MH2 Microphone issue

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MH2 Microphone issue

KA1YMX
I have a K2 with the SSB option installed and I am having issues getting the MH2 microphone to work. I am currently using a Heil Pro-Set with the K2 and everything is working fine. I have checked the back of the microphone connector and everything appears to be connected properly. The 5.6k resistor is installed between pins 1 and 6 and all of the jumpers are installed. The PTT button on the MH2 works but my voice is not heard on a separate receiver. According to my manual I should be able to use the same microphone settings for the Mh2 and pro-set. Can someone help me out?
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

Don Wilhelm-4
  Do you also have a jumper on pin 6 of the microphone configuration
header?  You can check quickly by measuring for voltage at pin 6 of the
microphone jack - it should be about 5 volts.  You can check for proper
soldering of the bias resistor by measuring for a similar voltage at mic
jack pin 1.

If your Heil ProSet uses a dynamic element, you may (or may not) be able
to use it with the bias resistor in place.  If there is no DC blocking
capacitor, the mic element may "sound funny" due to the DC current
through it.  The Elecraft/Heil Proset-K2 uses an electret element, and
the Heil ProSet-iC (Icom) does too (and those need bias), but as far as
I know, the others use a dynamic element.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/25/2011 7:52 AM, KA1YMX wrote:
> I have a K2 with the SSB option installed and I am having issues getting the
> MH2 microphone to work. I am currently using a Heil Pro-Set with the K2 and
> everything is working fine. I have checked the back of the microphone
> connector and everything appears to be connected properly. The 5.6k resistor
> is installed between pins 1 and 6 and all of the jumpers are installed. The
> PTT button on the MH2 works but my voice is not heard on a separate
> receiver. According to my manual I should be able to use the same microphone
> settings for the Mh2 and pro-set. Can someone help me out?
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

KA1YMX
All of the jumpers are installed. I measured the voltage on pins 1 and 6 and the voltage is approximately 3.1 vdc. I can still use the K2 with the Pro-Set and it works fine. The MH2 does not work even though the KSB2 manual says the configuration is the same.
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

KA1YMX
The 5v regulator U5 on the control board has an output of 3.0v. I disconnected the front panel from the control panel and the output is still around 3.0v. Do you think the lower voltage could affect the operation of the microphone?

I also noticed there is an update to grounding the microphone jack. Could the lack of ground some how cause this?
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

Don Wilhelm-4
  The low voltage is probably your problem.  I would think 3 volts is
too low for the microphone element.
I know 3 volts is too low for proper operation of the microprocessor,
and since you have not said anything about other strange symptoms, I
would first check your voltmeter.  Do you read 5 volts or 3 volts at the
output terminal of RF Board U8 - it should be 5 volts.  If you read 3
volts at RF U8, try an different voltmeter.

Is the regulator getting quite warm?  If so, you may have a fault on the
5 volt line somewhere.  If it is not heating up, the most likely reason
is a bad regulator.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 2/25/2011 9:24 AM, KA1YMX wrote:
> The 5v regulator U5 on the control board has an output of 3.0v. I
> disconnected the front panel from the control panel and the output is still
> around 3.0v. Do you think the lower voltage could affect the operation of
> the microphone?
>
> I also noticed there is an update to grounding the microphone jack. Could
> the lack of ground some how cause this?
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

KA1YMX
I replaced the 5v regulator and the 5v line is now reading 5vdc. The MH2 still does not work. I also plugged in the Pro-Set and the pro-set works fine. Do you think the microphone could be broken? I have never used it before so I am not sure it works.
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MH2 Microphone audio quality

Matt Zilmer
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
Considering another K3 for mobile and portable use.  My shack contains
K3 #24, using a Heil Goldline on the narrow setting.  This combination
produces very clear and penetrating TX audio.  

K3 mobile use means a handheld mic, which the Goldie is not.   I'm
considering the MH2 (and other handheld mics) for this mobile/portable
ECOM application, but have only heard one MH2/K3 on the air, and that
was without a comparison test (and it was very brief).  I wasn't
underwhelmed, but didn't get enough to go on for a fair evaluation.

Most of my operations right now are with Navy-Marine Corps MARS but I
also work a little SSB on the weekends, and will do more of this when
the mobile is in place.  Like anyone else, I want it to sound as good
as the base rig, if possible.

Doesn't anyone have feedback on the MH2 with the K3?  For example:
- Clarity of the voice, how narrow banded does it sound without TX EQ?
- What is the difference between the Goldie on Narrow and the MH2?
- Any recommended TX EQ settings?
- Has anyone run comparison spectra, using the K3 with MH2 and some
other mobile mic(s)?  Would prefer the RX spectrums if available.

Thanks for ANY feedback!

73,
matt W6NIA / NNN0UET
K3 #24, K2 #2810, etc.
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by KA1YMX
  Yes, it is possible that your MH2 has a problem.
Did you buy it used?  In that case, someone may have re-wired the
microphone plug for some other radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/25/2011 11:29 AM, KA1YMX wrote:
> I replaced the 5v regulator and the 5v line is now reading 5vdc. The MH2
> still does not work. I also plugged in the Pro-Set and the pro-set works
> fine. Do you think the microphone could be broken? I have never used it
> before so I am not sure it works.
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

KA1YMX
I bought it directly from Elecraft.
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Re: MH2 Microphone issue

bodelect@juno.com
In reply to this post by KA1YMX
I would say a faulty mic. is a very good possibility. I am on #3. The original mic worked properly for about 3 months. The "replacement"  did not function at all  but #3 seems to play just fine. I feel as though there must have been a bad "batch" Other than that issue the K3 and Elecraft's first quality service and support can not be beat!!!!
Mike WB6CLZ    K3 #4522.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: KA1YMX <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MH2 Microphone issue
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:29:34 -0800 (PST)



I replaced the 5v regulator and the 5v line is now reading 5vdc. The MH2
still does not work. I also plugged in the Pro-Set and the pro-set works
fine. Do you think the microphone could be broken? I have never used it
before so I am not sure it works.
--
View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/MH2-Microphone-issue-tp6064358p6065062.html
Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Part-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet Access
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Re: MH2 Microphone audio quality

Leroy
In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer
I just purchased a MH2 to use with K2.  I'm getting reports of 5/9 but with
some distortion or "rattle" audio with mic gain on 1.
If I try other mics, I get clean audio reports but way down in signal
strength. The resistor is installed and jumpers there.
A Kenwood dynamic mike wired for K2 gets the best audio quality report, but
with mic gain on 3, I barely put out any power.
Did I get a bad one or I am I doing something wrong?  What is the ideal
impedance? I guess you need to use power required
mics only?
                                                  Thanks, Roy AB7CE
I


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Re: MH2 Microphone audio quality

Don Wilhelm-4
  Roy,

With the Elecraft MH2, set the Mic Gain to 1 and the compression as you
desire, but I like to use 3:1 for normal operation.  Watch the bargraph
to see an indication of your peak power output - the peaks should be
somewhere near the power requested level.

I usually find with any microphone on the K2, the compression needs to
be advanced to obtain the proper leak power output.

Try it with your MH2 and see what the reports are.  Better yet, operate
into a dully load and couple another receiver with a short wire antenna
so you have about an S-9 signal - then record the audio output and
evaluate the results.  Unless you are well acquainted with the operator
on the other end, on-the-air reports of quality can be taken with a
"grain of salt".

Did you purchase this K2 used, and/or do you know what is inside it?  
What I am asking is if any mods have been made to the KSB2 option, or
maybe a mic preamp has been installed.  There have been several
non-Elecraft mods to the KSB2, and some will work with the MH2
microphone while others could cause distortion.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 2/25/2011 6:42 PM, Leroy Marion wrote:

> I just purchased a MH2 to use with K2.  I'm getting reports of 5/9 but with
> some distortion or "rattle" audio with mic gain on 1.
> If I try other mics, I get clean audio reports but way down in signal
> strength. The resistor is installed and jumpers there.
> A Kenwood dynamic mike wired for K2 gets the best audio quality report, but
> with mic gain on 3, I barely put out any power.
> Did I get a bad one or I am I doing something wrong?  What is the ideal
> impedance? I guess you need to use power required
> mics only?
>                                                    Thanks, Roy AB7CE
> I
>
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Re: MH2 Microphone audio quality

Jeff Cochrane - VK4XA
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Re: MH2 Microphone audio quality

Leroy
In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4
Thanks for help Don.  I just bought mic  new from Elecraft.
You hit on something that might be a problem. I remember
some resistor changes to the KSB2 or audio in circuits.
I will look at the mods section, I changed something way back,
But don't remember if it was Elecraft mod or not.

                   73  Roy  AB7CE

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 5:24 PM
To: Leroy Marion
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MH2 Microphone audio quality

Did you purchase this K2 used, and/or do you know what is inside it?  
What I am asking is if any mods have been made to the KSB2 option, or
maybe a mic preamp has been installed.  There have been several
non-Elecraft mods to the KSB2, and some will work with the MH2
microphone while others could cause distortion.

73,
Don W3FPR



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Re: MH2 Microphone audio quality

Don Wilhelm-4
  Roy,

It may be easier to compare the parts values with those listed in the
KSB2 parts list.  The schematic is also helpful when doing parts value
checks.  To me, that certainly is easier than going through a bunch of
possible mods - they are numerous.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/26/2011 9:11 AM, Leroy Marion wrote:
> Thanks for help Don.  I just bought mic  new from Elecraft.
> You hit on something that might be a problem. I remember
> some resistor changes to the KSB2 or audio in circuits.
> I will look at the mods section, I changed something way back,
> But don't remember if it was Elecraft mod or not.
>
>                     73  Roy  AB7CE
>
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K3

Larry stowell
I'm hoping somebody has done what I have to do.

I have to send my new K3 to the Elecraft Dr.

Since its assembled (100 wt and sub receiver not installed yet)and no box, I'm thinking of generous
amount of bubble wrap box then in another box with peanuts.
 Does this sound ok?

73 Larry K1ZW

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Re: K3

ac0h
On Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:02:27 -0500
"Larry stowell" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I'm hoping somebody has done what I have to do.
>
> I have to send my new K3 to the Elecraft Dr.
>
> Since its assembled (100 wt and sub receiver not installed yet)and no
> box, I'm thinking of generous amount of bubble wrap box then in
> another box with peanuts. Does this sound ok?
>
> 73 Larry K1ZW

That should work.



--
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
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Re: K3

Gary Hinson
In reply to this post by Larry stowell
> I have to send my new K3 to the Elecraft Dr.
>
> Since its assembled (100 wt and sub receiver not installed
> yet)and no box, I'm thinking of generous
> amount of bubble wrap box then in another box with peanuts.

Generous bubblewrap in a decently strong box, well taped up, is *probably*
enough by itself Larry, so the extra outer box with peanuts or more
bubblewrap will make sure it's OK, and postal insurance will be sure to be
sure.

Just in case of a disaster in the sorting office that somehow separates
radio from boxes, make sure the radio itself can be traced back to you -
perhaps sellotape your QSL card to the under side?

73
Gary  ZL2iFB

PS  My Elecraft goodies always arrive in ZL immaculately, boxed and wrapped
and presented.

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Re: K3

AC7AC
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Re: K3

Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604
In reply to this post by Gary Hinson
Elecraft ships them back in nesting boxes- radio, bubble wrap, box, more
bubble wrap, box.

73, doug

On 26-Feb-11 11:25, Gary Hinson wrote:

>> I have to send my new K3 to the Elecraft Dr.
>>
>> Since its assembled (100 wt and sub receiver not installed
>> yet)and no box, I'm thinking of generous
>> amount of bubble wrap box then in another box with peanuts.
>
> Generous bubblewrap in a decently strong box, well taped up, is *probably*
> enough by itself Larry, so the extra outer box with peanuts or more
> bubblewrap will make sure it's OK, and postal insurance will be sure to be
> sure.
>
> Just in case of a disaster in the sorting office that somehow separates
> radio from boxes, make sure the radio itself can be traced back to you -
> perhaps sellotape your QSL card to the under side?
>
> 73
> Gary  ZL2iFB
>
> PS  My Elecraft goodies always arrive in ZL immaculately, boxed and wrapped
> and presented.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
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