Elecraft

Mic Noise

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Buck

Mic Noise

I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in the
Va QSO party.

When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.

I have tried adjusting the mic gain and changing mics - no luck. It
does the same thing using VOX except the noise cycles about every half
second.

Anyone have an idea?
--
k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll 8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Mic Noise

Buck,

Which transceiver and which microphone?
If the K3, are you using the front panel mic jack or the jack in the back?
How do you have MIC SEL set?

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2019 2:57 PM, Buck wrote:
> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in the
> Va QSO party.
>
> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
> second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
> transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Buck

Is this a dynamic mike with the bias turned on?   If so, turn the bias
off.   I trust this is a mike connected to the MIC input on the front of
the radio. If you are using the front mike input and something is
connected to the rear MIC input, unplug what ever is connected to the
rear input.

Good luck in the VA QSO party.   There's lots of activity.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 3/16/2019 1:57 PM, Buck wrote:

> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in the
> Va QSO party.
>
> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
> second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
> transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>
> I have tried adjusting the mic gain and changing mics - no luck. It
> does the same thing using VOX except the noise cycles about every half
> second.
>
> Anyone have an idea?

Buck

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Thanks. I was using a Heil Goldline and also tried an Elecraft MH4
plugged in the front. I get the same noise on FP.L and FP.H Bias is
off. And, I still get the noise even when in TEST mode, so there is no
RF.

I had the Tx Dly on the K3S set to 8. I set it to 15 and the problem
went away. Was I hitting the amp too soon? Amp is a KPA500.

Now the problem is back, even with the Tx Dly set to 20.

k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll 8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com

On 3/16/2019 3:41 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Buck,
>
> Which transceiver and which microphone?
> If the K3, are you using the front panel mic jack or the jack in the back?
> How do you have MIC SEL set?
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/16/2019 2:57 PM, Buck wrote:
>> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in the
>> Va QSO party.
>>
>> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
>> second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
>> transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>>

Grant Youngman-2

Re: Mic Noise

Not sure about the Heil, but the MH4 requires Bias to be ON.

Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342

> On Mar 16, 2019, at 4:24 PM, Buck <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks. I was using a Heil Goldline and also tried an Elecraft MH4 plugged in the front. I get the same noise on FP.L and FP.H Bias is off. And, I still get the noise even when in TEST mode, so there is no RF.
>
> I had the Tx Dly on the K3S set to 8. I set it to 15 and the problem went away. Was I hitting the amp too soon? Amp is a KPA500.
>
> Now the problem is back, even with the Tx Dly set to 20.
>
>

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Buck

Buck,

The Heil Goldline mic is a dynamic type, last I heard it has an HC-5
element. It should have bias off.
The Elecraft MH4 is an electret type and must have bias set on - use
"FP.L bias"

It may just be that you have too much mic gain - start with a mid-range
setting. The mic preamp can shut down if it receivers too much signal.

Make sure there is nothing plugged into the rear mic jack - although MIC
SEL should allow you to switch from one to another.

If you are not successful, do you have one of the computer type
microphones? If so, plug it into the rear mic jack, set MIC SEL to
"RP.L bias" and see if you get any audio.

Have you made any changes to the Front Panel assembly where you removed
the DSP board? If so, there is one connector between the Front Panel
board and DSP board that if not mated properly will cause the front
panel audio to fail.

The TX DLY should have nothing to do with it. The KPA500 becomes active
with very little delay.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2019 4:24 PM, Buck wrote:

> Thanks. I was using a Heil Goldline and also tried an Elecraft MH4
> plugged in the front. I get the same noise on FP.L and FP.H Bias is
> off. And, I still get the noise even when in TEST mode, so there is
> no RF.
>
> I had the Tx Dly on the K3S set to 8. I set it to 15 and the problem
> went away. Was I hitting the amp too soon? Amp is a KPA500.
>
> Now the problem is back, even with the Tx Dly set to 20.
>
>
> k4ia, Buck
> K3# 101
> Honor Roll 8B DXCC
> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>
> On 3/16/2019 3:41 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Buck,
>>
>> Which transceiver and which microphone?
>> If the K3, are you using the front panel mic jack or the jack in the
>> back?
>> How do you have MIC SEL set?
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 3/16/2019 2:57 PM, Buck wrote:
>>> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in
>>> the Va QSO party.
>>>
>>> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
>>> second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
>>> transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>>>
>

Bill Frantz

Re: Mic Noise

I've kept my MH2 plugged into the front panel and the CM500
plugged into the back for years, and used the MIC SEL to switch
between them. It has always worked well.

Note that both mics require bias. Heil sells both electret and
dynamic elements, so refer to the documentation, or web site, or
people who have the same mic element working.

73 Bill AE^JV

On 3/16/19 at 1:43 PM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:

>Make sure there is nothing plugged into the rear mic jack -
>although MIC SEL should allow you to switch from one to another.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | Since the IBM Selectric, keyboards have gotten
408-356-8506 | steadily worse. Now we have touchscreen keyboards.
www.pwpconsult.com | Can we make something even worse?

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Nr4c

Re: Mic Noise

I’ve had CM500 (bias) plunged into rear mic jack and various Heil dynamic mics (no bias) plunged into front panel ever since I’ve owned my K3 and K3S with no issue.

This guy has some other issue.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Mar 16, 2019, at 5:55 PM, Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I've kept my MH2 plugged into the front panel and the CM500 plugged into the back for years, and used the MIC SEL to switch between them. It has always worked well.
>
> Note that both mics require bias. Heil sells both electret and dynamic elements, so refer to the documentation, or web site, or people who have the same mic element working.
>
> 73 Bill AE^JV
>
>> On 3/16/19 at 1:43 PM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:
>>
>> Make sure there is nothing plugged into the rear mic jack - although MIC SEL should allow you to switch from one to another.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | Since the IBM Selectric, keyboards have gotten
> 408-356-8506 | steadily worse. Now we have touchscreen keyboards.
> www.pwpconsult.com | Can we make something even worse?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Buck

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

I've tried all the combination of mics and mic bias. The noise happens
even with the mic gain turned all the way down and the rig in TEST mode.
It happens when N1MM is not running. It happens using the internal
DVR card. It happens with the mic disconnected and using the XMIT
button on the front of the radio.
-
Here is a clue. If I turn on the VOX and reduce the either the RF or AF
gain on the receiver, I start getting the noise about once every half
second. It sounds like it starts with a "ping." Sounds like something
is polling the radio.

If I disconnect the USB cable on the back of the radio, no noise. It
seemed to be properly seated. Now, if I plug the USB cable back into
the radio, no noise. Have I found the culprit? A lose USB cable?

k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll 8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com

On 3/16/2019 4:43 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Buck,
>
> The Heil Goldline mic is a dynamic type, last I heard it has an HC-5
> element. It should have bias off.
> The Elecraft MH4 is an electret type and must have bias set on - use
> "FP.L bias"
>
> It may just be that you have too much mic gain - start with a mid-range
> setting. The mic preamp can shut down if it receivers too much signal.
>
> Make sure there is nothing plugged into the rear mic jack - although MIC
> SEL should allow you to switch from one to another.
>
> If you are not successful, do you have one of the computer type
> microphones? If so, plug it into the rear mic jack, set MIC SEL to
> "RP.L bias" and see if you get any audio.
>
> Have you made any changes to the Front Panel assembly where you removed
> the DSP board? If so, there is one connector between the Front Panel
> board and DSP board that if not mated properly will cause the front
> panel audio to fail.
>
> The TX DLY should have nothing to do with it. The KPA500 becomes active
> with very little delay.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/16/2019 4:24 PM, Buck wrote:
>> Thanks. I was using a Heil Goldline and also tried an Elecraft MH4
>> plugged in the front. I get the same noise on FP.L and FP.H Bias is
>> off. And, I still get the noise even when in TEST mode, so there is
>> no RF.
>>
>> I had the Tx Dly on the K3S set to 8. I set it to 15 and the problem
>> went away. Was I hitting the amp too soon? Amp is a KPA500.
>>
>> Now the problem is back, even with the Tx Dly set to 20.
>>
>>
>> k4ia, Buck
>> K3# 101
>> Honor Roll 8B DXCC
>> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>>
>> On 3/16/2019 3:41 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Buck,
>>>
>>> Which transceiver and which microphone?
>>> If the K3, are you using the front panel mic jack or the jack in the
>>> back?
>>> How do you have MIC SEL set?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 3/16/2019 2:57 PM, Buck wrote:
>>>> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in
>>>> the Va QSO party.
>>>>
>>>> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half
>>>> second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no
>>>> transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>>>>
>>
>

Don Wilhelm

Re: Mic Noise

Buck,

I would suggest that you not worry about the noise burst until you can
get a good response out of the mic.
If you do not have a computer mic handy, borrow one and plug it into the
rear panel mic jack. See if you can obtain a response on the ALC meter
with that microphone. All computer type microphones need bias. Buy one
if you must - they can be had for just a few dollars (less than what the
frustration is costing you).

If the rear mic jack works, then your problem may be the DSP board to
Front Panel connector mating that I mentioned.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2019 7:13 PM, Buck wrote:

> I've tried all the combination of mics and mic bias. The noise
> happens even with the mic gain turned all the way down and the rig in
> TEST mode. It happens when N1MM is not running. It happens using the
> internal DVR card. It happens with the mic disconnected and using the
> XMIT button on the front of the radio.
> -
> Here is a clue. If I turn on the VOX and reduce the either the RF or
> AF gain on the receiver, I start getting the noise about once every
> half second. It sounds like it starts with a "ping." Sounds like
> something is polling the radio.
>
> If I disconnect the USB cable on the back of the radio, no noise. It
> seemed to be properly seated. Now, if I plug the USB cable back into
> the radio, no noise. Have I found the culprit? A lose USB cable?
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Buck

That could be. USB and computer connections are notorious for causing problems if they are not shielded or connected properly. By unplugging and replugging the USB cable you just may have seated it properly and fixed things. Play with the radio for a while, on the air, and let us know if it actually did solve your problem.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 16, 2019, at 4:13 PM, Buck <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I've tried all the combination of mics and mic bias. The noise happens even with the mic gain turned all the way down and the rig in TEST mode. It happens when N1MM is not running. It happens using the internal DVR card. It happens with the mic disconnected and using the XMIT button on the front of the radio.
> -
> Here is a clue. If I turn on the VOX and reduce the either the RF or AF gain on the receiver, I start getting the noise about once every half second. It sounds like it starts with a "ping." Sounds like something is polling the radio.
>
> If I disconnect the USB cable on the back of the radio, no noise. It seemed to be properly seated. Now, if I plug the USB cable back into the radio, no noise. Have I found the culprit? A lose USB cable?
>
> k4ia, Buck
> K3# 101
> Honor Roll 8B DXCC
> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>
> On 3/16/2019 4:43 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Buck,
>> The Heil Goldline mic is a dynamic type, last I heard it has an HC-5 element. It should have bias off.
>> The Elecraft MH4 is an electret type and must have bias set on - use "FP.L bias"
>> It may just be that you have too much mic gain - start with a mid-range setting. The mic preamp can shut down if it receivers too much signal.
>> Make sure there is nothing plugged into the rear mic jack - although MIC SEL should allow you to switch from one to another.
>> If you are not successful, do you have one of the computer type microphones? If so, plug it into the rear mic jack, set MIC SEL to "RP.L bias" and see if you get any audio.
>> Have you made any changes to the Front Panel assembly where you removed the DSP board? If so, there is one connector between the Front Panel board and DSP board that if not mated properly will cause the front panel audio to fail.
>> The TX DLY should have nothing to do with it. The KPA500 becomes active with very little delay.
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>> On 3/16/2019 4:24 PM, Buck wrote:
>>> Thanks. I was using a Heil Goldline and also tried an Elecraft MH4 plugged in the front. I get the same noise on FP.L and FP.H Bias is off. And, I still get the noise even when in TEST mode, so there is no RF.
>>>
>>> I had the Tx Dly on the K3S set to 8. I set it to 15 and the problem went away. Was I hitting the amp too soon? Amp is a KPA500.
>>>
>>> Now the problem is back, even with the Tx Dly set to 20.
>>>
>>>
>>> k4ia, Buck
>>> K3# 101
>>> Honor Roll 8B DXCC
>>> EasyWayHamBooks.com
>>>
>>> On 3/16/2019 3:41 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>>> Buck,
>>>>
>>>> Which transceiver and which microphone?
>>>> If the K3, are you using the front panel mic jack or the jack in the back?
>>>> How do you have MIC SEL set?
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Don W3FPR
>>>>
>>>> On 3/16/2019 2:57 PM, Buck wrote:
>>>>> I never use a microphone so here I am today trying to run voice in the Va QSO party.
>>>>>
>>>>> When I key the mic, I get a burst of noise that lasts maybe a half second. It does this even if I have the rig in "test" mode ie. no transmit. So, I don't think it is RF.
>>>>>
>>>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Buck

Buck,

It sounds like that noise is coming from whatever computer software
application you are using. You mentioned N1MM.
When you unplug the USB cable, whatever software you are using loses
communications with the radio.
When you plug it back in, that program is not attempting to re-establish
communications.

What applications do you have active on your computer?

I again suggest you get the microphone to work first - unplug everything
from the K3 except the microphone, the power and the antenna
connection. There may be something unrelated to the microphone going
awry, so eliminate everything except the microphone. When that works,
build things back up one at a time until you discover the culprit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2019 7:13 PM, Buck wrote:

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Mic Noise

By chance is MIC + LIN set to the ON mode in the MENU? Should be OFF
for just microphone usage.

I agree with Don. Disconnect everything except the power cables,
antenna coax and microphone.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 3/17/2019 11:22 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Buck,
>
> It sounds like that noise is coming from whatever computer software
> application you are using. You mentioned N1MM.
> When you unplug the USB cable, whatever software you are using loses
> communications with the radio.
> When you plug it back in, that program is not attempting to
> re-establish communications.
>
> What applications do you have active on your computer?
>
> I again suggest you get the microphone to work first - unplug
> everything from the K3 except the microphone, the power and the
> antenna connection. There may be something unrelated to the
> microphone going awry, so eliminate everything except the microphone.
> When that works, build things back up one at a time until you discover
> the culprit.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/16/2019 7:13 PM, Buck wrote:
>> I've tried all the combination of mics and mic bias. The noise
>> happens even with the mic gain turned all the way down and the rig in
>> TEST mode. It happens when N1MM is not running. It happens using
>> the internal DVR card. It happens with the mic disconnected and
>> using the XMIT button on the front of the radio.
>> -
>> Here is a clue. If I turn on the VOX and reduce the either the RF or
>> AF gain on the receiver, I start getting the noise about once every
>> half second. It sounds like it starts with a "ping." Sounds like
>> something is polling the radio.
>>
>> If I disconnect the USB cable on the back of the radio, no noise. It
>> seemed to be properly seated. Now, if I plug the USB cable back into
>> the radio, no noise. Have I found the culprit? A lose USB cable?
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Buck

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

The mics work. My problem was a burst of noise when the rig went into
transmit.

It appears re-seating the USB cable in the back of the radio has cured
the problem. It did not appear to be lose. And the noise would appear
even if I was using the VOX or PTT switch or the internal DVR. In other
words, not using the USB to trigger the radio.

There's one to put in the books. I am sure I won't be the only person
to run into this and I still can't explain it.

k4ia, Buck
K3# 101
Honor Roll 8B DXCC
EasyWayHamBooks.com

On 3/17/2019 12:22 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Buck,
>
> It sounds like that noise is coming from whatever computer software
> application you are using. You mentioned N1MM.
> When you unplug the USB cable, whatever software you are using loses
> communications with the radio.
> When you plug it back in, that program is not attempting to re-establish
> communications.
>
> What applications do you have active on your computer?
>
> I again suggest you get the microphone to work first - unplug everything
> from the K3 except the microphone, the power and the antenna
> connection. There may be something unrelated to the microphone going
> awry, so eliminate everything except the microphone. When that works,
> build things back up one at a time until you discover the culprit.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/16/2019 7:13 PM, Buck wrote:
>> I've tried all the combination of mics and mic bias. The noise
>> happens even with the mic gain turned all the way down and the rig in
>> TEST mode. It happens when N1MM is not running. It happens using the
>> internal DVR card. It happens with the mic disconnected and using the
>> XMIT button on the front of the radio.
>> -
>> Here is a clue. If I turn on the VOX and reduce the either the RF or
>> AF gain on the receiver, I start getting the noise about once every
>> half second. It sounds like it starts with a "ping." Sounds like
>> something is polling the radio.
>>
>> If I disconnect the USB cable on the back of the radio, no noise. It
>> seemed to be properly seated. Now, if I plug the USB cable back into
>> the radio, no noise. Have I found the culprit? A lose USB cable?
>>
>

Bill K9YEQ

Re: Mic Noise

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

By chance is TX Gate turned on and there is background noise?

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

https://wrj-tech.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2019 11:22 AM
To: Buck <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic Noise

Buck,

It sounds like that noise is coming from whatever computer software application you are using. You mentioned N1MM.
When you unplug the USB cable, whatever software you are using loses communications with the radio.
When you plug it back in, that program is not attempting to re-establish communications.

What applications do you have active on your computer?

I again suggest you get the microphone to work first - unplug everything from the K3 except the microphone, the power and the antenna connection. There may be something unrelated to the microphone going awry, so eliminate everything except the microphone. When that works, build things back up one at a time until you discover the culprit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/16/2019 7:13 PM, Buck wrote:

______________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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