++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 03 Mar 2001 17:25:46 -0800 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Speaker problem (Was:K2#1833 is ALIVE) Ken and Jim, The speaker used in the K2 definitely should not be distorting at normal listening levels. In general the only times we see distortion is when the speaker mounting screws are tightened too much, distorting the frame, or in rare cases when the speaker was damaged in shipment and is visibly distorted. We also sometimes see wire clippings or screws magnetically stuck to the speaker cone... Try running the speaker separate from the case to see if the mounting screws are causing a problem. Also look at the speaker to check its frame for damage. Also check the polarity on your connections to the -external- speaker jack. If they are reversed you will be shorting out the speaker to ground when it is mounted to the cover and the cover is installed. The polarity of the wires going to the speaker itself has no effect on its operation. In any case, if you determine the speaker is defective please contact Gary at support at elecraft.com and he will get you a replacement immediately. 73, Eric =============== Ken Lotts wrote: > > I completed K2#1833 at about noon today :-) (minus option boards) > > All is very well, but I was surprised to notice that the little internal > spkr sounds a bit distorted - ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2001 12:39:37 -0600 From: Mike Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: Speaker stuff James E. Fuller wrote: > At 06:25 PM 3/3/01, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote: > > the only times we see distortion is when the speaker mounting > > screws are tightened too much, distorting the frame, or ... On my K1, which uses the same speaker as the K2, I've found I get a very strange sounding and bothersome distortion if, as Eric mentions, the speaker mounting screws are too tight. In fact, this topic would be worth expanding in the manuals, which mention distorting the frame but not the consequent audio distortion. I didn't appreciate, except after some trial and error, just HOW sensitive speaker output quality is to mounting screw over-tightness. At first I thought I had a problem in the audio amp circuitry. In any case, NO actual mechanical distortion could be visually discerned. > > We also sometimes see wire clippings or screws magnetically stuck > > to the speaker cone... It sure helps to put some coarse cloth between the speaker and the top panel to keep the crud out. It looks better too, and really helps protect the speaker cone. I used some stiff, black, porous, cross-stitching cloth from a hobby store. 73, Mike / KK5F ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2001 14:45:40 -0600 From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: Speaker stuff Fellers: For what little it's probably worth... I distorted the frame of my first K2 speaker by cranking on the mounting screws too much... forced the cone to rub against the permanent magnet.. nasty sounds from then on. Since that time, ANY time I mount a speaker, I use at least a COUPLE washers under each corner of the speaker frame, to stand it away from the underside of the case top by 1/16" to 3/32"... I found that this is especially important if I'm using a piece of (gray) fiberglas window screening (from my local Hdw store, $1 for at least a 12" x 24" piece) between the speaker and the case, as a means of keeping out the 'crud'. I found that standing the speaker away from EVERYTHING just a bit really solved all of my speaker problems. 73 - Tom Hammond N0SS ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 11:14:05 -0800 From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] More Speaker Stuff James wrote:"The discussion about the K2 internal speaker generated a lot of email saying mostly "Mine sounds great. It's a perfect speaker. You're nuts." and similar things in quite defensive tones." There was a long thread about real, not imagined, speaker distortion problems on here a few months ago. I was experiencing it too, even when the bolts were completely off of the speaker. That's why the thread caught my attention. Someone else suggested that the frame was slightly bent causing the voice coil to touch the magnet. They put a large blade screwdriver between the frame of the speaker and the magnet and twisted it slightly it put pressure on the magnet, pushing it to one side a bit. I gave it a try and by working around the speaker while listening to the sidetone, a point was found where the 'fuzz' disappeared completely. Twisting a little harder made the 'fix' permanent by slightly bending the frame of the speaker. Mine has been fine since following those suggestions. One opinion was that the weight of the magnet is sufficient that, if the Elecraft kit box is dropped during shipment in just the right direction, the inertia of the heavy magnet can bend the frame slightly, sometimes deforming it enough to cause the voice coil to rub on the magnet. Sounded possible to me. It was extremely easy - taking only moderate 'twist' on the screwdriver - to bend it so the distortion stopped. Whatever the original cause, it fixed a 'fuzzy' audio problem with my speaker. Several other ops commented that their speakers sounded much better after the 'adjustment' as well. I should point out that Elecraft offered to replace any of those speakers upon request, but it seemed silly to replace something that was so easily fixed. Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289 +++++++++++++++++++++ From: "Lyle Johnson" To: , "Elecraft Reflector" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 speaker part number? Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 23:04:36 -0800 > Can anybody give me the source and part number for the speaker > Elecraft uses... jameco part number 99995 Lyle KK7P ++++++++++++++++++ From: "Donnie Garrett" To: Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 05:18:23 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Speaker I'm not big on most of MFJ's products but I did find that the "MFJ-281 Clear Tone Speaker" is the best small external speaker I have ever used for CW work. Few people are aware of how well they work on CW. I have 3 of them in my shack. If I remember correctly they cost about $12 each. WA9TGT / Don ++++++++++++++++++