by time) is gathering dust.  
For KX3, I am using GE foldable headset. Good sound but not closed. Much
smaller than CM-500 and $8.75 at Walmart.
Ignacy, NO9E



--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
______________________________________________________________
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]

[Fred Smith-2]

I have found the best headset to be the RadioSport that has interchangeable mics to use with my Elecraft and Flex 6xxx series radios.73,
Fred/N0AZZ
-------- Original message --------From: Michael Walker <[hidden email]> Date: 11/11/17  9:07 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3: CM500 best price/use with
I have used the Koss SB40 as well, but I think you will find there is no
high end on the Mic and you really have to do some EQ work to make it sound
normal.

73, mike va3mw

On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 5:32 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> I use the Koss SB-40 which has a dynamic mike. No bias needed.
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Nov 11, 2017, at 3:51 PM, <[hidden email]> <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > I was also confused by the posts that the CM500 works best with bias off.
> > Thanks for explaining why this works only with the KX3/KX2.
> >
> > John KK9A
> >
> >
> > Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > Sat Nov 11 10:23:55 EST 2017
> >
> > Yes, all electret microphones must have bias applied in some manner.
> > I am not certain why you think this is a KX3 "problem".
> > The tip and ring connected together is a characteristic of all
> > microphones intended primarily for computer use - and the Yamaha CM500
> > is one of those.  The ham microphones normally have a mono plug, and do
> > not apply, although with mono plugs, MIC BTN must be turned off in the
> > KX3/KX2 so that PTT is not activated when the mic plug is inserted (the
> > shell grounds the PTT ring).
> > The normal computer jack applies bias to the ring, not the tip.
> > In the KX3, there is residual voltage from the MIC BTN circuit applied
> > to the ring even with MIC BTN turned off - the combination of the tip
> > and ring connected together and the residual voltage from the mic button
> > circuit in the KX3/KX2 is why it works that way.
> >
> > That is true of both the KX2 and KX3 - yes, it does not apply to the
> > K3/K3S which has no connection to the ring contact in the jack.
> >
> > So not a "problem", it is just the way things work.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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]
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

______________________________________________________________
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]

______________________________________________________________
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]