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More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

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Tom Hammond-2

More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I
have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards.

I've been thinking about the problems some may encounter with regard
to ordering the specific parts (PCB-mount 3.5mm stereo jacks) for the
splitter, and more importantly the off the wall cost of shipping
(usually $5-$7 US) for less than 3 oz of parts (and that's per each
order placed). This raises the cost of the project significantly.

I already have enough orders for PC boards that I'll not be able to
fabricate them in the Kitchen (as I often do for very small PCB
orders), and IF I proceed with the project from this end, I'll have
FAR Circuits make the PC boards for the project. This will increase
the cost of the project (just a bit), BUT it'll take a load off me,
AND it'll help keep me in Jeri's (She Who Must By Obeyed) good graces...!!!

I am proposing to completely 'kit' the project... all electronic
parts, hardware, and PC boards... for $20 or less, delivered to US
destinations... add $1 more for DX delivery.

My initial PCB order will be for one 'sheet' of thirty (30) boards
(main circuit board and an 'insulator' board to prevent the main
board from shorting out against anything on the operating desk in
back of the K3. To that end, I'll need a few more orders before I'll
be able to commit to the cash outlay for the PC boards.

IF you are interested in obtaining a kit for this project, PLEASE
contact me a.s.a.p. I will make my final decision (GO or NO-GO) by
the end of this week.

If you are interested, you can see the docs on a previous version of
the Splitter at:

http://www.n0ss.net/index_k3.html

and drop down to the line titled: "External (Dual) Speaker Splitter
for the K3".

The proposed project will be slightly smaller than that shown on my
web page and will use 2-56 hardware as opposed to 4-40 hardware in the article.

73,

Tom Hammond N0SS
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k0wa@swbell.net

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

Tom and the List....

I appreciate Tom's design and a neat PCB package, but come on folks. This is easy to breadboard and stick in a plastic box. Go to Radio Shack....buy a little black project box...buy some connectors. You can use 3.5 mm jacks or RCA jacks. You can find them there to "hole" mount. Take some time and drill a couple of holes and and then hardwired the box. Easy Peasey. No need for a PCB and all that stuff. How about some hook up wire in your junk box? Look around and you can find away to make this easy device without all the hassle.

Nice job Tom....you make it nice when you make the PCB...but there is no shame of just using hook up wire in a box.

Lee - K0WA

In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. - J. Wolf

________________________________
From: Tom Hammond <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Mon, January 4, 2010 1:20:07 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I
have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC boards.

I've been thinking about the problems some may encounter with regard
to ordering the specific parts (PCB-mount 3.5mm stereo jacks) for the
splitter, and more importantly the off the wall cost of shipping
(usually $5-$7 US) for less than 3 oz of parts (and that's per each
order placed). This raises the cost of the project significantly.

I already have enough orders for PC boards that I'll not be able to
fabricate them in the Kitchen (as I often do for very small PCB
orders), and IF I proceed with the project from this end, I'll have
FAR Circuits make the PC boards for the project. This will increase
the cost of the project (just a bit), BUT it'll take a load off me,
AND it'll help keep me in Jeri's (She Who Must By Obeyed) good graces...!!!

I am proposing to completely 'kit' the project... all electronic
parts, hardware, and PC boards... for $20 or less, delivered to US
destinations... add $1 more for DX delivery.

My initial PCB order will be for one 'sheet' of thirty (30) boards
(main circuit board and an 'insulator' board to prevent the main
board from shorting out against anything on the operating desk in
back of the K3. To that end, I'll need a few more orders before I'll
be able to commit to the cash outlay for the PC boards.

IF you are interested in obtaining a kit for this project, PLEASE
contact me a.s.a.p. I will make my final decision (GO or NO-GO) by
the end of this week.

If you are interested, you can see the docs on a previous version of
the Splitter at:

http://www.n0ss.net/index_k3.html

and drop down to the line titled: "External (Dual) Speaker Splitter
for the K3".

The proposed project will be slightly smaller than that shown on my
web page and will use 2-56 hardware as opposed to 4-40 hardware in the article.

73,

Tom Hammond N0SS
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Jim Brown-10

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-2

On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:

>Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board,
I
>have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
>boards.

While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
we need.

The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.

The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
connectors and build your own adapters.

Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
that is required.

It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics
products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with
the product, especially when they are not commonly available in
the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique
part.

73,

Jim K9YC

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N8CEP

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

Sounds good to me! What is the supplier and part number so I can order!

73 Keith W8GX

On Jan 5, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:
>
>> Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board,
> I
>> have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
>> boards.
>
> While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
> solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
> that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
> jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
> ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
> made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
> we need.
>
> The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
> America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
> Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
> hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
> not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
> insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
> connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.
>
> The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
> order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
> connectors and build your own adapters.
>
> Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
> don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
> not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
> done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
> dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
> Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
> for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
> that is required.
>
> It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics
> products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with
> the product, especially when they are not commonly available in
> the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique
> part.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim K9YC
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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>

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Bruce Beford-2

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-2

Jim Brown wrote:

> Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
> don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
> not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
> done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
> dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
> Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
> for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
> that is required.

I disagree. Many non-amplified "computer" speaker pairs are available with a
stereo 1/8 phone plug. The ubiquity of this jack as the output on PCs has
made this connector a de-facto standard.

I do not feel this is a weakness in the design. If one can't find an
acceptable (to him/her) pair of speakers with this plug, Then just get the
"Y" adapter at the Shack, cut the ends off and rewire as needed.

Most Amateurs know which end of the soldering iron to hold, right?

This whole thread has outlived it's usefulness, IMO.

Bruce N1RX

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Greg - AB7R

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-2

I have a few of these cables that I stash away from other electronics. Its a stereo 1/8 plug that
breaks out to two RCA male plugs. You get these alot when you buy TVs, VCRs, CD players and the
such. At the time I don't need them so I just toss them into a box for future use.

-------------------------
73,
Greg - AB7R
Whidbey Island WA
NA-065

On Tue Jan 5 9:53 , "Jim Brown" sent:

>On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:
>
>>Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board,
>I
>>have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
>>boards.
>
>While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
>solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
>that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
>jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
>ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
>made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
>we need.
>
>The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
>America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
>Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
>hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
>not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
>insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
>connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.
>
>The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
>order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
>connectors and build your own adapters.
>
>Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
>don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
>not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
>done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
>dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
>Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
>for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
>that is required.
>
>It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics
>products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with
>the product, especially when they are not commonly available in
>the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique
>part.
>
>73,
>
>Jim K9YC
>
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: [hidden email]','','','')">[hidden email]
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Greg - AB7R

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-2

I am sure I can scrounge up at least a few of these cables..... 1/8 stereo male to two RCA
Males. Cables are about 3ft long. If you are interested you can send me $3 to cover the
cost of a small padded envelope and shipping and I'll send what I have. I'll make a list of
responses and then dig out what I can find. Don't send me anything till I confirm with each
person.

-------------------------
73,
Greg - AB7R
Whidbey Island WA
NA-065

On Tue Jan 5 10:02 , Keith Hamilton sent:

>Sounds good to me! What is the supplier and part number so I can order!
>
>73 Keith W8GX
>
>
>
>On Jan 5, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:
>>
>>> Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board,
>> I
>>> have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
>>> boards.
>>
>> While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
>> solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
>> that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
>> jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
>> ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
>> made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
>> we need.
>>
>> The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
>> America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
>> Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
>> hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
>> not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
>> insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
>> connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.
>>
>> The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
>> order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
>> connectors and build your own adapters.
>>
>> Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
>> don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
>> not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
>> done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
>> dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
>> Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
>> for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
>> that is required.
>>
>> It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics
>> products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with
>> the product, especially when they are not commonly available in
>> the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique
>> part.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Jim K9YC
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: [hidden email]','','','')">[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: [hidden email]','','','')">[hidden email]
>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by N8CEP

On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:02:30 -0500, Keith Hamilton wrote:

>What is the supplier and part number so I can order!

The nickel 3-circuit Neutrik plug is NY231. 2-circuit is NYS226.
The 3-circuit jack is NYS240. Add BG suffix for gold contacts,
black handle.

The Switchcraft cable-mount nickel-plated 2-circuit jack is #125.
The mating 2-circuit plug is #750.

Since you're building it yourself, you might prefer to use RCA
plugs and jacks for your speakers. The Switchcraft cable-mount
jack is #3503. The "RF" version of their male RCA is a #3507. The
audio version is a #3502. With an A suffix, it's nickel. AAU
suffix is nickel handle, gold contacts. ABAU suffix is black
handle, gold contacts. The Neutrik cable-mount nickel-plated RCA
jack is NYS372P. The Neutrik male RCA plug is NYS352.

Neutrik is a first class connector mfr based in Lichtenstein. I
know their management and have been to their factory. Their "EMC
XLR" is based on my design concept, and they paid me for it. :)
Like Switchcraft, the other major audio connector company based in
Chicago, they're distributed worldwide.

Here's a good pro/semi-pro audio vendor located in Madison, WI. I
know their owners, husband and wife, good people. Many years ago,
I had a sales job competing with them. :) They sell both Neutrik
and Switchcraft.

http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack-
connectors.html

http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack-
connectors.html

http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html

http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html

B&H Photo, Markertek, and Sweetwater are also good sources of
parts like this.

73,

Jim Brown K9YC

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Tom Hammond-2

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim:

At 11:53 01/05/2010, Jim Brown wrote:

>On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:
>
> >Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board, I
> >have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
> >boards.
>
>While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
>solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
>that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
>jacks.

That's PRECISELY what my adapter is! Of course, it's not 'just' a
a cable...

>Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
>ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
>made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
>we need.

Agreed. And that's why I designed my own.

>The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
>America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
>Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
>hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
>not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
>insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
>connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.
>
>The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
>order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
>connectors and build your own adapters.

Ummm... that's my kit... at least I believe it is. Sure looks like it.

73 pal,

Tom

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N8CEP

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

You stated in your pervious post that there was a breakout cable available.
Since I would have to build it either way I will go with the N0SS circuit board.
Thanks for the links anyways.

73 Keith W8GX

On Jan 5, 2010, at 3:45 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 13:02:30 -0500, Keith Hamilton wrote:
>
>> What is the supplier and part number so I can order!
>
> The nickel 3-circuit Neutrik plug is NY231. 2-circuit is NYS226.
> The 3-circuit jack is NYS240. Add BG suffix for gold contacts,
> black handle.
>
> The Switchcraft cable-mount nickel-plated 2-circuit jack is #125.
> The mating 2-circuit plug is #750.
>
> Since you're building it yourself, you might prefer to use RCA
> plugs and jacks for your speakers. The Switchcraft cable-mount
> jack is #3503. The "RF" version of their male RCA is a #3507. The
> audio version is a #3502. With an A suffix, it's nickel. AAU
> suffix is nickel handle, gold contacts. ABAU suffix is black
> handle, gold contacts. The Neutrik cable-mount nickel-plated RCA
> jack is NYS372P. The Neutrik male RCA plug is NYS352.
>
> Neutrik is a first class connector mfr based in Lichtenstein. I
> know their management and have been to their factory. Their "EMC
> XLR" is based on my design concept, and they paid me for it. :)
> Like Switchcraft, the other major audio connector company based in
> Chicago, they're distributed worldwide.
>
> Here's a good pro/semi-pro audio vendor located in Madison, WI. I
> know their owners, husband and wife, good people. Many years ago,
> I had a sales job competing with them. :) They sell both Neutrik
> and Switchcraft.
>
> http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack-
> connectors.html
>
> http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/1-8-Mini-Plug-Jack-
> connectors.html
>
> http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/SWC/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html
>
> http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/NEU/Phono-RCA-Pin-Plug.html
>
> B&H Photo, Markertek, and Sweetwater are also good sources of
> parts like this.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim Brown 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
>

Guy, K2AV

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

> The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
> America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
> Digikey, etc. ....
> The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
> order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
> connectors and build your own adapters.

Agree.

>What Elecraft SHOULD havedone is provide TWO output jacks, not one.

Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified
speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.
Stick with your first answer.

73, Guy.
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Jim Brown-10

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:

>Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified
>speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.
> Stick with your first answer.

Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But
it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED
loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized
products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to
that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch
JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable.

73,

Jim K9YC

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Jim Brown-10

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Guy, K2AV

On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:

> Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.

I just noticed that the West Mountain Clear Speaker comes with a
1/8-in MONO plug. (I think they mean 2-contact). FWIW, the small
passive "cube" speakers I see at hamfests all come with the same
1/8-inch 2-circuit (MONO) plug.

73,

Jim K9YC

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Steve Ellington

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

No...They come with the typical stereo 1/8" plug. 3 contacts....Tip and 2
rings.

Steve
N4LQ
[hidden email]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:47 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

> On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
>
>> Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.
>
> I just noticed that the West Mountain Clear Speaker comes with a
> 1/8-in MONO plug. (I think they mean 2-contact). FWIW, the small
> passive "cube" speakers I see at hamfests all come with the same
> 1/8-inch 2-circuit (MONO) plug.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim K9YC
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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P.B. Christensen

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

It's unfortunate that 1/8-inch TRS jacks have become so popular in the
consumer audio world. Their use seems to have accelerated with the advent
of PC sound cards.

My experience has been that pro-grade 1/4-inch TRS connectors are more
reliable than any 1/8-inch type as well as inferior-quality 1/4-inch
connectors. But for the fact that these connectors typically carry two
circuits, RCA connectors are far more reliable for unbalanced audio
connections due to their concentric grip of the inner and outer conductors.
Darn, I actually prefer equipment with screw-down barrier strips and where
needed, create detachable cords with Molex connectors if a quick disconnect
arrangement is needed.

TRS jacks utilize a single pressure point and reliability degrades over
time -- usually due to oxidation and dust build-up. Lubricants like DeOxit
and Cramolin seem to help but if I was to install an Internet-based station
at some remote location, I would want to remove all traces of TRS connectors
to the best extent possible.

Paul, W9AC

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:41 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

> On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
>
>>Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified
>>speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.
>> Stick with your first answer.
>
> Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But
> it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED
> loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized
> products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to
> that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch
> JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable.
>
> 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
>

N8CEP

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I am very sorry that I misread your post Jim. i will be looking forward to building
my own breakout cable/box using the N0SS circuit board and parts. There is
nothing like building your own!

73 Keith W8GX

On Jan 5, 2010, at 5:47 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

N7US

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I'm using a pair of relatively expensive ($135, more than 10 years ago)
amplified, Sony PC speakers and haven't noticed any RFI. The instruction
leaflet that came with them says they are magnetically shielded, so maybe
that's why they're OK with RF.

They have an internal 120VAC P/S and are heavy (3#/speaker). They are model
SRS-88PC. They sound fine for SSB and CW, though I usually use headphones.

And they use a stereo, mini plug!

Jim N7US

-----Original Message-----

<snip>

The vast majority of AMPLIFIED
loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized
products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to
that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch
JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable.

73,

Jim K9YC

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P.B. Christensen

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by P.B. Christensen

Forgot to add that for high-density applications, Sub-D connectors are
excellent when maximum reliability and easy disconnect are needed. I like
to use crimp Sub-Ds where the pin can be inserted into the connector body.
That goes much faster with better repeatability than the solder Sub-D types.
If needed, a fanned break-out cable can be created, using the end connectors
of one's choice.

Paul, W9AC

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 5:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter
>
>
>> On Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:25:47 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
>>
>>>Completely DISagree. Panel space is at a premium, and amplified
>>>speakers DO come with a stereo plug. Tip-sleeve plugs are *SO* 1950s.
>>> Stick with your first answer.
>>
>> Sure, panel space is at a premium. That's why the choice was made. But
>> it's a bad choice, for the reasons stated. The vast majority of AMPLIFIED
>> loudspeakers have severe RFI problems. The appearance of specialized
>> products like the West Mountain units are quite new, and a reaction to
>> that reality. Their website says they come with a 3-circuit 1/8-inch
>> JACK, so you still need a 3-circuit plug to plug patch cable.
>>
>> 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
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Ken Kopp-3

K3 External speaker connection

In reply to this post by Greg - AB7R

It's amazing the amount of verbiage and reflector traffic
this subject has generated!

Purist's opinions not withstanding, Radio Scrap has a
cord that will meet everyone's needs ... a male 1/8"
stereo plug on one end and several choices for the
other end. I think there's even one with bare wire on
the "other" end. The cords come in a variety of lengths.
The other end might be a female or male phonos, or
something else. Cut off whatever your speakers now
have and attach a mating connector for your chosen
RS cable's connector.

The (self-generated) "problem" will be solved.

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
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vk3dbd

Re: More on N0SS K3 External Speaker Splitter

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I'm amazed about all this waffle about speakers and stereo plugs and
adaptors. We (well most of us) passed an exam to show we were competant at
"basic electrical knowledge"

It takes little longer to make up such a lead or adaptor to suit our
personal requirement than it does to type a message to the reflector asking
where one can be purchased!
Total cost of two mono in line sockets and one stereo plug plus a short
wire, all from the junk box.
To run two mono speakers from the rear of the K3 works wonderfully. In fact
using a pair of 3" x 3" speakers ( from some old vehicle, these have Nokia
printed on the back) the audio is as good as I have heard in years from a
communications rx. It is great to use headphones, permanently connected and
be able to switch speakers on instantly should it be desired.

73 David VK3DBD

On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 5:53 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:20:07 -0600, Tom Hammond wrote:
>
> >Since the posting of the link to my K3 Speaker Splitter PC board,
> I
> >have received a number of requests (orders if you will) for PC
> >boards.
>
> While I appalud your willingness to share, there is another good
> solution. What we really need is a "stereo to mono" breakout cable
> that has a 3-circuit male plug wired for stereo, split to two mono
> jacks. Here's the problem -- Radio Schlock, Worst Buy, and their
> ilk pushed the real connector mfrs out of the market with cheaply
> made connectors and adapter cables, but they don't sell the cable
> we need.
>
> The GOOD connectors are made by Switchcraft and Neutrik. In North
> America, we can buy these parts from vendors like Newark, Allied,
> Digikey, etc. The catch is that they cost more than a buck, and
> hams can be cheap, so they think they're too expensive. They're
> not -- they are of much higher quality, don't have the melting
> insulation and lousy contact material problems of the cheap
> connectors, and are far more robust mechanically.
>
> The solution is simple. Simply belly up to the bar and place an
> order with one of these real electronics vendors for real
> connectors and build your own adapters.
>
> Now a brickbat to Elecraft. Speakers are individual products, they
> don't come wired with 3-circuit plugs, and as noted above, it's
> not easy to buy parts to build adapters. What Elecraft SHOULD have
> done is provide TWO output jacks, not one. They played cheap (or
> dumb, to the extent that they were ignorant of the marketplace).
> Now to fix it? Rebuilding the I/O panel is costly. A better fix
> for their design error is to provide the unique breakout cable
> that is required.
>
> It has long been good practice when selling quality electronics
> products to ship unique connectors and or cable assemblies with
> the product, especially when they are not commonly available in
> the marketplace. This breakout cable is exactly such a unique
> part.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim K9YC
>
>
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