+++++++++++++++++++++ See also Computer Microphones See also K2 Mic Config Header See also K2 Microphones2 +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002 16:58:56 -0600 To: "Don Wilhelm" , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SSB Mic hook-up Don Wilhelm, W3FPR, wrote: >BTW, rather than soldering to those jumper pins in the K2, you can use a >header block on the pins and make the connections on the header. Should you >change mics later, it is a simple matter to make up a new header block. Tom >Hammond N0SS had a write-up a while ago about using easily obtained and >configured header blocks like this. I don't know if the info is available >on either Tom's website or the Elecraft site, but perhaps Tom will chime in >and tell us where to find it. The file (a PDF) is still available for download at: http://home.earthlink.net/~n0ss/download.html It's the SECOND downloadable file on the page. To DOWNLOAD IMAGE OR PDF files (to your HD) from this web page, right click on the link and then (for Netscape users) select (left click) "Save Link As", or (for Internet Explorer Users) click "Save Target As". 73 - Tom Hammond N0SS +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 16:22:34 -0700 From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Radioshack microphone 21-1172 Hans Elsner N9FKI, wrote: "Is there anybody out there that has any info about using the Radio Shack 21-1172 microphone and is using it with the Elecraft K2 SSB... I am looking for how to wire this microphone for the K2 SSB." I use it and get great reports. For the money it's very hard to beat. First you need to change the connector to a 8-pin to mate with the K2's mic connector. Radio Shack sells the 8-pin female you need. Then it's a simple matter to wire it up. I wired my K2 mic jumpers inside the rig 'straight across' on all the pins in what is shown in the SSB manual as the connections for the (so far non-existent) Elecraft M2 microphone. That done, here's how you wire the mic to the jack: Pin 4 on the original mic connector (should be a yellow wire) goes to pin 1 on the new connector. That's the hot side of the audio. Pin 3 on the original mic connector (should be a red wire) goes to pin 2 on the new connector. That's the hot side of the Push-to-talk line. Pin 1 on the original mic connector (the braid or shield) goes to pins 7 and 8 on the new connector. That's the ground return for both the mic and the PTT circuit. That done, as they say in jolly ol' England, "Bob's your Uncle" -- or, plain Americanspeak, "You're all set!" Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 16:26:47 -0500 From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Microphone choice Dave: Not sure how much money you (don't) wish to spend, but Heil makes an electret mike for the Icom (model HMM-Ic) which I'v been field testing here for a couple months now, and it seems to work pretty well with the K2... better than most non-electret mics, and the audio, while tailored for 'communications' is still a bit richer than the other Heil mics. The price is (I think) about $58 US (c. 35 pounds, I believe). 73 - Tom Hammond N0SS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 19:02:58 -0400 From: "Michael Harris" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Microphone choice Hi, > Is there a suggested Kenwood, or Yaesu, hand microphone that is > currently available at a reasonable price to use on a K2? Following a tip on this list I purchased a Kenwood MC-43S from Waters and Stanton, 17.00 pounds plus postage. A dynamic mic, plenty output. Just find six ex-PC motherboard jumper links and fit them straight across pins 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 & 8 of the configuration block. No messing, dead easy. Good results and the up/down buttons toggle vfo A/B. Regards, Mike VP8NO GQRP-10148 (GD18BH) IOTA SA-002 K2 #1400 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 21:21:39 -0400 From: Richard Arland Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Mic Choice I originally posted this info on qrp-l, and should have copied this list. My ultimate mic for my K2 was going to be a Heil Goldline. Then reality set in: These puppies are expensive! Then I started looking for a Kwd MC-50 or 60 that I could replace the mic element with a Heil HC-4. Couldn't find a cheap one, so I looked at Radio Shack. Their 33-3030 is on sale for $19.99. This is a 500 ohm dynamic omni mic used for PA systems, disco DJing, ect. For the price, I decided to play with it and see if I could get some "communications audio" out of it. Last night I had it on the air with a good friend, Fran, KA3WTF, an accomplished audiophile. Stock mic (with the K2 SSBA set at "1" and the SSBC set at "1") was very bassy. Mid-range was overshadowed by the base characteristics. I then tried a trick I picked up from Bob Heil: I wrapped several turns of electrical tape over the slots (louvers) on the sides of the mic head. Fran then said it had improved 100%. The lows were attenuated and the mid-range was coming through nicely. (The tape seals off the air behind the element and restricts the low frequency response.) There is one other thing I want to try before I get into audio equalization, and that is to put a .01 mF disc cap in SERIES with the hot mic element lead. This will create a High Pass filter and further roll off the lows. Fran advised that just doing the tape trick had vastly improved the mic characteristics and it was a good mic for ragchewing. DXing and contesting would take a little more work. Presently, I am building the Heil Mic Equalizer from a 1982 QST article. It's about 1/2 done. This provides two filters, a LP and a HP with +/- 12dB rolloff per octave plus a mic pre amp and transformer isolation on the input. Since about 33% of useable comm audio is centered between 1.4 and 2 kHz, by rolling off the base and treble one can tailor the mic bandpass to be compatible with good SSB audio. Ultimately, I plan on adding a 6dB per octave HP filter centered on 1.4 kHz between the existing LP and HP filters on the Heil EQ. This will further accentuate the mid-range and roll off the highs (above 2.9 kHz) quite drastically. When I get through playing with this mess, I will probably go out and buy a Berhringer programmable equalizer and "do it right" but I just couldn't resist building the Heil EQ and playing a bit before I spent some serious money. At any rate: bottom line is that the RS 33-3030 mic (it is a studio type mic NOT a hand mic) looks like a very workable alternative to spending gobs of money on pricey mics. At under $20 it's not a bad deal and just by taping up the louvers on the sides of the mic head you can have a useable general purpose mic at a fraction of the cost of a Heil or a used Kwd. Hope this helps. 73 Rich K7SZ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 01 May 2001 14:01:13 -0500 From: bill Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RS 21-1177 mic with K2 sometimes cheaper is better... especially when cheaper means : terrible for music, great for voice, narrow bandwidth, peaky highs ( 2-3k) . Heil makes a nice markup on such mikes sold to hams. bill ny9h At 04:59 PM 4/30/01, Barry Bogart wrote: >Does anyone have any experience with the Radio Shack >"Noise-Cancelling Amplified CB Power Microphone" >(21-1177) with the K2? It seems to be much better >built than the cheaper RS one (21-1172), and I thought >the noise-cancelling feature would be helpful for >mountain-topping or bike mobile use. >Specs: >Impedance................... 300 Ohms at 1 kHzOutput> >Sensitivity: .......... -64 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHz with >Maximum Volume >0 dB = 1 V/micro bar, Distance 0.5M)> > 72, > >VE7VIE/KD7IGX # 1369 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ From: "David Johnson" To: Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2001 23:33 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 microphone choice > After a suggestion by Mike, VP8NO, I bought a Kenwood MC-43S, 600 Ohm > dynamic, microphone for my K2. It works very well and is reasonably cheap > (19 pounds in the UK from Waters and Stanton). The microphone conguration > connector (P1) is easy to "jumper" for this microphone needing six "2 pin > computer jumper blocks" as the manual describes them, not needing to solder > wires onto P1 is an advantage. > > Dave, G4AON > K2 #1892 KSB2, KBT2 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 15:46:06 +0000 From: nilsbull at juno.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What Mike? Alan, You can skimp or you can pay. And if you skimp, you still might be ok. I got a couple old japanese-made mobile radio carbon mic bodies, two pieces of cheapo coiled mic cable & two RadioShack electret elements. They made very serviceable mics. They're better than the one I got with the "other" QRP radio I own. The other day I spent about $20 on the RadioShack HS1095 headset ('cause I want an "over the ear" headset that I can remove quickly & which doesn't look too dagnab obvious in the car) & am very impressed with the audio quality -- on both QRP rigs. But I had already set up a PTT switch in a tiny box, fiddled with various chunks of headset-derived cable & monkeyed with the mic connector some too. So it was not a simple "plug & play" deal. All of which means: You can skimp or you can pay. If you want the best audio -- which ain't hard on a properly aligned K2 -- with good audio spectrum control, you'll have to pay a bit more. But for around $20, you can get a serviceable microphone. But there ain't none that I can find in the RadioShack.com catalog. You'll have to look at the display case in the store. Depends on how good you wanna sound. 73 Nils . . . guy who's way to cheap to spring for a Heil element, no matter what all them other guys say, even if they are going to be in Kansas to feed Burroughs' left-behind cats . . . - --------- Nils R. Bull Young -- El Gringo Errante -- La Estancia de los Guajolotes Sonrientes W8IJN -- http://www.geocities.com/nilsbull/w8ijn "In MY day we FIGHT to have earphones! Every DAY was STRUGGLE!" -- Comrade Nikolai Sergeievich McTovarishov, 19 Oct 1917 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 18:56:10 -0700 From: "Ron D' Eau Claire" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] What Mike? Alan, W1HYV wrote: > I need a recommendation for a mike for a K2. A Radio Shack hand mike > would be fine, just a decent sounding mike for not too many dollars. > I have used the Radio Shack 21-1172D hand held mic with good results. It's about $20. You will need to replace the four pin connector that comes with it with an 8 pin to match the K2. RS sells those too. Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2001 21:20:09 +0100 From: "Dave Johnson" Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Microphone for K2 Mike Lynch AC4NS asked about microphones for the K2. I asked the same question some time ago and received the suggestion of using the Kenwood MC-43S. I bought one and it works well. You will also need a few of the computer "jumper" connections to link the K2 mic connectors to adjacent pins on the print board, with this Kenwood mic there is no need to solder jumpers. The MC-43S is low cost and widely available. Dave, G4AON K2 #1892 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 11:27:15 -0700 From: "Ron D' Eau Claire" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Low mike gain in K2 Wolfgang wrote: > The mike gain in my K2 Sn. 785 is very low. I have to set SSbA to "3" and > must talk "loud" to get sufficient output when using a Kenwood MC-42 mike. > Had the same problem with several Icom-mikes (HM-12, HM-36). Almost no > output at all when using Heil HC-5 element. Any suggestions for > modifications are welcome. That's been a common experience with the K2 and a lot of mics. One solution is to change R14 on the SSB board to 5.6k or so. That greatly increases the sensitivity of the mic input. A number of ops simply swapped R14 and R2 on the SSB board. That put a 5.6 k resistor at the input and increased the audio feeding the balanced modulator. You can add an outboard preamp as well, but everyone who has commented after making the resistor switch said that did the trick for them. I use a Radio Shack mic that was quite marginal on 10 meters, where the overall transmitter gain is lowest. Changing the resistors made a huge difference in the audio level for me. Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 09:17:56 -0600 From: "Richard J. Housden" Subject: [Elecraft] Re: K2 Mic == IC-HM7? I have used the Icom HM-7 very successfully with my K2. Although I don't use the K2 for SSB a whole lot, reports have been favorable. Used it during field day to make a few SSB contacts. Dick WA8NTA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 14:09:53 -0500 From: bill ny9h Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Mic == IC-HM7? i wired my k2 mike as icom, so i use the hm 12; and the boom headset,,, they seem to work fine, not too much bass response,,,, bill I also wired the speaker output to pin # 8, just like the icom, Now the headset hears also. I have wired a few different computer boom headsets , using the icom configuration. At 09:52 AM 7/18/01, pqd wrote: >Anyone have experience using an Icom HM-7 mic w/ a K2? I'm wondering if it >may not be a good choice since it has a pre-amp built in. Best -- David > +++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 19:19:47 +0100 From: "J. Ellis" Subject: [Elecraft] microphone Hi folks, I recently acquired a used rig with a Ten Tec 705 mic. This is an electret desk mic that is available from Ten Tec in kit form ($59.00). It's small, lightweight and has a preamp. I found it to provide adequate gain and good performance for the price. It does a nice job with the K2. (usual disclaimers apply...) John, NP2B K1/426, K2/1645 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001 20:24:50 -0700 From: "Charles Bland" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Motorola mic for K2? Mike, WHile I'm not 100% familiar with the mic ytou have, I am using an HMN1061A Motorola mic. The result? Moto-Mojo ROCKS! Here are the connetion details.... HMN1061A Connection Details K2 Mic Mic Wire Connector Color Function 1 Red AF - Mic In 2 Green PTT 7 White GND 8 Black GND 10K Resistor Mounted between pins 6 (+5V) and 1 (AF) in the mic connector. I hope the formatting didn't get messed-up in transmission. Give this a shot based on some wire tracing and see what happens. Please let me know. Chuck K2 #1924 Date sent: Sat, 04 Aug 2001 17:26:34 -0400 From: Mike Ardovino To: elecraft at qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Motorola mic for K2? Send reply to: Mike Ardovino > Has anyone tried a Motorola RMN4025 hand mic with the K2? > I picked one up at a recent hamfest thinking it might work. I don't have > the schematic for this mic; looking inside it has an electret element > attached to a circuit board with surface mount components. Not being too > familiar with surface mount component identification, its tough for me > to reverse engineer this thing. > The mic cable has 4 conductors terminated with a 10-position/4-contact > modular plug. The 4 wires are green, red, blue, black on pins 4,5,6,7 > respectively. > > I have an 8-pin mic plug to rewire this mic but am unsure of the wiring > scheme. Anyone have any ideas? > > Regards, > Mike-n2eab K2 #2118 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2001 09:53:09 -0500 From: Jim Speck Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil HMM Mobile Mic - thoughts? When I finished my SSB module, I sent an email to Bob Heil, who recommended the HMM-ic for use with the K2. I bought it and it gets excellent reports. Jim W5AI K2 #2019 - -----Original Message----- From: N7SG K7FD [mailto:k7fd at hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2001 9:25 PM To: elecraft at qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Heil HMM Mobile Mic - thoughts? The Heil HMM Mobile Mic looks like just the ticket for the K2...anyone tested one out yet? 73 John K7FD, K2/586 w/ all the trimmings... ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 12:20:24 -0400 From: "ZOOM" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Are computer mics electret? Yes but the voltage is applied to both ring and tip then capcitively coupled to either an amplifier or direct depending on the mike impedance input. The capacitive coupling elimnates the DC from entering the mike input. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)" To: "Elecraft reflector" ; "Julian, G4ILO" Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 10:57 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Are computer mics electret? > As far as I remember, the PC mikes require a separate voltage feed to a built-in amplifier or voltage follower. The voltage should be connected to the ring of the minjack, and the mic output is on the tip. > > - Sverre > ____________________________________ > 73 de LA3ZA > http://www.qsl.net/la3za > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Julian, G4ILO" > To: "Elecraft List" > Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 1:09 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] Are computer mics electret? > > > > Snipped off the plugs on a computer "voice input" headset (you know the > > type - one earpiece and a boom mic) and thought I'd attach plugs to use > > with the K2 for "hands free" operating. Earpiece works fine, but there's > > not enough output from the mic to trigger the K2 VOX, even when I flick the > > mic, which is a bit of a bummer. It did work when I used it with the > > computer. Are these things electret mics, and if so what value resistor > > should I use from the +5V output to the AF pin? > > -- > > Julian, G4ILO. (RSGB, ARRL, K2 #392) > > Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo > > ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2001 17:43:26 -0100 From: "Julian, G4ILO" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Are computer mics electret? I snipped off the jack and the cable is just thin audio co-ax. I connected the shield to ground and the center to the AF input. With 6.8K between AF input and the 5V pin, it seems to work. I've only tried it on a dummy load so far. The shielding doesn't look very good, and with my attic antenna I wouldn't be too surprised to get RF feedback. - -- Julian, G4ILO. (RSGB, ARRL) Home page: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo ++++++++++++++++++ To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 06:56:19 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MH2 vs RS 21-1172D Mic From: Gary L Surrency I have both. The MH2 mic has much more output, and sounds better too. The R/S mic is a low-cost alternative that works well tho'. 73, Gary Surrency AB7MY On Tue, 15 Jan 2002 07:50:15 EST WA9GQT at aol.com writes: > Hi All! > Has anyone had a chance to compare the MH2 and Radio Shack > 21-1172D > microphones? I have been getting good reports on the RS mic! Just > wonder if > the MH2 would be any better. Thanks. > > 73, > > Rod WA9GQT K2 # 1900 ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Steve Carey" To: "Eelecraft Mail" Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 19:01:12 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 + Leeson Table Mic! Hi All, I have now had a dozen or so contacts on my K2. So-far-so-good! All reports are that the Heil MH-2 Hand Mic is the best thing since sliced bread! However, with only 10+ watts, under noisy, QSB, QRM conditions, reports on my Leeson Table mic or more favorable! ( Has less bass and higher O/P at HF ). I don't know much about this microphone except it was used by a CB'er. He is " smarter-than-the-average-CB'er " (works in electronics ) but all he could tell me abt the mic is that it has a ceramic insert with an internal pre-amp ( PP3 batery in the base ). Picture: http://www.skylites.freeserve.co.uk/leeson.htm Are Leeson still made? Do they have a website? I paid $5 for this one in as new condition.and having heard a recording, it obviously matches the K2 well because it sounds fantastic! They are often available on UK-eBay. Steve/G4MJW ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 15:28:58 -0500 (EST) From: Dave Gingrich K9DC To: Samuel Ramac Cc: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Resistor on MH2 On Tue, 15 Jan 2002, Samuel Ramac wrote: > Sorry for the prior note. It got sent with RTF formatting. > > My question is: What is the 5.6K resistor for that came with the MH2 mic? > I have been using a TenTec 705 microphone. What will happen with this > microphone once I install the resistor? The resistor supplies required DC to the condenser mic element. Assuming the TT 705 is otherwise wired the same, it will probably continue to work. I can still use my old dynamic Alinco mic with the resistor installed. -Dave K9DC ++++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: From: "Sverre Holm - LA3ZA" To: "'Steve Carey'" , "'Eelecraft Mail'" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil HC-4 with K2 . . . Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 19:49:50 +0100 You'll find a link pointing to how to increase the audio gain of the K2 mic frontend under KSB2 on www.qsl.net/la3za/K2/mod.html . Unfortunately, the link does not work right now, but hopefully that is only temporarily. Sverre Holm, LA3ZA Asker, Norway (59.8N, 10.4E) --------------------------------- www.qsl.net/la3za +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 10:55:26 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: Steve Carey Cc: Eelecraft Mail Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Heil HC-4 with K2 . . . See: http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/microphone_pre.htm 73, Eric WA6HHQ ========= Steve Carey wrote: > sometime I saw info/circuit for using Heil HC-4 & 5's with the K2. Unlike my > MH-2 hand mic, there is inadequate O/P from my HC-4 Pro Micro Headset to > drive the VOX circuitry ( Have to really SHOUT ! ). Sods law, now can't find > the info. Can someone please send me a link. > Many thanks - Steve/G4MJW +++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Steve Carey" To: "Eelecraft Mail" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Heil HC-4 with K2 . . . Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 23:21:25 -0000 Hi All, On further investigation, the HC-4 actually provides sufficient O/P to drive My K2 to full SSB O/P. The problem may be just with my K2 in that the VOX gain may be lower than normal and without some extra gain ahead the K2 the VOX would not trip without shouting! More gain added > VOX now trips OK > but Balanced Modulator total over-load! Tom/NØSS suggested increasing the value of R14 from 1K to 10K. This has increased the gain nicely and it's now just high enough for the VOX to work with a normal voice. BUT there is now too much gain for the Balanced Modulator. So I have increased the value of R2 from 5.6K to 10K and the reduction is sufficient to produce nice sounding SSB as before. That's OK for the HC-4. Now no need for any additional pre-amplification. Many thanks to Tom, Eric, Sverre and everyone else for their help & suggestions. I worked Doug/K0JU in Denver on Ten meters this afternoon who said the K2 audio sounded nice, crisp and clear . . . . "how much power you say yr using?" (12 Watts ). Steve/G4MJW K2 # 2408 ++++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Steve Carey" To: "Eelecraft Mail" Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 19:02:49 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Heil HC-4 with K2 . . . End of the saga . . . My new HC-4 Pro Micro Headset would not trip the VOX unless I shout and I mean SHOUT ( SSBa=3 SSBc=4 )! I wired a PTT line from the 8-pin Mic Skt and put the K2 into TX mode, the O/P of the Heil IS sufficient to produce full O/P on all band speaking in a normal voice. I only changed R14 in effort to hit the VOX harder . . . but the side product seems that on my K2, I was able to overload the Balanced Modulator. OK . . . the VOX is now working nicely, so Yes I have increased the value of R2 to 10K. I would say that the Audio I/P to the NE612 is now abt the same as it was before I upped the gain to the Speech Amp/Compressor (R14). Anyway, the K2 is working very well with the HC-4. My Leeson Table mic has a built-in amp/compressor and I had to reduce the O/P pot setting from 80% down to 20/25%. When using the Heil MH-2, I have to go into settings and reduce the Mic gain> SSBA to 1 or 2 I now get excellent reports on all three microphones. Steve/G4MJW K2 #2408 ++++++++++++++++++++ From: Tim ORourke To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 09:08:38 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Headphones for K2 For those who work SSB and CW check out Bob Heils new ProII with both the 4 and 5 elements in boom. I just received mine and itis absolutley the finest headset I have tried. A little large to take backpacking but very comfortable for long use. You will need the pre-amp to use the 4 and 5 element but well worth the effort. Tim KG4CHX BTW I have the older style headset with DX element available. +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 20:02:45 EST From: PDouglas12 at aol.com To: w0av at juno.com, qrp-l at lehigh.edu Subject: [120938] Re: Ref. Computer Mikes Hi George, These mikes work very very well with modern rigs. They need only a cap and a resistor to get them working--the cap carries the audio, and the resistor carries the DC. But with simple circuits these electrets (yes they are electrets) can be shaped into very respectable communications mikes. I have about a half dozen in various configurations, and they all work well. Do see the archives of this list for references. Also, there's a great article by Steve Pituch N2MNN in the April 1996 QRP Quarterly on implementing these mikes as communications mikes. 72, Preston WJ2V +++++++++++++++++ To: k0wa at swbell.net, elecraft at mailman.qth.net Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 18:33:42 -0700 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] MC50 Mic From: k6se at juno.com Lee, K0WA wrote: "Does anyone have the documentation for a Kenwood MC-50 Mic. I am wanting to rewire one for the K2, but cannot find a schematice of the pinouts to the mic..." ========== I'm not familiar with the MC-50, but if it uses an old-style 4-pin connector (similar to today's 8-pin mike connectors), Kenwood's wiring scheme for the 4-pin connector is: Pin 1 = Mic audio Pin 2 = PTT Pin 3 = PTT ground Pin 4 = Mic audio ground If the MC-80 comes with a "standard" 8-pin connector, then just use the pinouts for Kenwood described on page 18 of the KSB2 manual. Older Kenwood rigs had a high-Z mic audio input (50k ohms), whereas the K2 is a low-Z (600 ohms) input. If the MC-50 has a built-in transformer to change a low-Z mike element into high-Z mic audio, you'll have to rewire the mike element to go directly to the K2 mic audio input (bypassing any built-in transformer). 73, de Earl, K6SE ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2002 23:33:41 -0700 From: Phil Wheeler Organization: Outstanding To: ke6d at juno.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net, ft at elecraft.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Strange thing happened when I connected the MC60 mic to the K2 ke6d at juno.com wrote: >Hi, > >I have my K2 for almost 3 years. It has the SSB option; the microphone >jumpers >were wired for a Kenwood microphone. The radio seems to work pretty well >with >the MC43 microphone (stock TS850 hand microphone), but I don't use SSB >that much on the K2 because 10W on SSB did work well for me so I ended up >using the TS850S for SSB operation. I completed the FT KPA100 a couple >weeks ago and have a pretty good time playing with SSB on my K2 and the >MC43 mic. Seeing that the 100W really makes big difference on SSB, I >decided >to disconnect the MC60 desk microphone from the TS850 and connected it >to the K2 (The MC60 has a microphone amplification circuit, may be it >would >help with the K2 signal) But as soon as I pressed the PTT button on the >MC60, >the K2 went dead (it was not transmitting nor receiving) I had to power >down >the K2 to get the receiver back. I tried the MC60 a few more times to >make >sure that the problem was not something I had done. Then I reconnected >the >MC43 mic back to the K2, everything worked just as before. > I had a similar problem. Turns out the slide switch on the barrel of the MC-60 was in the ON position, apparently putting the K2 into TX mode. Moving that switch to OFF fixed the problem. 73, Phil ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 03:13:34 -0400 (EDT) From: kc4kgu at ENTERZONE.NET To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Warning to those using the Kenwood(ts-2000) mic with the K2! Just a quick warning to those who may be using a kenwood mic (at least the one that comes with the ts-2000) with their K2. If you have wired your K2 for use with the MH2 and then use the kenwood microphone, be advised that there is a +5v potential on the metal microphone clip on the back of the kenwood microphone! No big deal you might say. Well, it becomes a big deal when you lay the microphone down and it comes in contact with something at DC ground potential. The K2 shuts down because of the DC short. Just a warning. 73 de John - KC4KGU K2/100 #2490 +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2002 16:44:03 -0500 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: [Elecraft] Credit where it's due - Re: K2 Mic config block Folks here's where the credit for the header block mic programming should=20 be given. Sorry Dave, it completely slipped my (steadily failing) memory who=20 originated it. Well done, pal. Tom >Return-Path: >Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 21:43:27 -0400 >From: "David A. Belsley" >To: Tom Hammond N=D8SS >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K2 Mic config block > >Tom: > The use of the header block was originally my idea and post. And I must= =20 > say I am surprised it is not more widely used. But I am glad you've=20 > promulgated the idea so at least some will take advantage of it. > >best wishes, > >dave, w1euy +++++++++++++++++ See also K2 Mic Config Header +++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 04 Jul 2002 09:35:53 -0500 To: "Nicholas Lokuciewski" , elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mics Nicholas: >I have been using a PYE dynamic mic with my K2, but I would like to see if >I get different audio reports with an electret insert. So my question is, >for the bias resistor (between AF and +5V), should I place it next to the >mic element, or could I get away with it being placed across the mic >configuration header block? I installed mine at the mic Config Header because it would also serve to limit the amount of current thru that part of the ckt if I accidently happened to short the +5V pin to ground. Good luck, Tom Hammond N0SS ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 5 Jul 2002 22:32:25 -0500 From: "Kenneth E. Harker" To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft MH2 vs. Heil Proset I'm in the process of building the sideband module, and I'm thinking ahead to microphones. I have the Elecraft MH2 hand mic, and I'd also like to be able to use the rig with a Heil Proset. It looks to me like the mic configuration block would look like this for Kenwood (I could use a Kenwood adaptor for the Heil Proset, which would be my preference if I had to choose between Kenwood, Yaesu, or Icom standards): AF - 1 PTT - 2 DN - 3 UP - 4 FUNC - NC 5V - NC GND - 7 GND - 8 So, six straight-across PC style jumpers will do the trick. But, the MH2 hand mic wants: AF - 1 PTT - 2 DN - 3 UP - 4 FUNC - 5 5V - 6 GND - 7 GND - 8 And, the instructions have you put a 5.6K resistor between AF and 5V on the inside of the mic connector. So, my stupid question of the day (because I'm really rather ignorant about how microphones really work, I'm afraid) is: if I wire things up for the MH2, would I still be able to plug in a Heil Proset? If not, could I wire up the header block for the MH2, but put the resistor inside the MH2's mic connector (instead of inside the K2) and still be able to plug in a Heil Proset? If the answer is still no, what would y'all recommend? Anything else I should know about using a Heil Proset with the K2? -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kenneth E. Harker "Vox Clamantis in Deserto" kharker at cs.utexas.edu University of Texas at Austin Amateur Radio Callsign: WM5R Department of the Computer Sciences VP, Central Texas DX & Contest Club Taylor Hall TAY 2.124 Maintainer of Linux on Laptops Austin, TX 78712-1188 USA http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Karl-Heinz" To: "Kenneth E. Harker" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft MH2 vs. Heil Proset Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 06:35:58 +0100 I put the 5k6 resistor (but a 0.1 W) inside the connector from the MH2. I think it's the better place. 72/73 de Karl-Heinz, DF7KHK URL: http://www.qsl.net/df7khk/ eMail: df7khk at darc.de +++++++++++++++++++++ From: WA9GQT at aol.com Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 01:29:45 EDT To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re:Radio Shack Microphone Wiring Hi Glenn, The wiring for RS 21-1172D is as follows: Yellow wire - pin 1 of 8 pin plug Red wire - pin 2 " " " " Black wire - pin 8 " " " " Copper shld - pin 8 " " " " P1 jumper block wiring on K2 - Straight thru for all 1 thru 8 For best results need to change R14 form 1K to 10K on SSB board for better output. Good luck. 73, Rod WA9GQT K2 #1900 ++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 10:27:49 -0400 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Dave Kelley Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Radio Shack Microphone wiring? At 04:01 AM 8/19/2002 -0400, you wrote: >Does any one have the pin outs for a Radio Shack Microphone CAT Number >21-1172D > >There is a black, blue, red, white, yellow, and a bare wire. I need to know >what wire is what. > >Thanks, >Glenn WA7SPY Hi, Glenn I have the microphone data sheet here. The numbers in parentheses below are the pin-outs for the 5-pin DIN plug supplied with the mike. shield (1) - GND white (2) - NC side of PTT SW1 (shorts to pin 4 on RX) red (3) - NO side of PTT SW2 (TX side of T/R switch) yellow (4) - COM of PTT SW1 (mic output on TX; pin 2 on RX) black (5) - NC side of PTT SW2 (RX side of T/R switch) Notes: The PTT switch is DPDT. One side is SW1; the other is SW2. SW1 is the mike output switch; SW2 is the T/R switch. The COM terminal of SW2 is connected to GND (shield). The NO terminal of SW1 is connected to the "hot" side of the mike element. (The hot side of the mike does not have an external connection. I guess that means no VOX with this mike without rewiring the connector.) Good luck! 73, Dave NB4J -- Dave Kelley, NB4J Lewisburg, PA Union County nb4j at arrl.net +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 08:43:00 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Organization: Elecraft To: kr7x at attbi.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Icom IC-SM20 Mike wiring It should work fine with 5V. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ====== kr7x at attbi.com wrote: > List readers: > > Has anyone wired up the mike header for an Icom IC-SM20 mike? I am doing this > for a friend for his K2. He told me that it needs 8v. I see that the K2 pins > only offer 5v. Any problems with this, should I just use the Icom wiring in the > ksb2 manual with a 10k resistor? +++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" To: "'n3drk'" , "'elecraft'" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] k2 mic Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:12:22 -0800 I bought the RS 21-1172D hand dynamic mic. It needs the connector changed to match the K2 mic connector. RS has those too. It worked okay. The output was adequate, but just barely on 10 meters. I found that it was too bassy for my taste though. I've a voice that is sometimes described as someone dragging an empty garbage can up a gravel driveway. Depends upon the amount of coffee I've had in the morning. I ended up switching the element in it to a Radio Shack electret unit. Picked up one of the "replacement" elements they sell for a couple of bucks. It fit in the space just fine, using some left-over rubber weather-stripping to pack around it since it's much smaller than the dynamic. It has a lot better high frequency response and more output. You might want to experiment with size of the resistor used to bias it off of the 5-volt line. I found that had a significant impact on the gain and frequency response. That makes sense since the supply side of that resistor is 'grounded' for audio, so it sets the impedance the audio from the mic element is 'looking into'. Confession time: I bought the SSB module to mess with digital modes. After a few weeks of tinkering with the SSB board until I was satisfied with the audio quality, I put the mic away and haven't pulled it out again in six months or so... But if the capability is there, it seems like a good idea to make it work well. Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289 -----Original Message----- I am looking to purchase a mic for my k2 today and the place is Radio Shack. Anyone have had experience with some good quality hand mics from them? Is so what model number. Thanks in advance john ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Dave" To: "Eddy Avila" Cc: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RE: Mic recommendation Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2003 08:59:48 -0000 Eddy I use a low cost Kenwood MC-43S mic. If you use computer "jumper" plugs to select the microphone type on the K2 front panel, the Kenwood mics use adjacent pins making for a neat and simple "no solder links" solution. Dave, G4AON K1 #1154, K2 #1892 http://www.astromag.co.uk/k2/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eddy Avila" To: Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 11:38 PM Subject: [Elecraft] RE: Mic recommendation > Howdy all....I'm a long ways from finishing my K2 #3345 but would like to > ask for a Mic recommendation. I did buy the SSB board and in time install it > as well. +++++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: "Steve Muncy" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] microphone for K2 Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2003 16:49:38 -0500 Hi The TenTec desk mike works well with the K2 and it is available as a kit Don Brown KD5NDB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Muncy" To: Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2003 2:41 PM Subject: [Elecraft] microphone for K2 > I've finally decided after 35 years in ham radio that this single > sideband (SSB) thing may be catching on. Don't get me wrong. I've had > a microphone or two during that period of time, but I just haven't used > it since my Vibroplex paddle works so well. Doing my part to keep > Elecraft people employed, I purchased and installed the SSB adapter > along with the HM2 microphone -- then tried it out and boxed up the MH2 > in the closet in case I needed it. > > Last week I decided to give SSB a shot thinking I need to explore > this new phase of the hobby. Evidently the MH2 works well (I've > received good reports), but I think I'd like a desk microphone rather > than a hand mike -- although I plan to keep the MH2. > > Now the question..... is anyone using the Heil MH-10 microphone with > the K2? Does it work well? Does the MH-10 (with Kenwood adapter) plug > in to replace the MH2, or will I need to play with jumper blocks and > resistors. Will I have to decide between a MH-10 OR the MH2, or can > both be interchanged? > > OR, should I look at another microphone (or just save my money for > the next Elecraft toy and stick with the paddles?) > > > ____________________________________________________ > Steve Muncy, NI5V < mailto:ni5v at arrl.net > > Dalllas, TX USA < http://homepage.mac.com/smuncy/hamradio/ > > QRP-ARCI #10330 FISTS #7412 QCWA #30705 AMSAT #33939 > ARRL Life Member > ++++++++++++++++ From: "Doug Person" To: "David Walker" , Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Wiring the SM-8 to the K2 Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 08:32:42 -0400 I use an SM-8 on my K2. In fact, I use the A-B switch and two cables so I can use my SM-8 on both the K2 and my Yaesu FT-847 (for 6 meters and satelitte only). I get excellent audio reports with the SM-8 and I did not add any resistors because the SM-8 has a gain control on the bottom. In fact, it has two gains controls and a tone control. It's a great mic. Doug -- K0DXV ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Walker" To: Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 5:31 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Wiring the SM-8 to the K2 Has anybody wired the SM-8 mic to the K2? I've wired mine and it seems to be working but I'm sure about whether I needed to add the 5k resistor per the KSB manual. I'd appreciate any advice - to confirm I have done this correctly. Cheers all, Dave VK2ICQ +++++++++++++